So I attended a Meetup last evening. My friends Roger and Karen informed me of a group of photogs, from hobbyist to pro alike, are getting together 1-2 times a month to learn, share and create. Last night the topic was Small Flash Techniques. I can’t say I learned an awful lot, but I came away with a few nuggets of info to explore.

I love to learn and I love to share. More than that, I love meeting new people! After the social time we moved into a slide show of photos submitted by the members for critique. I was very nervous about what people will say about mine. The theme for photo submission was “Make me laugh”. However, people were allowed to submit anything off topic as well. Below were two I submitted and was pleased with the positive feedback I got! It also helps to have a beautiful model… my gorgeous, breathtaking and very much pregnant wife!! Yeah, I know…just a little bias!

I wanted to put a title to the next photo, but I could decide between “Pray Hard” or “I really want a DS for Christmas”! I decided to leave the words off and let the viewer compose their own thoughts/reaction.

This Meetup group also does photowalks which peeks my interest as I will be leading one in October. Coming up…Eastern State Penitentiary, First Friday in Lanc and Naylor Winery. Check it out here.



***UPDATE****
My awesome bro-in-law said he likes this story better. I have to agree with him! You know…God does answers prayers!! I like it because it has a happy ending!

Sometimes things start out ugly… but end up beautiful! Well, that’s how the weather was on Glendon & Keri’s day. Even though our pre-ceremony outdoor photo plans got altered due to rain, the sky cleared up after the ceremony bringing beautiful light for some terrific shots at the Historic Ephrata Cloister. Glendon and Keri are such a wonderful couple who both appeared very calm and relaxed throughout the day. I enjoyed seeing how the grooms attention seemed to always be on his bride…as if they were the only two in the room. Their every exchange of word and deed shown beautifully with love and respect for each other. Glendon and Keri…may your marriage be filled with joy as you model for others true intimacy and authentic love! Thanks for letting me capture some of these tender moments on your wedding day!

Thanks also to Alicia Horst Photography for her help as she rocked her camera yet again.

In order to get the bride and groom to kiss, random names of couples were pulled from a hat and Glendon and Keri had to mimic “the kiss” performed by the couple. Let’s just say this was practice for the years to come when love needs to be a little more… “intentional”. I believe this one was demonstrated by Julie Hamer (spelling?) and her husband (and kids).

As the guests were leaving the reception they were graced by this sky so beautiful! “…red at night, honeymooner’s delight!”

I had a lot of fun with this shoot! From the moment I climbed out of my truck these three little men made me feel like I was their favorite uncle! “Larry, watch this…” and “Look at me…” and “May I carry that for you?”. It’s probably been 8-10 years since I’ve seen Crystal last. It’s amazing how time changes things…and how some things never change. Crystal’s all grown up, and by my observation…a really fun grown-up! The boys love her and I can tell they mean the world to her. It was good to see you again Crystal! May our paths cross again…but perhaps sooner next time!

Not many words need to be said…the photos of this beautiful family speak for themselves! Meet Josh & Tricia and their three handsome men.

Yes, she’s precious!! No, she’s not ours However, we are expecting in October! I only hope he/she’s as adorable as little Emmy.

I love repeat customers… especially children! I love seeing how they grow. I photographed Amber last year.. and now she’s two! The shots with the pink John Deere shirt were for her green tractor lov’n daddy! The cows added an element of fun too!

My Fav!…

Brieanna and Tyler tie the knot! It was a privilege to be a part of their special day. We photographed at Speedwell Forge Lake and Historic Schaefferstown. Praise God for holding back the rain! Many thanks again to Alicia of Alicia Horst Photography for her huge help. Congrats Tyler and Brieanna and blessings to you as you start your lives together. Here’s some of my favs!

Meet the Mitchells! Corey’s an elder at our church and a walking encyclopedia!… just kidding! However, I know I won’t be playing Trivial Pursuit with him again anytime soon… unless I’m on his team! Sue and Corey are in the midst of adopting (from Rwanda I believe?). You can follow their journey here. Blessings to you Corey & Sue!

And one with Pop Pop…

Ok…so my blog has been a little neglected lately. It gives me great pleasure to revive it with this awesome couple! We photographed against the beautiful backdrop of the Historic Ephrata Cloister at the crack of dawn. Thankfully the rain stopped sometime during the night and we were able to enjoy the warm glow of the soft morning light. Between the ceremony and reception we stopped at the old Ephrata train station on Main Street. Thanks to my mother-in-law for lending me her vintage suitcase and umbrella. A Big thanks also to Alicia Horst Photography for assisting me! She has a terrific eye and grabbed some amazing images! Approximately 1/4th of the shots below came from her camera.

Thank you, Jess & Brendon, for choosing Weaver Images to cover your special day! Blessings to you as you begin this sweet journey of life together!

There’s many things I love about my family… especially the repeat business!! They’ve been very supportive of me and my passion for photography… or perhaps they just want cheap photo and don’t have the nerve to tell me that I’m not that good!!

Jokes aside, they’ve been very encouraging and can’t exclaim enough how much I love them! Working in a family business together one would think we’d get sick of each other. On top of that… we even vacation together and haven’t killed each other yet! Well, some of the board games are pretty aggressive and we get darn near close! Stakes can also get pretty high during games of Texas Hold’em – gambeling birthrights and exclusivity on shares of the family business. Ok, perhaps I’m stretching the truth a bit!

Ken is my oldest brother and an avid outdoorsman. He’s also president of our family business, Weaver Companies, Inc. and works hard to keep the ship afloat! In this year of economic challenges and difficult business decisions, I have a lot of respect for what he does!

We’re eagerly anticipating the return of my 2nd oldest brother, Randy, and his family from serving 3 years in Guatemala with ORI. They move back home end of March. It’ll be nice to feel like a complete family again!

I posted my youngest brother’s family photos here a while back. Yes, if you’re counting, that makes 4 of us! He’s the Techie in the family. He keeps us all current with the latest gadgets and technology. Whenever there’s a problem… “ask Dale”! If you need his expertise, you can contact him here. I also just realized that I never posted their recent family photos! More to come of them.

Mom and Dad are spending the winter in Sarasota, FL (a.k.a. Lancaster County South). Karen and I are looking forward to spending a week with them later this month. Sunshine… here we come!!!

Enjoy a few shots of Ken and Nadine’s family…