The McGauley's -The Family Collection-

Like a rock. A familiar phrase that became iconic and then ironic with the rise & fall of an american automobile manufacturer. But these three words hold more weight than an SUV or even a worn out Bob Seger song. These words accurately communicate the strength of this families foundation. Approaching a quarter of a century in marriage, Pat and Barbara McGauley continue to shatter the trend of failing matrimonies that are crumbling most societies. And I've been able to witness this solidarity firsthand because of a very unique friendship that I have with their oldest daughter Katie. I've been lucky ever since. They laugh. They fight. They learn. They help. They believe. They are one. And because of all that, this family is united. This is the McGauley's.

The Thompson's -The Family Collection-

She's not a single mom trying to be superwoman. She's superwoman trying to be a single mom. She sweats selflessness. And with two kids, she probably sweats more than she'd like to. I've always been fascinated with a concept that involved my friends in superhero costumes participating in very ordinary, everyday activities or routines. That's what they are to me. Superheros camouflaged as pedestrians. There's a glimmer of superhero in everyone, and to help provide an inside look into this particular superwoman, my friend/roommate/cousin/and now collaborator Scott, will share some of his words...

Growing up, girls dream of a white picket fence, Prince Charming, a million dollars, and perfectly obedient children. No little girl stays up late dreaming that one day she'll be a poor single mom in nursing school, shouldering the responsibility of 2 kids and everything that comes with them.

But life is about playing the hand you're dealt. Bonnie wasn't dealt a royal flush, 4 of a kind, or anything close to a full house. Rather, she was dealt a sweet, free-spirited 2 of a kind in the form of Grace (5) and Tucker (4).

I dare you to spend a day with this "Super-trio" and not fall in love with them! A million to one odds says Bonnie will make you realize what turning lemons into lemonade is all about; Grace's smile will melt your heart; and Tucker's random acts of comedy, intertwined with his priceless facial expressions will have you laughing so hard you cry.

Here's to Superwoman and her fantastic sidekicks!

Save Christmas Music.

My 3 years of researching, finding, discovering, and adding fresh, unheard christmas songs has finally materialized into an epic 30 song playlist that is deserving of your attention. And heck why not? It's free. I understand that this might be scary for some to venture out of your normal josh grobanesque christmas festivities, and into a christmas music exploration that doesn't demand the attention of a local radio station, but scary is good. Scary reminds you that you're alive. I'll post the entire playlist below. Just ask for a copy.

1. Last Christmas---------------------------Jimmy Eat World

2. Carol of the Bells------------------------The Bird And The Bee

3. Holly Jolly Christmas-------------------The Format

4. Sleigh Ride------------------------------KT Tunstall

5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-----Jack Johnson

6. Frosty the Snowman--------------------Fiona Apple

7. The Little Drummer Boy----------------Sufjan Stevens

8. Silent Night-----------------------------Priscilla Ahn

9. Don't Shoot Me Santa-------------------The Killers

10. All That I Want------------------------The Weepies

11. O Holy Night---------------------------Shawn Mcdonald

12. Christmas Day-------------------------Dido

13. Do You Hear What I Hear-------------Copeland

14. Baby Please Come Home-------------Death Cab For Cutie

15. When I Get Home For Christmas-----Snow Patrol

1. If You Were Born Today----------------Jimmy Eat World

2. Xmas Cake-----------------------------Rilo Kiley

3. Christmas Song------------------------Stars

4. God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman--------Aimee Mann

5. Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel--------Joshua James

6. Baby It's Cold Outside-----------------Zooey Deschanel

7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Xmas----Bright Eyes

8. This Christmas Song-------------------The Raveonettes

9. Greensleeves---------------------------Vanessa Carlton

10. Happy Xmas (War Is Over)----------Street Drum Corps featuring Bert McCracken

11. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear------Sixpence None The Richer

12. Rock of Ages--------------------------Ben Kweller

13. That Was the Worst Christmas!------Sufjan Stevens

14. I Hate Christmas Parties-------------Relient K

15. I Won't Be Home For Christmas-----Blink-182

Zack & Chantelle -The Wedding Collection-

I told her to jump in a lake. She did. Chantelle was either supremely trusting of me or my ideas, or she has finds an odd enjoyment swimming around in her wedding dress in a lake that she claims is "littered with dead bodies". I'm going to say it was none of these conclusions. I believe she's just carefree. Her spirit is sunny. She has a smiley approach to everything. Her response to my asking her to be my first "Trash The Dress" contestant, "SURE! That'd be cool." Easy-breezy. Her husband Zack is a trooper too. I'm certain he thought we were all crazy.

The best day of their lives, and I was asked to photograph it. That's extremely flattering. I've known Chantelle's family for years but hadn't seen most of them for quite some time and so shooting this day had vibes of a joyous family reunion and less like a typical day at the office. This day was furnished with immaculate details. This day created satisfyingly proud parents. This day was sprinkled with momentary perfection. This day was a music video for some. This day swelled with emotion. This day belongs to them. This is Zack & Chantelle's Wedding Day.