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Council Meeting
2007-09-13 12:16:00
Last night, I was asked to attend the Broussard City Council meeting. Don Bertrand addressed the Council regarding his candidacy for Councilman of Lafayette Consolidated Government, District 7. Please go out and vote in October 20th election. With the potential for 9 fresh faces, views and ideas on the council, this could be the best thing Lafayette has seen in a long time.-Paul
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9/11
2007-09-11 14:59:00
September 11, 2001 is a date I think most of us can remember exactly where we were and what we were doing at the time we heard, or got the news of what was happening in New York, DC, and Pennsylvania. I chose to use the photo below to remember a happier time in this country. God bless America and everyone effected by the senseless actions that changed all of our lives.-Paul
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Crystal & Wilton
2007-09-10 14:51:00
I had a great time taking Crystal & Wilton 's engagement photos this past Saturday. They are a great looking couple and alot of fun to work with. I think we spent more time talking than actually shooting photos!! Here are a few from that sitting, and as usual, the rest can be viewed on the Flash Website under the slideshows section. I'm looking forward to Crystal's bridal photos! I'm pretty sure she will be scheduling that soon. Thank you Crystal & Wilton for the opportunity!!-Paul

Busy Days
2007-09-07 15:14:00
Michelle & I have date night tonight. She wants to go see a movie and eat out. Tomorrow night, we may just head out to Rayne for the Frog Festival!! The autumn wedding season starts tomorrow for me, as I will be meeting with Crystal and Wilton to take their engagement photos. I spoke to her Wednesday to confirm our time, and I'm looking forward to the working with them. Next week, I'll be attending a wedding rehearsal Friday evening. Saturday is Elizabeth & Nick's big day!! I'm really looking forward to that one as well.-Paul
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Labor Day
2007-09-04 15:30:00
I hope everyone had a very relaxing Labor Day weekend. Now it's time to get back in the groove. I'll give a few details of my weekend.Saturday afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting the Bertrand family for a sitting. We took a few photos but the heat/humidity was very uncomfortable. Also, 3 daughters were not able to attend, so we will reschedule for another time. Thanks Meryl for the referral!Don is a candidate for Lafayette Consolidated Gvmnt councilman, district 7. You can read more about him and his goals at http://www.electdonbertrand.com/ I think you will agree he will make a fine representative for his district. Get out there and vote, October 20th!!After the shoot, I attended Sophie's birthday party. She had come over earlier in the day to bake and decorate her own cake. Needless to say, I got my sugar fix on that cake!!Sunday, Michelle and I decided to donate some money to the casino, and as it turns out, we got a very nice refund and then some!!! We were awakened at 3...

For Football Fans
2007-08-30 21:29:00
It's finally that time of year again, and I'm sure all football fans are ready for it. LSU is ranked #2 nationally, and kicks off the college season tonight on ESPN against Mississippi State. I'm anxious to see how Flynn will do now that he's finally got the starting job. Geaux Tigers!!Will the Saints go all the way this year? They came oh so close last season. The analysts (I'm not one of them of course) predict just that and say they are for real. Their season starts NEXT Thursday night on NBC against last season's Super Bowl Champs; the Colts. It should be an exciting season. Geaux Saints!!ULL's Ragin Cajuns start the season Saturday against South Carolina. A new quarterback in Desormeaux, new offensive coordinator among others should make for an interesting season. Geaux Cajuns!!I'm not an expert nor am I making predictions, but I do love the game.-Paul
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Ashley & Sean's Wedding
2007-08-29 14:07:00
With all of the wonderful comments I have received about Ashley 's bridal photos, I thought I would post a few photos from her and Sean's wedding. You can view more of their wedding on the Flash Website under "Slideshows". The venue was at Crossroads Church and one of Ashley's brothers was the officiant performing his first wedding!! How cool is that?? It was a lovely wedding, my first RED color theme, and I have to say I really like it!! Thanks again, Ashley and Sean for the opportunity to be a part of your big day!!-Paul
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Brandon
2007-08-28 15:38:00
I had alot of fun shooting Brandon's senior photos. He knew exactly what he wanted as far as posing because there are not many photos that I was instructing him on what to do or how to look at me. He made my job very easy. These photos were taken shortly before he and his Acadiana High Wreckin' Rams football teammates went on to win the 5A state championship!! He's a great guy and I'm sure will go far in life. Congratulations Brandon and thanks for the opportunity!-Paul

