Tina Bass Blogography » vintage wedding photography

Looking into the mirror

Tina — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:04:26 +0000

A little bit late, but here is my year-end reflection post. I don’t even know what to say-this year has been so much fun and crazy. I’m finishing up my second year and awaiting all the beautiful stories I will be able to tell with my camera for 2011. There are so many things I have in store for the business and I can’t wait to share with everyone, but before I can even discuss anything, I have to give a huge thank you to all of my clients and friends from 2010. Thank you so much for trusting me to be your story teller, for having patience with me since it’s only me who runs the show, for sending me messages that melt my heart. I went through such an emotional journey this year and I’m learning new things about myself all the time.I kind of feel like I’m at an awards show right now, especially since I am going to be thanking my husband pretty soon, haha.

So, thank you Jimmy for you letting me cry, sharing in my joy, and being patient with me because I can’t order my thoughts the way you do. Thanks for coming to weddings with me and being such a an amazing man, friend, and partner.

There are so many things I have in store for next year, some personal and some you will see on this blog and my website. I know people do resolutions and never keep them, but I have some clear goals and I intend to hustle and push to make it happen. But, the heart of my work will always be the same. I hope everyone had a great 2010, but if not, here’s to a new year that can only bring new hope and possibilities. I am so excited to see what the new year brings for some of my amazing clients from last year. I’m horrible at picking images, so here are some random shots that I love and some I even forgot I took!

{married!} Elicia & Greg

Tina — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:01:25 +0000

I have never seen a happier groom! In every picture Greg has this huge grin on his face and can you blame him? Elicia is not only gorgeous, but also so sweet and funny. Elicia contacted me so long ago to shoot her wedding and I can’t believe her wedding just passed-time flies by! It seems like 2010 has been one big blur and 2011 is pushing it’s way in.

So, I had many firsts for this wedding. I have never had a bride ask me to blow on her face to stop her from crying. Haha. It was just me and Elicia in the room and I think I gave her this look that said “REALLY?!” I just didn’t want to traumatize her! We got to hang out on a parking lot to take some formals-which was awesome. Oh! And it was 10.10.10 on the day of their wedding! If you believe in superstition, the day is supposed to bring a lot of good luck to those who get married on the day. While that extra security is nice, I don’t think Elicia and Greg need any luck, because they have all they need and are so wonderful together. You two are amazing and I am so glad I got to be a part of your day.

{married!} Cassidy & Matthew

Tina — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:21:23 +0000

Sometimes when I post a wedding session, I go back and check out the engagement session. I still have the same feelings as I did from their session. I will not be apologizing for any sun flair in any of these images. LOVE it. Also, Cassidy is probably one of my most enthusiastic brides when it comes to sun flare. It’s not something I knew I really did, until a few people pointed it out to me. Now, I am always on the look out for some. The weather cooperated and blessed Cassidy and Matthew with no rain, but beautiful golden light was aplenty.

One of things Cassidy had told me regarding her wedding was that it was going to be simple and sweet. I couldn’t blame her, because not only did they have a wedding to plan, but also a Bar exam to take a few months before the big day. I would have totally spazzed out, but obviously Cassidy and Matthew are way more organized and bad ass than I am. Major props are going your way-everything was absolutely amazing. I love how weddings match each of my couples. I loved the elegance of the Mansion on the Selby gardens property and the beautiful, lush greenery backdropping the day’s events. Everyone was so welcoming and excited. I love feeling that buzz that everyone gets right before the ceremony. You can’t help but absorb that anticipation.

I know you two will have a fabulous time in Maui! Take tons of pictures and enjoy your time away from wedding planning and exams (all done!!) I know you two will have a glorious marriage.

