chaz thoughts // the photo blog of chaz cruz

October 10, 2009 // models / personal

One of my best friends, Andrea, is doing her part to help the green initiative by putting together a fashion show at Thin/Onyx on October 17th. I'm going to copy and paste a little blurb from her press release:

Ecologique: Fashion for a Green Future will begin with a social cocktail hour and trunk show, which will allow guests to network with other attendees as well as introduce them to great new green products and designs. In addition to the trunk show, a silent auction will take place featuring unique designer clothing, accessories, and green- friendly products. All proceeds of the charity auction will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego (www.komensandiego.org), the local Affiliate of the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.

A few weeks ago she asked me if I could shoot some promo shots for a video she was putting together for a show and I was happy to oblige! Please visit the website or Facebook page for more information about the show!

Here is the video created by Charlie Yi of Rock Step Productions.

So come out on October 17th and lend your support! It should be a great event!

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rachel + billy // wedding in milwaukee pt. 2

October 5, 2009 // weddings

Alright! Back to Milwaukee and part two of Rachel and Billy's amazing wedding! Here are my favorite shots from the ceremony and reception and a video of Billy's amazing song to Rachel, bust out those kleenex!

So love this photograph, getting both mom's expressions in a shot, score!

Billy's finger got a little thicker since he got his ring sized..

Their cake made by their awesome friend Heather!

Ok, I never usually put videos between photos, but this song set the love factor off that night. Forever Belong by Billy Hyer.

Mother/son and father/daughter dances are my favorite.

Thank you Rachel and Billy, you will always be two of my greatest friends! Feel free to view their entire slideshow here.

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Tammy Jones:

Love it. Beautiful work as always.

(10.06.09 @ 12:12 AM)

mary:

absolutely breath taking Chaz! Seriously..you blow me away. My favorites are definitely the first shot of Rachel, her hugging her mom and Billy shedding a tear. So happy you captured those moments so beautifully!

(10.06.09 @ 12:13 AM)

Billy & Rachel Hyer:

Chaz, our friend! Not only was it fun to have you with us on our wedding day, but you have made it so memorable to look back on with the images you have made! You truly captured moments that we would have never seen or would have just simply forgotten about. My best moment shots are the one of the two moms in focus during the ceremony and the one of Rachel with her dad dancing, OH and I like the one of me wiping the tears in my eyes, it makes me look sensitive, Rachel digs that =).. Seriously, we have said it before, but know no other way of saying it, we are so thankful for you photographing our wedding, you did an AMAZING job and everyone loved you! We expect to see you in Charleston, SC soon!

(10.06.09 @ 07:46 AM)

mother of the bride:

Beautiful! I love the pic of Rachel & I hugging. That image shows all the emotion, and I will never forget how I felt at that very moment. (Ok ,maybe you could take out a few of the wrinkles!?!) Seriously, I don't know how I'm going to narrow these down to fit into one book! Fantastic job!

(10.06.09 @ 07:25 PM)

Amanda Rae:

These are stunning! Worth every penny to fly you guys out there. She is such an adorable bride.

(10.08.09 @ 04:48 PM)

rachel + billy // wedding in milwaukee pt. 1

October 2, 2009 // weddings

I met Rachel and Billy over a year ago when they came to assist me during their Spring break from the Hallmark Institute of Photography. They went to the school a year after I did and as soon as I met them I knew they would be friends for life! At the time they were only dating, but you could instantly see how great they were together, it was only a matter of time that they would be married. So a few months had passed after we first met and I remember getting a Facebook message from Rachel telling me that they were engaged and asking if I could photograph their wedding! I was beyond honored because not just being great friends, they are also amazing photographers (check it hyerimages.com!) Rachel's awesome sister, Sarah, knew that I love working with Mary Frances, so she secured her to come and document Rachel and Billy's wedding with me. So here is part one of Rachel and Billy's wedding.

The morning view from the Iron Horse Hotel, which i have to say is amazing.

Billy practicing his song for Rachel (which you will see in part 2!)

The Harley Davidson factory, right next to the hotel.

The anticipation of waiting to see each other for the first time.

The ceremony site at the Villa Terrace museum.

Check back in a few days for the ceremony and reception!

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mother of the bride:

Chaz: I have goosebumps(and tears) every time I look at these photos! AMAZING! You've done an incredible job capturing the emotion and beauty of the day! Thankyou! Choosing my favorites will be next to impossible, and yet I'm dying to see more! B & R really chose the Best of the Best with you & Mary!

(10.02.09 @ 06:46 PM)

Jacquie Van Tichelt:

Beautiful job Chaz! Rachel and billy make a beautiful husband and wife. Congratulations guys!! I love them all but my favorites are the ones on the corner of the building.

(10.02.09 @ 08:23 PM)

Gale McCann, Anderson, SC:

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! Since those of us from Anderson could not be there, this is surely the next best thing. Actually, it may be better. Nobody can see the intimate moments at a time like this, until you, the artist, sees it first, captures the heart of it and then shares it with the rest of us. So, thank you. You had an amazingly gorgeous and creative Bride and Groom with whom to work. The three of you were an awesome team. I share in your mom's pride and can't wait to see more. BRAVO, CHAZ!

(10.02.09 @ 09:26 PM)

Ellaine:

gorgeous! I can't wait to see part two. Congrats Rachel and Billy!

(10.03.09 @ 08:56 AM)