This year Thanksgiving has taken on a whole new meaning to me! On November 13th my Dad, Ron Disrud, suffered a massive heart attack, in the Minneapolis Airport, while traveling back to North Dakota from South Carolina. The amazing thing about the whole story is that the man my Dad grabbed onto, when he collapsed, turned out to be a doctor. The doctor also happened to be with another doctor friend at that moment. Lucky for my Dad, they began administering care immediately and saved his life. Dad spent a week in intensive care and another week in a regular room. Fortunately, Dad was discharged from the hospital today and will receive outpatient care until his open heart surgery in two weeks. I am so incredibly thankful that Dad missed his connecting flight, or wasn’t driving, when he had his heart attack. It is said that an airport is one of the best places to have a heart attack if you’re going to have one. My prayers of thanksgiving go out to all of the people who helped to save my Dad’s life, the people who took care of him in the hospital and most of all to God for the timing of it all! Below are are couple of my favorite picks of my wonderful father!

I have always loved this photo of my Dad when he was a little boy! Dad is still a big kid at heart!

I am a huge fan of old photos. This is another photo of my Dad that I have always loved! It is his high school graduation photo. Do you see a Harry Connick Jr. resemblance?

I was going to post an old wedding picture of my parents here but will post that with old family photos in the about me section very soon. This photo was taken a couple of years ago at my sister’s wedding. While this is a posed shot, I feel that my parents’ spirit shines through the image!

Lisa McCallum is a talented(and beautiful) singer/songwriter living in Nashville, TN. While I love photographing weddings for a living, it is always refreshing to switch gears and do something a little different! Lisa and I had such a blast creating the images that she will be using for promotional purposes. Below are just a few of my favorite shots from our shoot!

It’s a great time to check out photography in the galleries and museums in Nashville! Last week I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing John Guider’s exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum. In 2003, at the age of 50, John embarked on an adventure of a lifetime, when he canoed from Franklin, TN down to New Orleans, LA. He kept a detailed journal and photographed his experiences along the way. John’s coffee table book is comprised of dramatic landscapes, honest portraits and beautiful still-lifes! This is a must see exhibit for those who seek adventure and love fine art photography!

My soul is always fed when I go out and photograph something for myself! One of my favorite places to photograph, and has been for about ten years, is Mount Olivet Cemetery. Mount Olivet is a place where I feel inspired, peaceful and hopeful. As strange as this may all sound, it is a place where I go when I need to take a deep breath and contemplate my life. Below are a few images from my last visit to my little refuge!

Last week I had the privilege to hear the amazing Joe Buissink speak! Joe is a Beverly Hills wedding photographer who has photographed weddings all around the world. Joe’s artful wedding photography is adored by many of the rich and famous in Hollywood. Aside from being a gifted artist, Joe has the most wonderful spirit that truly radiates in his photography. He is an inspiration to other photographers like myself! Without a doubt, Joe Buissink is my favorite wedding photographer in the world! Below are two of his well known and stunning images. Please check out his website sometime, so that you may feast your eyes on his beautiful photography.

Kelly & Rick tied the knot on October 11, 2008. The ceremony and reception was held at the ever so charming Learning Center at Cheekwood. Courtney, from A Magical Affair, helped in making a flawless day even more flawless! Weddings like Kelly and Rick’s are a constant reminder why I love my job so much. I get to work with beautiful, happy, people that are in love! What more can I say! Congratulations Kelly and Rick!

The sun looked so beautiful streaming through the trees of the ceremony site!

What a great space for a reception!

I am not sure which version of this image I like best, the color or the black and white one?

Kelly has the most vibrant blue eyes, with lashes that are the envy of all women!

Rick being teased by his groomsmen!

The happy couple with their bridal party!

They are definitely in love!

More love!

A little moment!

I love the drama of this shot!

Kelly and Rick truly complement one another!

They really can dance!

Couples that laugh together stay together!

This image represents the celebratory spirit of the evening!

Tiffany and Justin were married, on a pristine fall day in October, at the Historic Presbyterian church in downtown Franklin. The reception was held at Oak Lawn Plantation in Springhill, TN. One of the many interesting historical facts about Oaklawn is that it was once the home to George Jones & Tammy Wynette. Tiffany and Justin had the most perfect wedding day and it was a joy working with them! Below are just a few of my favorite images from their wedding!

Tiffany’s dress was so perfect for her!

Every girl loves shoes, especially these!

Tiffany looked like a classic Hollywood beauty!

Tiffany looking elegant in the church!

Justin looking handsome and happy!

I absolutely love the birdcage veil!

Tiffany and her lovely bridesmaids in one of Oaklawn’s parlors!

The beautiful couple!

Justin and his men in one of Oaklawn’s parlors.

I love the feel and light in this image!

Another sweet moment! Oaklawn is such a romantic backdrop for any wedding or reception!

Tiffany and Justin’s wedding had such a cool vintage look and feel!