The Knot - Best of Weddings 2008 pick!

People were starting to ask me more frequently if I have entered any Studio J products in contests. The problem was I didn't really know where to start, plus I consider our growing referral rate the greatest compliment / award (60% of weddings in 2008 are referrals). And then yesterday I received in the mail the perfect answer: We are proud to announce that Studio J has been rated by local brides and voted The Knot Best of Weddings 2008 Pick! We didn't even have to enter a contest and the accolades come from our clients - perfect! I'd like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the entire Studio J team for all their hard work and dedication: Joe, Josh, Amanda, Jessi, Sherri, Emily, Amy, Malarie, Chad, Troy, and Ali! A big thanks to all our clients as well - we look forward to continuing to serve you in the future! -Judd

Biker chick gets lost

About 1 mile from Studio J, Jesse and Betsy got engaged (in a parking lot by the Gateway Trail bridge) so we decided to take some of their engagement pictures there. Problem? Betsy got lost because when she usually goes to this rest stop on her uh.... motorcycle. It must have a GPS? (Just kidding Betsy! :)) Anyway we got some GREAT creative shots on a SUPER windy day - gusts of 30+ mph. Here is their guest book album. I love the last page because people will be writing messages over the graffiti which will look very cool.

The Superfriends

It's that time of year again for a small independent film of crazy teachers fighting crime in tights. This is what I do after all 2008 weddings are booked and they haven't quite started yet! -Judd
Trailer only for now until the film is shown May 2:

To All You Future Honeymooners...

I have to share this quick story that happened last night... My wife and I were looking forward to spending a little couch time together catching up on the DVR last night about 9:30pm after our three boys were finally in bed. Well, our 4-year-old came sauntering back down the steps and let us know he wanted to hang out with us and watch as well. I said, "Mom and Dad need to spend some time alone together now." And his reply after a thoughtful pause: "Well, you had a honeymoon." Yeah kid, that honeymoon was 9 years ago... So, advice to all you kidless future newlyweds and honeymooners: enjoy the alone time now and travel all you can! But for the record, kids are worth it - one of those things in life you complain about but you really love. :)

Some Gave All...

It's hard to describe the surreal scene that surrounds a fallen 21-year-old soldier. Greg Rundell was a former student of mine that was killed in Iraq about a week ago. It was difficult for me on many fronts, but primarily because I knew the family well - I had seen Greg's brother Kyle just about two months before and he beamed with pride "My brother's over there now too." (Kyle has just come back from Iraq) I couldn't believe the power of images on my camera LCD as I was shooting at his visitation Thursday. It caused me to reflect on the power of photography and capturing the pinnacle moments in life, and death. The fender of the "patriot guard" motorcycle pictured above said "All Gave Some / Some Gave All." Thanks for your service, Greg.
Please e-mail me directly if you want to look at all the photos. -Judd