Robin is Gonna Trash Her Dress!!!

We have had some awesome clients over the years...actually come to think of it, I don't know if we've ever had a client we didn't really enjoy working with. We've just been blessed to attract awesome people I guess :) Anyway...getting to the point.

Out of all of our awesome clients, one of our favorites is Mrs. Robin Ford. The camera loves Robin, and she is a master of just about any facial expression there is. Tell her to give you happy, pouty, sexy, serious...you name it, she has it. She can even do Blue Steel (if you don't know what that is...google it).

Not only is she a great model, but she is so fun to work with. During her engagement session, her bridal session, and her wedding she was laid back, and was cracking jokes with us.

Anyway, we were pumped when Robin let us know that she wanted to do a Trash the Dress session in June! For those of you who don't know what that is all about... #1 - sit down. Ok...are you sitting? #2 - make sure your mother is not reading this...she may not be able to handle it.

Basically, the Trash the Dress (TtD) session involves you doing the opposite of what you passionately try do with your dress before your wedding...keep it clean. For the TtD session you want to get it dirty, sandy, muddy, wet, you name it. At this point you are probably asking yourself why...well...because it makes for some INCREDIBLE pictures and its ALOT OF FUN! Putting a bride in her wedding dress in a setting that you would not normally see it really makes her stand out...after all, what are you going to do with the dress? Store it in the closet or attic?

Tawny, one of our previous brides did it last year and loved it! Here are a few pictures from her session:

Looking forward to it Robin!

- M&L

Matt's Top 5 Favorite Superbowl Commercials

Matt's top 5 favorite Superbowl commercials ranked from top to bottom:

#1 - Volkswagen Commercial: The Force

How can you not love this commercial...pure genius by the directors and pulled off perfectly by the kid. By far my favorite commercial.

#2 - Doritos Commercial: Best Part

If this commercial doesn't make you laugh out loud, something is wrong with you.

#3 - Pepsi Max Commercial: Love Hurts

I wonder if Leigh feels like this sometimes with me...we eat pretty healthy most of the time...but every once in a while I get a little hardcore on the nutrition.

#4 - Audi Commercial: Release the Hounds

This is hilarious...got to love the Kenny G part :)

#5 - Doritos Commercial: House Sitting

This one was pretty funny...not laugh out loud funny...but clever.

Epiphany on Blogging

So I’ve had an epiphany about our blog. We are much better photographers than we are bloggers. After realizing that I was not particularly efficient updating the blog, I thought my beautiful, lovely, intelligent (…you get the idea) wife would be much better at updating posts on a regular basis. Well…apparently that hasn’t quite worked out either.

As I contemplated the fact that neither Leigh nor I are exceptional bloggers…it hit me. Why does it matter, or does it even matter? Are clients really that interested in seeing a daily update about the TV show we watched, or what the dog did today, or how many dirty diapers I changed? I could be wrong…but I don’t think so. Therefore…going forward…I’m not going to stress about keeping the blog updated. If we have something to post we definitely will…but I just don’t think we’re ever going to be good daily bloggers. We'll put our time and energy into doing what we do well...taking great photos and providing the very best customer service to our clients.

Anyway, since I took the time to post something…I might as well add a photo. Here is one of my favorite pictures of Kelsey that Leigh took last month.

Kelsey LOVES our dog Foxie…she smiles and laughs just about every time she sees her…I love this picture!

- M&L

It's Leigh Time, like hammer time but not...

Ah, new responsibility. Although Matt probably talks about updating the blog every day, he seems never to have time to do it; probably due to all his new fatherly responsibilities. Oh, Matt…if you only knew. So I’ve been given the job of official Nexis blogger. I’ve never blogged before so this should be interesting. So what’s in store for the Nexis blog? Hmm…Well I’m sure I’ll talk about Kelsey (our brand new baby girl), pictures, and any other thing that I want to blab about but can’t get Matt to listen to. J So for my first blog… Kelsey is almost 4 months old and sweet as can be, we have been taking pictures of Kelsey but not as much as I thought we would, and I’m loving the Bachelor right now…can’t get enough of it. J And here’s a picture of Kelsey’s crazy eyes just for fun. More to come!

God Bless
Leigh

Getting ready for the Tough Mudder!!!

This is TOTALLY unrelated to photography...well I take that back...its slightly related if your wedding date is March 12, 2011. If it is, while you are getting married, Leigh and I will be competing in one of the toughest events on the planet - the Tough Mudder!

