Fariba & Shervin Scottsdale Persian Wedding!
So about 5 or 6 years ago, I photographed my first Persian Wedding at Boojum Tree in Scottsdale, AZ. I must have done a good job because since then, I have been sort of the unofficial Scottsdale AZ Persian Wedding Photographer! A lot of referrals came out of it! I have another one coming up this Fall!
Before I go any further, meet my crazy bridezilla! Look at how stressed she was! I was like, “Fariba, quit being such a stress case, this is the biggest day of your life!”, and she was all, “Hey Photographer, why you gotta be all up in my business!?”, and so I was like, “FINE!”…
;) (Oh, check out that dress, her mother made it for her! Awesome!)
And Shervin her fiance (at the time) was looking great in perfect Persian style. Oh and if you are wondering where we are at, this was a wedding hosted at Fariba’s parent’s place in beautiful Paradise Valley, AZ!
And now, lets see how the two look together…. not bad!
As usual, when I arrived the bride was getting “done up”, which is a really fun time to get some shots.
Fariba was all iced out on her wedding day. Beautiful jewelry!
I spotted this in her room. Vows… or something! I love seing foreign handwriting!
I love it when a bride and groom is willing to see each other before their wedding for photos. It takes a huge amount of stress out of the wedding day equation when we can get the posed stuff out of the way.
So Fariba decided to sneak attack Shervin from behind, I love this series…
Shervin’s mom commanded me to take a photo of Fariba’s eyes. I thought it was a good command!
Shervin and his mom
Fariba and her mom
They were not getting along. So sad! 
I think Fariba’s mom deserves a shot of her own, the whole fam photographs well!
Flower girl!
As a wedding photographer who has always fantasized about being a food photographer, I get the best of both worlds at Persian Weddings!
Candid shot of some guests, taking advantage of some fun indoor natural light
Well well, looky here, my bride and groom from 3 years ago! Alethea and Nima!
Some photographers HATE it when the guests are taking pictures with their point and shoot cameras. I see them complaining about this all the time on some forums I belong to. I actually love it. You get some great expressions out of people when they are taking photos! The Persians are very photo happy, which makes me happy, too.
They love being photographed, too!
Detail shot from the “alter”. I’ll tell you what this honey is for later!
Fariba and co. making the big walk!
Friends and family had their readings, some sang…
The ceremony is also a GREAT time too get photos of the guests!
Persian weddings are so cool! During the ceremony, they grind sugar over the heads of the bride and groom!
This is Fariba’s sister. I hope she hires me to shoot her wedding some day, she has some really cool tatts, too!
Cool candid shot of the flower girl
First kiss! (in Black and White)
And in Sepia!
And remember the honey? They seal their first kiss with a taste of honey! I wish I were Persian. That would be fun to do at my wedding! (which may be a while, I am obviously in no rush! Sorry mom!)
The other thing I love about Persian weddings is that they cheer and applaud at EVERYTHING. Most weddings are so QUIET. But I felt like I was at the SuperBowl at this wedding!
They also blow lots of kisses!
They even got cheers and applause when they signed the marriage license
Guess who this is? It’s Mona, whose wedding I photograph next November! Can’t wait!
OK check out this cake, the centerpiece of the home’s entryway
Cocktail hour was a blast to photograph
They invited a special guest to entertain during coctail hour!
That’s right! A belly dancer! So cool! I took a ton of photos.
Now for some details from the reception.
Nice when you can celebrate in your very own back yard!
Nice shot of Fariba and her Dad
Toasts
First Dance
Fariba and her Dad
Shervin and Mom
Party on!
Instead of a cheesy “money dance” where people line and pay for a dance with the bride and groom (ugh, I’ll bite my tongue!), the Persians just grab a wad of cash and throw it in the air! I walked away with a nice little bonus myself! (I’M JOKING!!!) 
Persians also love twirling brightly colored scarfs
I am pretty sure I remember this guy from Alethea’s wedding. He still has it!
