a rainy weekend at the beach

but that didn't stop us from enjoying the great outdoors...

look who decided to crawl around on the roof of the house (okay- i may have given a little encouragement)...
its my mom!

Wachovia's Airshow Party

Wachovia Securities hired us to take photos of their private party- watching the airshow practice on friday on the roof of Navy Pier. We lucked out and had the only good weather of the weekend!

Hill Country

took a day trip to galena, an adorable little town tucked into the missippi river valley- just nice to get out of the city and see summer in the countryside- although i love going up to my parents place in michigan- we thought it would be fun to explore somewhere new for the day -

also i broke out my tiny pocket camera which i haven't used much in the last few years-it was a little frustrating to loose all the control im used to (and to wait forver after i clicked the shutter till it took the photo!) - but its lots easier to carry and we were all about traveling light

- so here are the results...

exploring the charming downtown

the apple river
i love old signs!
pete strikes a (slightly scary) pose on mainstreet
we toured president grant's house - who knew he lived in galena? this was his favorite chair - good times
the best time of day- sunset!
on a bluff overlooking the mighty mississippi

pete on the alpine slide

back up via chairlift
buying some home grown tomatos on our drive back to the city

Save Lake Michigan - Ban BP!

Take the 'No BP Gas Pledge' Today!

Even after mounting public pressure, including 55,000 petition signatures urging them to stop their toxic dumping plans from Environment Illinois supporters and sister organizations around the region, BP still intends to go forward with their refinery project, even if it means more pollution for Lake Michigan. They have not committed to a plan that would ensure that no additional pollution would be dumped in the lake.

So join us today in sending a message to BP in a language they understand. Tell BP CEO Tony Hayward that because they're planning on polluting our lake, you're planning not to buy their gas.

Click here to take THE NO BP GAS PLEDGE

Mazel Tov Liz and Donni!

Liz and Donni had a gorgeous wedding overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier at sunset- not too shabby! What a gorgeous wedding- best of luck guys!!!
the stunning bride...
liz puts on her serious face





liz and the girls

donni and liz's mom exhange smiles as liz's father blesses her
liz shares a moment with her siblings
the guests watching and cheering and singing at the badekin
the ceremony site, overlooking the hotel pool, and beyond...
here comes the bride...






they sneak away for some brief alone time

its party time!

Simpsonized!

just got back from LA where i photographed Liz and Donni's beautiful wedding (with nikon legend's photographer john solano!!!) on the beach in Santa Monica- what a fun wedding and an awesome experience to get to shoot with someone as talented and esteemed as john - i can't wait to share some photos from it!!!

But first i had to post this fun link....this is what i look like as a simpson! good fun- go simpsonize yourself here!