No Smoking
2007-08-27 15:02:00
I know this has absolutely nothing to do with photography, but it has to do with me, so I may as well put it out there. My last trip to the doctor, I was advised to change my lifestyle, ie; quit smoking. With the help of a prescription called "Chantix", I am happy to report it has been 2 months since I have had or wanted a cigarette!! Not only that, but since I have given it up, my wife and my mother have as well!!! Unfortunately, I have found out that when one does quit, the down side to it, is gaining weight. Michelle now has a treadmill, and I have a recumbent bike. I will not start on one of those anti-smoking crusades, because I do not believe in that. I will simply say, that I am proud of myself, my wife, and Mom. If you are considering it and can't do it alone, I highly recommend "Chantix". I do not want to sound like a commercial either. I am just letting everyone know there is help if you do not think you can do it alone. -Paul
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Shelby & JAS
2007-08-26 19:16:00
This was one of my most challenging sessions. Shelby did great, and was very patient, but Mr. JAS was not in the mood to have his photo taken. I even tried to bribe with candy and it worked, as long as I did not have the camera pointed at him. All in all, it turned out great and after looking at all the photos that didn't make the cut, he was hilarious!! The photo below is a "behind the scenes" as to what was REALLY going on!! haha, he is quite a character!! -Paul

Ashley's Bridals
2007-08-23 15:05:00
I have had lots of compliments on Ashley's bridal photos ranging from, they're beautiful to she looks so comfortable, you must have been knowing her a while. That's a HUGE compliment for me, because the truth is, I had never seen or met her until the day we shot those photos!! So thanks to all of you who choose to let me know what you think about my work..to the others, don't be shy!! :-) Ashley was great to work with and a real natural, she actually made my job very easy. I heard she will be one of Elizabeth's bridesmaids, so I'm looking forward to seeing her again. You can see more of her bridals on the PBM website in the "Slideshows" feature.-Paul

Terra & Jeramie
2007-08-22 14:48:00
Terra & Jeramie were the first couple to hire me from visiting the website. They are a laid back and easy going couple and were great to work with. I truly hope they have had better luck after the wedding than they did before the wedding. Let me explain, a few weeks before they were to walk down the aisle, Jeramie broke his foot at work. It was healing well, and if I remember correctly, 2 weeks before the wedding, the doctor had to break it again!! Also something got spilled on Terra's dress and it wasn't ready until the week of the wedding!! I attended the rehearsal at the church, and met with the pastor. I was taking pre wedding photos about 5 minutes prior to the ceremony, fire trucks and paramedics with Acadian Ambulance show up and take the pastor out on a stretcher!! Fortunately, another one stepped in, and the wedding went as planned. She called when they returned from their honeymoon, but that is a different posting. Good luck you 2, and thanks for letting me be a part of...
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Nikki & David
2007-08-21 14:50:00
I had the pleasure of shooting Nikki & David 's wedding last month. This wedding was supposed to have taken place on the beach in Florida, (which I would have been happy to oblige!!) but from what I understand, some family members could not attend, and it was held in Lafayette instead. Everyone was dressed as though it were on the beach. The only thing missing really was the sand and ocean!! It was a lovely wedding and I met some very nice people. The rest of the photos can be viewed in a slideshow on the PBMwebsite. Congratulations Nikki & David, and best wishes to you! -Paul