Up high!
Anyway, I left that place with a HUGE HUGE smile on my face. That was the most fun I’ve had “at work” in a long time!! Congratulations you guys!
June 5, 2009 | 
(2) |
Denver Wedding, Brown Palace - Rory and Lauren
OK I am so far behind on my blogging! Sorry peeps, I’m currently juggling a lot of things these days!
But the other weekend I had a wedding that I will not forget! Rory and Lauren did it right at the Brown Palace. It was my first time shooting there, so it was especially fun. I love it when I get to shoot somewhere new. Doesn’t happen much anymore!
Check out the inside, very nice!
Just so you know who I’m talking about here, meet the ever-so-photogenic couple, Rory and Lauren
They actually got married at a really cool church in Downtown Denver, Trinity, right across the street from the Brown Palace, such a cool building! I’d like to learn more about the history behind it!
The first thing I saw when I went inside… beautiful!
Flowers were looking pretty amazing
I had to get a photo of Lauren’s hoodie - awesome!
Time to get into that dress. Look at those traps! I’m impressed!
She photographs well!
Flowers
Flower girl
The light was just ridiculous right there in front of the church! The ladies
Rory doesn’t photograph too bad, either. These two are going to have some good lookin kids and I hope to do their family photos someday!
I like this candid shot of he and his brother
Rory and mom
So the guys toasted their Bud Lights and Bud Light with Lime (my new fav) before the big walk…
Meanwhile, Lauren made some last minute touches
Back outside, we did some of my signature “smoochey-woo kissey wissey” shots! Always fun!
Inside, at the reception, on of our Cafiero Photographers Guestbooks. Always a big hit! Go ahead! Sign right on the pages! Those coil-bound guest books just don’t do it anymore.
the guests love it, too
Getting ready… again… before the celebration
We walked around the Brown Palace and got some very cool posed photos at the hotel.
Back at the reception, a great time to photograph guests!
First Dance
Father Daughter dance series
Mother Son dance
A VIP guest arrived casually late
Hey mister, you’re makin me nervous!
Love this shot of the girl who caught the bouquet!
Anyway, it was an awesome night, and thanks and congratulations to Rory and Lauren, for a perfect wedding day! Thanks so much for haviing me!
June 3, 2009 | (4) |
Castello di Modanella, Siena Italy Wedding!
This time last year I photographed two separate weddings at my favorite place in Italy, Castello di Modanella.
My old post got deleted so I am posting again, as I am getting more inquiries for wedding photography at the Castello!
Here were my bride and groom for the day! Meet Shannah and Matt! Shannah and Matt live in Switzerland. Matt’s family is from England.
It’s an old (1000 year old) castle amongst the rolling vineyards of Siena, Italy. Words cannot describe it. Truly spectacular property.
Bella!
Check out these other details from the Castello!
But we’ll go back to the day before the wedding. They had a rehearsal dinner in one of the Modanella houses. It was a beautiful Italian evening!
There were little jammers everywhere
…even a dog!
The next morning the adults made some espresso…
The kids made bubbles
Matt, the groom is a serious runner, so he and his guys ran a half-marathon in the AM. Look at that perfect form. Stay off your heels, Matt! (ha, like I know what I’m talking about!)
I like this shot of Matt and the guys, after their run. Look at those rolling vineyards!
Shannah and Matt had two wedding ceremonies: a Civil Ceremony in Siena Town Square, and then another ceremony in the Modanella Chapel. So Shannah had two dresses. Here’s the first, a little more casual.
I love dogs so I was happy to have an amigo to photograph!
Shannah getting ready
Empty beer bottles from the night before.. 
Matt had special shades for the AM.
I love this shot of the girls… at the Siena Town Square
Wedding #1 time
I loved Matt’s mom’s hat!
It’s official! I like the tourista’s checking them out! But of course we got lots without those distracting tourists!
