the future of brand photo & design

We have land! That's right, we'll be moving again (eventually). On July 5th we closed on 2 acres of land in Fishers, just behind the Super Target on 116th and I-69 (very close to our former office, for those who know us from that location). We're in the beginning process of the building design, but we are estimating a 6000 square foot space with 3 studios, changing rooms, full kitchen, our own offices, etc. Sammi will even have her own playroom! We should be in by September, 2008! We are so excited! Here are a few photos of the land.

dan and jane celebrate 25 years

I had the pleasure of capturing Dan and Jane Montgomery's 25th anniversary party on July 4th at the Indiana State Museum. What made it even more special was that it was a surprise party for Jane! Dan and his daughter, Christa, had been planning this party for over a year and through all of the invites and planning not one person had leaked the secret. It truly was a surprise! Dan had told Jane they were going to a movie premier but when they reached the top of the steps at the ISM they were greeted by their children, Christa and Wil! Then, as they walked inside they were greeted by over 50 of their close family and friends. After a short welcome by Dan, they had a brief vow renewal ceremony with their original best man and maid of honor. The party was capped off with an amazing view of the fireworks. What a night! Thank you so much Montgomerys for letting me be a part of your amazing evening! Congratulations!

the fake movie premier ticket

a little behind

Just a note to let you know we are a little behind on our blog! Dan had an anniversary party Wednesday, we had a wedding yesterday, and we had an out-of-town wedding today... We will catch you up in the next few days!!! Thanks for checking in! Have a great Sunday...

tom, wendy, noah, and emma

After the family reunion, my cousin Tom and his family, Wendy, Noah, and Emma stopped by our studio on their way back to Georgia. Tom owns Avid Design, an Interactive Communications company, in Norcross, GA. I've done several jobs with him all over the country. They are always a great time. Before they left I snapped a few photos of the family. Noah and Emma were unbelievable! I've never seen two kids so willing to have their photos taken! Here are a few from the impromptu photo shoot.

brand family reunion

Every year Dan's dad and his six siblings, their mom (our grandma), and all of their kids and grandkids get together for a reunion. Each year a game is planned by one of the seven siblings. Whoever wins the game plans the reunion and game for the following year. It's really neat & always fun to get together with everyone. This year we had about 65 people come to Fort Wayne. There were two parts to the game: 1=who can build the most durable, pretty, and fast boat out of cardboard and duct tape. 2=who can come up with the most unique ice cream flavor and be judged for best taste. We had to snap a few photos throughout the weekend & wanted to share some with you...

the boat race carrying four 5-gallon buckets...

cousin tom didn't quite make it!

oh well...at least brooke's team had a pretty boat!

dan's team didn't have the prettiest boat...

...but look at how durable it was!!!

preparing for the ice cream contest...

believe it or not, "THAI-SCREAM" won for best taste!

grandma (dan's mom) with samantha

grandpa (dan's dad) with samantha

a few of the kiddos...

kayla's story book

Kayla's Senior Photos are done and her online story book is ready to be viewed! She is so beautiful and we just loved working with her! Enjoy! www.brandphotodesign.com/kaylaalbum1

samantha is six months old

Our little Samantha! People always assume that we must have a million photos of her...but the truth is that when you take pictures for a living and do it day in and day out, sometimes its easy to procrastinate on taking your own family photos! So.....since Sammi will be six months old in about a week and a half, we "scheduled" a photo shoot for her today. Thank goodness for remote triggers (like a remote control for your camera so you can take the photo from across the room once you've set it up)! :) Sam was really really tired today. She's had several play dates this week and we also think she might have a tooth coming in. She got grumpy pretty fast (which is not like her at all) and took several naps today, so we'll be sure to take a few more next week if she's up for it.

And an update for you...she is crawling!!!! Yes, it's true. Not even six months old and getting around and about. It is definitely more like "army crawling" than actual crawling, but we had to set up our baby gates as soon as she started moving! Crazy! She especially likes to chase after the dogs and laughs at them. It seems like I just brought her home from the hospital. I can't believe how fast the time is flying by and how fast she is growing.

We're heading to the annual Brand Family Reunion this weekend in Fort Wayne...we'll be back on Monday! Have a great weekend!

max's story book

We finished Max's online story book! He is SUCH a cutie!!! We really enjoyed the photo shoot and also making the book. Enjoy! http://brandphotodesign.com/maxalbum1

the shroyer family

Last year we photographed Erin and Tom's wedding, and last Sunday they came into the studio with Erin's parents and her brother, his wife, and their two cute kiddos. Sarah and Zach's little one, Liam, was only a few weeks old at Erin and Tom's wedding last year, so he had changed quite a bit since we saw him last! Liam and Brady were so adorable and SO WELL BEHAVED!!!! The Shroyers/Archers are ALL really sweet and all really fun to work with. We also have to mention that Erin's dad, Butch, is a hoot! Very fun to be around. It was so nice to see you all! Thanks so much for coming in!