Love Bugs: Chris & Katie - Anniversary
Just before Christmas of last year, my husband, Jim, and I drove down 95 South to Richmond, Virginia and linked up with our dear friends, Chris and Katie. These two love bugs had recently moved from Arlington to Richmond, and we wanted to check out their new city. It had been years since I was last in Richmond, although this was Jim's first RVA experience. Aside from attending a Carbon Leaf concert at The National that weekend, our schedule was wide open to explore the area, which is exactly what we did! At this time, Chris and Katie were renting a gorgeous apartment in The Fan; the historic and artistic hub of Richmond some might say. We walked through their neighborhood - passed the hipsters in the park, inched our way towards the downtown area, squeezed in a walk along the James River, and even caught a glimpse of the boat parade. Fast forward to the present day: these two have purchased a house and are coming up on another wedding anniversary! Cheers to many more happy years together as they continue to explore Richmond and everything that lies ahead!
Just before Christmas of last year, my husband, Jim, and I drove down 95 South to Richmond, Virginia and linked up with our dear friends, Chris and Katie. These two love bugs had recently moved from Arlington to Richmond, and we wanted to check out their new city. It had been years since I was last in Richmond, although this was Jim's first RVA experience. Aside from attending a Carbon Leaf concert at The National that weekend, our schedule was wide open to explore the area, which is exactly what we did! At this time, Chris and Katie were renting a gorgeous apartment in The Fan; the historic and artistic hub of Richmond some might say. We walked through their neighborhood - passed the hipsters in the park, inched our way towards the downtown area, squeezed in a walk along the James River, and even caught a glimpse of the boat parade. Fast forward to the present day: these two have purchased a house and are coming up on another wedding anniversary! Cheers to many more happy years together as they continue to explore Richmond and everything that lies ahead!
Engagement: Laurielle & Andre
A photographer could not have asked for better weather or lighting on the day Laurielle, and Andre had their engagement photos taken! These two lovebirds won a free engagement shoot from me the Orchid Spa Bridal Expo, which was held at the Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda last February. This post is "extra special" today because the island is currently (as I type) sitting through Hurricane Joaquin! As you can see by his uniform, Andre is currently enrolled in the Bermuda Regiment. After a hurricane, the soldiers in the Regiment go out into the community to help clean up after a storm passes.
A photographer could not have asked for better weather or lighting on the day Laurielle, and Andre had their engagement photos taken! These two lovebirds won a free engagement shoot from me the Orchid Spa Bridal Expo, which was held at the Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda last February. This post is "extra special" today because the island is currently (as I type) sitting through Hurricane Joaquim! As you can see by his uniform, Andre is currently enrolled in the Bermuda Regiment. After a hurricane, the soldiers in the Regiment go out into the community to help clean up after a storm passes.
The clean up can be extensive; from removing fallen trees, to helping move debris from damaged roofs and houses to making an urgent rescue of someone in trouble. Some of the soldiers in Bermuda volunteer to serve, although most of the male soldiers have been drafted. At the age of 18, Bermudian men are eligible for the draft and typically serve three years. Andre, on the other hand, plans to make a career out of the military, so he's not going anywhere soon! A big "shout out" to all of our soldiers - male and female - in the Bermuda Regiment. Thank you in advance for the clean-up work that you will do tomorrow after Joaquim moves on. Stay safe everyone! ...and a special congrats to the soon-to-be newlyweds; who plan to get married shortly after Christmas!
Feature - Grey Likes Weddings | "Fiander Foto"
Happy Friday everyone! Today I'm snding a very special "thank you" to Alexa at Gray Likes Weddings for getting in touch with me the other week! What started out as a normal day - coffee + computer + work - turned into the beginning of what could be a fun collaboration! As a long time fan of Grey Likes Weddings, I'm stoked to promote Fiander Foto on this elegant blog! As noted in my new "Grey" bio below, Fiander Foto is currently "serving Bermuda, Washington D.C., and Destinations Worldwide"! Woo! Stay tuned to see some of my work featured in future posts on Grey Likes Weddings. Please feel free to check out my entire profile below or by clicking "here". The newest member of the "Grey Collective" - signing out! Until next time...