The Tough Mudder in March is being held just outside of Atlanta the weekend of March 12th. Its a 10 mile course that involves multiple obstacles designed by British Special Forces.

Check out the Tough Mudder website at www.toughmudder.com and watch some of the videos...its AWESOME!

Nexis Photography Review - Kayla and Shane!

All I can say is WOW! We have had some amazing clients, and many have written us some fantastic reviews and testimonials...but I've got to say this one is up near the top! Kayla and Shane were married in Florida in May of this year and she recently wrote us the following review. This is what makes us love what we do...doing anything we can to make our bride and groom have the wedding of their dreams. To us, that means so much more than just taking pictures...check this out:


"We chose Nexis Photography as the photographers for our wedding based on previous friends that had used them with amazing results. My husband and I first met them at a bridal fair in Prattville, and immediately we felt at ease with them. We had spoken to other photographers at the event but none of them seemed to reach out to us like Matt & Leigh did. My husband, (who has never been one that liked to take pictures) was so excited after meeting them that he would not leave the event without booking them for our upcoming wedding. And I have to say that this was the best decision we could have made in regards to the wedding planning.

We wanted our engagement pictures to be special...as most couples do, but we wanted our pictures to incorporate baseball, since my husband played in college at the time. Matt came up with the idea of having some pictures taken at the Biscuits Stadium downtown, and he even got in contact with the administration and made it happen.

We had the best time ever taking our pictures and we were absolutley amazed at the end product. We had never seen any pictures like these before and we were so proud to show them off.

As amazed at we were at our engagement pictures, we could never have imagined how beautiful our wedding pictures were to turn out. It was a gorgeous Saturday in May (in Florida) so of course it was a little hot. We had made it through the ceremony and were on the way to the reception. Upon arriving to the ceremony I quickly noticed that something was not right with my family...mainly my dad. As it turns out he had to be rushed to the emergency room and ended up missing the entire reception. Needless to say I was an emotional wreck and Leigh stepped right in ushering me away from the crowd, taking me aside and talking to me. She was a shoulder for me to lean on while managing to keep me calm. After I was ready to re-enter the reception I had so much on my mind that the last thing I could think of was the reception agenda (cake cutting, first dances, and etc). But thankfully I didn't have to Matt and Leigh stepped in and quickly got the reception flowing smoothly again. I was so grateful to have them there, because without them I would have been a wreck as well as the reception.

We kept hoping by the end of the reception that my dad would make it back so we could at least have our father-daughter dance. Unfortunately my dad was not able to make it back, but that didn't stop Matt and Leigh. Even though the reception was over they offered to come to the hospital, along with our dj, and take pictures, so that me and my dad could have our first dance. Now I know I can say that not many photographers would have even offered this, especially considering how late it was in the night at an out of town event. This just proves that Matt and Leigh are truly special people. They do things out of the kindness of their heart, and they genuinely care about others...it wasn't about the money to them, it really was about making our wedding day special...and it was apparent that they would go to any length to make this happen.

You can imagine how upset my dad was that he missed the reception, but what we didn't count on was how the pictures would allow him to be a part of every moment of the reception. He was amazed at the story that the pictures told and upon finishing he was in tears. The pictures allowed him to experience the reception, although he was not physically present. For pictures to speak that loudly, you know you must have some amazing and truly gifted photographers.

There are not enough words to express our gratitude towards Matt and Leigh for all that they have done. Our wedding was a very memorable time, but we are especially thankful to have such beautiful keepsakes to remind us of that special day. We are so lucky to have had them as photographers, and now we are even luckier to be able to say that they are our friends. Not only have we been able to see how wonderful they both are from a professional/business aspect, but now we have been able to experience their genuineness and appreciate their character, personalities, and spirit as friends.

Anyone that chooses Nexis Photography will not be disappointed. Not only will you have amazing pictures that will serve as great memories forever, but you will have excellent proficient photographers that will take every effort in ensuring your day is special and is everything you ever dreamed of." - Kayla & Shane Moye


Thank you guys...you two are the best!
- M &L

Nexis Photography Review - Kristina and Jacob!

Here is another great review from some great clients that were married last year. Things were so crazy this year with Leigh's pregnancy so we are just now getting around to asking our clients to write us a review.

