It’s a testament to the force of romantic notions (and some people’s drive to get a free dinner and open bar) that I’m still blessed with subjects that are truly having the time of their lives. Maybe love is all you need. Well, love and a whole lot of talcum powder.

With the exception of a slightly-rattled flowergirl, Anna + Adam and all of their guests reacted in the best way possible, laughing at the wet turn of events and their devastated ‘dos. Five minutes later, Mother Nature having had her laugh and Godzilla safely back in the woods, the chairs were dried off and love took center stage.

P.S. Yes, I know I this is a Photoshop travesty but my geek friends should just move along.

Lo and behold, I opened up The New York Times Magazine this Sunday, expecting to see some decent celebrity portraiture with, ultimately, little nutritional value. Then, I see this essay on Jeff Bridges by Peter van Agtmael, nine days, nine freaking days, following Lloyd’s son as he navigates the trail leading to a possible Oscar for his film, “Crazy Heart.” That’s cool enough, no one does picture stories like this anymore. But, but then I see this image or Mr. Bridges. This photograph kicks more photo-ass than any I’ve seen in a long time. This is a Chuck Norris roundhouse. And, it’s real, organic. It’s not a portrait. It’s not staged. It’s not a composite. It’s not yet more Photoshop sleight of hand. Yet, somehow, it has everything. I would have required a diaper had I seen this moment in front of my camera. I applaud Mr. van Agtmael for for keeping his cool and, more so, for his substantial and absorbing work. He pushes light and pixels farther than they probably want to go.

It’s been a couple of decades since I’ve had a puppy and my son is 9 so, naturally, I forgot what a challenge the first few weeks could be like with a very dependent creature. Throw in about 2 feet of snow, 2 kittens and a household that is, shall we say, unaccustomed to the way of the dog and you can easily imagine the sitcomesque possibilities. Some might say we’re about one goldfish short of “Jersey Shore”. Not me, I think it’s 2 goldfish and a rabid hamster until someone gets hurt.

Nevertheless, Mickie is settling in nicely. Our cats, Sueño (aka Clooney) and Miss Mittens the Avenger, who are ridiculously affectionate, have warmed quickly to Mickie. So happy for any kind of attention, Sueño gladly rolls over and allows Mickie to chew on him. If puppies and kittens can get along so well, I have to think there’s hope for us all.

Now that it’s warmed up to 10 degrees, I’m going to Nanook up and go for a walk with Mickie all the while cajoling her to poop or walk in a absurdly sing-song voice and love every minute of it.

BTW, if you’re in the market for a pooch of your own, I highly recommend Mickie’s breeder, eSchnoodles, in Caledonia, Minnesota. Good folk who make good dogs.

It is a high honor to be chosen to photograph a life event such as a wedding. To be hired by the same family a second time for a daughter’s wedding means even more. I photographed the wedding of Andy + Lindsey (Amy’s equally lovely sister) in ‘08. In fact, the couples reversed roles serving as best man and maid of honor in the other’s wedding. Only one thing would make Amy and Lindsey even more perfect, if that’s possible? If they had more sisters.

New slideshow here thanks to the ProPhoto creators. Just click on the image to move forward.