amuse - three21

a muse

a mini magazine of things i like, love, and i want to share with others. i hope you like it too, but if you don't that's okay. jim . . .

lindsey

CONTENTS

the beach, the bride...

find happiness

peppermint kisses

a love story, written together

art is love, love is art

the eyes that captured my heart

beauty+beach

For some girls, a beach wedding is a dream come true. Nothing like the allure of getting married and kissing the love of your life by sunset while the ocean whispers sweet nothings. The dream…

But dreams can sometimes turn into anything but sweet. Spring of 2020 changed life as we know it. A horrific pandemic brought many restrictions when it came to large gatherings. This bride’s beach wedding dream needed to happen just like she envisioned. It was my job to capture the moment while following pandemic guidelines. Let’s back up. My good friend Penny and her husband Chris asked me if I photographed weddings. I told them that I don’t usually, but I could. Weddings are one of those events where the pressure is on the whole time. There are lots of “photography directors” giving you orders, and you could end up disappointing lots of people. Sounds fun, right? The thing is, I have a hard time telling friends “no.” Penny tells me that her auctioneer friend’s daughter (Megan) is getting married on Panama City Beach. Anything for Penny - I can make it happen. I did explain to them that my style is more “candid” images than “posed.” We agreed on a little of both. There’s also going to be a poolside prewedding party at Penny’s house. I am to shoot photos there as well. Being that parties and

events are my specialties, this was shaping to be another fun photographic adventure.

Barbara (mother of the bride) and Penny took care of all the planning, budget, venue visits, and food choices/tastings while making sure our soon-to-be bride approved. Megan wanted her wedding to be the best under the circumstances. She wanted everyone to have fun making memories at the event. She also wanted their time at the beach (for many of her guests the first time) to be a blast. Her dream was simple; a beautiful sunset with golden light, emerald green waves gently crashing on the beach, and the most exciting party – the kind of party you don’t ever forget.

I had the opportunity to go to the venue while details were being hammered out as part of the menu tasting crew. As a photographer, part of your job is to make sure you are somewhat familiar with the site before the event. You want to find perfect photo locations and, the most important thing, light. The hotel was directly on the beach with a large pool, a boardwalk, and the perfect banquet room with a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico for the reception. I walked all over checking out the lighting and scenery. I’m now thinking “This should be easy, right? Please, Jim, get real” This was going to be an enormous undertaking. Fast forward to the wedding weekend.

megan+david

10.11.2020 panama city beach. florida the beach, the bride, and new begginings

The guests that made it were checking into the hotel. The party bus went to the hotel to pick them up and take them to the pre-wedding party. Everything was perfect! The decorations were beautiful. The DJ started getting everyone into the party mood and the bartender was serving refreshing drinks. I was busy capturing images that could later tell a fun story. We ate, drank, and danced until it was time to get some sleep. Tomorrow is the big day and I needed to be ready and rested.

On the day of the wedding, the weather looked as if it was going to be a concern but it turned out to be a beautiful day. I’m not saying it wasn’t hot but it didn’t rain a drop. My biggest concern was how bright the sun was. Guests were enjoying themselves and having good a time. It was the perfect beach day in October. Time to get ready to make the magic happen and capture memories. The ladies were enjoying mimosas while getting hair and makeup. The mother of the bride was helping herd the cats too. It was awesome to see the mother-daughter interactions while they were getting ready. You can tell they have a very close bond. It’s now time to photograph the bride with her bridesmaids. Smiles all around, beautiful dresses, and lots of giggles of excitement. Now to find the groom and groomsmen. The gentlemen were “being guys” talking and relaxing until time for their photos. They assisted each other with their bowties, straighten some collars, and pinned on the boutonnieres. Their photoshoot started in the

room and then we headed downstairs with the guys just having fun while walking down. I enjoy capturing the energy and emotions moments like these create.

Time to get married! By now everyone heads back to their get-ready place for before the ceremony starts. I walked to the beach to check out my angles and light – again, the most important thing. Guests start seating down and the officiant arrives. The ceremony begins. There is a gentle sea breeze blowing off the gulf and the sun is golden. The wedding party arrives and the bride follows escorted by her father. The ceremony was short and sweet concluding with a romantic first kiss. After done shooting the ceremony it all replays in my head - are there any images I may have missed? Do we need to recreate any moments?

While the guests are invited to enjoy the cocktail reception is time to take the bride, groom, wedding party, and family photos. The sun slowly sets and dinner is served. The bride and groom make their grand entrance and the party can now begin. The night ends with lots of champagne, dancing, selfies, hugs, and good night kisses. What’s next for the photographer?