Photo Restoration
2007-08-20 15:00:00
It appears as though I'll be branching out into photo restoration. The photo below is the 1 of 2 that my parents have of their wedding day 43 years ago. My mother brought this 5x7 print to me asking if I could do anything with it. After restoring it, I enlarged it to a 16x20 canvas print. My wife and I had it framed and gave it back to them as a gift on their anniversary. I have done a few others since this one. I'll post them at another time. Unfortunately, my father's right arm was cropped when the photo was taken, so I worked with what I had. It really looks nice on canvas. Needless to say, they were thrilled! -Paul
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Sophie
2007-08-19 15:43:00
This is my wife's God child, Sophie . She will be celebrating birthday number 6 next week, so I wanted to post a few photos of her. She usually hides or turns away when I'm around, especially with a camera, but she was up to it on this particular day. Maybe it was that promised trip to McDonald's after taking the photos?? As you can see in the last one, she LOVES her Nannie!-Paul

Friday Post
2007-08-17 15:38:00
I had a wonderful meeting yesterday with Sheena and her mother Wanda to reserve her June 2008 wedding date in Rayne. They drove in from Lake Charles and of course it would be storming when they got here. It passed over before we were done, so all turned out well. Thanks again ladies, and I'm looking forward to working with you!!I was able to see Brittnie's wedding dress in some photos she sent me last night. What a beautiful dress, and she will look great in it!! Thanks Brittnie! I was supposed to go to Baton Rouge today to look for locations to shoot her bridals, but had a change of plans..if not this weekend, definitely one day next week.I received the prints for Holly's bridal photos yesterday. They came out great!!. I wish I could post them, but she asked if we could wait til the after the wedding date, which is October 13th.Of the many things the internet is great for, for me, it is a fantastic tool for reference and being able to view proofs in a hurry but I must say, holdi...
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Thursday Update
2007-08-16 14:42:00
Today, I will be meeting with another bride from the Lake Charles area for her wedding next year. If this trend continues, I'll have Lake Charles well represented in my portfolio. Thanks ladies!! Dates are being filled for next year as I type this. I'm getting lots of emails inquiring on dates, and I really appreciate your interest. I would recommend reserving your date as soon as possible. Dates are not deemed reserved until a deposit is received. Tomorrow, I'll be traveling to Baton Rouge to check out some locations to do bridals with Brittnie. I already have some ideas but am open to suggestions. Her wedding is set for October 20th. I'm looking forward to working with her.-Paul
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Matt's Party
2007-08-16 14:32:00
I had the pleasure of shooting Matt's 16th birthday party a couple of weeks ago. There was swimming, games, great food, and lots of friends and family. His mother, Connie hosted the party at their beautiful new home in Sunset. Happy Birthday Matt and many more to you!!
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Time Flies
2007-08-14 20:07:00
Today is the 2nd day of Michelle and I's pride and joy starting his junior year in high school. Homecoming dance, prom, getting his class ring at the end of the year. Remember those days? I sure do, just like it was yesterday. Time flies as it is, but with children, I think it goes faster. If you're a parent, I'm sure you can relate to what I'm saying. Good luck and make the best of it Ben. It will be over before you know it.
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Monday
2007-08-13 15:11:00
I hope everyone had a great weekend and was able to stay cool. I did some work on some photos most of the day Saturday, and yesterday helped my wife and Mom paint the laundry room/ my bathroom in the house. As much as I am a stickler for details with photos, I just can't do it with a paint brush, so they handled the trim work and did a beautiful job. Now with a roller in my hands, I'm pretty good with that, and that was my part. It's good to be back to work, and hopefully I'll be posting new photos soon. Thanks for visiting!!-Paul
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Holly's Bridals
2007-08-11 14:38:00
Per Holly's request, I will not be posting her photos until the wedding as she doesn't want everyone to see her dress before then. I will respect her wishes, but I can tell you a little about the session. Needless to say, it was HOT! We met at Acadian Village. Her Mother and maid of honor came with her. They were a tremendous help carrying things for me. Thank you ladies!! As for Holly, she looked great and was fantastic to work with! She is a ball of energy and the session was what I had expected; alot of fun!!-Paul