"I highly recommend Nexis Photography to anyone and everyone! I have been in many weddings and have never been apart of picture shoots that were so organized as Nexis, especially with the family shoot. Most family shoots take an hour. Ours took 30 mins. They were wonderful to work with, very layed back, creative, and their pictures are beyond what we could of asked for. After every picture shoot we walked away feeling like Matt and Leigh were old friends instead of photographers we hired." - Kristina and Jacob

Thanks guys!
- M&L

Review from Jessica and Cory!

Jessica and Cory were married on May 1, 2010. They were an awesome couple, and we had so much fun shooting their wedding. They recently wrote us a review...check it out!



"If you are looking for AMAZING pictures and photographers with a sense of humor as well as a complete professionalism, then look no further! Matt and Leigh were beyond wonderful. I first met them at a bridal show in Prattville, AL and fell in love with their photographs. When it was finally time to start planning, I called Matt and Leigh and fortunately they had our date available. For me, the pictures of our wedding were the most important aspect of the planning and I couldn't be happier with our results. From the bridal session to our "big day" I have received so many compliments on our pictures. Matt and Leigh were there the moment I started getting ready until I told them to go home. They definitely calmed my nervousness with their humor and went out of their way to be amazing. Leigh even helped me get my dress and shoes on and Matt bought me and my bridesmaids and Leigh taco bell!!! My husband left for Basic Military Training ten days after we were married and took some of our wedding pictures with him. I went to his graduation in San Antonio and the whole weekend all I heard from the people in his military flight was about how amazing our pictures were and who took them. Matt and Leigh are definitely worth the time and money!! In the end, we not only have amazing pictures but we have made two wonderful friends."
- Jessica


Thanks Jessica and Cory!
- M&L

Introducing Kelsey Reese!

She's here! Kelsey Reese Abele was born at 2:32pm on Friday, October 1st. She was 7lbs 6oz and 20 inches long.

Leigh and I didn't find out the gender of our baby, so it was a wonderful surprise when she came out and we found out we had a daughter. Labor and delivery could not have gone better...we had been praying about that and for a healthy baby for 9 months, and we are so thankful the Lord answered our prayers in that way. We actually had a photographer friend photograph some before and during the delivery, but we did take a few snapshots throughout the last couple of days. Here are just a few of our pics to share with everyone.


This is Leigh, aka - Superwoman, only a few minutes after labor. She looks like she just put makeup on for hot date...doesn't exactly look like a woman who labored for 11 hours.

Mommy checking out her little bundle of joy...

Sweet little Kelsey...she was very calm after birth.

Daddy and his little girl...

Nothing like holding your daughter in your arms...

Love the look on her face...she is already very expressive.

This is one of my favorites. She was just so calm and content with Leigh holding her. She just looked around the room wide-eyed and coo'ed a little here and there...it was so sweet.

haha...making faces....awesome!

One of my favorite moments of the day...Leigh and baby resting quietly.

So sweet!

She was suckleing while sleeping...it was so funny listening to the little "popping" sounds she was making with her lips. You don't get the full effect with the picture, but its still cute.

Sleeping...being a baby is hard work.

My little girl...

I can get used to this dad thing...

Don't let her fool you...this chick has a serious grip. I wonder how early is too early to start boot camp? Future boot camp champion in the making :)

Hand on the face...it looked so comfortable I figured I'd try it too...

She is a cute one! I give Leigh 100% credit for that :)

...at this point Kelsey is wondering what is that big black thing dad keeps sticking in my face. It clicks alot....hmmm....

A flash of a smile...it was probably gas...but I'll take it! I can't wait until she is smiling and laughing all the time...its gonna be fun.

More looking around...all kinds of new stuff to check out. Although newborns can't see that far, she is definitely looking at something.

Just a little kiss from mommy...

I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but she was looking at me out of the corner of her eyes...it so cute...and it made me laugh.

Alright, so its official...I'm one of those parents that just gushes over every single thing his daughter does. I'm gonna try hard not to spoil her...its going to be tough :)

Continue to keep us in your prayers...we covet wisdom to raise our child properly and take care of all her needs. We also want sleep...which is a rare luxury these days :) Thank you to everyone who has given us gifts, come by to see us, prayed for us, or just wished us well. We are incredibly blessed and look forward to the upcoming days, weeks, and months as Kelsey grows.

-M&L

Video Blog Update!

First video blog update...check it out!

- M&L