Posts Tagged ‘Lisa Nikole’

Who says love is young? | Rudy and Peggy | Lisa Nikole

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

It’s been a few weeks, but I was called and asked to shoot a wedding of a friend for her mom.

It was a simple affair, small family wedding.  Do I have that date open? I did!

I’d not met the bride or the groom before and when I arrived at the church, I had to ask.. “so, where’s the bride” and I was directed to where she was getting ready!

When I opened the door, introduced myself and started to do what I do best…cover their special day.  I was not sure what to expect, but I assure you, it was not what I experienced!

The couple of course were older, and Peggy (bride) was surrounded by her children, sisters and family.  Her nephew would marry them, her grandson created a song that night just for them and sang it.

Rudy (groom)  was “ready to get this going”.  Rudy was distinguished and had a great sense of humor, and he could not wait, to see his bride!  Peggy was beautiful, poised and very ready to walk down that aisle and be with the man she loved.

The music started Rudy took his place and Peggy made her way down the aisle, it was really beautiful to watch two people so in love, so in love and so caring of one another.  The look in their eyes towards each other said it all.  Nerves did not play a role in this wedding, they had been planning this and they were so ready to spend the rest of their years together.

The ceremony was relaxed and very personal with lots of smiles and also a seriousness that a marriage ceremony should bring.  It was refreshing to know, that at any age, love can be found, love can be had and love can be shared!

It was refreshing to witness and beautiful also!  I’m not going to tell you how old Peggy and Rudy are, but I will tell you this… they look AMAZING for their age!

I always say it’s such an honor to be trusted with something so special as the union between a man and a woman, to share in the secrets of the backroom as they get ready, to peak into their lives and to be able to capture those moments and share them with you and with them.

But to Peggy and Rudy, thank you for allowing me to capture your day, your elegance and your love is something I am going to remember for a long time.  I was truly touched by your union and marriage!

Thank you!

Rudy waiting to see his bride!

Beautiful couple and amazing families.  Thank you again!  Enjoy your life together Peggy and Rudy and enjoy many many anniversaries together!

New Model | Candace G | Lisa Nikole

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

I don’t normally start out with an image, but candace was different, she deserves a different blog posting.

Candace, is different, I’d have to say she’s an “old soul” I am not in favor of that term, but it does fit her.

On our way down to the city, Candace shared with me some really amazing things she keeps on her Iphone… how about a picture of Marilyn Monroe without makeup? Audrey Hepburn and her favorite movie…”Meet Me In Saint Louis”! I’ve promised Candace I’d follow her to Austin, Texas and we would do an Audrey Hepburn shoot together and when we do, I’ll be sure to post it. Till then… here is some of the fun Candace and I had in downtown STL.

Candace was waiting for this blog to see my favorite pics of her… so hopefully she’s happy in knowing them now :-)

Happily ever after | Gina and Kevin | Lisa Nikole Photography

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Gina hired us without meeting us, ever. She saw our website and she loved us, she knew what she wanted. She said that when she called with some questions and I took the time to answer despite being with my family at a campfire, she knew she had the right person. I knew she did too :-)

Gina’s on twitter and during the time she hired us to her wedding day, we would exchange a few tweets! I knew it was important to her to make sure I included her special day on my feed and I did!

There was just this one problem… Kevin and his groomsmen were ugh… can I even say it…. Browns fans! I had to go to the stadium for a shoot, but Gina was not, so for her, I went along and of course we had a fun shoot! There was even a point when the guys were climbing up the gate, we were done when we heard over the intercom “For your own safety we ask that you not climb the gates, and… congratulations!” SO, how cool was that?

It was a beautiful day, awesome people and great families.

I’m always so honored to capture and preserve special moments for people!

Thanks so much!

Notice the thumbs down (you go Gina!!) :-)

Boys | Dreams | Airplanes

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Ami had been there before, his pawpaw had taken him and all he wanted to do was go see the airplanes. I just wanted to see what he saw, so finally I had my chance.

I’d love to tell you all where this place is, but I really don’t want you to know :-) It’s so quiet and peaceful there and the day we went the wind was blowing and if you closed your eyes, it was like you were in a place far far away.

I knew I did not have a lot of time, Ami’s attention span is 4.6 seconds and after a few planes he was ready to bolt and get something to eat. Next time, I’m bringing a blanket and food and I plan on staying a while, laying back and just relaxing. When’s the last time you relaxed like that?

I remember the excitement Ami got seeing those plans fly over, okay, and I got excited also! It’s pretty amazing to watch them take off and fly over head. Jim says it’s better when they are landing, I’ll have to find that day and go check it out again.

When Ami says WOW, it’s a big deal or the word HUGE! They are HUUUGGGGEEEE, WOOOOWWWW! That’s how big his dreams are too, right now, at almost three, there is nothing Ami can’t do. HE can fly, he can shoot you with a spoon and he can do whatever he wants (until we stop him) He’s not inhibited by fear and he knows, if he cries for help, someone is going to help him. He’s superman, batman, spiderman and buzz lightyear all rolled up in one. He plays hard and dreams big!

