ALBASBLOG.COM

Marjorie and Jon's album movie

Alba Fiore — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:57:00 GMT

Marjorie and Jon exude compatibility and couple-perfectness (my new word) through their earlobes, eyelashes and knees--everywhere. It's easy to see why their friends adore them. They are that kind of people! And I had a great time photographing them.

This album is a horizontal 10x14 with about 74 images and 34 pages. After the first page, the album lays 28 inches wide open. The first page is on the right.

Enjoy!

http://albasblog.com/2009/11/25/marjorie-and-jons-album-movie.aspx

Susan and Jamie's wedding album movie

Alba Fiore — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:40:56 GMT

I photographed Susan and Jamie's wedding over the summer and have finally managed to get their album posted on-line. I wish I had done video too, because the best man's toast was one of the best I've ever heard. He had everyone in stitches. And he said it best when he said that Susan and Jamie are one of a kind, great people. Susan's wedding album starts on the right side and opens up into a horizontal book. It has about 120 images, 55 pages and when open the dimensions are 10" high and 20" wide. It's a 10x10 album.
http://albasblog.com/2009/11/21/susan-and-jamies-wedding-album-movie.aspx

Commitment

Alba Fiore — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:22:00 GMT

Muzhdah and Kevin look natural and easy together. It's evident that he respects this woman, and it's clear that she feels the same for him. I joined them to photograph and video tape their family ceremony. The vows had already been said, but today, they shared their commitment with friends and family with a reception. And it wasn't just any reception; traditional dancers from Muzhdah's culture, henna, and lots of super fun dances. And Kevin's adventurous family were right in the mix. I think the most entertaining dance moves were performed by one of Kevin's brothers. You'll have to watch the whole video to see those!

Here's a little video teaser from Kevin and Muzhdah's day! Thank you both for the fun and laughter.

http://albasblog.com/2009/09/30/commitment.aspx

T'amo

Alba Fiore — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:41:00 GMT

Maria's English is better than my Spanish, but we still needed Armando to mediate the middle. Maria met with me and decided I was the only person to photograph her wedding. The wedding she had been dreaming about most of her life. You know the dream--big church, beautiful dress, gorgeous day, family and friends--but mostly we dream about looking into our heart's other half and knowing that love is more powerful and healing and beautiful than we could ever imagine. You know that your man would move mountains for you, even a fraction of an inch, because your his smile and his heart.

You're standing there with the man that looks at you with stars in his eyes. He raises your spirits and holds you safely. You're at home with him and he is your best friend, your knight, your body and soul. You give him children, a home, unstoppable love and your full adoration.

Maria had found Armando many years ago, and they had a beautiful family and home, yet Maria never had the wedding she always wanted. And that's what impressed me so much about these two amazing people; Armando never forgot that his Maria had this dream. And in that way, it became his dream too.

I was so moved by this letter to me from Armando, that I wanted to share it. It's so easy to forget that we're here to love one another, and if we can weather the wild storms, we may find a love stronger than otherwise possible.

Photographing weddings is an opportunity for me--a journey really--that allows me to open my heart each time I listen to the vows, each time I see the intimate moments between man and woman, each time I hear the laughter and the love and see it beamed outward. I cry too often at weddings.

Armando writes:

“Although this day will be in our hearts and minds forever, you managed to capture all the moments in time that were important to us. Because of you, we are able to look at these images and remember when we laughed and when we cried. Because of you, we are able to share a beautiful memory with our grandkids and to set an example for our children. When they see these pictures, they will say, “So this is what you do when you love someone.” I thank you for having the heart to make the arrangements for video. We will be able to share this beautiful day with relatives who were not able to attend. Dawn, you helped me to give myMaria her dream and for that I am forever grateful.”

And I am forever grateful that I had the chance to be there for Armando and Maria.

T'amo

Michelle and Sam

Alba Fiore — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:48:00 GMT

Michelle and Sam are a perfect couple. They're warm, fun and absolutely photogenic. One of the best things about being a wedding photographer is having the chance to meet wonderful people and really get them to know them and their families. I look forward to hearing all the wonderful stories about Sam and Michelle. They deserve the very best in life! Thank you both for choosing me.

Ninja Bell

Alba Fiore — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:50:00 GMT

Isabel has a lot of nicknames--Baby Bell, Ninja Bell (her dad taught karate), Bug--you know--the usual things we call our kids. And since I got my iphone, she's becoming quite a little Mini-me. I can't believe how well she knows how to use the phone. She makes crank calls, downloads strange games and takes pictures of everything. It's always a surprise to see what ends up on my phone after she's had it. I love that kiddo!

Here's Grandma; taken from Isabel's car seat.

And these are Isabel's dainty feet.

Oh--and that's me!

Homage to my Grandparents

Alba Fiore — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:48:00 GMT

About a year ago, a few family members pitched in to buy a memorial brick for my grandparents. We bought a paver in the UC Davis Robert Mondavi Wine and Food Science Institute. Grandma didn't drink but she was the only person I know who cared about the quality of her food and eating for health. Both she and grandpa have been gone for a long time, and I miss them both. But I knew grandma very well, and miss her so much so very often. I think they would have liked the courtyard at the RMI. It's a peaceful place.

Denise and Tarik

Alba Fiore — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:28:00 GMT

Wow! My daughter is generally shy around people she first meets, but the second she met Denise, she was dancing and talking like Denise was one of the family. I guess Denise can't help being wonderful and sweet and charming and 'wowing' the rest of the world. So it didn't come as a surprise that her equally charming and sweet fiance, Tarik, would make the same impression upon me that Denise did.

The wedding and reception--at The Old Sugar Mill-- was charming and humble and perfect--I have the best job!

A little teaser video from Denise and Tarik's wedding.
http://albasblog.com/2009/07/16/denise-and-tarik.aspx

New Website and Blog!

Alba Fiore — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:19:00 GMT

We've updated our website and blog! Hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to send constructive comments.

Princess Fiona

Alba Fiore — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:44:55 GMT

It was clear within minutes that Fiona was all Princess, and not Ogre. Though, like her namesake, she looked great in green. Babies (they're babies for a long, long time) are a challenge and a joy to photograph. They don't much like to sit still--that's the challenging part, and they are so full of honest emotion-- and that is the joy. Fiona was no different--I consider myself very blessed to able to spend time with beautiful little children who are so good at living in the moment. Kiss your babies often and love them all their emotions--Princess or Ogre!

summer time and livin's easy

Alba Fiore — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Growing up as a wild animal in Northern California, I had the joy of running free all summer! Even now, I can think of nothing better than riding my mean old mare through the woods, swimming in the river and feeling alive. Those days connected to each other and make one constant memory. The snakes--rattlers and water snakes--YUCK--poison oak, wild bores, my sister didn't know how to swim, a horse that bit me every chance she got, hot as Haiti, all the swimming holes, Dorrito chips, sleeping beneath the stars, reading in the hammock, napping anywhere, no chores, no work--the only responsibility was to keep my sister from drowning and be home sometime around dark. Heaven. Summer time and the livin's easy.

Welcome

Alba Fiore — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:34:06 GMT

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.