When she arrive to the studio not only did she bring a great vibe and a lot of energy…she brought along some suuuuuuuper serious abs too!

For this shoot, I wanted to try a slightly different look than what people are used to seeing from me, so I decided to collaborate with a fellow photographer friend of mine Colby Taylor . He is awesome with lighting! And let me not forget to mention that my Wingman even decided to document the “Behind the Scenes” for us! Check out the “Behind the Scenes” and few of the images we captured during the shoot below:

“Hey Robert, it’s Mina. Thanks so much for having us. I really appreciate your passion and talent. Please save the date as we would love to have you capture the moments of our big day! We’re excited!”

The entire affair was one to be remembered…from the breath taking views at the Sunset da Mona Lisa, to the exchange of cultures through dance and genuine conversation. It was truly beautiful to see two people, from two different backgrounds, share a love that extends beyond any language, race, culture or custom. The atmosphere was exuding with love! Everyone there…some family…some friends…left as one huge family!

“Ability is nothing with out opportunity” and I am thankful for this one…

As I reflect on my time here in Los Cabos San Lucas, my heart is overwhelmed with joy. I was exposed to a love that extends far beyond any language, race, culture or custom. I was exposed to the how Grand God really is…the ultimate creator. I had the opportunity capture the merging of two people, two families, two cultures and build relationships that will last through the ages. A true cultural experience. I am simply in awe of what Love can accomplish!

When these two called to say that they wanted to work with me and that one of the shoot locations was the AU, I knew it was going to be pretty dope! Since my mom, my younger cousin and my mother-in-law attended Clark, I had to represent! LOL!

Jay and Pierre met at Clark Atlanta University while working on their Masters in Public Administration. With Jay as a graduate of Fort Valley University and Pierre being a “Morehouse Man”, the two of them claw it out when football season rolls around!  Jay says the two of them began talking like 2 months after she came to the Department. They didn’t want people to know, so they kept it a secret for almost a year!  Even when people found out about them, they still didn’t talk that much during class…she sat in the front and he sat in the back. To them, business was business! They didn’t want to become distracted from the goal at hand.

Pierre, an “Alpha Man” (0000000000six!!!!), has political ambitions and desires to be the mayor of Atlanta one day…and I’m almost 100% sure that it’s going to happen with Jay on his arm! He currently does community planning and development work for a historic community in Atlanta. Jay, an “Alpha Kappa Alpha Woman” works for a public relations firm and desires to be a publicist one day for a public official. She says, “Who knows? I may end up working for Pierre!”  LOL!

Jay studied French in school and has always dreamed of going to Paris for her honeymoon…and now Pierre, “The Future Mayor of ATL”, is making her dreams come true!  Their Parisian themed wedding is planned for October of this year and  I can’t wait to capture their BIG day!

Checkout the featured gallery entitled, “Digital Lovebirds”: http://www.essence.com/2013/01/30/just-engaged-talia-and-trayvon

Watch the proposal slideshow here:  http://billieboardphotography.com/blog/trayvon-and-talia-engagement-2012/

These two have been at it for a while now! Yep, on and off since 97′ in the halls of Stephenson High School (the same place I met my wife). I still remember when I was in middle school and Byron stopped by the house on Valentine’s Day and gave my sister this bright green alien in a blue robe, with a blue Nike headband on its head and two matching Nike wristbands on its arms.  The entire time all I remember thinking was, “Those wristbands are gonna be mine!”

She hasn’t stopped loving this guy since! Somehow they always ended up rekindling the flame. They’re an odd, but perfect two! My sister adores this guy…she found her Superman and Byron has found his good thing! As I write, I think I’ve finally accepted the fact that she is no longer mine, but his. God custom-designed her just for you B! You’re a King and she is your Queen. Her heart is fragile and I trust that you will handle it with care (just like Brubby would!)  I love you both! It was truly an honor to capture the unique love you two share! May 19th can’t get here any faster! I am ready to party with you both since I don’t have to shoot the wedding! LOL

Tonight I was reviewing a few images from my niece’s christening when I came across an image of my parents that made my heart smile! This past NYE they celebrated their 32nd Wedding Anniversary! Fortunately, I’ve been blessed enough to experience 28 of those 32 years of their growth, their successes and failures, and all of the their smiles complimented by tears. I witnessed their refinement from the front row and I am grateful for the awesome seat!

My marriage is a reflection of theirs and it is even more beautiful to know that they fought hard for the moment they shared in this image…Mom & Dad, I thank you both for paving the road so that Tia and I can experience the fullness of God’s image of marriage!

Alvin and I have known each other for the past 10 years. We were first college baseball teammates at Alabama A&M, then co-workers at the local apartment complex on “The Hill”, and now fellow photographers.

A couple of years ago, I remember getting a call from Alvin telling me how he was packing up things in DC and heading to Atlanta to be with the love of his life, Ms. Hilary Young. If any of you know how much of a clown this guy is, you know I had to check my sources! As you can see, it turned out to be the truth! Anyway, these two met in DC at a book reading of Hill Harper’s, “The Conversation”. The rest was history!

Both of them are such busy bodies and they never share a dull moment! Every weekend they have plans, whether they are traveling out of the country, or just making a trip up to UNC Chapel Hill (where Hilary is former member of the 2000 National Champion soccer team). Oh, and let me not forget to mention, it’s very rare that these two allow the weekend to pass without grabbing a pizza from their favorite pizza spot, Grant Central Pizza. Check out a few shoots from their engagement session. I had a blast shooting them!

The dugout is where the magic happens. A place where life long friendships are built. Where correction happens. Encouragement is at the forefront, and most of all, jokes for days!

A few months back, I had a chance to capture their engagement shoot in Richard’s hometown, Lanette, Alabama. With a population of just over 100 people, he is a hometown baseball legend there. LOL! Richard is a huge fan of the greatest game on earth and the two of them are fans of the greatest HBCU on earth! So, they decided to incorporate something they both share into their session…Batter UP!

Enjoy the “Game” guys! Have a little fun out there kid…

On Saturday evening, I lost one of the most important men in my life, my grandfather. It was just three days before his 78th birthday. His birthday is one of the few birthdays I never forget, because it is exactly a week after mine. We were 50 years apart…

It feels so surreal that just two weeks ago we were sitting  at my Aunt’s kitchen table having a convo about everything but politics. It’s so crazy…that night, before leaving my house, my heart told me to bring my camera along to document our moments together. I had no clue I would be documenting our last, true conversation. As we talked, he enjoyed a piece of cake for his usual evening dessert.  For anyone who has ever witnessed by grandfather eat a piece cake, you know it’s an overly calculated performance.  He eats like Major Payne! LOL!

Anyway, if I would’ve known it was his last piece of cake, I would’ve joined him. Heck, I would’ve slapped some candles on that Entenmann’s cake and sung him Happy Birthday! But since I didn’t, I thought I’d take a second to write a blog and reflect on the moment we shared that night. We both knew it was something special! I felt like a kid all over again. I will never forget leaning on his shoulder watching “Battle Los Angeles” thinking, “Who watches alien movies?” LOL! And when that got old, we hopped in the bed and started to watch some college football. I could go on and on about that night, but I am getting a bit emotional now…

So what I’m trying to say is…today, on what would’ve been your 78th birthday, I celebrate your life Pop-Pop!

I want you to know you were an amazing grandfather to me! You’re a huge part of who I am and I love you! Happy Birthday!