Back at Modanella, I spotted Shanna’s car, nicely decorated
I can’t help but keep photographing the amazing scenery on the Modanella property.
Matt is ready for the 2nd wedding ceremony of the day.
Matt and the guys
Matt’s new father-in-law are instant friends.
Here comes Shanna’s 2nd Ceremony dress!
Bella Bella!
Love this series of Shannah!
I LOVED her flowers!
Awesome light for some getting-ready photos!
It’s about that time.
My favorite time to photograph wedding guests is always as they are getting seated!
You know it’s time for a wedding when the flower girls make their appearance!
And here comes the bride!
Cute little girls!
Mom’s got her ears on! Big trouble for little girls.
Matt’s mom and her hat
I love this shot coming out from the chapel
Welcome-to-the-family KISS from the new Mother in Law!
Let the celebration begin!
Group photo from the Castle Tower! It was beautiful but I was just slightly scared for my life climbing up!
Not a bad place for a reception, eh?
Shannah and her beautiful ladies
The dudes abide
Shannah!
Matt
I followed the new couple around for some shots.
They had guests from all over the world. This guy… I’m guessing Scotland.
OK ladies, ROLLERCOASTER!
Now you’re a tiger! RRRRRRGH!!!!
Modanella has their own wine from the vineyards and it is DELEGANT! That’s my own word, means Delicious and Elegant. Got it?
Not sure who this is, but love her hat.
These coins were a gift from their civil ceremony
At dinner. I love photographing people during the toasts, it’s the best time to get great candid expressions!
Father of the Bride gives a toast
Best man
What’s all the commotion?
Paper-airplane contest! Ummm is this a new wedding tradition that I don’t know about?
Time to cut some rug
And this has to be one of my favorite dance moves/facial expressions of all time!
Anyway I should wish Shannah and Matt a happy 1-year anniversary, as it’s about that time!
And thanks again to the wonderful folks at Castello di Modanella.
I loved shooting there so much that I have actually talked with Fabrizio, one of the managers about coming out to shoot exclusively for them for a wedding season. It’s been a while since having that conversation, but Fabrizio, I am still interested, let’s talk!
Here’s Fabrizio, he makes an amazing cappucino!
Stay tuned, on Thursday I hope to post the other wedding I photographed there, an Australian couple Louise and Oliver! Come back for more!
May 19, 2009 | (0) |
Trattoria Stella Denver - Will work for food
Last week I did a photo shoot for my favorite Italian Restaurant in Denver, Trattoria Stella. I have always wanted to get a food photography gig, so I was excited at the opportunity to shoot at Stella!
Warning: Please do not read this blog post on an empty stomach.
They have two locations, one in the Highlands on 32nd and Julian (right across from my house) and this one, on Colfax
The place was hoppin!
And the chef’s were awesome. You can tell they take ENORMOUS pride in their work. Every plate that went out looked AMAZING.
On special that night was the Sea Bass Mmmmm
I’m always a big fan of a big plate of spaghetti!
OR LASAGNA!!! Mmmm!!!
Not sure what this is, but yeah - I’d eat the HECK out of that.
How about a little dessert
Bread Pudding
OK I’m hungry. I gotta go!
May 18, 2009 | (0) |
Jami & Zach, Scottsdale Mariott!
I am a little behind on the blogging, sorry folks, I have been juggling about a million projects!
But this is a wedding I am soooo excited to blog! I loved Jami & Zach from the first consultation with them. I knew I wanted to shoot their wedding because I felt that they really trust me and wanted me to have my creative freedom. And sure enough on their wedding day, they wanted me to just “do your thing”, which, is the greatest thing a client can ever tell me. When I know that I can just shoot the way I love to shoot, you know you are going to get the best work out of me ever!
Also Jami is so dang thoughtful, she brought some Gourmet Doggie Treats for me to bring home to Gary!!! Thanks so much Jami! Gary LOVED them!
OK, photo time. We’ll start with an SOTC shot!
