Last October after shooting a wedding in Fort Smith I went to visit my parents in Oklahoma. While there I found a beautiful, young male boxer that had been abandoned. He needed a home so he came home with me. We decided to name him Joe and he has become a wonderful part of our family. Joe was terribly skinny with each of his ribs showing as well as his spine. He was sick with a horrible infestation of worms and he was beyond hungry. After a trip to our vet and numerous feedings he started looking better. Now, he’s part of the family. Playful and friendly.

You never know where happiness will come from. This time, happiness came from a pitiful, sickly dog that needed a home.
Joe Boxer

jb
www.blairweddings.com

Over the past couple of days while riding my mountain bike on some trails near Lake Norfork I've had the pleasure of taking some time to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Yesterday among the dozens of squirrels and hawks I happened upon a whitetail deer. I was only able to see it's tail as he or she quickly made a run through the trees. Still, it was beautiful. Today I watched as a small fox ran across the trail and vanished into the thick undergrowth of the woods.

I love my job, but it demands that I spend long periods of time on the computer. The chance to get out and enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature is always welcomed.

Seeing the fox brought to mind a photo that I took in September of 2004 at my parent's house in Oklahoma. My dad had a wild fox with two babies living near his house. Now, I need to remember to get the large print made for my dad.

Anyway, here she is…

January 25, 1990 I said good night to Trisha after our first "date". It wasn't much of a date as we actually drove around with a mutual friend, doing basically nothing. We stood for at least two hours in the stairwell of Reid Hall on the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, before I finally worked up the nerve to kiss her and go back to my dorm room. I'm glad I finally got the nerve up to do it. Now, I find myself 16 years later, married to her for fourteen and a half years, four children, four dogs, three cats and one amazing life. That night standing in the stairwell I had no idea of what was ahead, nor could I imagine how wonderful life would be.

Our life together has taken us through hard times and times that are simply beautiful. We've shared tears and laughter. We've grown to love one another more each day.

I guess I truly had no idea what that one kiss would start.

(and I'm proud to say, Trisha didn't have to remind me today's importance)

jb

Saturday was so beautiful in Memphis. A bit windy and a little cool, but what an awesome day for a wedding. The venue was more than I had expected, offering beautiful window light and a truly intimate feeling. The couple, Rickey and Misty, …. well they were just as I had thouht they would be. Warm and inviting.

I started the day off by having lunch at the Rendezvous. By far the best ribs I've ever had. I ate there knowing I would have to spend a little longer on the bicycle working off the extra calories I took in. It was more than worth it.

The wedding itself was great. A small event with close family and friends that came in from all over the country. It was perfect.

So, here are a couple of photos from the day.

just before the kiss

We made it out to Main Street to play for a few minutes. Here are a couple of my favorite photographs from that part of the day.

beind serenaded by a street performer

pausing for a moment while the trolley passes by

Congratulations to Misty and Rickey. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your wedding and for the honor of providing you with the lasting memories of your wedding day through photography.

Trisha loves me,,, and today she proved it once again. She had gone to buy groceries and while at the store she found a copy of Black Sheep, with Chris Farley, on sale for five bucks. It's the wide screen edition. I know so many people don't like the guy's comedy, but he kills me.

It's not even our anniversary!!! (a couple years back she bought Me, Myself & Irene for my anniversary present. What an awesome wife I've been blessed with.

Tonight she is going to a basketball game with the kids while I'll be at home ironing my clothes for tomorrow and packing my camera equipment…. and watching Black Sheep. It could only be better if she had found Tommy Boy too.

It's nice to be loved.

jb