Merry Christmas to All!

It’s Christmas morning and we’re finally getting into the spirit – taking our Christmas photo!

Try and get two people and a big dog to pose, smile and look at the camera!

We tried begging, petting and finally bribing with a cookie. After 47 shots we finally gave up and took photos of ourselves without Toby!

So, Merry Christmas from us to you! Sending out the love and Christmas cheer!

Toby looked away from the camera at the last minute!

Oops!

We weren't ready!

Almost!

Look at the camera, Toby!

Check out our Sri Lankan wedding photography, travel photography, portrait photography, female photographers, commercial photography at our website at: http://www.shadetreeSL.com 

© ShadeTree Productions

It’s Toby’s Birthday Today!

Today is Toby’s 9^th birthday. He’s been my shadow since he was 6-weeks old. At that time, he used to climb up and snuggle with his head tucked up on my shoulder. Now that he’s 48kilos he sits next to me rather than on me, unless firecrackers are cracking and bombing. Then, he sits on my lap and gets as close as he can.

Now that he’s a 9-year-old Ridgeback, he has a gray muzzle, but he’s still a youthful, playful goof! Although he does like to sleep a lot. In the morning, when Lipton (you know Lipton; my adoptive Sri Lankan son – and photo partner) and I are having coffee on the veranda, Toby comes to me to get his backend rubbed and goes to Lipton to get his head scratched and kissed. I’m not sure how or why that came about, but it is what it is and it ain’t gonna change!

Lipton is Toby’s playmate. The minute Lipton shows up, Toby wants to play hide-and-seek, or play chase with him. The favorite is; Lipton hiding his hand under a sheet and Toby pouncing on it. Lipton usually ends up crying ‘Uncle’ when Toby gets too rough.

Saturday, my German friend Tina, is coming for a 2-week visit. She used to be scared to death of all dogs, but over the years has grown quite fond of Toby. It’s her birthday on Sunday, so we are having a joint birthday party for Toby, Tina, Lipton’s girlfriend (as a belated birthday party), and me (also as a belated birthday party).

Since Toby can’t eat chocolate, we’ll have to figure out an alternative cake that he can celebrate with. Any suggestions? Actually Toby loves to eat what we eat, so a cake just for him isn’t really necessary. Just give him a cooked carrot, a slice of orange – a chunk of chicken! – and he’s in heaven!

Photos of Toby are spread out over a gazillion hard drives, but I’ll try and find some for this LucysBuzz.

Actually I found 9 – one for each year! Plus 2 for good measure!

Happy Birthday, Toby!

Toby as a cuddly pup.

Love this portrait!

The big Snoozer!

Ah, fresh morning air.

Toby's favourite place to sleep - my bed - taking all of it!

A balloon popped and Toby jumped on my lap!

He's thinking - why are you taking another photo of me?!

Checking the wall for cats!

Lipton and Toby!

Still a cuddle bug!

Check out our Sri Lankan wedding photography, travel photography, portrait photography, female photographers, commercial photography at our website at: http://www.shadetreeSL.com

© ShadeTree Productions

Totally Fun Wedding!

Last night Lakna and I shot a Muslim waleema (the marriage banquet) at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo. It was our third wedding there in a week and so we thought that it would be the same food and rituals.

Well, weren’t we surprised! It was a Malay Muslim wedding with loud music (all of my favorite songs – I couldn’t help but sing along!) and dancing and lots of fun!

Plus, the father of the groom had a secret surprise for the couple – a giant, football-field length PINK CADILLAC! It was so uber super! We were rushed to get the photos though – I wanted to spend an hour just with the couple, Aqeel and Tahanee, and the car, but there was a ton of traffic, that, as typical, were impatient and honking their horns to make us move out of the way. Plus all of the gaping bystanders who wouldn’t move out of the picture!

Later, the groom’s friends surprised him when they in-group lifted him up and carried him to the hotel fountain and dumped him in! Our photographers scrambled fast to get a shot!

All in all, it was a fun night! Enjoy the photos! All the best to Tahanee and Aqeel for their life ahead. And thanks to them for choosing us to photograph their Waleema. We loved it.

Pretty bride, Tahanee.

Mom putting the veil on.

Aqeel getting ready!

A little help from his best man.

Lovely portrait shots.

Things started getting crazy with Tahanee's brother!

Tahanee with the groomsmen!

The guys 'cozy' shot!

Aqeel and his grandfather.

The bride, ready.

The PINK CADILLAC!

The man and his car!

Up on the rooftop - they couldn't keep a straight face!

My 'WOW' shot!

With the sea and the old Parliament building in the background.

Pretty in pink!

The retinue, being crazy.

The mothers, watching.

Cupcake fun!

Daddy, talking about his little girl.

Dad and daughter get the first dance.

The couple's first dance.

The room clears to the dance floor.

Tahanee and Aqeel changed into traditional Malay outfits.

Dancing!

Aqeel's mates pick him up!

Carry him!

To the fountain!

In he goes!!!

Going away.

Tahanee throws her bouquet to the crowd!

Happy!

Bye!

The beginning!

Check out our Sri Lankan wedding photography, travel photography, portrait photography, female photographers, commercial photography at our website at: http://www.shadetreeSL.com

© ShadeTree Productions