In which life gets in the way

Sorry for the blog hiatus gang. The lovely tropical storm Faye caused our roof to leak and I've been sick with bronchitis. Add that to having a ton of editing to do and well, it's been a nutty week! Keep your eyes open for that Big Sur roadtrip post I promised - it's coming soon!

Kelly & Jon: Forever

Photo heavy post ahead!

I've known Kelly for nearly three years now and was thrilled when she asked me to photograph her wedding to Jon! I've never been to Northern California, so the fact that it was a destination wedding in Big Sur was an added bonus.

Things started to get a little hairy in the middle of July with the Basin Complex Fire. Their venue, the Ventana Inn & Spa was closed, then re-opened, then closed again, then open...you get the idea... due to the Basin Complex fire. Fortunately Kelly's a pretty chill bride and it seemed like things were going to work out in the end.

Then, less than a week before the wedding, there was an electrical fire at the Ventana which meant the wedding wasn't going to be able to take place there! I'm not kidding! So they relocated about 2 miles up the road to the Big Sur River Inn. They did a beautiful job pulling things together.

I have to start with what may be my favorite shot of the day!


Ok, back to chronological!

Details!





Getting ready




Walking down the aisle


Waiting for his wife!










The gorgeous bride!


I love the motion in this first dance shot!


Awesome handmade place cards!


Kelly's dad had the DJ play a special song for the couple as part of his toast.



Kelly, Christine, Megan, and I all used to work together - I miss these gals!


Stay tuned for another Big Sur post featuring some stunning scenery and our crazy roadtrip!

Hey, it's us!

I have a bunch of blogging to catch up on! Coming soon - Kelly & Jon's Big Sur wedding! In the meantime...

It's been nearly 6 years since my wonderful husband and I got married. That was the last time we had professional photos taken of us. Shameful, isn't it? Especially considering what I do for a living! So on our recent trip to Maui, we hired the super talented Cameron Nelson of Aloha Loved Photography to take some shots of us on the beach. Now I should tell you how much I despise having my photo taken (and my husband, well, he hates it more than I do!) but Cameron did a stellar job of making us both comfortable in front of the camera. These are 2 of my favorites!

Hitting the Road

On my way to the airport for Kelly & Jon's Big Sur Wedding. I'll be back on Monday with a sneak peek!

Models Needed! September 12 + 13

I'm looking for 3 models for an upcoming workshop here in Orlando. We'll be shooting some urban bridal portraits and a trash the dress. Here's what we need:

- a past bride, with a gown, who's not afraid of getting it a bit dirty
- a past bride & groom, with a gown and suit/tux, who are not afraid of getting them a bit dirty

The dates of the workshop are as follows:
Friday, September 12 - afternoon and evening
Saturday, September 13 - daytime (could be morning or afternoon, TBD)

We're working on the details, but compensation will most likely come in terms of photographs from the shoot in exchange for your time.

Please note that your attire will most likely get a bit dirty, which is why we're requesting past brides/couples. Neither Lori Barbely Photography, nor the workshop organizers will be responsible for any stains and/or damage to your attire.

If you're interested, please contact me for details!

Maui

It's probably no secret by now that I love Hawaii. I've been to Maui before, back in 2002, and the Big Island earlier this year. So when another assignment sent me to Maui, I was thrilled. My husband had a break between semesters, so I dragged him along (trust me - there was no kicking or screaming, unless you count his Homer Simpson-esque "Woo Hoo" when I told him that he was coming with me!)

I had a lot of ground to cover for the story and we bounced around the island like ping-pong balls but hey, you're in Hawaii, can't complain, right? We spent a few days at the newly renovated Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. After that, we moved from West Maui over to South Maui and spent a couple nights at the Grand Wailea then the Fairmont Kea Lani before heading home (boy, was that a sad moment!) I'm always amazed at the luxury accommodations that I end up in during some of these assignments - I'm more of a Holiday Inn girl when it's on my dime!

Keep an eye on the blog for tearsheets from the assignments in the coming months! In the meantime, here's a little sneak peek showcasing some of the incredible things we saw and did during this trip!

The Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar concert at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. The guy in the red is George Kahumoku Jr., a pretty famous Slack Key guitarist.


A beautiful sunset from the Sea House Restaurant at the Napili Kai


A pretty detail from Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm


One of the residents of the Surfing Goat Dairy


Humuhumunukunukuapua'a's at the Grand Wailea. Best. Meal. Ever!




One of the new Luxury Cabanas at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. This thing is pimped out! It's got a fridge, a flat screen tv, an ipod dock station, and a butler!




The Ritz was originally going to be a beach front property, but when construction began, they found an old Hawaiian burial site on the land. Out of respect for the history and culture, the site was left untouched (and is seen here fenced in by the hedge) and the resort is now set back from the ocean.


A cool tree with nice light on the property


Lahaina's famous Banyan Tree at night


An endangered Hawaiian monk seal grabbing a few rays on the beach near the new Merriman's Kapalua


We did some hiking in the West Maui mountains near Kapalua






Mmm... beach flare

Dannielle & Tim got hitched!

Dannielle and Tim were such a joy to photograph today. Actually, now that I look at the clock, it was yesterday! So pardon any early morning typos! They were so excited to see their photos, I promised them a little sneak peek before the left for their honeymoon this morning.

They had their ceremony at the gorgeous Knowles Chapel at Rollins College, one of my favorite venues! The reception, which was unbelievably fun, was held at Arnold Palmers Bay Hill Club and Lodge. I'd never been there before, but wow is it beautiful!

Dannielle was such a beautiful bride in her Reem Acra gown. Man that thing was heavy!


Tim, looking all GQ!


Courtney, the gorgeous flower girl! Her brother, Jonathan, was the ring bearer. I have to grab a shot of him to add here, he was equally adorable!






They totally belong in a magazine!






Enjoy your cruise you two!