Aren’t we all supposed to be like that? Don’t we have someone we know that will save us from our failures? Something happens when we grow up, fear is instilled, limitations are set and we live out our lives thinking “we can’t do that”. Why can’t we? Have you ever asked yourself why you can’t do that dream, that thought, that vision you have? I think when you ask yourself, your answer will be… why not?

What is your dream? Your passion? Your desire? Go for it, don’t stop till you’ve achieved it and don’t let anything stand in your way. I know a photographer who worked just long enough to get that piece of equipment he needed for a job. I know people who work midnights to have their desire to do what they do in the day time until they can do their dream with out that midnight job. I know people who push the buttons, extend the limits and pursue their dream, and… they achieve it.

I’m not saying quit your day job, but use your day job to achieve your dreams, put a picture up and set a goal and go for it and remove any one or any thing that is negative to that fact. Get around the strong, the achievers and the dreamers.

I don’t care how old or how young… go for your dream and don’t stop till you get it!

I’m not sure about you, but those are the people I want to be around. The people who live to dream and push past stereotypes and hinderances and GO FOR IT!

I’d like to hear your dreams, hopes and desires. I’m serious! Your feedback motivates me and as much as I’m told I inspire you. Leave me some feedback and tell me your passion and how you plan to live your dream!

Justin and Rebecca | Their Day | Lisa Nikole

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Sometimes brides just find us, and other times they search us out, meet with us and decide what they want to do.

Justin and Rebecca had made up their minds and without even meeting both of us decided we were their team.

Surrounded in love and strong families the marriage of Justin and Rebecca made it’s way to the final minutes before they said I do. Emotion filled the air and things just moved along so smoothly.

Rebecca’s dad spent the night before pulling out pictures he’d carried of his baby girl in his wallet and then later sharing them with Justin and his groomsmen and then with his wife, who looked at a few, but knew it was a bit too much emotion for her to deal with at that very moment.

When Rebecca’s dad first saw her, his reaction was not only captured once or twice but three times as he stepped back to look at his beautiful daughter!

Justin was ready for the day, his brother helped with the final touches and even when pinning (we faked that part) the boutonniere’s on there was just a bit of humor of who would get stabbed.

It was a beautiful and peaceful wedding witnessed by tons of family and friends, and officiated by both Justin and Rebecca’s perspective pastors.

I’m always so blessed to be privileged to be able to capture a wedding and even more so when it’s as amazing as this day was.

Congrat’s to both Justin and Rebecca and their families.

Thank you allowing us, Lisa Nikole to be part of such an amazing day!

Flowers: A Floral Dynasty
DJ: Selective Sound – our buddy Christian Dela Vega
Video: 6eleven
Officiants: Pastor Jordon Biel
Pastor Joel Dickson
Photography: Lisa Nikole :-)

Rick Rigsby | COTR | Lisa Nikole

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

When I heard I was going to photography and listen to Rick Rigsby, well, to be honest… who is Rick Rigsby?

I’ll let Rick’s website tell you who he is, and you can check it out more HERE

Here is about Rick:
A master storyteller, Dr. Rigsby weaves a life of triumphs and tragedies with timeless common sense values—to respond to the challenges of our day.

Following a successful career as a television news reporter for a CBS affiliate in Northern California, Rick Rigsby began graduate studies, earning a Master’s degree at California State University, Chico, followed by his Doctorate from the University of Oregon. For the last two decades, Dr. Rigsby has served as a college professor—the last 14 years at Texas A&M University—where he continues to serve as chaplain for the Aggies football team.

Rick is an amazing man, he started out speaking about a testimony he heard about a woman who was healed of cancer and he asked us, but what if she was not healed, what if God decided not to heal her. I did not know what was coming and I’ve experienced the lives of loved ones stolen from me in the name of cancer. Cancer changed my life and I’m not alone.

Rick is a great speaker and he draws you in with his sparkling personality and his way of telling it like it was. Rick drew me in and as I listened I never expected to hear what I would hear.

Rick tells an amazing story of how he met his wife, how she was the only one to give him her “real” number, she danced with him and she married him. Rick seemed surprised she would have married him. They had two children and when she found a lump in her breast, 6 years later the rug was pulled out from Rick and his wife died.

There was a powerful movie of his family and wife. It caught me by surprise and I thought about how he started the day… What if?

What ifs’ happen to us all the time, everyone goes through things, our personal Gethsemane. I’ve been reading a book about being wounded and it says we need to change the way we see the things that wound us. They are not there to destroy us, but to create us. Rick did this and he’s used a situation in his life to reach hundreds and thousands of people with a powerful, positive message.

I was so honored to listen to Rick, so thankful for what I’ve been exposed to.

