Valerie + Marvin | a Las Vegas Wedding | 10.08.12

On October 8, 2012, I had the pleasure of photographing Valerie & Marvin's wedding.  Valerie told me she has been "crazy in love with Marvin since she was thirteen years old."  Ya' see Valerie & Marvin grew up as neighbors in Evanston, Illinois.  Marvin said he was clueless and never knew that Valerie liked him.  Fast forward umpteen years later and Valerie & Marvin are in wedded bliss.  For many reasons this wedding was so special.  The two not only renewed their vows, they celebrated their sixth anniversary and their birthdays as well.  Yes, Valerie & Marvin share the exact same birthday, October 8th. I am very proud to call them my friends and so amazed by their love.  Here are a few of my favorites from the day.  Enjoy...

A very special thanks to The Victoria's Family Wedding Chapel and coordinators Martha & Rob , Reason Photography for their assistance and Kim Thomas for Hair & Make-up.

OLIPHANT

MIranda @ 40 by James Derek Oliphant | The Palms Place | Las Vegas | 09.13.12

Miranda @ 40 by James Derek Oliphant | Preview

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of photographing my good friend Miranda Richardson at the Palms here in Vegas as she kicked off her 40th birthday celebration in style.  Here's a preview; the full post will be featured next week.

best,

OLIPHANT

OLIPHANT PHOTOGRAPHY: Giving Back | The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Las Vegas

The disease Sickle Cell Anemia has effected my personal life, so it was a no-brainer' when I was asked to donate some time to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Las Vegas Chapter. The occasion was their 1st annual walk-a-thon and their 2nd annual symposium which was held at the William W. Pearson Center in North Las Vegas. The crowd was enthusiastic and the light was perfect on this Vegas morning.  Here are a few of my favorites...

This metal sculpture is called REACH. The artists were inspired by a quote from George Washington Carver, inscribed on the base of the sculpture: "How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong.  Because someday in your life you will have been all of these." 

The founder of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association Pam White and her husband. 

all the best, 

OLIPHANT

For more information visit: www.sicklecelldisease.org

Miller Beach Bride by OLIPHANT | Lake Street Beach | 06.14.09

Theresa by OLIPHANT | Stock Island, Florida | 01.09.09

Hawaii Cool by OLIPHANT | Kauai, Hawaii | 08.07.11

Valerie + Marvin | a Las Vegas Pre-Wedding Session | 06.30.12

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing a pre-wedding session for Valerie and Marvin.  Why pre-wedding and not and engagement session?  Well ya' see Valerie and Marvin are already married!  As a testament of their love they've vowed to re-new their vows every five years and I am so honored they chose me to capture true love.  The session took place at Aliante Nature Discovery Park in North Las Vegas and I had so much fun that I totally forgot about the 102 degree temperature outside.  I can't wait to shoot their wedding in October.  Here are a few of my favorites of the day!

all the best,

OLIPHANT

OLIPHANT | PHOTOGRAPHY: ESPN Nevada Girls Soccer Player of the Year | Haley Wingender I Las Vegas

Last week I had the fortunate opportunity to photograph star high school athlete Haley Wingender.  Haley attends the prestigious Bishop Gorman high school and was recently name an ESPN high school player of the year.  A few days after our shoot I received the following note from her mother and it truly made my day!  

James,

Thank you for so many great pictures!  Haley was extremely happy with the selection and had a hard time deciding on which picture to use for her announcements so she ended up choosing two.  I will be ordering some prints for myself once I can decide which pictures.  (I am also having a hard time narrowing down my selection but I am definitely choosing the picture you selected for the cover - gorgeous!)...I appreciate your beautiful work!

Thanks,

Theresa

CONGRATULATIONS, HALEY!!!

all the best,

OLIPHANT

OLIPHANT | PHOTOGRAPHY: a Las Vegas Wedding | Bear's Best

A couple of weeks ago I had to pleasure to second for my good friend and fellow Las Vegas potog  Myron Hensel.  The venue was Bear's Best Las Vegas, a unique mountain-side golf club and the beautiful bride and groom were Kasie & Jeremy.  It's always a pleasure to shoot along side another photographer who shares your passion.  Thanks Myron...Here a few of my favs of the day.

all the best,

OLIPHANT