2016 Weddings: Book Now & Save 10%!
'Tis the season! (The Engagement Season that is...) If you recently pledged your love to your sweetheart and have decided to spend the rest of your lives together... Congrats! Now the fun begins: Wedding Planning! If you're looking for a photographer for your 2016 wedding, look no further! Book by October 3rd and receive 10% off any one Wedding Photo Package! This promotion is also posted on "100 Layer Cake" - for all you "cake" fans out there!
To officially reserve a date, a bit of paperwork is required: a signed contract and a paid deposit. To learn more about Melanie's Fiander Foto Wedding Packages, click "here"! The "Hooked" and the "Wedding Day" packages are both available at 10% off until the 3rd of October! Offer cannot be combined with other discounts. Travel is included for Bermuda, the Washington D.C. area, and New York City. Destination locations are welcome! The early bird gets the worm! Be sure to snag this great offer this week to save! E-mail Melanie for details: info@fianderfoto.com.
Wedding: Tune Up Time
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of photographing a "home wedding" at a gorgeous location in Fairylands. For those of you unfamiliar with this neighborhood, it's located in the parish of Pembroke in Bermuda. Just as the name suggests, each mansion in this area was built to display stunning architectural features... fit for magical fairies to reside in; or at least for creative minds.
Before the twenty guests arrived and before the bride emerged in her white silk dress, the violin player began to tune her instrument. For those of you who know me well, you know I come from a musically inclined family and have a soft spot for violins, particularly when they are playing bluegrass tunes. At this moment, I gazed across the courtyard and took this shot of Ms. Tiffany Fox. I can honestly say that I've never heard a violin sound so beautiful during a ceremony. If you're looking for a violinist for your big day, look no further!
Portrait: The Swinehart Family
A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from a dear friend from high school: Mr. Riley Swinehart inquiring about a photo shoot for his family. It's fair to say that Riley always had a smile on his face while we were in school together. Although we're friends on Facebook, I had not seen Riley since our 10-year high school reunion in good ole Arlington, Virginia! I was very excited to meet Riley's wife, Sarah, and their little girl - Allyson! We planned to shoot the photos at a National Park near their house. Little Allyson was the best-dressed hiker out there!
2 Year Wedding Anniversary
Happy Anniversary to my husband, the light of my life, and the muse in front of my lens! On July 29th, 2013, Jim and I were happily married in a Civil Ceremony in Hamilton, Bermuda. It was a beautiful and small affair; the start to our union. On our first wedding anniversary, we held the "real deal" at Verdmont Historical Museum in Smiths Parish with our family and friends. We said our vows, had our first dance, and cut the cake!
Months before the cermony at Verdmont, Jim began writing his speech; jotting down a few lines, scratching some out, then re-writing, and finally handing it to me for a quick proof-read. Of course, everything Jim wrote down I thought was fantastic but he was determined to give a wonderful speech. A more loving, humble, and honest speech could not have come from anyone else; beautifully spoken on a stunning evening. Cheers to many more amazing years to come!
Feature - Flytographer | Meet Melanie
About a week ago, I was offered a photographer's position at Flytographer. For those of you who have yet to hear about this amazing company: Flytographers was founded by Nicole Smith in January of 2013 and is based out of Victoria, British Columbia. In short, this company arranges photo shoots for folks who are on vacation! If you're like me, you're always behind the lens... and rarely in front of it. Currently, there are photographers working in over 150 cities around the world. Heading to New York City? London? Venice? or Tokyo? Would you like someone to take you and your family's photo? Flytographers. Sailing over to Bermuda? Interested in having someone take your photo? Well, lucky you... I know just the photogarpher!
Wedding Chicks & 100 Layer Cake
It has been quite the week for Fiander Foto! Love must be in the air as the phone has been ringing off the hook! I took these phone calls as a sign that I should "step up my game" and become a vendor two of my favorite blogs: Wedding Chicks and 100 Layer Cake! If you haven't heard of these blogs yet, be sure to check them out by clicking "here"...and "here". These two sites are fantastic resources for all you brides and grooms out there!
