New Couples

Teresa & Brad
(June 30, 2007)



Brittany & Jeff
(June 30, 2007)

Congratulations to this week's newest couples.

TDP

New Husbands & Wifes

Brittany and Austin
(June 16, 2007)



















Brooke and Nathan
(June 16, 2007)



















Nicole and Brian
(June 16, 2007)



















Jessica and Tony
(23 June, 2007)

Jamie and Brian
(June 23, 2007)

Congratulations to our recent Newly Weds! We wish you a lifetime of happiness and much love!

TDP

Contest Winner

Congratulations to Kelsey Tripp. She correctly answered the question to what my middle name was and it is ROY. She has won a free sitting at the famous, Two Doves Photography studio.

Thanks for participating.

Curt

Free Sitting

Tell me, in fifty words or less, why Two Doves Photography should take your picture or your families picture. The best answer will win a free sitting. Email your answer now!

Circle of Friends Bridal Show

Coming in late fall, Two Doves Photography will be sponsoring a "Circle of Friends" bridal show to be held at the Carbondale Civic Center. You don't want to miss this event. More details as they become available.

Wedding Bliss

Congratulations:

Libby & Sean Hughes
(June 9, 2007)

Dana & Andy Yochum
(June 9, 2007)

Wedding Couples

Megan and Luke Prior
(June 2, 2007)

Casey and Chris Killebrew
(June 2, 2007)


Congratulations to both of our newly weds!

Tiffany & Adam

Congratulations to Wedding Couple, Tiffany & Adam Cunico!

You can see a video recap of their wedding on our website at www.twodovesphotography.com

Another Contest

Somewhere in the 2007 blog postings is a secret answer to the following question: What is my middle name?

Be the first to email me with the correct answer, and date it was posted, and you will win a free sitting. Compliments of Two Doves Photography.

This contest is open to anyone except for family and staff members.

Good Luck!

Curt Trammel

Wedding Day

Congratulations to Nicole and Tony Coomer upon exchanging their wedding vows this past weekend.

Contest Winner

Congratulations to Courtney Cruse! She was the winner of our free sitting contest. We will be looking forward to working with her during her session.

Another contest will be under way soon!

TDP

Free Sitting

The first person to email me at Two Doves Photography, and mentions this posting, will win a free sitting. You heard right, a free sitting. So send me those emails. There is a catch though. You must be a new client. Past clients are not allowed to participate at this time, but you will have your chance later. Stay tuned for more winnings.

Curt

Congrats

Congratulations to last weekends newly weds, Ellen Geske and Caleb Robinson.

It's Kerri All Over

This little charmer has been in the studio before and she definitely knows how to strike a pose. Here's Keri and she is just as charming as ever.

Recent Wedding

Congratulations to our latest newly weds, Angela & Dave Miller. United in marriage on May 12, 2007 in Centrailia, IL.

Breaking News

The winner of Carbondale's 'Marry The Mayor' essay contest has been announced.

The lucky winner of the essay is Barbara Ebert of Nashville, TN. She was unanimously chosen by the Marry The Mayor Committee. Her essay consisted of a video and it was the only video submitted.

You can see the winning video essay on You Tube at the Following Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Tparer5yg. You can follow the progress of Marry The Mayor by going to: http://www.marrythemayor.com/

Thanks to everyone who submitted an essay in hopes of becoming the new First Lady of Carbondale.

Congratulations to Barbara!

TDP

Newly Weds

Congratulations to our newest Newly Weds:

Chasity & Wesley

April 21, 2007

Jessica & Seth
April 28, 2007

Radha - Sweet 16

Happy Sweet 16, Radha!

Wow! Radha and her family knows how to put on a birthday party. The people, festivities and food were absolutely wonderful. The whole evening was a blast and one that we will remember for a long time.

Thank you, Radha, and your family, for inviting us to celebrate with you on your Special Day! We had a great time and hope you did too. We will be looking forward to seeing you soon.

Jessica Simpson?

Hey, could this be Jessica Simpson? WOW! This is a close look-a-like if you ask me. What do you think?

