Elton Anderson » weddings. lifestyle. fashion.

The 12K bride has finally gotten married and yours truly was the photographer! If you guys aren’t familiar, my friend Cora has a great blog (www.12kwedding.com) with hundreds of tips on planning the perfect wedding for only $12,000 and making it look like you spent way more — if you ask me, she succeeded. Everything about their wedding day was beautiful… the ceremony, the bouquet, the cupcake tower (yum) and most importantly, the love between her and her new husband Lloyd. There’s a lot of things that 12k can buy but this couple is priceless. Thanks for making me a part of your big day!

Enjoy.

**Special thanks to Jessica Nabongo — the best second shooter/world traveler/writer/friend ever**

For me, one of the hardest parts of being a lifestyle photographer is shooting absolute and complete strangers. By no means am I calling any of my clients strange — although they could probably say that about me — but it can be kind of challenging to tell someone’s story and you’ve just met them. So my solution to this dilemma has always been food. Keeping that in mind, Kevin and I decided to meet up for a quick lunch a few days before his shoot. 

Over some of the best Thai food in New York, I got a chance to know the real Kevin Madden and found out we had a lot in common. Both from the Midwest, both attended HBCU’s and both at the start of our entrepreneurial journeys. At only 24 years-old Kevin is the President and CEO of Behind It All, Inc., a full-service brand management company based out of NY. With his Blackberry Tour on deck and the kind of confidence very few are born with, Kevin is already getting familiar with the social and entertainment circles in New York. Better yet, these circles are getting familiar with him.

Kevin is one to watch as a leader of the next generation and if it’s success, he’ll be behind it all.

Check out the full line-up here: http://eltonandersonblog.com/slidingstories/kevinmadden/

As I creep up on my first full year of business I’ve learned a lot about what it takes (and will take) to be a successful photographer. Developing your style, effective branding and staying inspired are all key to reaching your business/creative goals. But, if you ask any renowned photographer what the most valuable element to their business (besides the camera, of course), I’m sure they’ll say a strong team. Most people don’t realize this but it takes a LOT of talented individuals to make a great picture happen. Sure you have a model and the photographer, but the stylist, creative director, make-up artist, producer, hair stylist, lighting assistants (and the list goes on) are all an integral part of every picture taken.

With that being said, I have the honor of working with one of the most talented up-and-coming creative directors/stylists in the game. If you’ve seen any shoots I’ve done in the east coast recently, they have all been due to the creative vision of Mr. Apuje Kalu. Although his Engineering degree has little to do with fashion or photography, his keen sense of style and experience behind the scenes has made him a natural at creating high-end concepts. Plus, his “make-it happen” attitude is the perfect match for the slight case of ADD I think I may have developed over the years. But all jokes aside, Apuje is a great friend and even greater at what he does, so I’m guessing we’ll see a lot of future success.

**FYI: Today just happens to be his birthday… Make it a great one homie!** http://twitter.com/Apuje

I’ll be honest, it’s actually kinda weird watching one of your oldest friends get married. Matt and I go way back — back to when recess and animal crackers were the highlight of our days. In high school, our bond even grew tighter as we ran throughout the state and the nation as track & field champions. When we went to separate colleges we still remained great friends, but Matt also began forming a friendship with a girl who would one day become his wife.

Matt and Malaika met on the campus of the University of Michigan and have been in each other’s corner ever since. From the moment I met Malaika I knew she was the only woman  who could give Matt both the challenge and support that he needed, plus this girl is as hilarious and beautiful as they come. When Matt told me he proposed I totally expected it. In fact, I was wondering what took him so long! 

Being their wedding photographer meant a lot more than just taking some beautiful pictures. For me, it meant capturing a love story that I’m sure will grow into a beautiful marriage. I couldn’t be happier for my lifelong friend. Especially since now he has a best friend he can call his wife. Congrats!

**I have to give a special shout-out to the BEST second-shooter in the world, Ms. Jessica Nabongo. She’s busy traveling the globe now but will be back in time to help me shoot a few more weddings this season**

If you’re reading this and are from Detroit then you can relate to the following 3 things: 1.) Better Made are the best chips in the world 2.) Coney Island tastes even better after 2 am and 3.) FM 98 WJLB was your favorite radio station when you were growing up. Although, my zip code has changed, every time I head back home my taste in chips, late night food and radio stations has pretty much stayed the same. For Mark Whitehead (aka DJ TradeMark), FM 98 is more than just his favorite station, its his full-time job. 

At only 22 years-old, DJ TradeMark is miles ahead of his peers. He’s turned a one-time internship into a budding career in radio and he even has his sights on hitting the big screen. Make sure you check out his radio show on Monday Nights. Goes great with a bag of Better Mades, trust me.

*TWEETERS: Make sure you follow him: http://twitter.com/TradeMarkOnAir