A little rewind to the beginning. Jami’s dress was awesome and fit her perfectly
I like watching girls put on make up. Have you ever noticed that when girls do their make up, even if it’s their mascara, they always pucker their lips? It’s a strange phenomenon! I remember watching my sisters do their makeup and puckering their lips like they are whistling.
So the Kentucky Derby was on that day. I personally don’t like horse racing. Call me sappy, but once I saw a horse fall during a race and they had to kill it, and well I just haven’t been able to watch it since… sort of ruined it for me but I do appreciate the excitement that this event puts into the air!
Another SOTC photo (Straight out of the camera - no photoshopping) of the shoes. I am starting to shoot more BW straight from the camera, too.
The girls were enjoying a little teh-kill-ya before the ceremony
Meanwhile Zach was in his room just trying to think straight!
Today’s the first day of the rest of your life, Zach!
Before you know it, Zach was cool and enjoying the scene in the Mariott cocktail lounge!
He photographs great in candid shots!
A little outside patio pool
Soon I made my way to the ceremony site as the guests arrived. My favorite part of weddings! It’s the best time to get candid shots of the guests!
Gone but never forgotten, Jami’s father was there in spirit…
Here comes the groom and the proud parental units.
Always fun to watch the groom as he waits for his bride!
Beautiful day for an outdoor wedding!
Happy bride
During the vows I caught the grandfather getting a little emotional. THIS is what I love about weddings.
This is kind of funny, it was too windy for matches, so they just pretended. Good thinking!
First kiss
Love it! Zach looks like he is really celebrating a victory.
Jami, her sister and mom!
Zach and his Best Man
Jami loves workin’ it for the camera. My kind of bride!
Zach’s a good lookin guy, too. Heres a good series that shows off his personality a bit!
Friendly Zach
Distinguished Zach
Zach, the negotiator
Zach, the uh…. inpirational speaker… who lives in a van, down by the river?
Proud Zach
Jami is just good and too cute for the camera
Groomsmen with their molestache’s
I love this backlit shot of the wedding party!
An SOTC shot of the girls, one of my fav’s ever and even better it’s Straight Out of the Camera!
During cocktail hour…
I caught one of the grandfather’s sizing up the engagement photo I took of Jami and Zach several months ago. He looks with a critical eye!
First dance
My favorite shot from the reception, Jami’s reaction as her sister gives a heartfelt toast.
Congrats you two and thanks again, that was such a great wedding and I had a BLAST!!!
May 16, 2009 | (2) |
Randonee Race Report: A Basin GRIND NEW COURSE RECORD!
That’s right folks, a new course record was set at the 2009 Marmot Grind at A-Basin. OK so it wasn’t me who set it… but there is always next year! Actually everyone there was super hardcore and competitive, so the fact that I stopped to take photos did not help my time or placement… but I was able to hang in there. Like I always say, I am happy as long as the people I am finishing next to are athletic-types.
I did have a personal record on the Grind. But then again it was my first time competing.
First if you don’t know what a Randonee race is, it’s very popular in Europe, typically a back-country ski race where you skin up a mountain, to a summit and then ski down.
Here is the course. Follow the red line up the right, over to the left and then down. Wew!
Before my oral surgery I was skinning up the Basin, training for this 2-3 days a week. Then the oral surgery totally whacked me out of my routine. But I raced anyway. It was awesome and a heck of a workout. The ski down was exciting, as my legs were totally shaky and burning.
Here’s the Start. I heart A-Basin.
If you look up, you can see a bunch of skis on the ground. The start of this race begins with competitors running in their ski boots about 100M to their skis. Then CLICK IN, and start grinding up the mtn.
Off we go! You can see the turnaround point! That’s where we peeled off our skins and skied down the East Wall. Looks so far away. Ughhhhh Actually that arrow might be slightly off. Kinda hard to tell from this perspective, but in that general area!
Getting Closer! If you look close you can see peeps grinding up the East wall towards North Pole.
