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I love these people, sincerely.  They are my family.  Brian, the kids, and I drove to the heart of Tennessee to Murfreesboro to hang out with Brian’s big brother, Joey, and his band, Glossary.  It’s not too often that we all can hang out, with weddings (me) and the rock star life on the road (them).  We cooked up some catfish, drank some beers, poured gasoline and set stuff on fire.   And, took some pretty damn nice photos.  It was 2 years ago when I last photographed Glossary for their album “the better angels of our nature” which is an incredible album–and can be downloaded FOR FREE BY CLICKING HERE (yes, free. do it.)  These fine set of images are to promote their up and coming album “feral fire”, set to drop at the end of the year or early 2010.  You definitely want to keep your eyes on their website:  www.glossary.us for the release date.   It was late when we left Bingham’s house, and we forgot to get our special copy of the album, which I am pretty bummed about leaving behind.  I did, however, get a preview of the album artwork, and I’m pretty floored to see it in person.  Joey titled one of the songs “odelia” after his niece.  I’m pretty honored, and I can’t wait to hear it.  Love you guys.  Come play Knoxville soon.

Glossary is:
Bingham Barnes:  bass
Eric Giles:  drums
Todd Beene:  pedal steel, guitar, vocals
Kelly Kneiser:  percussion, vocals
Joey Kneiser:  guitar, vocals

It’s that time again!  The first teaser weekend was a huge success, so I couldn’t wait to host another.  New location, New date, same killer style.  There are 4 spots left.  First come, first serve.  email me now to book your spot:  tara@dixiepixelphoto.com

who:  women only.  must be 18 years old or older.

when:  Saturday August 29th, 2009

where:  to be disclosed privately to the participants

how much:  email me:  tara@dixiepixelphoto.com

professional hair and makeup, and location included.

On the fence?  Here’s what a few girls had to say last time:

“I am still enjoying the high of feeling like the hottest chick in the world, so thanks for that. This really has given me some confidence that I have never felt before and it makes me want other women to feel just as good. I think I am going to become an activist for women to do this because it really is just amazing. I am so glad to hear you are going to keep doing these because you really did change me… I think you may have just fixed twelve years of body issues that simply come along with being a woman in this crazy world. I have never felt so comfortable in my skin as I do today and I wanted you to know you were a huge factor in that. Look at you… changing people’s lives with your work!”

“I LOVE THEM! I thought I would have a hard time picking 10 that I like because I am usually so critical of myself in photos but I love them sooo much and I am having a hard time deciding which ones I like the best! I am so happy that I did this and I can’t wait to give it to (my fiance), he is going to freak out. Thanks again!!”

“Now that I  have time to actually write you an email I want to truly let you know how thankful I am to have you in my life!  My self confidence has gone through the roof since we did the photos.  I really do feel better about myself, more feminene and sexy.  I want to frame the gorgeous shoots of me as a reminder that even when I dont feel hot or attractive any specific day – that really I am!!   And not to mention how much (my fiance) is going to L O V E them!  I never thought I would ever feel so desirable and pleased with the way I look in photos.  Thank you.  It’s funny but I want to share them with everyone that I’ve bragged about this experience with – I guess I am not very modest.  I would love to do this once a year!! I have a feeling you are going to have hot mommas lined up at your door to have their photos taken!  hah.. love u!”

Mark & Mary lucked out!  They live in Birmingham, Alabama, but were married in May in Tennessee.  They chose to aleviate time on the wedding day and scheduled a newlywed session.  So, rain or shine, their session had to take place, for they were driving back to Birmingham the next morning.  The afternoon of their shoot, a lovely thunderstorm rolled through–and all you Tennessee folk know that when it rains, it RAINS.  I sent out a quick tweet on twitter for indoor locations in Oak Ridge suitable for a Bridal session, but luckily, the storm passed over JUST in time.  We played in a wet jungle cove, which gave me more poison ivy.  After more random places in Oak Ridge, we ended their session back at Inspiration Point just off of the marina.  Mary’s mom, Joy,  watched painfully as Mary trashed her dress in the muddy water.  Light is always so so so pretty after a storm, especially in the evening. I’m so glad we didn’t attempt to reschedule because this was so much fun.  This is only the second time I’ve ever “trashed” a dress, but honestly, I just love a bride who isn’t afraid to get her dress dirty

I never ever thought this shoot would happen.  Ever.  We probably had to reschedule this session 10 times–and that is not an exaggeration!  Allison, the momma of these beautiful babies, worked her very pregnant tail off at Josh & Jude’s wedding in March, and then gave birth to Hazel the following Monday.  Um, wow!  After her beautiful chub (who I am just in love with) was born, she called and we tried to organize a photo session. Both of us have really insane schedules, with Allison being a wedding coordinater (the Modern Hostes) and running one of my favorite stores in Market Square (Abode).  Allison’s husband’s schedule was just as nuts, so it was kind of like waiting for the stars, the moon, and the sun to align for all of us to have a free day!  And of course, when our session date arrived, it was pouring rain.  Imagine that!  2 months later, we FINALLY got together!  I photographed little miss Princess Sophie and little Hazel at Abode in market square.  Hazel had just woken up when we started, and didn’t have her face on yet–but my stars, I laugh everytime I see those pouty faces.  I’m in love, really.  Princess Sophie was actually really great!  She’s barely 2, so if you can imagine getting these two little girls to cooperate at the same time was difficult, but I’m pretty pleased with the results.  I absolutely love kids being kids.   Babies change so fast, that photos of them while they’re little are just so priceless.

You guys really couldn’t wait to see the rest of the photos, could you?  Since my last post, I have gotten TONS of hits from search engines, using search words “white orchid part 2.”  You guys are awesome!  And so is Colleen!  I met Colleen last January at the Bridal Show.  After her work debuted at Josh & Jude’s awesome wedding, I knew I had to do a photoshoot with her.  Colleen’s pieces are just off the beaten chapel aisle, and I get tickled every time one of my brides says she is working with Colleen.  We have had this shoot planned for 4 months, and I really must give Colleen credit for everything.  She did the set design, wardrobe and nearly did the hair, until Brynn from Loxx Salon volunteered her incredible services for us.  The fabulous Christina Jarvis drove into Knoxville from Charlotte to participate in the awesomeness, and provide make up for our models.  She even hung around to do touch ups on set (and her boyfriend provided security!)–THANK YOU! And our stunning, beautiful, stellar models Amelia, Chloe, Corinne, Danielle and little Vienna–you are all so wonderful, thank you. They wore the layers of vintage garb without complaint (hello! noon shoot in July, they were hot!).  And I can’t forget James, who came and rocked my lightstick, and helped me keep my sanity, as he does every weekend (thank you James!). Our beautiful location was the Knoxville Botanical Gardens–who are now open as a wedding venue.  I am dying to shoot a wedding there.

The planning stage of this shoot was so hard, because between Colleen and I, we had a million ideas and to narrow it down proved to be tough.  Thus, this is not the end of our collaborations.  We are most DEFINITELY going to be doing this again, so stick around.  And if you’re a bride looking for something a 100% custom that you can’t find at a corporate bridal super store (and, um, you won’t see another bride wearing, EVER!) . . .

you need to call Colleen.  Now.

www.whiteorchidbrides.com

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