{married!} Leidy & Hernan

Tina — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 01:55:40 +0000

Grey. Cloudy. Me praying in the car that it will not rain. Actually, I was just willing it not to rain, acting like it wasn’t even in my radar . Is that a cloud? Nope? Is it kind of dark? Eh, I’ve seen worse. Well, it worked. I think it rained, maybe, but I couldn’t be sure because the wedding ended up being too awesome and Leidy and Hernan were too amazing looking for any grey clouds or rain to ruin their day. It always feels so surreal meeting a couple for their engagement and hanging out months before the wedding, thinking we have so many months and so much time until the big day and *BAM* I’m waking up one morning preparing for the day. I always have this vision in my head of us screaming when we see each other and going “Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! The day is heeeeerrrrreeee!!” I am apparently pretty obnoxious in my head, but I will admit it is all very subtle and I’m very professional, but inside I am jumping like a little girl, because marriage is awesome and such a big deal and I am truly happy for all my clients who are taking the big plunge, especially Leidy and Hernan.

Gorgeous, gorgeous couple. I had such a great time at the wedding and everyone was just happy and laughing. I have to say, I saw some of the best dancing at this reception. I was waiting for some awesome coordinated dance number to break out and I would not have been phased. It would of been a normal moment for a reception that had the best dancers. You guys have such a wonderful family and I hope to see you two on the other end of my camera again. I know Hernan will be practicing!

{married} Becky & Jason

Tina — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:22:32 +0000

Becky! Jason! You two are just the most wonderful people who really make me appreciate what I do. This is love-pure and simple. I asked Jason when I saw him at the church if he was excited and the smile that graced his face just made me melt-he was absolutely ready to make Becky his wife. During the ceremony, Everyone bowed their heads for a prayer and as Becky held onto her father’s arm I saw her take a little peek at Jason and she just radiated love and contentment. How can I not love my job? I have to say something about Becky-I LOVE her e-mails. Her joy is so infectious when she writes and I always look forward to popping open her e-mails. Also, you two have such sweet families! I felt like I was a little part of them for the day. From hugs, to jokes, to rambunctious dad dances-I was there for it all.

I know you two will have a wonderful marriage and hope to see you again when your love grows from just the two of you to something much more.

{in love} Jesette & Michael

Tina — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:53:26 +0000

Okay, so there is definitely a mega-post alert on this one. What can I say about Jesette and Mike? You two are just so sweet and kind. I had so much fun just hanging out and taking some pictures of you two. The locations were nothing short of spectacular. We headed over to Vizcaya museum and Gardens for the first part of the shoot-wow! I had never been there and I was just blown away. Absolutely beautiful. Of course, whenever I come to Miami I manage to find my way to Bill Baggs and get some shots there

Thank you so much for trusting me in taking these images for you two and also for your wedding day. There are couples that you just click with and feel so lucky to know. Also, Jesette, love your family! Dinner was so much fun and I love getting to know what my couples are like outside of the wedding stuff.I just felt the love from everyone on saturday. The way Mike looks at Jesette and is so tender with her. Jesette’s pet names for mike are adorable and just fit. Gah, I think i’ll just keep gushing about you guys! So, I’m just gonna get into the pictures now…

{weddings} Sara & Daniel

Tina — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:03:18 +0000

Yesterday, Sara and Daniel hung out with me for their wedding. No big deal! Haha. Seriously, I am just glad it was sunny and beautiful! When we got together for their engagement session, I was joking about how we’re on the beach, but it looks like Seattle. Overcast days can be great when you are a photographer ( no harsh lights and blown highlights), but I’ll take the sun any day.

You two were so much fun. It’s such a blessing to get couples who are getting married for the right reasons and are in synch with each other. You can’t fake Sara’s smile when she looks at Daniel. Also, thanks for picking me as your photographer! And , I didn’t get that one dude’s name, but tell him thanks for being on underwear watch to make sure I didn’t flash anyone while I was hanging out on the floor taking pictures. Yeah, I’m that kind of photographer.