Entryway towards North Pole. Are we there yet?
UP UP UP…. about an hour and a 15min at this point!
I love the scenery on this course!
After all that, I get to ski down a steep, frozen, crud shoot. Looking down at the turnaround.
My prize at the finish! mmmm Fat Tire. I was Tired.
It was an awesome experience. I was really kind of nervous about this. I knew it was going to be competitive and I knew it was going to take a lot out of me, but really I just wanted to finish with the pack, even if it was towards the back. I can’t wait to get into more competitive shape for next year. I plan on this being a new tradition for me!
May 6, 2009 | (2) |
World Pond Skimming Championships, Vail Colorado
Well this is a well-overdo blogpost and I keep saying that I am going to keep this blog “wedding photography ONLY”, but once again, I break the rules. Whatever!
So I have a lot of photos here. The main reason I went was to support my friend Jamie, er… SLASH… as he was competing this year!
For those who don’t know, Pond Skimmng is an awesome event where competitors dress up, ski down an approach, huck off a hit and try to land and “skim” across a frigid man-made pond!
I met up with the gang at the village. Jamie is getting focused. Notice how he supports SIXPEEPS on his helmet. Atta boy!
My favorite winter drink: Irish Car Bomb!!! Jordan and Margo are happy about this.
Margo was a little slow
After a quick trip to the make-up room, Jamie returns as SLASH, from Gun’s and Roses
(not bad!)
These fine-tuned focused athletes are registering for the race.
Here’s the approach, the kicker and the pond:
At first I thought this was a contestant, then I realized it was really just one of the competitor’s mom.
Even Big Foot is a huge fan of this event.
Lots of spectators! Lots of beer!
Now for the competitors. SLASH went almost LAST, but on Sixpeeps, he get’s to go first. See how I like to hook up my peeps?
I love his approach. Smokin’ a cigarette. Good touch.
Slash just flew in from Colorado Springs, and boy are his arms tired! Nice form, Slasher!
Landing looks good so far…..
Ahhhh! Poor Slash. He’s all wet. I always knew his hair was fake! TRUTH EXPOSED!
Strong work Slash! You get a 10 from me!
Now for the other contestants. One of my favorites: Michael Phelps!
What’s that, he’s skiing with???
GASP! It’s TRUE!
Cowboy in his Pajamas
Now there’s a hairy butt cheek. Sorry, children. Don’t look!
I believe I saw 4 female competitors and I was totally impressed with all of em!
Supermaing
This is a good series. Although I think I saw one too many men in female bating attire at this event…
I don’t remember this competitor, but I believe he was wearing a green wig
This pretty lady went the distance!
Don’t look too close at this one. Trust me.
Or this one.
Of course Obama competed. Personally I think, “too predictable”, but of course!
Another great series. Remember in Karate Kid, when he was a shower curtain? This is hilarious
This donkey was composed of two people. “Gutsiest move I ever saw, Mav.”
Uhm no, didn’t land that.
I enjoyed every mexican wrestler that competed.
Penguin
Made it!
Love the mexican wresters!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle! Where’s his pizza?
Nice landing!
yet another Mexican Wrestler
Cowgirl! YeeHaw!
Double Dare Contenstants
Old Dudes Rule. I agree. The Dude abides.
This guy wiped out hard and sent a tidal wave crashing over my two Canon EOS 1D Mark IIN’s! But they are tough cameras and kept on tickin!
His landing knocked the wind out of him pretty good. I know that when I die, I hope the last face that is looking at me is NOT wearing a rasta wig and hat. Thankfully he survived.
Braveheart
I like his facial expression in this series
Don’t look too close at this, either
Apres:
I can’t believe I let this drunk man handle my camera. Steve Havenar. YOU BETTER COMPETE NEXT YEAR!!!!! Steve was born to compete in this event.
Jordan Staci (my former bride and Jamie’s wife), Margo
My clients.
Mike Kienast does Blue Magnum with his Randy’s Diesel hat.
