MELINDA & VERN: WEDDING

we paddled out early that morning. and after a good hour and a half with our own little peak (surprising for an orange county break on a saturday), a head popped out of the back of a breaking wave on an inside set. at first, i thought it might be one of the dolphins that had joined us earlier. rather, it turned out to be a hobo.

my friend vern has been living in a 1973 winnebago since january 2006, with fellow hobo jeff. the two of them have become known by their brand the hobo soul. however, this was vern's last day as a hobo. he would trade in the wandering for a new adventure. it was the day he would forever join his companion and his bride, melinda.

i have been lucky enough to call vern and melinda friends. your love provokes me. your wit inspires me. your intelect challenges me. thank you for being such great friends, and for inviting me into the process.

the amazing matt wignall, hailing from long beach, photographed the wedding, and was gracious enough to allow me to join in and capture a few images of my own. thank you matt for your humor. i also have to throw out some rock-star props to my wife, carlie for doing an amazing job on melinda's hair and make-up (and she was able to snap a couple of shots during the process too).

here is the story, from behind the lens...



my take on hobo's gone reservoir dogs




vern and dick (the name of the winnebago)


vern and jeff wanted to prove that their home can attain some serious speed... going 80 on the 405



carlie captured this moment, and it has to be one of my favorites




classic gold



matt working it with the irish paparazzi at his back

any time dick is moved, the driver must don the blue captain's cap... no exceptions here


mrs moen on the way to her reception in her new husbands old home






putting in their own style, with no garter toss, vern and melinda decided on an equal-opportunity bouquet toss for both boys and girls


say hi to belize for me!