Uploading photos, lots of editing, selecting the best ones, and resting inbetween here and there until the job is done to then do it all over again – until next time.

lindsey+josh

find happiness

Life provides us with many different paths to find love and happiness. Sometimes we make decisions that don’t work out as we thought they would. I discovered this myself a long time ago with one of my relationships. However, it is what it is. The past makes us ponder with “What if we did this instead of that? Or question where would we be now?” Don’t let your past choices get in the way of your future happiness. We are still grateful for the things created by these past relationships.

We discover in life that we are all one big family and on this earth for a short time. We must make the most of the time we have here to be happy and love ourselves as much as others. You should love and care for yourself too.

I think Lindsey and Josh discovered each other while still searching to find themselves. I could be wrong because I have been many times before. Today I believe they have finally found what they both needed and truly wanted. They are individuals that tend to take care of others before taking care of themselves. They don’t want anyone to be looked upon unfairly or mistreated at all.

Conquer the world, share life in the woods or the mountains with Jack by their side. Our families will learn to live, play, and love as we grow together wherever we are living.

When you read a little bit more about them, look at all he smiling faces, and you will discover the happiness they are now finding together. I am excited to add everyone to my extended family and share this excitement with you.

and jack too!

Nine Personal Questions with Short and Sweet Answers by Lindsey

one

HOW AND WHERE DID YOU TWO MEET?

We were trying to survive the night in the city. two

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

We were both lost in a sense and we had an immediate soul connection... much more than a "spark". three

WHAT WAS YOUR PARTNERS FIRST IMPRESSION OF YOU? Something along the lines of, "Oooo SHINY! Yes, please!" four

WHAT/WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST DATE? FIRST KISS?

My favorite early memory dinner was when he spoiled me with more sushi than either of us could eat. five

WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN COMMON WITH EACH OTHER? We'd both rather be as far in the woods as possible with a library, a magickal kitchen, and musical instruments than any where close to civilization.

six

HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER?

We differ in many ways, but also in all the right ways. We have our separate strengths, that when combined, we feel quite unstoppable. We are constantly building each other up and encouraging each other to be our true selves and follow our passions.

seven

HOW OR WHO PROPOSED?

We loaded up our van and drove from Florida to North Carolina. He took me back to the waterfall he knew I'd love.

As we were getting misted with sparkling water and breathing in cool mountain air, he asked to keep me forever. eight

YOUR HONEYMOON WAS ________.

Memorable. nine

WHAT ARE THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOUR MARRIAGE SO FAR?

Humorous. Comforting. Genuine.

the celebration

in

the hills of Franklin, North Carolina

EMMALINE

(rhymes with clementine)

While working on ideas for this wedding issue of “amuse” Emmaline’s song “All My Sweetest Dreams” played in the background. You know I am a romantic, I love jazz, and this is a perfect wedding song. Singing lyrics “walking with your hands in mine”, “I’m feeling butterflies”, and “it’s you that makes me feel alive” all of these bring the wedding goosebumps to my arms. Her vibe inspires me to take Mara back to Paris and find that tucked-away speakeasy to share a cocktail and stories about things still to come in our lives.

Emmaline’s biography states she is a 23-year-old singer and songwriter possessing a smoky, jazz-infused, genre-fluid voice admirable as much for the range of traditional sounds she draws upon, as for her startling freshness—fresh, as in new and innovative as well as in attitude and sly humor. Her songs are bold in the statement and soft in feel, her flow supple and precise. She prides herself in being one who has listened with deep intention to her heroes—Anita O’Day and Billie Holiday, Erykah Badu and D’Angelo—and has already learned to rise above questions of a category with a healthy sense of musical identity and forethought.

p epp ermint kisses

“jazzisart”

“I consider myself a jazz singer,” Emmaline says. “I have been singing jazz my entire life—I studied it and I think that there is a place for me in the jazz world. Whether my music is strictly jazz I cannot say and in fact, would rather not. To me jazz is art, not a set of rules.”

a love story

written together

It was another day at the beach in Destin. I just received a new lens that I wanted to try out. I had driven to the pavilions near the Crab Trap restaurant. Without a model with me or anything specific in mind to take photos of I started looking around. There were seagulls, click-click, shells on the sand, click-click, waves, plus beautiful emerald green water, click-click.

Looking for things as photography subjects. I see a couple with an arm stretched out trying to take a picture of both of them. So being shy me I ask them if they want me to take a photo of them. They say “it’s alright because it looks like I was busy” and I tell them that I am just playing with a new lens. They let me know it’s ok and I shoot a few images with their phone. They say “Thank you.” and I state “No worries, have a great day.” and that was that. Well, I gave them my business card too and asked them to check out my photography. I go home after what was a fun day with a new toy and making someone else smile.