Actually this cutie's name is Laura. My son, Jason, our secret model scout, recently scouted out this local beauty and brought her by the studio this morning for a few test shots. However, Laura's test session turned into a full blown session. She worked so well in front of the camera that I couldn't stop shooting. I am glad I didn't stop because I was able to get some really fantastic images.

Check out our website for some more pics of this gorgeous knockout.

Thanks for a fun morning, Laura. I hope you come back soon. Okay, Jason, you did good! Now back to work.

-Curt

Wedding Bliss

Congratulations to Krista Wright and Dane Elliot who were married this past weekend in Murphysboro, IL.

You two look so lovely together!

Brittany

No words can describe this natural born beauty! Her name is Brittany, and WOW! She sure can pose. We didn't have to give this talented cutie much direction at all. It appeared that she had been modeling for a long time. You will be seeing her pics plastered all over the walls at Mr. Tuxedo in Carbondale.

Way to go girl! You are awesome!

TDP

Husband's & Wife's

Congratulations to this week's Newlyweds!

Brittany & Chris having the time of their lives!

Tonya & Jacob enjoying their Special Day at Touch of Nature!

Here is your secret answer to the question posted on June 1, 2007 to win your free sitting.

The answer is: Roy (My Middle Name)

Wedding Vows

Congratulations to Kirsty and her new hubby, Grant. The couple were married this past weekend in Ullin, IL.

You guys rock. Your reception was a blast. I loved the Karaoke. Grant, you have a great voice.

Have fun on your honeymoon!

Senior Lifestyle Expo

You can find us at the Senior Lifestyle Expo at the Marion Mall this weekend from 8 AM until 6 PM Friday and Saturday. We will be on hand to promote our video transfer and photo restoration services. Some of the media we can transfer to DVD/CD are:

Super/Regular 8 mm home movies

VHS and VHS-C Tapes

Hi 8 and Mini DV Tapes

Cassette Tapes

Vinyl Records

Slides, negatives (35mm & Medium Format)

Photographs

Photo restoration

Come on by and see us and we will show you what we have to offer. We will be located on the East end of the Mall near Dillards and in front of Three Chicks.

See you there!

Engaged

Congratulations to Katie and Jesse. This couple will be getting married soon so today they dropped by the studio for an engagement session. Jesse was in the "not sure" mode when they arrived but before the session was over he was putty in my hands. As with most ladies, Katie was excited and ready to have fun. Jesse later admitted that he had a great time as well.

Curt

Johanna

Meet Johanna! And, she is not just another pretty face. This beauty is one of a kind and the first time she walked into the studio, she had my attention and left me with a burning desire to photograph her. She looked fantastic in her street clothes, not to mention modeling attire. We discussed what style of photos she was looking for and she gave me a few ideas. Then, the creative side of the brain kicked in high gear. A couple days later, Johanna was back in the studio for her shoot. One click after another Johanna performed in front of the camera like a true pro.

The editing process was no easy task. Our staff was in awe at what we were seeing and in disbelief as to how someone could look so naturally beautiful. There was no imperfections that we could see in her. Just one great photograph after another.

Johanna came in to the studio this afternoon to pick up her proofs and she was very delighted in seeing herself in superstar mode. She was photographed exactly as she had wanted. Now, she has expressed an interest in coming back soon for another session.

Thanks, Johanna, for making my day a little brighter.

-Curt

Promo DVD & Brochures

We now have brochures and a promotional video available. The video contains a photo slideshow and a video presentation of our work. Our brochure contains valuable information about our wedding photography and video services.

To get your free copy of the video or brochure just send us an email with your name and address and we will ship one out to you.

Bridal Fair Success

The 2007 Ever After Bridal Fair was a huge success.

A big thank you to everyone that stopped by our booth to see our work. We were encouraged by your compliments. Thank you for your support and we welcome our newest members to the Two Dove family.

Curt, Erin & Jon

Wedding Couples

Congratulations to Krista and Jonathon upon exchanging their wedding vows January 6, 2007.

