Stacey Bode Photography

What happens when 6 ladies get together to celebrate the fact that one of them is getting married in a week? This…..

It’s going to be a great, great wedding, and we’re all a LITTLE excited for Lara and Zach. YEAH!!!

This year, I had the awesome opportunity to snap some photos with the swell folks of Atlanta-based Scout Marketing, to be used in their website project for the SeaPak seafood company. Um, did I mention that our “work” was in St. Simons? Sometimes it’s really good to be the photographer! We spent a couple days in this quiet, scenic town simply capturing lots of wonderful details of the coast. I get totally spoiled when jobs feel way more like vacation. Sigh. These two companies couldn’t have been more fantastic to work with. Thanks so much Scout and SeaPak!!

I love passing along exciting news, and this post surely qualifies.  My pal Jaimie Cohen has launched a new website for her cool event planning business, Estoria Social.  Woo hoo!  This adventure seems to be the perfect fit for her since she has a background in consulting and management, and she also has a flair for all things DIY.  She is all about working her creative magic to bring a unique quality to her events.  If that’s not enough for you to realize her awesomeness, then I should point out that her biz strives to adhere to the concepts of reduce, re-use, and recycle.  Everybody wins!

We got together recently for a photo shoot that would showcase her special style.  If doing this shoot is half as fun as working with her, you should hire her immediately!  I have to give a big ol’ thanks to our lovely models, Jackie, Emily, and Payson.  Y’all rock!

You can also keep up with Jaimie’s Estoria Social blog, by clicking HERE.  Even if you’re not planning an event, it’s full of swell posts about food, fashion, pretty things, and the like.  : )

Yee haw!  Maxwell had the coolest cowboy birthday party at GB Stables.  As usual, his sweet mom, Ryan, went all-out to make it a really special day.  There were so many fun details that the kids and the parents totally got into.  In fact, it was such an awesome party, I might just have the steal this idea for my next birthday.  I mean, there were horsey rides, cupcakes, and a pinata!  Need I say more?

Happy birthday, Maxwell!  I wish you another year of learning, growing, and tons of giggles!

We set up a photo booth inside the stables.  When it comes to cuteness, these kiddos are the definition of the word!

Here’s s little video clip of Maxwell giving that boot the what-for!

Shooting a rehearsal dinner is always a pleasant “warm-up” before the wedding.  It’s a relaxed atmosphere, where I get to meet some of the swell guests who hopefully get used to me aiming that big ol’ camera at them.  Rachel and Scott hosted their dinner at the super-cool Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center.  It was a beautiful, warm, glowy evening to be outside.  Also, they had the party catered by Fox Brothers BBQ.  Holla!  Naturally, everybody seemed to be having a blast.  What I really dig about these pics is that you can see the joyful feeling everyone had, and it’s crystal clear that Rachel and Scott have the most wonderfully silly and romantic personalities.  Yay!  Next up…..photos from their gorgeous wedding day, so stay tuned!

The “Men of Dad’s Garage” calendar that I photographed is featured in this month’s publication of American Theater.  Woo hoo!  A big ol’ thanks again to the awesome folks at Dad’s Garage Theater for bringing me in to shoot this project.  What a cool experience!

To read the full American Theater article, click HERE.

Volunteer work is truly one of the most gratifying things one can do.  I’ve given time in different ways over the years, such as helping out at a hospital in the surgical recovery area, and taking care of lots of furry friends at a no-kill cat shelter.  These days, I’m so pleased that my photography is something that can be donated to lend a hand.

The wonderful Holli Hines Easton brought me on board to photograph an event for an important organization that she works with.  The people at Chayil assist women who are survivors of domestic violence.  They offer many levels of support, including life coaching, financial planning, and various personal development tools.  Chayil was hosting a “Challenge to Change” brunch at the Ritz-Carlton, and I was happy to capture photos of this inspiring event.

It was so nice of them to put my logo on one of the gorgeous tables!

The lovely Brenda Wood did a marvelous job as Master of Ceremonies.  She has worked with Chayil for some time, and it was easy to see how strongly she supports their goals.

Chris is the son of one of the women helped by Chayil.  He read a poem that he had written, which described the journey that he and his mom have taken.  It was deeply moving, and he spoke with such eloquence.  There were more than a few tear drops on my camera.  He offered such a perfect example of what this organization can achieve.

Thanks so much to Holli, Heidi, and all the folks at Chayil.  You are providing an incredible service.  If anyone reading this would like to find out more about Chayil, or how to help, please click HERE.

Dave and Deann have been friends of mine for years.  You’ll be hard-pressed to find two more kind, insightful, and giving people.  Theirs was actually the very first wedding I ever shot, which seems like about a million years ago.  They have a really fantastic family, who all had a wonderful reason to get  together for a celebration.  Dave’s grandmother Florence is now 100 years young.  Yay!  We should all be so lucky to reach such a great milestone, and be as fabulous as she is.  I love that for the party, she wore a shirt that said “So far, this is the oldest I’ve ever been”.  Well put!

Prepare yourselves for a big slice of beefcake!  Yum!  It’s the “Men of Dad’s Garage” calendar!  I’m so glad they brought me on board for this project.  I did these shoots throughout July, and waiting this long to blog about it has been a special kind of torture.  The fabulous folks in these pics are ridiculously talented friends of mine, and they represent the improv ensemble at Dad’s Garage Theater.  The purpose for the calendar is to promote all the cool shows for their next season.  That way, people can see exactly when the shows are running.  Smart.  Even smarter?  Adding some eye candy to that info.