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August Heat
2007-08-09 14:49:00
Well, it looks like the "dog days" of summer are upon us. I was looking at the forecast last night and saw that for the next 8 days, very little chance of rain and temps above 95 every day!!Tomorrow is Holly's bridal session. I'm sure she is excited, and I'm looking forward to it as well. Check back soon, as I'm sure a couple of her photos will make it here!!-Paul
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To Say Thanks
2007-08-08 14:53:00
Today's update is just to say the past couple of weeks, has been pretty good. I hope that's a sign that I'm doing something right.I had the pleasure of meeting Crystal day before yesterday and we had a brief consultation which helped her decide that her search for a photographer was over. Thanks Crystal, I appreciate it and I am looking forward to working with you & Wilton. She's going to make a lovely bride!! Engagement photos are scheduled for early September so keep checking back!!In the past week and a half, I have booked 4 weddings. I would like to a moment to thank the brides I've worked with in the past, and the ones I am presently working with for allowing me to be a part of one of the happiest days of their lives. To any prospective future brides that are reading this, thank you for your interest and consideration. It's very humbling to read emails, comments, and get phone calls about how much someone loves my work. I love what I do, and hopefully the results show t...
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Christy
2007-08-07 14:54:00
Christy's photos hold a special place for me for various reasons. One of which being, she called me AFTER hiring another photographer (no names-shame on you Christy!! haha) had done her bridals and was, shall we say not happy with them. Our time frame was short to get the photos to the newspaper, but we managed to do it. She & Scott loved them, it was one of the most beautiful weddings I've had the pleasure of being a part of, and for that, I'm most grateful. I'm also quite proud of the photos they entrusted in me to capture for them. Here's a couple from her bridals, the rest of them, as well as their engagement and wedding photos can be viewed on the website. -Paul
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Elizabeth's Bridals
2007-08-05 22:17:00
Isn't it just like South Louisiana weather, for a beautiful, cloudless day to storm exactly where Elizabeth and I planned to shoot her bridal photos? She was having a horrible day before and the rain was the icing on the cake. Luckily, I had a plan B, and I think it worked out pretty well. She's a lovely bride in a stunning dress. I hope I captured that for her. Here are a couple from that shoot, the rest can be viewed on my website in Elizabeth's slideshow. Thanks Elizabeth, for the opportunity. The wedding is next!!-Paul
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Happy Times
2007-08-04 21:10:00
Holly came in to town Saturday morning and picked up her engagement photos. She was very happy with them. I love putting photos in the hands of an excited bride. I think I get just as excited as them. It also makes me very proud that it's because of my work & effort that they are excited. That kind of enthusiasm makes my job very rewarding. She visited with Michelle and I, going over the details of her & Justin's wedding. She's a real firecracker, and I'm looking forward to doing her bridals Friday!!-Paul
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Holly & Justin
2007-08-02 17:44:00
Holly & Justin drove in from Lake Charles to meet and book their wedding date with me. We scheduled their engagement photos on a Wednesday afternoon. We were supposed to her bridals this past Saturday but it stormed all afternoon. Luckily, we had rescheduled the day before. They were alot of fun and I'm looking forward to more fun with them!! I'm taking Holly's bridals next Friday, so check back!!-Paul
More About: Holly , Olly

Elizabeth & Nick
2007-08-02 17:09:00
I had the opportunity to meet Elizabeth & Nick for another wedding I worked (Ashley & Sean's) posted on the website. Shortly thereafter, Elizabeth called to book her wedding date, and it's quickly approaching. This is going to be a big wedding!! 8 bridesmaids, 8 groomsmen, 3 flower girls, and 1 ringbearer!! They're a wonderful couple and I'm looking forward to capturing some memories for them.I'm taking Elizabeth's bridals this Saturday, so keep checking back!!-Paul
More About: Beth

First Post
2007-08-01 21:21:00
This being my first post, I want to dedicate it to the love of my life, my gorgeous wife of 17 years, Michelle. Thank you for your never ending support and inspiration. I love you.-Paul
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