Impact Magazine | Lisa Nikole | Published :-)

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

I think I told you all about a special project I was working on. I could not reveal a lot about it because I was working for a magazine and a bridal shoppe and I had to wait until they were published before I could share with you… but that day has arrived!

I had the distinct honor and privilege to work with 4 awesome models for The Wedding Shoppe of Troy, Missouri. Angie called me late last year to tell me about an awesome opportunity to shoot an amazing venue, models and stunning wedding dresses. I was so thrilled!

Heather, Candi, Jessica and Melissa brought their individual class and style to their sessions. Beautiful models, dresses to die for and an amazing top floor antique venue! What else could we ask for?

I was shooting for The Wedding Shoppe, to be published in Impact Magazine check pages 20-27

The shoot was done in two separate shoots at an exciting venue, upstairs at the All About Home store in Troy Missouri. If you’ve never been there, you have to go, such fun items and gifts and items you are not going to see anywhere else!

My buddy James from JLSstudios in Springfield Missouri came up to help me shoot and my partner Raquel joined us also to make a fab shooting experience.

To be published is an honor and I have to thank Mir and Tamara, editors of the Image Magazine and Focus News for doing such a great job with the magazine and images chosen. To Angie for allowing me such an awesome opportunity. Lori of All About Home for trusting me in her amazing upper rooms (you so have to see this place… AMAZING)

The best way to show you how great these days were is to show you by video… So enjoy and make sure to take a look at the websites. There is some amazing stuff happening in Troy, Missouri and I’m proud to be part of it!

Daniel Blunt | John Mark McMillan | Lisa Nikole

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

I had the honor and distinct pleasure to shoot a concert last month of a friend and amazing musician: Daniel Blunt.

Daniel is an amazing musician but even more so, he’s an awesome person. He’s humble, a characteristic not seen much in the music industry and he strives for excellence in all he does.

This was Daniel’s first concert and it was so much fun to see him perform, and to photograph the event.

You have to purchase Daniel’s New CD Contact COTR for more information about the release date… PS, I already pre-ordered mine.

Daniel was opener for John Mark McMilllan, John is very original and outspoken on his beliefs. he stops in his concert to express his opinions with a humbleness and pure heart, you can tell he’s spent a lot of time thinking about what he shares and really puts a different and very realistic spin on the gospel. His music is full of life and true meaning. It was a pleasure to meet him and shoot the concert.

and lastly, I love shots like this….

So thanks again to the Pastor Blunt and the COTR for exposing us to such mega talent and experiences!!!

Lisa Nikole | Shoot Day | JLS Studios

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Every so often I get a chance to shoot with my best shooting buddy James. For some reason James always comes up to Saint Louis, I so owe him a trip to Springfield, Mo.

Every time we hang out, we love to find new places and people to shoot. We challenge each other to capture tough shots and strengthen our image taking capabilities.

We visited: Forest Park, The Graffiti Wall, City Park, Union Station and we even found a cemetery (yes we all know I love to shoot cemeteries)

Forest park we challenged each other to get flowing water from the fountains…This is mine:

We also took some promo shots of each other:

Beautiful colors, and it was Missouri hot that day!

Did you know STL had a Graffiti Wall, a legal Graffiti Wall? It’s a mile long and it’s way amazing, you can expect many more images from me down there! I’m actually working on a shoot project down there as I type!

We then headed over to city park, an amazing multi block wide city park. While looking for people to shoot we were approached by a group of kids asking us questions about the art in City Park. What I found amazing about these young people was their maturity and this cool fact…they don’t take many tests (okay I’m so cool with that ) yet they seemed poised, mature and handled themselves well. They were a class from The College School, Seventh Grade Urban Experience. What a great group of young people, gives you hope for the future when you see class like that!

and lastly… This amazing cemetery, it’s huge and amazing.
Calvery Cemetery offers so many different opportunities.

We had a great time and I look forward to many more shoots and seeing much more of Saint Louis, and yes Springfield, Missouri.

Midwest Movement | Kalahari | Lisa Nikole

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Somewhere along the way we end up in Wisconsin at an amazing resort named Kalahari. No expense was sparred to allow for great fun, relaxation and enjoyment in this place. If anyone earned this “vacation” as sorts it was the people I had been with the last 8 days. They worked hard and did all they could to perfect what they had committed to do.

In our van alone as we pulled up around 10pm at night, there was shouts and screams and gasps at how massive this place is. If you’ve not seen it please check out the links. This place is amazing! We were honored to stay in an amazing condo, whose floor plan rocked with amazing decor and features that simply was a home I could have stayed in forever :-)

Can’t say enough about the park and amusements, food and fun. We even had a ice cream eating contest that Nathan swamped Jim on. I mean seriously how fast can you eat a half gallon of ice cream? I’m pretty sure Nathan can beat you!

Many many thanks to Church on the Rock, Pastors David and Kim Blunt for trusting me with driving these amazing people and allowing me just a tiny glimpse into the excellence of the people of MidWest Movement.