Krista is a team member at Two Doves and we insisted on photographing their wedding. The wedding photos were awesome.

We hope the two of you have a long and happy marriage.

-Staff

Micaela & Josh!

This couple was married in the fun place of Cancun, Mexico. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to tag along and party with them in Mexico, but I got to party with them at their reception in Steeleville.

Micaela was the third person in her family that I have had the privilege of being the photographer. There is one family member left to get married and I am hoping that I will be the photographer at that wedding too.

Thanks for a fun party!

Curt

Bridal Fair Reminder

This weekend (Sunday the 21st) is the Ever After Bridal Fair in Marion at the Williamson County Pavilion. If you are looking to book vendors for your wedding now this is the time to do it. Two Doves Photography will be on hand to answer any questions that you may have about our services. Be sure to stop by and meet the staff and check out some of our work. We will be looking forward to meeting you.

See you at the fair.

TDP

Marry The Mayor Committee On TV

The committee formed to Marry The Mayor of Carbondale will be on the news tonight on WPSD channel 6. An interview with four of the committee members will be aired at 6PM and then again at 10PM. You don't want to miss out on all the details of this unique event taking place within the community of Carbondale.

Marry The Mayor Committee Members (So Far)

L-R: Curt Trammel (Two Doves Photography), Sue Mills (Art Lover's Trading Company), Noah Bond (WPSD-TV 6), Kara Hertzing (Blue Star Lines Limo Service) and David More (Art Lover's Trading Company) and founder of the Committee.

Marry The Mayor

Join in on the fun as the 'Committee to Get the Mayor Married' kicks off.

David More, of the Art Lovers Trading Company in Carbondale, and I have rounded up a committee to help get the Mayor of Carbondale married. It all started out when Carbondale's Mayor Brad Cole had his new year's resolution published in the Southern Illinoisan on January 1, 2007. His resolution was to fall in love, get engaged and get married within the next 12 months.

More hit me with the idea, a few days ago, of forming the committee and wanted my input on it. I thought it sounded like a lot of fun. It could be like the reality show, The Bachelor, only our version would be Carbondale style. More ran with the idea and has now spread like wild fire. Two local newspapers have picked up on the story and WSIL-TV 3 had a story about it a couple nights ago. Now WPSD-TV 6 wants to do a story.

Here are some links that you can go to to keep up with all the excitement and to learn more about getting the Mayor of Carbondale married:

Marry The Mayor
Carbondaley Dispatch
The Southern Illinoisan
Press Release

Curt Trammel

Happy New Year!

From all of us here at Two Doves Photography we wish you a happy and prosperous 2007!

TDP

Band of Brothers

Tara was haming it up during a recent photo shoot with her family. Here she is with her sibling brothers. I must say that she really makes these guys look great!

My Critters

Okay, you have seen other people's critters and so its time to show you mine.

Meet Chief and Lilly.

Chief is a male lab/terrior mix. He just turned 4 years old. He is a fun loving dog but has an attitude. He is very proper, smart and knows what he wants. This 40 pound hunk is definitely not a lap dog, but loveable just the same.

Lilly is a full blooded female lab. She is 1 1/2 years old and is the most loveable dog you would ever want. She is dripping with love. This 75 pounder is a lap dog and loves to cuddle.

Both of these pets are spoiled and very well taken care of and they know how to get what they want.

I love you guys. You are the best! -Papa

Surprise Engagement

Ashley is filled with surprise, joy and excitement as her boyfriend, Travis, proposes to her recently at our studio.

Travis called me several weeks ago and said that he wanted to come in with Ashley to get some Christmas photos. The couple had been to the studio before and just loved it. This time the photo session would have a twist to it. Travis wanted to propose to her. After I had talked to Travis about it, I talked it over with my crew and we decided to set up a scenario and catch it all on video.