And these are just some “drunk chicks”. This specimen always like to be photographed from my experience. BTW my first entrepreneurial effort was photographing college parties. You know what they say, Do what you love. So I did. I kid you not, and GreekShots, Inc is still in business today.But now I am too old and we have other photographers who go to the events. I am much too MA-TURE for that now.
OK so I had to find some pics of “your’s truly from my first attempt at self employment. Here is the founder of GreekShots, hard at work. I couldn’t believe I was getting paid! Where’s my camera? I was such a work-a-holic (circa 1998)
A word to my wedding clients: uhm, this was a LONG LONG time ago. do not fret, I do not expect you will find me looking like either of these last two photos on your wedding day!
May 5, 2009 | (4) |
Published! Master Posing Guide by Bill Hurter
So today I came home from an awesome weekend in AZ and an awesome wedding with an even awesomer bride who actually sent me home with gourmet dog biscuits for Gary! How cool is THAT!
So yeah I got into my office and there’s one of those so familiar cardboard boxed on my desk. I knew immediately it was another Amherst Media book, by the wedding photography guru. Bill Hurter.
I always tell the story of how I was so inspired by one of Bill’s books about 6 years ago. I wanted SO BAD to someday be featured in one of his books. I eagerly submitted my best shots to the author. When I got his response, I just about cried because well, it seemed I had a lot to learn still about photography according to his feedback. But with some perfecting of my skills and some persistence, I mustered up enough guts to send another set in. And now, 6 year’s later, I am not featured in just one of his books, but I think this one makes my sixth!
Anyway, to the author, Bill, Thanks so much for all of your guidance, generosity and so much more. Finding your books with my photos in them will never get old. I get so giddy as I rip open the box, every time!
I am preparing another disk of fresh, new Cafiero Photo images for your next book!
I’m also writing a new article for Rangefinder Magazine that is going to really turn some wheels amongst the pro photographers out there, so stay tuned for that, too!
Off to bed I go!
May 4, 2009 | (2) |
Baby Cooper in tha HAYOUSE!!!
My youngest client in Cafiero Photo history came last week at just 11 DAYS old.
Cooper was so freakin’ TINY yet had so much expression and personality, it was really nuts. He was workin’ it for the camera, too.
Congrats to Amanda and Greg, my wedding clients from 3 years ago!
I’m shooting lots more babies and toddlers these days, it’s a ton of fun. So send your shorty over here for a photo shoot!
Meet Tiny:
Amanda, enjoying her first child!
Family Photo!
Major, their German Shepherd made it for the shoot.
Congrats Amanda and Greg, he’s awesome! Can’t wait to shoot his Senior Photos in about 18 years!
April 27, 2009 | (2) |
How to make a meat-a-ball
Well the Eggplant Parmesan was such a hit, that I thought I’d also show my peeps how to make a fantastico meat-a-ball.
Steppa one: First-a you gotta chop up-a tha garlic, a somma onion, and-a the pars (parlsey). (Come on, folks, just pretend you are hearing me speak in that exotic Italian accent)
Steppa two: In a large-a mixing bowl, put in the meat (aboudda pound-a grounda beef), somma eggs, the garlic and pars and onion that-a you chopped, anda bread-a-crumb. (aboudda cup or so). Don’t-a you dare use-a measuring cups, kapische? Do that and I’ll WHACK ya!
Steppa three: Mix with your hands (don’ forgetta to wash-a you hands, scumbag!), and roll into balls, larger than a golf-a ball and smaller than-a raquet ball.
Put into the oven for aboudda 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
Add to my signature tomato sauce and serve on rigatoni like-a dis. Maybe with some Italian Sausage (as pictured) Don’t you dare overcook your pasta or I’ll KILL ya! You hear me, ya RAT? Al Dente, or I’ll WHACK YA!
Stay tuned for my special Sunday Sauce recipe in another post… YA RAT!
April 21, 2009 | (1) |
