The Artist's Eye

Laura Bush speaks

Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure of photographing Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States of America, as she presented a very good and to the point talk on Reading First program. You can only imagine the security issues encountered and after passing unique security reviews, issuing of passes and dog sniffing! Yep, even my camera bag was checked out, before I was allowed near the stage where Mrs. Bush spoke.

Mrs. Bush visited Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee, to give a very effective and well written speech to a group of about 5,000 teachers, principals, and government agencies on the benefits of the Reading First program, a part of the No Child Left Behind program of the U.S. Department of Education. Below are views of the media at work, attendees and Mrs. Bush presenting her thoughts on education. Meeting some of the Secret Service people and Mrs. Bush's staff who were extremely nice and accommodating made for a fun and exciting day, another unique day as a photographer.
Enjoy,
David

Amanda and Jamie

I feel like have just met and worked with Ken and Barbie when I photographed Amanda and Jamie's wedding on Saturday. This couple is gorgeous, friendly and lots of fun to be with. And yes, they do look a little like Ken and Barbie!

The wedding was at First Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and the reception was at The Factory. Oh was it hot and humid, but the whole wedding party of 22 stayed with us and we created some awesome photographs. On the way to the reception by Trolley, the wedding party got out and walked partly down Main Street and to the Square for some great urban-looking photographs. So lets look at some pics from Amanda and Jamie's wedding.

Franklin Bridal Ball

Last night the Franklin Bridal Show had its first evening bridal fair at The Franklin Factory. The turnout was great, exceeding the show producers expectations by running out of Pink Books and special gifts set aside for 300 brides. What a great time I had last night meeting many new brides and some cool, new vendors. Below are some pics of my booth and some of my guests including photographer friends Karen Will Rogers and Whitney Carlson.

 

Spectacular Fireworks on Nashville's waterfront

I celebrated the 4th of July with my family atop the 111 Broadway Building with Aaron Mayo and Courtney McGee and their many friends. If you are looking for a new or cool venue to host a party or have a wedding reception, you will want to contact Aaron at 615-545-9163; aaron@eventlogistics.com www.oneeleven.com What a great picnic and very nice Chianti while listening to Michael McDonald serenade everyone along the river banks. And then the whole sky burst into flames as the night sky lit up with one of the most spectacular fireworks display one can see in the United States. What a beautiful and wonderful array of colors and designs of fireballs as they arched across the evening sky. Still though, not as creative as the French on Bastille Day at the Eiffel Tower. Nothing has compared to their celebration.

I have selected some of my favorites to share with you. The last photograph is particularly interesting as it shows the "river of people" heading home after the soiree. Enjoy!

Ciao,

David

A Beautiful and Artful Wedding

Athena and Drew were married Saturday at Scarritt-Bennett and the following reception was at the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. Angela Proffitt, wedding planner, assisted Athena and her Mom from the very beginning bringing their ideas, wishes and vision to create a very beautiful and colorful wedding.

Many vendors were involved to bring Athena's dream to fruition. Her dress is a Jasmine Couture and some of the other vendors include Matchless Limo, Act IV Music, Karen Hendrix Couture, BBJ Linens, Music City Tent & Events, FABU.

Athena and Drew chose to have all the photographs created prior to ceremony except for our trip by Limo to the Parthenon and then Shelby Bridge before going to the reception. The reception was a work of art. Magnificently decorated and lit. Wait until you see the table arrangements, reception tent and Athena's CAKE!!!! What a great wedding. So sit back and enjoy Athena and Drew's great day!