When Ashley and Travis came in for their shoot we told Ashley that we were doing a promotional video for the business. After taking several formal photos of the couple we had the video cameras rolling. We started to video the couple as if we were doing an interview. When it was Travis' turn to respond he got down on one knee and presented Ashley with a ring. WOW! This was an amazing site and we caught it all on video. It was a complete surprise to Ashley. And of coarse she said yes! It was quite an emotional moment.

We will have Travis' proposal footage on our website within the week.

Congratulations to the newly engaged couple.

Wedding Congrats!

Congratulations to Lyndsay & Eric!

This lovely couple was married on December 9, 2006. Don't they look so cute?

We wish you a long and happy marriage. Thanks for letting us capture your special day for you.

TDP

2007 Wedding Photography and Video

Book your wedding now for 2007 and save! Wedding photography is only $900.00 which includes the proofs and unlimited time. Wedding video is only $800.00 with unlimited time using two video cameras. Book both and you will get a 10% discount. That is a savings of $170.00. Call or email for further information and availability.

Crazy Critters

Bring in your pet for some fun and crazy photos. Remember, your pet is part of your family and you should have a picture of your furry critter hanging on your wall or sitting on your office desk.

Pets need lovin' too!

Tara & Jeff's Wedding

Their first kiss.

Announced as husband and wife for the first time.

Newly Weds

Congratulations to Tara & Jeff. They were united in Marriage just seconds ago in Harrisburg, IL. I will have some photos posted as I get them download from my shooters.

Tara looks so beautiful in her wedding gown and Jeff was a spectacular Groom.

I can't wait to get to the reception and party with these two.

Curt

June 2007 Wedding Bookings

We currently have three slots available for June 2007 weddings. If you are planning on using us as your wedding photographer, you need to act now. The slots open are: Two for June 2nd, and one for June 7th. Call now to reserve your special day in the most popular month.

Right now you can book your wedding photography for $900.00 including the proofs and unlimited time. Our wedding video is going for $800.00 with two camera coverage. If you book both photography and video you will get a 10% discount. A savings of $170.00.

Call 618.351.6900 to book your June wedding or any other month.

New Service Added

Have you every wished that you could put your record collection on CD but didn't know where to go to have it done? Well, wish no more. We have added a vinyl to CD transfer service. We can now transfer your vinyl records to CD. Give us a call for more details on how to get your treasures transfered.

We can also transfer the following to CD/DVD:

-Super 8 and Regular 8mm Home Movies

-Cassette Tapes

-VHS/VHSC, Hi 8 and Mini DV Tapes

-Old Photos, Slides and Negatives

Photo Restorations

Photo restorations and colorizations make great gifts. Below is an example of the process from old to new.

Original photo as it was presented to us.

Photo after restoration.

Photo after restoration and colorization.

If you are interested in having some of your old photo treasures restored, please give us a call for further details and pricing. 618.351.6900

Thanksgiving

Happy Turkey Day!

I hope everyone is having a great day. Don't eat too much, don't gobble your food and remember to give thanks for all that you have. Especially your freedom and our great nation.

I will be spending Thanksgiving Day at my daughters house. Isn't it nice to have kids old enough to invite you to their house on holidays for some yummy food? -I am out of the kitchen this year......

Curt

New Video Link

Our new video link is now up and running. This was a much needed feature and we are very happy to present it to you. You can access the video link from our home page. Enter our broadband site then look for the video gallery.

Let us know what you think about this new feature and our video presentations.

TDP

Wedding Photography & Video

We are currently taking reservations for wedding photography & video for the new year. Don't wait for the bridal shows to reserve your special day. Reserve your wedding day now and save. Our wedding and ala carte prices have been reduced dramatically, and our service is better than ever.

Call today for further details and availability.

Christmas Photos

Okay, so you want some Christmas photos to send to grandma and don't know where to go to get some great photos that don't cost an arm and a leg. Well, come to us. Where else? Our studio is decorated up with Christmas stuff and we are ready shoot. Right now we are offering Christmas photos at a fabulous deal. So you better book your reservations now so you don't miss out. You've got to make grandma happy you know. Ho Ho Ho!!!

