Mandi & Brandon

Years ago I photographed Martin & Jami's pocket-sized wedding in Franklin Park Conservatory's tropical island garden.  Martin & Jami were joining families, and their kids were so young.  I was just tickled when Martin called to say their daughter was getting married and ask if I was available that day.  We met for coffee and he & Jami brought their album - shot in film! - which brought back their day for me vividly.

Photographing for their family again was like being with friends you haven't seen in a while - a fun rush of catching up all wrapped up in an ease of being with wonderful people you already know.  Such a lovely afternoon! 

The drive to New Mexico.

Traveling east to Albuquerque on one of my favorite roads in the country: route 60 from Springerville, Arizona. Needing an astronomy fix after leaving Kitt Peak, I stopped at the Very Large Array  in west-central New Mexico.  As wondrous as it was to see miles of radio telescopes listening to something far far away, I was only there for an hour or two, and  I couldn't help but miss the rhythm of my time at the observatory.  Nothing quite compares.

Two hours off the mountain.

I had all these plans.  I'd spent time in Tucson before (almost moved there 16 years ago) and I was excited to visit favorite spots:  Gates Pass, Antigone Books, all the vintage clothing stores on 4th, the Donut Wheel, etc.  So the day after I arrived at Kitt Peak Don said, "Let me know when you'd like to go somewhere."  I just looked at him. Leave the quiet paradise of the mountain for the crazy world below?  No way.  I didn't even go to the Center for Creative Photography. (I know, I know... just shoot me.)

We did, however, spend a bit of time at the San Xavier Mission while on a grocery run...