Oh, and I almost forgot to add-I got married at the same place! Jimmy and I had our ceremony outside at Eastlake Woodlands country club. We also had the same colors! See, you’re in synch with your photographer as well! You were drawn to me for a reason

{wedding} Victoria & Joseph

Tina — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:13:44 +0000

So, I have no one to blame but myself for this super long post. While culling photos for the blog, I couldn’t stop picking out images. I’m all “That one is nice!” or “oooh, I really like this!” and then all of the sudden I have the post that is a total monster! Cue dramatic chipmunk music. But really, I can’t take all the blame. Look at Victoria and Joseph. Look at their stupid faces! Ugh, total cuteness overload. You guys, seriously, don’t ever tone it down. When you have kids, call me. But, I think my camera will explode from the adorableness you two will produce.

So, to say I was excited to photograph this wedding is an understatement. Victoria found me through another fabulous bride (Odalys!) and on our first phone conversation it was like two giggly girls talking instead of a serious esteemed wedding photographer and a discriminating bride. I think maybe I always sound like a giggly girl on the phone. So, we do the engagement shoot and I was just blown away by these two. Joseph, the way you look at Victoria. It’s just a beautiful thing to witness. The wedding was no different. The huge smiles these two had when they saw each other at the church, it was just breathtaking. this is why I do what I do. I will say, I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to photograph beautiful people who are genuinely in love. What i am writing right now could really be written for any of my couples.

I love the details of the day. Just sweet little touches. Also, Victoria wore her mother’s wedding dress. When she first told me that was what she was going to do, I just about cried. What a sweet way to honor you mother on your wedding day.

So, I end my ramble with a little excerpt from their wedding program that I absolutely love and believe:

“we hope and pray, whatever your beliefs, and however strong your faith, you walk away today knowing how real love is. It does not exist for only a small few, but it is intended as a gift for all humanity. The only catch is to believe you are deserving of it, because love is what we are all created for.”

Indeed.

{love} Kathy & leo | Bradenton Engagement Session

Tina — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:32:35 +0000

Yesterday was one experience wrapped up in another. Kathy and Leo made there way to Tampa for their engagement session. So, prior to this session Kathy asked me if I’d be willing to do horseback session. Sure! Why not? I jump at the chance to do anything that may be a little out of my comfort zone or would make for some unique pictures. It ended up being so much more fun than my last experience on a horse (scary!) and I’m glad to report we made it out alive!

Kathy also wore this fabulous wedding gown her mom made for her, but won’t be able to wear it for her actual wedding day. You guys were so much fun to hang out with yesterday! I laughed so hard and I really hope you guys are okay with having a total dork as your wedding photographer. I fell on my butt, got hooked by a tree, couldn’t get on my horse because of my skinny jeans, and stepped on sand spurs-barefoot. It’s all in a days work! I really should have another photographer follow me around and capture my nerdiness, but those would probably be blackmail pictures! My viewpoint! So scared!!

{love} Elicia & Greg

Tina — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:20:13 +0000

First time shooting in downtown Tampa and I loved it! I feel like there were so many different elements to this shoot and it just makes me want to squish every single image to my heart. Of course, Elicia and Greg totally make these images even more special and awesome. Elicia booked me over the phone since she resides in Kentucky currently and it always makes me nervous when I book people without meeting them first. It’s not the couple, it’s totally me and my anxieties about me, I guess. I mean, I hope all my clients like me! Haha. It’s like being the nerdy kid and hoping the first day of freshman year goes okay and you make at least one friend. I don’t think that feeling will ever go away for me. As soon as I met up with the two on saturday, I knew they were absolutely amazing and fun! They are so adorable! I had a great time just talking about every day things, goofing off, and talking about our dogs. I always have an extra soft spot for dog owners and extra points for owners of dogs that bear a resemblance to my own little Pebbles

So, yeah, not only did I leave my lens cap in a bookstore and went back to get it like a doofus, I also accidently left my extra flash on the ground. I realized immediately, of course, but…BAH! I am still the reigning Mr.Magoo photographer. Also, I was so bummed that it was such an overcast day (happy the rain went away before the shoot, though…huzzah!) But, then it was like zeus parted the clouds and for 10 minutes I had the most amazing golden light to work with. Thank you Greg for taking us to that one weirdo place with grass to take impromptu pictures. Thank you powers that be for bringing out the sun!