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I finally got around to setting up the seamless paper and managed to tire out Razi enough that was quickly snoring away.  I literally can’t get over how amazing our little anatolian shepherd puppy is.  We found out a weeks back that he actually likes to play fetch, which is a rarity for anatolians and their classic “i’m too cool for stupid dog tricks” demeanor.  One of the neighbors tossed a tennis ball his way, and he was hooked.  Behold, the curly tail in all its glory!  This is Razi at 11 weeks and 35 pounds.

I want to share with you guys something different, something special, something friggin rad! My Anatolian Shepherd Puppy, Razi.    Razi is short for Terazi (which means ‘libra’ in Turkish). He’s a turkish dog and was born oct 1st.  I’m a libra as well.  So it just made sense He’s the 11th dog of the litter and was born 10-1-11.  Pretty cool, eh?
We picked him up from Siginak Anatolians in Napa, California after wonders Nick and Kim called me to let me know last minute that they had a little monster that was going to go to a breeder in florida but was passed up on last minute because he was a little wobbly and deemed not show dog material.   I hopped  in the car the following sunday at 3am to beat the Thanksgiving weekend traffic and drove for the next 6 hours through the thickest, eeriest pea soup fog i’ve ever experienced.  We arrived in Napa at the breeders’ ranch around 1pm, and I got to experience a rarity that very few can claim to have witnessed:  An anatolian puppy stampede!    So friggin cute and, unlike most puppies that are spastic licking machines, these little puhppies ran up, gave me a few select kisses and ‘oh hai’s’ and were quickly on their way exploring the property.  All the while, their mom stood by with a big smile on her face, not at all worried about this new person that was with her puppies.  Anatolians are outstanding judges of character and have been bred to discern a threat in a heartbeat. Some even say they can hear things before they happen. In either case, Razi’s momma ‘Inci’, greeted me with a waggling butt and literally twisted into a pretzel when I get her some much needed butt scratchies.   After having chomped on some tacos and drank some kick butt ‘cellar wine’ (cheap wine in Napa is awesome by normal standards), we went out to pick up Razi and say our goodbyes. First, I can’t express enough how different our experience was with Nick and Kim of Siginak Anatolians compared to my stereotypical conception of buying a puppy from a breeder.  They made sure we were a good match for an Anatolian, invited us to lunch that in their own home, and really, really, really are in love with their dogs.  Nick had a super hard time saying bye to Razi (who we referred to as ‘Mr.Black’ until I was struck my a moment of inspiration of came up with his name).  He had really bonded with this tiny creature only 8 weeks old.  I knew right there that these were precious dogs to them and assured Nick that Mr.Black was in good hands.   Razi a.k.a. Mr.Black, had a picture-perfect Disney moment when it came time to say goodbye to his momma ‘Inci’.  She could tell that we were adopting her little boy, and started to walk away and distance herself from him–all the while Razi followed her and tugged on her tail.  It was heart-breaking to watch. But she came around for a few last goodbye snuggles with Razi and even inspected my car to make sure it was safe for her puppy.  Twelve hours later, we were back in San Diego with our ‘little man’, who literally was the most well-behaved and calm puppy i’ve ever seen–especially for a 10 hour car ride home through crazy traffic.  Razi was 20.9lbs November 28th when we took him home at 8 weeks of age.  The tiny ‘little man’ that took to sleeping under our couch has since shot up to a surprising 52lbs of squiggly-tailed gloriousness!  Gone is the wobbliness, and I’m positive that Razi is going to outshine everyone’s expectations.
I literally can’t put my camera down when it comes to Razi.  He has surprisingly cat-like mannerisms with how he ‘stalks’ other dogs in the dog park, and pounces on ice cubes.  Chopper, old adult anatolian, has since taken Razi under his wings and has even been caught spooning with the little guy.  On several occasions, I found myself literally at a loss for words at the uber-cuteness when Razi snuggles with Chopper.  Definitely keep an eye out for tons of san diego dog photography of all of Razi and Chopper’s adventures.

I was inspired by my girlfriends recent trip to Inga Bezio Salon and took these quick snapshots in the loft.  Not bad for using the ambient lighting in our bathroom eh? Definitely pay Inga a visit if you’re in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Laura and Bill got married in Our Lady of the Rosary in Little Italy.  It’s ceilings adorned with scenes from the Bible lent a gravity to their ceremony that made it all the more richly meaningful to the couple.   Some of my favorite moments are right after the ceremony when the couple is let out into the world as man and wife.  The intensity of Laura’s gaze at Bill was just an incredible sight to see.  You could literally see all the emotions and passion of their relationship together culminate in her eyes.  She let her ineffable gaze do the talking.

Not many couples can claim to have been forced to walk the plank by pirates at the their wedding, but Laura and Bill can chalk this up to one of the many hilarious highlights of their special day.  Apparently their was a pirate ship tour near the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina where the couple had their wedding reception, and these guys were all-too willing to embellish their roles as they Yarrrrred the wedding party down the plank…

I always love hearing the emotionally charged and often gut-wrenchingly hilarious speeches, and this wedding was no exception.  I seriously wish I had a recording of Bill’s best man’s speech, because I think nearly everyone peed their pants at the jokes and wise-cracks he told about growing up with Bill and the way Bill fiercely represented his So-Cal roots at the Nor-cal soccer camp where they became best friends.

Big thanks to the wedding vendors that made their special day possible:
Dress by M Bride Salon

Cake – Edelweiss European Bakery

Kicks – Wedding Band

Venue: Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina
 

What wedding wouldn’t be complete without a random elevator ride with David Duchovny, an orange-creamsicle Lamborghini Gallardo, and quite possibly the most delicious wedding cake ever:  Tony & Devon’s Balboa Park wedding at The Prado–that’s what!

Just got this luxurious 10×10 Finao Upper ElementsTXT guest book in the studio today.  It’s truly a tactile experience that needs to be held to be fully appreciated.

Just some quick previews of an engagement session I shot with Eric & Jessica around the Disneyland gardens in Anaheim before heading out to colorado to visit my twin brother

*enjoy*

Just wanted to share some of these beautiful photos hot out of the digital darkroom.

Laura and Bill’s beautiful wedding at the

Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina

More to follow!