I'm already very impressed with becoming a vendor for Wedding Chicks' because their customer service is top notch! I had a few simple questions upon signing up and sending in images so I sent an e-mail - and - received a response within 30 seconds. Literally. 30. Seconds. (Thank you Nick at Wedding Chicks!) Similar to the customer service photographers provide their own clients, it's nice to receive the same treatment! What is fantastic about 100 Layer Cake is that I'm able to submit promotions that I'm running for all to see! Pretty sweet, eh? If you've worked with me in the past, please be sure to write a review: click "here" for details.
Celebrating Marriage Equality
The morning of June 26th almost started out like most of my Friday mornings: coffee, blueberries, e-mail, and NPR. This particular Friday was a little different because I was also packing to catch a 2pm flight back home to Washington D.C. from Bermuda. Half-way through my cup of coffee, an article caught my eye on NPR's website: "Supreme Court Declares Same-Sex Marriage Legal In All 50 States", written by Bill Chappell. Excitement and slight disbelief both set in as I began to rapidly read through the article. Unfortunately - like most mornings - time had slipped away from me and I was unable to finish reading Chappell's article before my friend Michi arrived at my doorstep to bring me to the airport.
We have watched as one State after another legalized (or signed bills against): "domestic partnerships", "civil unions", and "same-sex marriages". The first state to legalize same-sex marriage was Massachusetts on May 17th, 2004, eight days after I had graduated from Lynchburg College. Up next - and skipping California's mishap with Prop 8 - Connecticut legalized same-sex marriage on October 10, 2008. The following year, three states did the same: Iowa on April 3rd, Vermont on April 7th, and New Hampshire on June 3rd. On March 3rd, 2010, same-sex marriage became legal in Washington D.C. Ten days later, two of my "uncles" - long time family friends - Bruce and Don were finally married after being together for 35 years. Lucky me, I had the honor of photographing their wedding and being a witness to one of the first same-sex marriages in the District of Columbia.
In more recent years, a glorious domino effect occurred as one state after another (and a handful of Native American Tribes) continued to recognize and legalize same-sex marriage. In 2011, the State of New York and the Suquamish Tribe in the State of Washington legalized it. In 2012, the rest of Washington State passed a bill to support marriage equality along with Maryland and Maine. In 2013, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians also chose to recognize same-sex marriage; the state of Michigan following not long behind. Rhode Island, Delaware, Minnesota, the Santa Ysabel Tribe in California, the State of California, New Mexico, the State of New Jersey, Hawaii, and Illinois - all legalized same-sex marriage. (2013 was a big year!) On October 6th, 2014, the States of Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Utah struck down same-sex marriage bans; stating it was unconstitutional. Colorado and Nevada joined the "marriage equality" train a few days later on the 7th and 8th of October; West Virginia on 9th; North Carolina on 10th; Alaska on 12th; Idaho on 15th; Arizona and Wyoming on 17th of October. During the month of November, Kansas, South Carolina, and Montana nullified their state's bans against marriage equality. Florida and Alabama legalized same-sex marriage in January of 2015...
I thought about all of those facts during my two and half hour flight to Washington D.C. Upon exiting the baggage claim at DCA, my friend Amanda picked me up and I said, "Did you see that article on NPR this morning? The one claiming that marriage equality is legal in all 50 States?" Her reply, "Yes! The Supreme Court passed it today! Everyone is downtown celebrating!" There ya have it: Marriage Equality passed on June 26th, 2015. I'm still in a bit of shock that this dream has finally come true. Perhaps fate intervened a bit so I could also celebrate the news in my hometown just hours after the Supreme Court ruling had passed on Marriage Equality.
After being a member of Straight For Equality for 5 years, an ALLY for 15 years, and a supporter of LGBT rights for as long as I can remember, it seems like a fog has finally been lifted... As we commemorate Independence Day, I'm proud to celebrate one more freedom that has been given to our LGBT community: the right to marry whom you love, regardless of their gender - as now granted by the Constitution. A special "shout out" to Uncle Bruce and Uncle Don, who are currently traveling through Iceland at the moment; happily retired and still happily married...