This blog is just a bit overdue. I proposed to Leslie Harding, my girlfriend of three years on December 16, 2009. Here is our story.
I guess before I take you right to the proposal night, I’ll give you a little history of about us. December 16th 2006, I was hired to shoot Brad & Rachel Bate’s wedding. I had zero connections with Rachel before I met her, after that night, things changed. Rachel and Brad are both from Arkansas, however not all of their wedding party was. They both attended Harding University in Searcy where Rachel met and became suite-mates with Leslie. Leslie was born in Texas, raised in Nashville Tennessee and only choose Harding because of the name. Just kidding. I think she decided to go to Harding because it’s a great school, either way…I’m sure glad that she did, because if she had gone anywhere else we may have never met each other. Leslie and Rachel were suite-mates for one year, and I guess they hit it off pretty good because when Rachel decided to get married in December, she asked Leslie if she would be a brides maid in her wedding. The story gets better I promise, and like I said I’m sure glad certain things happened the way they did.
So, December 16, 2006 my best friend and I were gearing up for what I thought was just another wedding. The day started off fairly normal, bridal prep, ceremony, formal pictures, and then the reception… this is when the night got a little different for me. Now when Leslie tells you the story, it started with the rehearsal. She spotted me the day before and in her words “had her eye on me”. Not to say that I didn’t even see her, but I wasn’t exactly there to pick up chicks. Haha. Those who know my fiance’ know she is a go-getter, and once again. I’m sure glad she is, because if she didn’t take the initiative that night to let me know she was interested, then I may have not written this blog post. Long story short, as the reception went on, Leslie and I talked in between shots. I gave her my number and it went from there. We dated long distance for two and a half years. While she lived in Nashville, then Memphis, and now here in Little Rock.
Proposal night: December 16, 2009 the date we first met 3 years ago. This took a little bit of sly workings because Leslie somehow always seems to know when I’m up to something. I did have help too. My friend Geoff Duncan drove up to take the photos and help with lighting the candles. Flynn Smith who worked inside the Pavilion in the Park helped me get in after hours and let me move some things around for the set up. Brad and Rachel had their reception here in the Pavilion in the Park, so I figured that would be a great place to do it. Geoff and I started setting up the candles and rose pedals while Leslie was still working. After she got off, I left to go pick her up. I told her I wanted to take her out to eat for our “anniversary” but first stop by “our place” for nostalgia and I also told her there was a geocache hidden there and we could try to find that. I planted a geocache with a fake ring, a love note, and a photo of us. After she found it and she was still in a state of confusion I brought her inside where the flowers and candles were ready. I did my thing and she said Yes of course!
We did a quick little photo shoot with Geoff, and then joined my entire family and some close friends who were waiting for us at dinner. Funny thing was, they thought I was throwing Leslie a surprise birthday party. Haha, so it was a very surprising evening. I guess that’s the way I roll when I propose. Thanks everyone for reading all of this. Enjoy the photos! Sorry ladies I’m off the market. -Leslie, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you, Eli.
During my first meeting with Lauren & Ryan they were both opposed to seeing each other before the Ceremony. After a few more meetings and some careful planning with their wonderful wedding planner Jessica Kersey, they were now both convinced that a “first look” would be best for their wedding, and I am so glad that they did. This was one of the most beautiful moments of their wedding. Lauren was glowing with excitement to see Ryan and her expression certainly said so. Ryan just about came to tears. I’m not going to say that every couple should do a “first look” for their wedding, but I really like the idea. It gives the bride and groom a chance to soak up the moment. The entire wedding day speeds by so fast. The first look is a quiet moment to embrace each other before the excitement of the rest of the day. Geoff Duncan was helping me shoot Lauren & Ryan’s wedding, we both had our long lenses on and stayed out of the way. We wanted to make sure we photographed the reactions just as the happened. The rest of the wedding was just as wonderful! Stay tuned and enjoy!
Saturday was Lauren and Ryan’s wedding day. I cannot wait to show off some of their wedding photos on the blog. Since Ryan has seen his bride and I don’t have to hide the Bridal Portraits anymore…here you go. Enjoy! Don’t forget to check back soon for the photos from the wedding.
Last weekend I had the unique opportunity to photograph the Rose family and their new addition, John. John’s is 4 months old and quite a character already. I had a really great time, such a good looking family and Baby John is one crazy cute baby. Enjoy!
Last weekend myself and a team of photographers worked together to give back to the community a little bit. We spent all morning setting up backdrops to take free family portraits for families in need. Here’s a time lapse video that was but together by Charlie Roberts, enjoy!
