Sorbello Wedding

MK and I did the wedding of Christina and Don last Friday. We started the day at Belhurst and finished at Ventosa Vineyard with a fireworks display overlooking Seneca Lake. Christina's late father left behind a 1970s Lincoln that he restored, which was one of the focal points of the wedding. Christina's shoes matched the powder blue Lincoln which they used as their chariot for the day. Here are a few photos and a video of the day.

Birthday Tradition Takes Flight

Today is my wife Sue's birthday. It's her second birthday without her twin sister Sandi, who was tragically taken from us in November of 2007. Last year was very difficult for Sue, being the first time having a birthday all to herself. This year was a little easier as we learn to celebrate Sandi's memory instead of ache for the loss. A few months ago we bought a few backyard hot air balloons that are about 3 feet tall and have a pad at the base that burns for a few minutes to generate the heat for the lift. We lit two of them to celebrate Sue's birthday and Sandi's memory. We lit the first one which had a 15 foot piece of fishing line tied to it. As it took flight we handed it to Sarah to hold so we could light the second one. I think Sandi was with us because before we could get the second balloon ready, the first one was out of Sarah's hands and heading quickly up and over the trees behind our house. The breeze took it directly toward Woodlawn Cemetery where Sandi now rests. I watched the balloon as long as I could. It definitely made it far enough to pass directly over Sandi. They don't burn for too long, so I'd like to believe it came to rest right next to her. If by chance it landed in the road and made you come to a screeching halt, I sincerely apologize. After the balloon was out of sight, we launched the second one which we tied to a wagon. We stood and watched in silence as we heard coyotes howling in the distance. It was one of those surreal moments in life. We plan to get more of them and make it a yearly tradition. Happy Birthday Sue and Sandi. We love you both.

The Senior Experience

The Chesler experience from Mark Lee on Vimeo.

Water Ski Slideshow

Water Ski Championships

I spent the past two days photographing the Eastern Regional Water ski Championships at Hidden Pass Pond in Penfield. There are water skiers from across the U.S., mostly from Virginia north to Maine, competing against each other in Slalom, Jumping and Tricks. The talent level is amazing, as well as the age range, from 7 through 70+. I will be there for the next two days as well. The pond is off 441, 1 mile east of 250 if anyone wants to see some great competition.

Move Over Jeff Gordon

I had a great day with the family today at The Club House Fun Center in Henrietta. Cade got to drive his own Go-Kart for the first time and he was on a mission, passing everything in sight. I think he's found his calling. Sarah was just content being in a pinkish-purple car. She also managed to get the pink ball for mini-golf. She's such a girl, but she's my little girl. Oh, and don't let the picture fool you, I let Sue win.

Best Processional Ever!

Sunday Paper

For the next 10 Sundays, we will be running ads in the Daily Messenger with various specials, events and promotions. For the remainder of the summer, the ads will be focusing (pun intended) on senior portraits. Here is today's ad just in case you missed it in the paper.

Brian and Jenn

I had a wedding today at Shadow Lake in Penfield, with the help of Rochester photographer Shone Rowley. We had a good day with Brian and Jenn, dodging severe thunderstorms that apparently spawned a tornado in the Batavia area. When the storms did finally come through, the tent we were in was not very much comfort. There I was holding a big metal camera standing under a cloth covered lightning rod. At one point the rain was so hard, I had to put my camera bags on a table because the water was flowing in to the tent like a river. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful wedding ceremony on the point jutting out in to the small lake. The ceremony was performed by fellow fly fisherman Brian Pitre. He was ordained specifically to perform this ceremony.

Stacy and Jim TTD

After much planning, Stacy finally had her long anticipated Trash the Dress Session. Or should I saw TTD Part 1. We're still planning on doing a really cool hockey themed shoot this winter. Yesterday we started the day in Rochester north of the Inner Loop on Clinton. We found some really cool murals up there. We then headed downtown to try and find the old subway tunnel. We found it but were not able to gain access, so we headed over to the Dinosaur BBQ for lunch. The Dinosaur is a Rochester tradition. I've also eaten at the one in Syracuse. Both are very highly recommended.

After lunch we drove down to Dansville to Stony Brook State Park. At the entrance was a sign with the water temperature in the creek. 56 Degrees!!! I'm not a big fan of cold water without my waders. Fortunately for me I brought them. Unfortunately, a downpour occurred while we were on the gorge trail so the cameras got to enjoy my waders instead of me. Once I was in the water, my feet warmed up surprisingly fast. I can't say the same for Stacy who was way more submerged than I was. We had to shoot in short bursts so she wouldn't get hypothermia. She was a true sport agreeing to anything I asked her to do, including leaning in to one of the waterfalls. Can't wait for the next shoot.