I can’t sufficiently describe here how much fun this was for me.  However, if you shove enough good tequila in my face, I might share a few special details.  Which shoot had the most giggling?  Which one was surprisingly dangerous?  Which one was I not wearing pants to shoot?  Note to potential clients:  I will definitely be wearing pants during your shoot.

So, I do a somewhat adequate job of keeping this blog at a PG-13 level.  I may be pushing it a bit with this post.  If your eyes, soul, or heart are of a delicate nature, I suggest that you do not scroll down.  You have been warned.

JANUARY

Here’s the one from this shoot that made it to the calendar.  We all agreed that the champagne missing the glass was the winner.

Here’s another shot I love from this shoot.  Having just started watching “Mad Men”, I have a new appreciation for Z’s sharp, cool, rat-pack style.  Nothing wrong with ringing in the new year with champagne and a handsome devil.

FEBRUARY

Anyone who knows Christian will understand that we had to involve robots.  Years ago, he made the costume he’s wearing.  During our shoot, he told me a great story about the first robot costume he made, and got stuck in.  Awesome.

This one didn’t make the calendar, but I adore it.

MARCH

Dad’s Garage could totally be accused of false advertising, since Amber is a lovely lady in the man calendar.  That’s why I thought we should play with that idea, and make her look like one of those androgynous Calvin Klein male models, or one of those Herb Ritz photos from the 80s with gals dressed as dudes.  I also figured that since Amber was the only girl in the group, she should be the only one that gets to pose with a half-naked woman.  By the way, a big thank you to gorgeous Alison for allowing us to completely objectify her incredible yoga bod.

Here’s the calendar shot…

…and another favorite.  To all the guys who see this calendar…..you’re welcome.

APRIL

I wanted to experiment with the “April showers” concept, and Lucky has a friend with this amazing car.  Win, win!  I just wish we could have gotten his dog, Abe Jackson, in more of the pics.

Not in the calendar, but I love this one too….

MAY

So, what do April showers bring?  May flowers, of course?  Only Tommy could pull of such a smoldering look while covered with this many blooms.

Seriously Tommy, that look should require a permit.  Weapon of mass seduction.

JUNE

Randy has a show coming up next summer called “Slaughter Camp”, and nothing screams summer like actual screaming when there’s a maniac loose in the woods.

I think my direction before this next image was “more blood!”.  I must also thank Breckan and Rueben for playing dead so nicely.

JULY

I think Mike got the easiest, most relaxing shoot.  On a hot day, he had to look hot while chilling by and in the pool.  I guess it wasn’t all a walk in the park.  I did make him wear that goofy headband.

God.  Bless.  America.

AUGUST

When planning this shoot, it didn’t seem physically impossible to fit three guys in one tub….and all my photo gear into a bathroom.  Trickier than we thought.  Thanks for being such sports, fellas.  Turns out, the toughest part was keeping Dan from finishing that burger before I took the pics.

Dan, Ed and Chris made the cover (this next image)!  We should have called them to announce it, like they do for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.  Thanks to Leigh Hays for letting us use her sweet purple bathroom!

SEPTEMBER

Oh, dear.  This shoot with George and my hubby Matt actually ended up being more tame than I thought it would be.  These guys are not known for their shyness.  I had to stop between each frame because I was laughing so hard, I couldn’t hold the camera still.  This calendar photo still makes me belly-laugh every time I look at it.

Nope, nothin’ crazy about this….

OCTOBER

Rene got the coveted Halloween month (also the month of his birthday).  I wasn’t sure that “mummy” and “sexy” and “funny” could go together, but Rene happily proves me wrong.

Though not in the calendar, here is my favorite from this shoot.  I dig the throwing action and mischievous expression.

Here’s another idea we had for October.  That’s our pal Chris Brown in his oh-so-creepy Rotzo costume that he made himself.  So talented.  In between shots, Chris and I were hanging out in the theater, when an unsuspecting young lady walked in.  She saw him, screamed, and ran out.  It was swell.

Sweet dreams…….

NOVEMBER

Not only does Matt deserve bravery points for the obvious reasons, but he also deserves recognition for the most harsh modeling conditions.  The AC wasn’t working (was in the high 90s outside).  It was painfully hot just standing still, then we made him lounge a few feet away from a fire.  I can’t confirm this, but I’d guess he had no hair left on the other side when we were done.

In case you’re not sure what to be thankful for this Thanksgiving…

DECEMBER

Kevin, I’m so sorry for the pain we caused you.  I’m sure all the smooching, groping, and attention will haunt you indefinitely.  Thanks to our snow wranglers and beautiful hand models Megan, Coop, and Hayley.

If you’re very, very good, maybe you’ll find this under your tree on December 25th.

Thanks so much to all my brilliant friends!  Please go check out all the shows at Dad’s Garage!!!  If you think these folks are hot, wait ’til you see how talented they are!

What’s the only thing better than a party?  Two parties, of course!  Or at least two parties in one.  I got to second shoot with Robin Nathan at the elegant St Regis Hotel.  The celebration was for the 40th anniversary of Ann and Jay, and the engagement of Elizabeth and Matt.  Yay!  It was a fabulous evening with tons of great friends, food, and music.  I’m already looking forward to shooting with Robin again this October when Elizabeth and Matt tie the knot!

Here’s a little bit of what I shot that night.