About four years ago, I shot a wedding in Santa Barbara and I remember this one bridesmaid who totally stood out. Her name was Gia and I just loved her personality and attitude. So, when I got the call last week, I remembered her instantly. She was out from NYC with her fiance Victor and they were wondering if I’d be “open” to shooting their engagement. I was so amped.

It’s looking like they’re going to have a pretty exotic destination wedding late next summer so stay tuned for that. They have family from literally all over the world (India, Philippines, Europe, etc… you get the picture) and everyone’s flying in to the yet to be decided super secret spot. The options they’re considering are just incredible! I think over 300 people are flying in. It’s going to be amazing. Here are a couple pictures from today…

These two have more style than they know what to do with…

And good looks to match. Stunning…

… and sexy too.

I asked Victor to make a move. He didn’t hesitate…

… and she didn’t mind.

These two have so much life. Hearing their story just made me like them both all the more. One of the reasons why I think their wedding is going to be so amazing is because they are so clear on their values. You just get the sense that they were made for each other.

Thanks for letting me play a part today you guys.

Bless you.
-Dane

As the one who gets to decide what angles get captured at a wedding, paying attention to the things that matter most to the bride and groom is a challenge I love stepping up for. What’s fun is when you come across a couple that make that job easy. Enter Melissa and Eric. These two had it all and we had a blast trying to keep up!

For those of you who know Melissa, I think you’d attest that she is her own woman. I’ve known her for a number of years now (she was a National champion soccer player at Westmont College, where I used to teach) and I am always so impressed with how gifted she is at bringing the serious with the playful: She has intelligence, brilliance and depth while never missing a chance to have a party. And, she’s drop dead gorgeous too. In the words of her new husband, “She’s the whole package.”

6/21 was a great day to get married! Props to Gabriel for the ring idea…

One of the many things I loved about Eric and Melissa’s crew is that they seemed like a fraternity. All the inside jokes. All the stories. All the history. Like, the time when all the guys made fun of the photographer for making them act like they were in a J Crew ad…

And, that other time when they decided to take over and make an Amstel Light ad…

Melissa peaking around the corner just before the ceremony…

A moving moment as the two families become one…

These two are stunning…

Love you guys!

Here’s the full slideshow…

Keep it fresh.
-Dane

BTW… Tomorrow, I’m off to record the FTP audiobook so that when the pre-sale launches on the new site next week, peeps don’t have to wait to get the goods. You’ll be able to download immediately and get your Fast Track on!

DJ is such a leader in our industry which is why I was so stoked and humbled that he’d say such nice things about my book in his recent podcast for Pro Photo Resource. I think he’s officially the first guy to quote me in public. Woot woot!

In addition to talking about the one critical factor to make it in this industry, he also mentions that you can get a sneak peek of my book if you check out the fast track site.

The only problem is he was just a wee bit early on that announcement :) .

So, if I can twist your arm to be just a wee bit more patient with me as we line up the BRAND SPANKING NEW site that is due out any day, I promise it will do a lot more than give you a peek. To guarantee you’ll get the low-down, be sure to sign up for my newsletter (above, upper left) and you’ll be first in line!

Here’s his clip… check it out!

Click To Play

Keep it distinct.
-Dane

PS… if you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for DJ’s Tour, with “special” guests. I promise, you definitely don’t want to miss this one! Don’t forget the discount code mentioned in the video above. Sweet!

Sara and Andy’s wedding was a blast. Peter Thomsen came and shot with me and so did Heather (one of the Fast Track Founders who came all the way from Florida to shoot). It was fantastic.

Here’s the slideshow… :)

Bless you guys.
-Dane