Planning this weekend came like an epiphany.   For months I struggled on deciding what the right set of events should be.  I did the surprise party and limo in 2009 and I wanted to go in a totally opposite direction but with the same surprise factor.

            Then one thing she told me was that she hoped her anniversary and birthday weekend would be relaxing and she really didn’t want to be around a whole bunch of people.  In others words- no surprise party lol. And then it hit me –

            I called Greektown Casino and reserved a corner king room on the 19^th floor.  Great room and great view.  I made dinner reservations at a jazz club called The Dirty Dog and massage reservations the next day Woodward Day Spa.

            Early Friday afternoon I went to the room at Greektown Casino and left a set of clothes (for the next day) toiletries, rose pedals, champagne, a nighty from Victoria Secret, a radio (with a CD in it playing our favorite slow jams), and perfume.  When I got back I changed (into an outfit I had bought myself) and we were on our way.

            First stop was the Dirty Dog.  It was our first time going there.  It’s like a big step up from Bakers Jazz Lounge.  The food was expensive and came in small portions but it was excellent.  The atmosphere and feel was nice.  It’s an intimate and cozy setting.  I would recommend it to anyone.  The jazz was top notch.  Tash and I enjoyed everything tremendously.  We left and went to our room at the Casino.  I hadn’t told Tash much.  I just told her we weren’t coming home and she didn’t need any clothes.   We got to the room and she was floored.  That really made my night.  She was so happy and surprised.  We sipped champagne and enjoyed the night.

            Next morning we ate breakfast at the Casino, played the slots for a few then went to get our massages.  They were great.  That was my first time getting a massage and our fist time together.  The service and Woodward day spa was awesome. That wrapped everything up and then it was back to the real world of kids, cooking, cleaning, diapers, and homework.

I just wanted to give a big thanks to Uptown Magazine for listing Kahn Santori Photography as one of their preferred photographers in this month’s Weddings & Travel Issue.

Today – I am caught up in nostalgia. My wedding anniversary (and my wife’s birthday) is in 1 month and 2 days and this time last year I was putting together her surprise b-day party.
The day went so perfect. I had arranged for a limo to come and pick us up from my house at 11 am Sunday November 8th so we could have brunch at Seldom Blues (a restaurant in downtown Detroit that is now closed). She was soooooooo surprised to see the limo. My mother-n-law came over the watch the kids while we were gone. The driver was great as well, he even took the kids for a ride around the neighborhood before me and my wife left.
While we were at the restaurant for brunch, several of our friends and family were making their way over our house for the party. I had to sneak to the bathroom a few times and text people to make sure things were going as planned. We left brunch and walked along the Riverfront, holding hands, and being in love . The limo returned to pick us up and take us back to our home. I was soooo nervous. I knew she didn’t know exactly what was going on but I knew she had been trying to find out. Once we turned on our street, she started to recognize some of the cars parked around and she started smiling. We walked in, everyone jumped out “Surprise!!” It made me feel great to do something that special for my wife. I love her so much. I really do. We ate, played games and enjoyed the day.
Now: November 8th is looming again. How can I top last year? I’m not even sure if I should try. But whatever I do, my wife will always know that I love her more than anything in this world.

Ok, this is at least my 100th logo in 7 years. As of right now? I like this one. But i’m sure in a few month- I’ll hate it. LOL

Stolen Moments

Both of them were up past their bed-times. I quickly grabbed my camera, waited, waited, waited -then click. They turned but it was too late. They thought they were in trouble, but they weren’t. I went in their room and kissed them good night.

I love my daughters and I live for moments like that

Sometimes it’s the small things that will get your day off to a great start. I’m not sure how long this has been there but it put a smile on my face when I saw it. We have a blackboard in our basement and I stumbled on this while preparing for my day. I really, really love my wife.

I am an extremely big football fan. And what happened as Solider Field stadium when the Detroit Lions played the Chicago Bears was just terrible. I had my annual opening day football party, the food was great, the atmosphere was great, and it was a lot of fun until the ref made that call against Calvin Johnson. I’m still in shock.

Beginnings

My mother Wanda Yvonne Davison and father Oscar Z. Davison had me on 6/29/1976. In October 1977, I lost both parents. What has always amazed me is that I have well over 100 photographs of me and my parents. I’ve done weddings and family portraits when my clients only have 1 or 2 photos of their parents. This is amazing to me. When people ask about why I decided to become a photographer- this is the reason. Not sure where I would be without photos like these.