Richard Bell Photography Blog

 Ladies, meet Damien. He’s 5′ 11” and enjoys long walks on the beach and good Italian food………just kidding. (But only sort of!)

Aaaaaaanyway, Sunday was my good friend Damien’s birthday,  and of all things, I was able to talk  him into letting me take his goodlookin self out for a photo shoot!

We had lots of fun and took pictures all over the downtown area! We had WAY too many good ones to choose from by the end of the evening, but I guess that’s nothing to complain about! Damien was so much fun to photograph…he’s easygoing and relaxed…and c’mon girls you gotta admit he’s also easy on the eyes!

So now I need your help picking the overall favorite!  (There is a poll at the end of this post so go vote!)

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I can’t decide if I like it better in color or black & white!
What do you think?

 [polldaddy poll=1323215]

If you are viewing this post on Facebook, you can click on the poll here: http://richardbellphotography.wordpress.com/2009/01/29/everyone-sing-happy-birthday-to-damien/

I made a slideshow of our favorites from the Frankies Staff Shoot. Take a look!

So 2008 was a phenomenal year.  We will probably look back at 2008 as the year that it all came together, that we hit our stride and really took off.  2009 is looking to be even better.  It has been a blast.  It’s been a lot of work, but it’s been a blast.  Things have quieted down a bit now that January is here, and amidst all the preparation for the year, we were able to block off a day for celebration.

We wen’t to Frankies Fun Park.    Heres a gallery of some of the best shots:

Nathan had a fun shoot scheduled with Lora Lynne and her mom downtown in Waterfront Park, and I got to go with him. How could I not go when there’s an adorable baby involved? This was our studio’s second session with Lora Lynne, and we were so amazed at how fast she’s grown. This session was to get a Christmas surprise for her Grandmas. The pair has such great smiles, and here are some of our favorites from the session:

Look at how big I am

The session ended with Nathan showing Lora Lynne a few of her photos on the back of the camera. I think she was pleased.

Mell, Val, Steve and I are all really active on facebook.  Look us up sometime!

Mell and I don’t have a wedding today so we’re to Columbia to see the Gamecocks beat the UAB Blazers (26-13). It works out because our May 16 wedding couple lives in Columbia so we were able to do their engagement portraits on the Horseshoe at USC.

We then attempted the drive home, but our car broke down in the center of Columbia (luckily at a stop light). We found some very kind guys who helped push the car into a parking space. We then were turned away from two hotels because it was Parents Weekend at USC. Thankfully, the Gamecocks always take care of their own, and we got the last room in the swanky The Inn at USC. Not bad at all for breaking down close to midnight!

The next day, we went to the church Nathan attended in college and got directed to a mechanic who IS open on Sunday. Everything happened within a mile radius. The breakdown was only 4 blocks to the hotel, the church was only 3 blocks from the Inn, and the mechanic was only 2 blocks from the church. Thank God that we didn’t break down on highway and that our car only needed a new battery!

Update: We have posted the full wedding album!  Click here to see!

You can tell a lot about people by how they handle stress and disappointment, and I can say that Trixie and Scott’s whole family is just top notch.  Their wedding was September 6th, which was the day that Hurricane Hanna was supposed to hit Charleston.  Their original ceremony and reception site, Seabrook Island, closed for storm preparations, and they had to completely pick up and move their entire event in 2 days.  Fortunately Cottage on the Creek, near Shem Creek, came through with flying colors.  Everyone, especially Trixie’s mom, Vicki, were so upbeat and happy and positive throughout the entire event, and it was a real encouragement to me.

The rehearsal dinner happened right in the middle of what was then Tropical Storm Hanna. It was very rainy. Trixie and Scott were good sports and went out for some pictures in the rain.

The wedding day, of course, was sunny and warm and beautiful. Trixie was very insistent that we do pictures outside.

Shem Creek is wonderfully characteristic of Charleston. I love their ceremony site.

People, sparklers are just meant to be waved at a safe distance. Please do not throw the sparklers at the bride and groom. Common mistake.

The wedding in France, outside of Paris, was phenomenal.  Follow the captions below on the images to get a bit of the story.  The album design will be posted before the end of the week!

Louise got ready in her childhood room at her parents house. There was beautiful light and lots of windows.

Alexander had the rings custom designed by a jeweler in New York City. The design is completely unique with their initials incorporated into the pattern.

There were three weddings scheduled at this Beautiful Gothic Cathedral, so we didn't have as much time to do portraits as I wanted. I had more time with Alexander beforehand.

Louise Entering the Church

The Ring Exchange. The Priest actually paused in the middle of the ceremony and invited me to come up closer for a better picture.

I had about 2 minutes to take bridal portraits in the church before they had to leave for the next wedding... I think we nailed though.

Well, that’s enough for this post.  The full wedding album will be posted in a few days, and I’ll provide the link here!