Let Freedom Ring

We salute the men and women of our armed forces, past and present, on this and every Veterans Day. Thank you for serving our great nation and protecting our freedom!

God Bless the USA!

Wedding Congrats!

Congratulations to last weekends wedding couples!

Congratulations to our Best Buy couple, Janelle and Greg. These two work at Best Buy and they couldn't resist stopping by to see their fellow employees on their way to the reception. WOW! What a couple and what a PARTY!!!

Congrats also to Andi and her new husband, Jason. These two are so much in love. You can tell by their photos. Your weddng photos are awesome! Have a fun honeymoon....

Launch Time

Our new website is ready to be launched. It will happen either this afternoon or tomorrow sometime. You don't want to miss this beauty. There are a couple minor details that have to be done yet but that doesn't interfere with the launching. The new logo should be added later this week. Let us know if you like the new look.

TDP

New Web Design

Once again we are changing the design of our website. We are doing this in an effort to better serve our clients and our prospective clients.

Over the next week you will be experiencing some day by day changes as we go forth with our new look. The transition should be complete within the week. New photo galleries and features will be added. Two of the most important features are as follows: You will have a choice of selecting either our Flash site or our newly added HTML site. The HTML site will be added for those of you that do not have high speed internet capabilities. The same information will be on both sites. Secondly we will incorporate a calendar so that you can look at a glance and see which dates are available for booking your wedding or event. Our blog will be updated as well. When you log on to our website you will have three choices from which to choose on our splash page. Flash, Blog, HTML.

We hope these changes are beneficial to you as we move forward into a new era.

TDP

Josh Taylor

Meet Josh Taylor!

Josh is trying to get an acting career going and he is constantly looking for the edge on the competition.

I met Josh a while back at Applebee's, where he was a bartender. A very good one I might add. The conversation of acting came up and he expressed a love for it and was pursuing it as a career. I told him that I had a photography business and that he should come in and let us do a portfolio for him. He said he would. Well, that was about two years ago and he finally made to the studio last week. Wow! What took you so long, Josh? Josh explained that he was away from the area for awhile trying to break into the business.

I personally spent a few minutes in the studio with Josh just taking head shots. Head shots were needed for a play he was trying out for. The play? It's A Wonderful Life, put on by the Paradise Alley Players at the Civic Center in Marion, IL. Josh picked out several poses that he want to show them. Well, Josh was back in the studio a couple days ago and said that the production company liked his head shots and he was one of three that were picked for the play. He got the part of George Baily, the father.

Josh has been in several plays all around the country and one day he is hoping to get discovered. Well, Josh, I think you have potential and I wish you well on your endeavors.

Curt

Video, or Not Video?

Wedding Videos are really cool to have. I tell people that come in to book their wedding with us that video is an after thought. Some people don't want to spend the extra money to have it done only to wish they had later.

Here at Two Doves Photography, we are in the middle of fine tuning our wedding video process. There are several new techniques we are experimenting with that will enhance our video service tremendously. Part of our inspiration came from having done video for the Montel Williams Show. It was a learning experience for us to do the show. Other inpiration has come from other videographers.

Shortly, we will be shooting a promo video for the business that will feature a bride in an outdoor setting in and around the Carbondale area. Two Doves Photography will be producing, shooting and editing the video. When we get the promo produced we will be featuring it on our website. We are excited about the new technical additions to our video service and are anxious to show it to the public.

If you should have any doubts about having video done at your wedding, you might want to re-think your decision. The video will be a priceless item to have in your wedding collection.

Curt

Theme Weddings

It seems that theme weddings are starting to take place in the area. Not sure what is up with that but we just did a Boat Wedding, an Airplane Wedding and this weekend we will be doing an Elvish Wedding down in Harden County. Now, that should be interesting. Later on we will be doing a Pirate Wedding. So, watch for upcoming photos from those weddings.

Anyone have any good ideas for a theme wedding? If so, pass along the information to us. We like new, interesting and unusual weddings. Give us a call....

The Airplane People!

Congratulations to newly weds Jessica & Kevin, married October 14, 2006.