Okay so I decided not to wait for December 12th to get started with “Help Portrait”. I drove to Fayetteville to meet my new friend Geoff Duncan, he’s an awesome photographer in the Fayetteville area. He asked me if I would like to help out with some “Help Portraits” up there. I was more than happy to help out, plus I scheduled an engagement session for a couple that lives there, so they didn’t have to meet me half way. Geoff and I met up at the Elizabeth Richardson Center. This center does a lot more than I could explain in a blog, but basically it’s a center dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. We spent all day shooting portraits for each person in the center. It was so great getting to see how happy everyone was getting their portraits taken. Right now I am gearing up to shoot another set of “Help Portraits” with a team of photographers this weekend, so stay tuned for more photos. Enjoy!
Today was Veteran’s Day, a day set aside for us to remember and honor our veterans. A lot has changed in 233 years of our great nations life, but one thing is still the same. We still have many, many, freedoms that we should be thankful for. I had an opportunity to spend the day with the VFW Post 9095 here in Little Rock. I spent most of my time talking with Sergeant Major Clifford Burks of the U.S. Marine Corp. He spent 32 years serving our great nation and fought in three of America’s bloodiest wars. The Sgt. Major’s uniform was completely covered in metals and patches, two purple hearts and the highest ranking one can receive in the Marines. I was most impressed though, with the Sgt. Major’s memory. I can’t remember most of my early highschool, but Burks was recalling dates and names from his past like it was the alphabet. We sat and talked inside the post as we looked at the wall of photos in front of us. Hundreds of heros decorated from past duties. Burks has 2 daughters and 2 sons. Both sons served in the Military. Before dinner Burks prayed for the food and also lifted his grandson who is currently stationed in Iraq. I felt very welcomed from everyone at the post. Despite the memories of past wars and fallen brothers, the atmosphere was practically upbeat. I was also reminded that Veteran’s Day is only one day of the year and I should stop by more often.
Even though my grandfather, brother, and uncle all served in a branch of the military, I know that I’m guilty of taking for granted how great our country is due t0 the men and women that fight for our freedoms. Today was a wonderful reminder of that. I know that giving away a few portraits to the veterans and their families I met today was a tiny gift in comparison to what they have done for us, but I hope that these photos can bring a few smiles in the least. Here are just a few of my favorites. Enjoy, and the next veteran that you come in contact with, tell them thanks.
Eli
VFW Post 9095
Clifford Burkes
Sgt. Major Clifford Burkes U.S. Marine Corp
John D. Fee 173rd Airborn
Sgt. Bill Harris U.S. Marine Corp
Odell Strickland
Vietnam Vet
If anyone is interested in donating to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9095, you can contact Jim Smith at vfwpost9095@att.net
I first met Lauren at a wedding 3 years ago. It was her sister’s wedding. She was a bridesmaid and I was the videographer. I also met my girlfriend of 3 years at that wedding. It was a busy day for me. Who would have figured that Lauren would soon be getting married as well, and I would have a unique opportunity to take part in her family’s celebration again. There is one more sister in her family, the youngest. She’s not engaged yet. Third times the charm? Haha. Ryan and Lauren are a wonderful couple, constantly making each other laugh and playing around. The engagement session went by so fast. I was snapping away like crazy. I didn’t want to miss anything. The explosive laughter, the spontaneous kisses, the unexpected shoulder seat. They defiantly kept me on my toes. I can’t wait for the wedding in January! A lot has changed in my career since I first met Lauren three years ago, but one thing’s the same. I’m still having a lot of fun capturing couples in love. Enjoy the pics everyone and leave me some love. Congrats Lauren & Ryan!
Eli Murray Photography
Engagement Ring Photo
Look how great these two are together.
Engaged Couple Hugging
Engaged Couple Kissing
Here’s that really old phonebooth in Downtown Little Rock. Believe it or not, this was actually the first time I photographed it.
I’ve always really enjoyed taking family portraits. I love when I can just be in the background and capture the family as they interact together. Especially if I can meet the family at the setting of their choice. I know that if everyone is comfortable, the photos will show that. I met the Bratcher family at their backyard play gym. Little Jackson & Riley were right at home, I was just there snapping away with my camera. These were two of the most adorable siblings I’ve seen. I know that Mom and Dad will cherish these times forever, and I was honored that they asked me to photograph it. Here are just a few of my favorites from the day. Enjoy!
October was a very busy month for me. Lots of family portraits and engagement sessions, but the third weekend of October I traveled up to Nashville Tennessee to shoot a beautiful Fall Southern Wedding. It was a super simple outdoor ceremony with beautiful fall color accents. The trees were perfect this weekend and I had a great time using the bright oranges, reds, and greens to contrast the bridal whites. The wedding took place at the Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast. Congrats to the new couple, I wish you the best. Thanks for letting me be part of your wedding!
