Sunday, May 25, 2014

Nashville Wedding

Just got back from my friend's son's wedding.  Love Nashville- the music, the food, the beautiful southern homes and most of all- the friendly people.   Here are some pictures from the weekend!

We started the weekend with a touching rehearsal dinner at the Nashville City Club.

 
The dramatic view of the Nashville City scape from the dining room.



sexy, moody chandeliers
 

 
beautiful florals


 
my friend, Marlene, the mother of the groom,

 
delightfully Southern menu!
 
 



Touching sentiments from Dad- wishing the best for his son and soon to be new daughter in law-
 
 
While mom smiles at her husband's sweet remarks.
 
 
 



The next day, we were invited to take a tour of the city. 


Where Elvis recorded some of his songs-  like Blue Christmas.
 
Today's country star's studios

 
parks and monuments



And just plain old fun on Broadway!
 


After lunch and buying a couple of pairs of cowboy boots- a must do in Nashville-, we needed to return to the hotel to get ready for the wedding.
Walking back from the lively music scene on Broadway, to our hotel, we walked by the historic train station - now turned into a very pretty hotel.







Keeping the historic architectural details, they updated the look with transitional furniture and accessories.
 



love the cozy bar!
 
 
 

Next it was time for the wedding.  It was held at a beautiful Southern home , built in 1918. Set on over 3 acres near the center of the city, it was the perfect setting for Ryan and Alisa's nuptials.

 
 




Everyone of these roses was exquisitely created from crepe paper and hand painted  by the bride's family.  What a labor of love!
They were so pretty when lit by the center candles at night. They glowed in the candle light.


 
 
And now for the most important part of the weekend---
 
 
 
 
The flower girl is ready for her duties- just need to find that darn basket with the flower petals!
And a job well done- a precious job strewing the petals all the way  down the aisle.

 
Alisa and her father walking down the aisle.

 
The kiss!

And so they lived happily ever after!



You gotta love Nashville!  What a great weekend!


 

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Chicago Botanic Gardens Digital Photography Classes

On Wednesday,  I started the Intermediate Digital Photography class at the Chicago Botanic Gardens.
In April, I completed the beginning level class and  enjoyed it very much.  So I decided to continue to improve my photography  skills and signed up for this one!  I would highly recommend these classes to anyone in the vicinity that enjoys using their camera.  The instructor, Jack Carlson, is a funny and patient man and more than willing to spend one on one time with you to answer questions.  I was a
"set it on Auto" and "hope for a great picture" girl!  Now I can use many more of the settings on my camera and get the results I want.  You learn how to get action shots, close-ups and take pictures in low light situations without using the flash.  Plus, just being at the Chicago Botanic Gardens is such a joy.  What a place- there is always great subject matter!

Here's what the gardens looked like on Wednesday, through the lens of my camera-


 
I learned how to just capture the object in the foreground and blur the background.












 
 
 








 
While walking around the gardens, I saw a beautiful photography exhibit inside one of the buildings.
It gave me inspiration to create "art" from some of my shots. However, for this class, we are not allowed to use photo shop to alter any of our pictures.  Jack Carlson's philosophy is to take the time to set up the perfect shot- right subject, right settings, right light and ask yourself- "Is this something I am going to want to look at again?"  Then take the perfect shot!  Less time editing is better!
 
I however just had to create "art" from some of these glorious blooms. 


original picture

 
photo shopped picture

 
original picture


 
original picture

 
photo shopped
 
They still need some work- but you get the idea.   Fun on a canvas, notecard, invitation, etc.
 
 
The Chicago Botanic Gardens offers a large variety of classes, including I-Phone photography!
Check out the fun and register yourself at www.chicagobotanic.org/school .