Here they are standing in front of their aircraft at the Southern Illinois Airport just before taking off on their honeymoon. Kevin is a pilot, so what better way is there to make a grand exit on their way to a lifetime of happiness together?

Happy flying!

Tara & Jeff

Tara and Jeff, you two look great! I can't wait to get your proofs to you. You did good, Jeff. I told you it would be fun, didn't I?

I will be looking forward to photographing your Special Day. It is coming up fast too!

Seniors Pictures

Seniors, it's time for you to reserve a date for your senior photo session. We have a deal that will literally knock your socks off. Call us for details.

Unique Weddings

You have seen The Boat People... Now stay tuned for The Airplane People coming after this weekend. All we need now is The Train People. Anyone getting married involving trains? Call me! We need a train. Choo Choo!

The Boat People!

This wedding couple could not wait a second after exchanging their vows to get out to the lake and do some fishing. Christina and Kevin are both in love with the outdoors so they wanted to add a touch of the outdoors to their wedding.

Christina had been planning a surprize for Kevin for a long time. The surprize? She showed up at their wedding site in a bass boat. WOW! Now that was a first for me. Kevin was pleasantly surprized. You could tell by the smile he sported on his face when she pulled up at their wedding.

Immediately following the wedding ceremony, I got a few shots of the couple in their bass boat before they sped away to the lake. The bridal party followed behind. Now it was time to launch the boad. It was fun watching them launch their boat as the rest of the bridal party looked on. They had a blast and the photos were unbelievable.

After tooling around the lake in their boat, the couple came to shore to pick up the maid of honor and the best man for a spin around the dock. The bridal party got in on the action too! This was truly an amazing event and a fun wedding.

Christina and Kevin, you two know how to party!

Curt

Happy Birthday Two Doves Photography!

On September 4, 2006, Two Doves Photography celebrated it's 8th birthday. Over the past 25 plus years the studio has had four different names. Here is the story behind it all:

The studio started without a name in 1981 in Murphysboro, Illinois. That's when I shot my first wedding. At that time the studio was just a hallway closet. It appeard that a business was about to transpire so the studio shortly became known as Curt's Photo. During the late seventies and early eighties I was a stringer photographer shooting for the Southern Illinoisan. I gained a lot of experience and confidence working for them. I started out just taking news worthy photos of people and then working up the courage to write stories to go along with pictures. At that time the business was taking baby steps!

In 1993 the studio name was changed to Photography by Curtis and I could see a definite growth taking place. In 1994 the studio once again changed its name. This time it was changed to Studio Ten 19. I thought I needed a more professional name instead of using my name. It was during that time that I actually had a working portrait studio and the business was really starting to take off. I was still living in Murphysboro.

On September 4, 1998, Two Doves Photography was born in Carbondale, Illinois. I had graduated to a bigger office, but lost the working studio do to the lack of space in my home. I worked even harder at helping the business grow. And it did.

Somewhere around the turn of the century I started shooting digital, along with film as my primary media. I was only shooting in digital because it was easier to upload images to my website. Several people tried their best to talk me out of shooting digital because they said that it would never catch on. Boy, were they wrong. Video was added to the business at this time.

I eventually moved the business out of my house and into the downtown area of Carbondale. I opened my downtown business on August 1, 2004. I had every intention of shooting film once I moved but never did. I had stocked up my frige with film but never used any of it. The film is still in the cooler. Laura, my first employee, actually introduced digital to the business as a total means of shooting photography. I am glad she did. She had more experience than me with digital so I learned a lot from her. One of these days I will drag out my film cameras and do a little shooting with them for old time sakes. Two Doves Photography is now total digital photography as well as digital video.

Another expansion for the studio is in the making. It has grown so much that it is running out of room. There are several new services that I want to add, but will need a bigger place.

A big heart felt thanks goes out to all of the family and friends of Two Doves Photography. Thanks for helping to make it what it is today. I could not have done any of this without your help. Thanks for your support.

Happy Birthday Two Doves Photography!

Curt