Jeff and Tess Summers' Wedding

Jeff and Tess Summers were married on July 18, 2009. They have a beautiful little baby boy named Wesley Ray that was born in October of 2008. The couple was married at the base of the Organ Mountains outside Las Cruces, New Mexico. The short ceremony was very quaint and personal. The reception was held at Tess' parents' home in Dona Ana. The whole day was as laid back and easy going as the lovely couple that tied the knot. It was a very fun shoot, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. On a side note, Tess is my sister. Maybe that's why I had so much fun. I love her very much and welcome Jeff into the family with open arms.

Mylan and Neomi Chavez's Reception and Portraits

Mylan and Neomi Chavez asked me to photograph their wedding reception in Las Cruces, NM on August 15. The couple was married a few months prior but wanted to throw a proper party for extended family and friends in celebration of them tying the knot. They are a beautiful couple and are truly in love. Mylan is a long-time friend of mine and I'm glad he found someone to share the rest of his life with. Good luck and best wishes to both of you!

Sports Photos

Here are some of my favorite sports photos. I have more but I'm waiting to get them off my old work computer. I'll update this album with more once I get them.

News and Feature Photos

Here's a few of my news and feature photos taken over the last few years. Some were taken while freelancing in Las Cruces, others while working for the Albuquerque Journal and the The Daily Times.

Embracing HIs Second Chance (multimedia)

This is a project I am especially proud of. My coworker, the lovely Alysa Landry, and myself just finished this in-depth look into the life of a Farmington teen who recently lost part of his leg in a motorcycle accident. On June 15, 2008, Zach Hefner, 19, was enjoying a Father's Day bike ride with his dad when a truck pulled out in front of them. His dad swerved around the truck but Zach collided with the vehicle going about 60 mph. His leg was nearly severed at the scene, he broke his arm and hip in numerous places and ruptured his spleen. The truck also rolled over his head, crushing many bones in his face. Two days after the crash, while recovering from emergency surgeries, Zach had his left foot removed. Since the near-death accident Zach has come a long way. He has made a successful recovery and is an inspiration to amputees everywhere. His strong will, laid-back view on life and positive attitude impresses everyone he comes in contact with. Alysa and I were especially moved, which fueled us to work our tails off and tell this kid's story in a deserving way. Meeting Zach is the only way to fully understand what a miracle he is. His personality and view on life is refreshing. I hope the slideshow I put together can illustrate, just a little, of what this young man is all about. Thank you for letting me into your life, Zach.

Click the link below and tell me what you think of the presentation. I hope you guys like it.

Zach Hefner: Embracing His Second Chance

Marcus and Jennie Williams' Wedding Ceremony

Now this was a cool gig. I was introduced to Marcus and Jennie Williams through some mutual friends. I actually didn't meet them until the day of their wedding. My friends recommended me to them and we set everything up over the phone. They too were on the ol' college budget, so they just wanted me for the wedding ceremony. It was a gorgeous day in May, set at the foothills of the Organ Mountains in Las Cruces, N.M. Short and sweet. Just like they wanted it. This couple is made for each other. Both were very sweet and extremely laid back. I'm glad I was able to meet them and hopefully give them some memorable images to look back on many years from now. Hope you like a few of the shots I assembled below.

Brent and Jackie Almond's Wedding

Here are photos from a wedding I shot last year. The newlyweds are Brent and Jackie Almond. The ceremony and reception were held at the San Juan Country Club in Farmington, New Mexico. Very cute couple, fun family and an all-around good time. This is the first wedding I've truly covered in the way I like to do weddings -- a documentary approach. I wish I could have spent even more time with them but as many young lovebirds are these days, they were on a tight budget. I was more than happy to work with them.
I had taken portraits of Jackie months earlier as a birthday present for her then boyfriend, Brent. Days after receiving his gift, Brent proposed. I don't want to take all the credit but I think my shots may have solidified Brent's thoughts of making her his wife. Who knows? As long as they're happy, right? Hope you enjoy the slideshow below.