Monday 28 May 2012

Having A Field Day...

So, this past weekend, we were at Rookery Hall shooting a gorgeous wedding for Chris + Claire... remember them?  Anyway, it was amazing, and so full of beauty that I can't wait to share with you!  In the meantime, though, I thought that I would just give you something to get you excited!  OMG.
gorgeous english countryside wedding by STUDIO 1208
Congrats you two, and thank you SO much for having us!!

xx
Maria

Wednesday 23 May 2012

The Most Special Olympians...

A few weeks ago, I was honored with being asked to spend a training session with Gymnasts that represent Great Britain in the Special Olympics - also known as the National Disabilities Display Team.  It was one of the coolest things I have ever done in my career, and brought back fond memories of my own years of involvement in gymnastics.

They train extremely hard - hailing from clubs all over the country, they are only able to meet up once a month as a full team.  Some of the team have been competing for Britain for as many as 16 years!  The tough thing, is that there is hardly any funding for these programs - the parents and coaches of these athletes donate countless hours and spend bucketloads of cash to keep the team afloat.  The sanction doesn't have as much public attention as the Paralympic Games, and so it is much harder (monetarily) to keep the program strong.  Without sponsorship, they go all over the world to compete for Britain on their own dime!

I was so inspired by these athletes.  I was in awe of their skill level.  Their determination, precision, and of course, their fun-loving attitudes and hilarious jokes.  It was a laugh a minute in that gym!  I am really looking forward to being a part of the documentation of this program, and am so thankful to the coaches, gymnasts, parents, and everyone at CAMM Street Gym for inviting me in!

British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
How amazing are they?!  Also, a huge congratulations to the Team Gym team, who just after my visit placed first at the Nationals!!  Again, thank you to the team, the coaches and the parents for inviting me into your world!

xx
Maria

Monday 21 May 2012

On The Wings of Love...

You remember Clare and Simon's sneak peek?   Well, here is the full story!  See, Simon is a pilot and Clare, well, she is a flight attendant.   I know, right?!  Amazing.  These two got together while all the planes were grounded because of the Volcano...both stranded, and both about to meet the love of their lives.  A simple internet comment, and 14-hour phone call, a lengthy car ride, and the meeting that changed their lives.  They get married in just under a month.

vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
vintage airplane styled engagement shoot by STUDIO 1208
I want to say a huge thank you to Andrea Ellison for having me come along on this fun shoot - I really enjoy working with her, and she is such a major talent!  Also, a huge thank you to Simon and Clare for letting me tag along, to Martin at Keen Air for allowing us to shoot his planes and in his hangar, and last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you to the (enter Scouse accent here) AMAZIN'  Hannah Jones, who did Clare's hair and makeup!

Best to Clare and Simon on your big day!!

xx
Maria