Tracy Lawrence Concert

I hate my job. It's awful. Going back stage at concerts, hanging out on the tour buses of celebrities... it's terrible. haha KIDDING! My job r o c k s! I'm so happy to support Colorado Springs' favorite radio station: Cat Country 95.1. As I'm watching Tracy Lawrence interact with these super duper cute kids on his tour bus, I thought to myself, "Wow, I am so blessed!"

Today, Cat Country 95.1 held a fundraiser for a local Colorado Springs cancer center for kids: Childhood Hematology Oncology Associates (CHOA).

Tracy did a special meet and greet on his tour bus with one lucky family whose son is in remission of leukemia. As the station's official photographer, I was there to catch all the fun. Just a couple of favorites are below.

If you were lucky enough to attend this show or even meet Tracy, check back TOMORROW for a link to view your images and order prints from the show. All proceeds go to CHOA. And also, don't forget to email me with your number for a complimentary digital copy of your meet and greet photo.

Y'all remember Jim West?

Some of the crazy Cat staff! They're the best. :)

BIG Things Coming Up!

Hey Friends!

Just wanted to give you an quick update. If I were you, I'd keep an eye on renetate.com/renetateblog.com this week. Some exciting things up my sleeve for you!

Until then, watch this and s m i l e. This man is my hero.

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Pink Limo

Doesn't your mind go straight to Pepto Bismal? Mine does. Love that stuff. Never leave home without it. ;)

Sneak Peek!

Just a preview of what's to come in the the next few days........ :) :) :)

Britni and Ryan - She said yes!

It all began on I-15, Interstate 15, that is. I was trucking along on a road trip from Vegas to Malibu, most likely singing my best rendition of Cher's If I Could Turn Back Time when I got the call — Britni's call. 24 Hour Fitness, personal trainer Britni. She heard about me from another bride, LeAnne, and asked if I'd be interested in shooting her and Ryan's Cheyenne Mountain Resort wedding.

Both Ryan and Britni are personal trainers and have some of the most beautiful bodies I've ever seen. Not a soft spot on 'em! Though, I couldn't ignore the irony of how and with what Ryan proposed: ice cream. Yup, after the holiday season, it was their last hooray on sweet food before they started to "eat right." And as you may have guessed, Ryan hid the engagement ring in Britni's ice cream. Unfortunately, things didn't go according to plan:

haha I'm kidding! I couldn't resist, Ryan. :) Actually, everything went perfectly! But if you are curious about that X-Ray, it's a real story! Click here. Britni and Ryan were a hoot to photograph. Kind of slow to warm up, but as soon as I said, "Britni, make Ryan laugh," and she started dancing (see photo 4) it was easy from there. He was CRACKING UP at his cute fiancée. :) Anywho, without further ado... Britni and Ryan:

I get it.

Every bride is the prettiest bride I've ever seen. Every first dance is accompanied by the best song I've ever heard. At every reception I think, "It doesn't get any more fun than this!" And with every bride and groom I meet I think, "There is no one more perfect for one another than these two are for each other."
I know I'm in the right business.
I know I'm in the right business because I never get sick of Canon in D, nor do I ever resist the Electric Slide. I know I'm in the right business because I truly feel like I'm doing something worthwhile. I'm making a difference in the lives of others. I know I'm in the right business when every weekend I'm fighting back tears of overwhelming happiness. Whether it's Ali and Chris at the alter bowing their foreheads together in prayer, James' sister singing an Irish prayer to him and Alicia, or Meghan and Jason wildly jumping up and down, dancing and singing "I Want You to Want Me," and laughing hysterically — I cry. Every time I cry. I can't even begin to describe the undeniable joy that comes over me. And at the end of the night, after twelve grueling hours of crouching into unimaginable positions to get the perfect shot, I hug the parents of the bride and groom, who've adopted me as one of their own for the day, and say my thank yous; I load up my gear, drive home, and no matter how exhausted I am, I'm still unable to wipe the grin off my face and that's when I think, "I can't imagine doing anything else during this season of my life."
I get it.
I completely get it. I live for these moments. I live to capture these emotions and show people the light they exude.
Thank you to all of my brides, grooms, and parents for blessing me — blessing me with your trust, honesty, and candidness. Thank you for giving me the best "job" on the planet.

— With love,
René

Introducing: Meghan and Jason!

If I remember one thing about my first interaction with this couple, it is the way Jason looked at his bride. From our very first video iChat, I remember the way he looked over at her as she talked about their wedding and plastered on his face was the biggest grin I'd ever seen on a man. When Meghan first called to inquire about our services, I asked her to tell me a little bit more about themselves and with a giggle, she answered, "Well, we smile a lot," and she wasn't kidding! The joy they create together is contagious.

Greetings from Illinois! Jesie and I arrived this afternoon to the Chicago area for Meghan and Jason's stunning Jewish wedding. We've been in touch with these two for nearly a year and a half and their date is finally here! Never before have we met, with the exception of several video conferences. Today, was our first meeting, but it felt like our 50th! Approaching each other with joyful smiles and open arms we hugged like we'd hugged many times before.

We started off the day with a VERY well planned rehearsal and then headed off to downtown Normal, IL for a quick "get-to-know-you" shoot. With the wedding date less than 24 hours away we wanted to make sure to really get a handle on the personalities of these two incredible people. We only had 15 minutes to shoot before they jetted off to the rehearsal dinner, but it was quite possibly the EASIEST shoot we've ever had. Meghan and Jason are some of the most joyful people on this planet. They just LAUGH! And SMILE! Here's just a glimpse into the way they love each another...