Morgan Petroski 7/14/15 Morgan Petroski 7/14/15

Laurel & Aaron's Albuquerque Wedding

Laurel and Aaron's Albuquerque wedding was held in May at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Words can not express how much joy and excitement was shared amongst Laurel, Aaron, and all of their guests. How many brides and grooms brew their own beer and root beer? And have a belly dancer? And a fire dancer? And some crazy good dance moves? These two are one of a kind and together make one powerful team. They met and were dating by the time I met them eight years ago. I would like to say all of their closest friends knew they'd end up together, but I've never taken an official poll on that. Based on the toasts (and roasts) during their reception I think it's a pretty safe conclusion to make though.

Their Albuquerque wedding was a true expression of themselves. Held at their church, they managed to work in bits of vintage style here and there, their love of home-brewed beer (and root beer), bright colorful accents, and friends that were there to perform to make the night a real celebration. Dinner was some delicious New Mexican enchiladas and tamales. Throughout the afternoon and night, swing and blues music filled the air when the live jazz band wasn't performing.

The night ended on a high note with a spectacular fire dance and a sparkler send off under a full moon. There couldn't have been a more perfect way to end the celebration.

Every time I look through these photos (and I've look at them a lot since the wedding) I can't help but smile as I see two of my best friends on the happiest day of their lives.

Morgan Petroski 7/7/15 Morgan Petroski 7/7/15

Robin & Faye's Florida Wedding

I had the great privilege of not only photographing Robin and Faye's wedding in June but surprising them as well! Yes, they had no idea I was going to be there or photographing their wedding. It was a huge surprise that my parents and I had planned for months. These two wonderful women have been part of my life since I was young. They have been part of my extended family, rooting me on and encouraging me through the years. They were finally able to get married this year in Florida, their home state.

They decided to rent a gorgeous riverside house for the week and hold their ceremony on the back patio overlooking the river. Their casual Florida wedding was filled with laughter, happiness, and tears of joy, as family and friends gathered to celebrate their marriage. Stones customized with their initials that they had everyone hold during the ceremony and then toss into the river with a wish, birds flying overhead, and stunning sunsets were just some of small pieces that made up their incredible day.

Morgan Petroski 6/26/15 Morgan Petroski 6/26/15

Swingin' Denver - Promo Photos

What happens when you have 21 amazing dancers and you have under three hours to photograph them? You move fast and have them on their feet and in the air as much as possible! (And making the occasional silly face.)

If you've kept up with my blog you might remember I photographed the Steve & Chanzie Denver Workshop back in December that Swingin' Denver put on. So when Kenny asked me to shoot some promotional photos of Swingin' Denver's instructors and new dance troupe (The Ladies and Gentlemen) I couldn't wait! I knew this was going to be a fun afternoon!

Morgan Petroski 6/9/15 Morgan Petroski 6/9/15

Hiland Dance Studio - Promo Photos

Just a quick post with a few recent promotional photos I took for Hiland Dance Studio in Albuquerque. Looking to learn salsa inside and out? Check out Abdul's classes! He posts class information on Facebook. I hope these photos show just how much fun his classes are.

Morgan Petroski 6/9/15 Morgan Petroski 6/9/15

505 Stomp & Rocky Mountain Girl Jam - Albuquerque and Denver Dance Events

Lindy hop. Chorus girls. Live music. Team Performances. Lip Sync Battle. Dancing until the wee hours.

In April two dance workshop weekends happened back to back, one in Albuquerque, one in Denver. Dance weekends are the most fun times for a social dancer. You get to hang out with your dance friends all weekend, learn new things, and most importantly, dance, for hours!!!

505 Stomp is an annual lindy hop workshop held in Albuquerque each spring. Instructors are brought in from across the country, there are classes all day, dances all night, and laid back competitions during the dances. Rocky Mountain Girl Jam is a workshop weekend focused on follow technique and solo dancing. Performances and social dancing fill the nights.

I've been photographing 505 Stomp since it began in 2008, but this was the first year I made it to Girl Jam and got to photograph it as well! Both events were so much fun. If you are a dancer and have never made it to an event like these I highly recommend it.