Fast forward almost a year to the day I am back at the beach. No big surprise about that since I attempt to take photos whenever I can. The weird thing is I had purchased another lens ad was trying it out. This day three people come up to me and ask me, “Are you, Jim Clark?” I think, “What did I do wrong?” hahaha. I kind of recognize the young couple but not the other person (mom) who was with them. Curtis tells me that they didn’t get a picture with me the year before. I’m thinking, “you do not a picture of this old guy.” But they introduced me to his mom and insisted she take our photo, so she did. We laughed about how they randomly found me again. I told them if they wanted to do a beach photoshoot anytime I would like to do it for them since they are like family now. Life went on and we all went back to our homes.

Not sure how much time went by but I was in Publix shopping with my stepdaughter Gisele and a lady says my name. Sadly I

didn’t remember her from the beach a while back. She is Curtis’s mother and she tells us about the kids still being in college but getting closer to finishing. She asked if Curtis had contacted me about an engagement shoot on the beach. I said no but gave her another card and said it would be fun. I told her to feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

A month or so goes by, back to Publix we go, mom is there again too. I recognize her, then we begin to talk. She tells me she has some good and bad news. I am thinking the worse thing the couple is not together, I say “Is everything alright with the kids?” She assures me all is great but that Curtis asked Kelsea to marry him in Hawaii. She said yes but that I was not going to photograph the engagement photos. I told her to tell them to let me shoot some free beach photos when they are back in town and congratulations.

It is now December, the couple just got back from Hawaii, Curtis texts me about shooting some beach photos. We schedule the time and place. You can see a few of them within this article.

I receive another text in January. Curtis says: “Hi Jim, Happy New Year to you and Mara. Kelsea and I hope all is well with you and your family. We hope you received the invitation to our Wedding and saw us showing off our awesome engagement photos on our website. As the wedding approaches, we wanted to let you know we are thinking of you.

We think of you as a dear friend although our relationship has been brief and spaced apart about one year at a time....” More information about how Covid is affecting the wedding plans and that they have moved to California.

Their text continues, “We say all that to truly say, we would love to have you there if you

are available and willing. For us to meet Mara would be a pleasure as well. We promise we are just sending our best wishes and completely understand if you are unable to attend.

Your invitation is for you as our friend. But we did want to let you know we have not hired a photographer yet and if taking some photos would bring your enjoyment then, of course, we would love to hire you.

Again, hope you feel no pressure at all. We wish the best for you and your family and one way or another, we hope to see you soon.

With love, Curtis and Kelsea.” This brings a tear to my eyes and a lump in my throat. Romantic guy? I tell them to let me check our schedules. We let them know we can make it but we just need a place to shower, sleep, and we will make it happen.

The wedding was a great time for everyone

at the wedding, the family, and the friends who were able to attend. The event was viewed on Facebook live by those who couldn’t attend.

I received a thank you note that said this “Jim & Mara, Thank you for sharing our wedding weekend with us. You are a beautiful fun couple and we loved getting to know you both better. Jim, you have a true talent for capturing beautiful moments as they happen and everyone who sees your work loves it. Our family cannot stop talking about the amazing photos we have.

You found us on the beach nearly 6 years ago, and have intertwined in our love story ever since. What a beautiful story we’ve written together. We are so glad to have met you and spent time with is an absolute treasure. You will be dear friends to us and we know it won’t be long ‘til we meet again.

Love, Curtis & Kelsea.”

bradley copeland

art is love love is art by gavinmcnaught

One of Bradley’s most known series is her paintings of lips. Bradley says she was trying to give [herself] a fun assignment,” so she drew faces. The lips were fun, so she decided to dedicate entire pieces to them. Bradley’s lips started to gain traction while painting live at Seaside. She set up a tent in the main square. The visitors must have been attracted to the vibrant colors or just curious about what she was going to paint next.

Bradley’s “LoveSICK” show featured images of women’s faces. Bradley Describes them as “Beaten…” and “... so over it.” To Bradley, they represent a wave of feminine energy present today, which is partially defined by refuting social expectations. Bradley says: “Women in general are so… [tired of] appeasing.”

Bradley is currently working on a series in which she is “telling a story through the language of plants.” The series uses the symbolism of plants to portray places and people. Plant names, cultural symbolism, native location, and other aspects are painted to speak through plant symbolism.

Bradley described ‘loosening up’ to be a great improvement in her artwork. She said, “it took me a long time to loosen up artistically and trusting the paint to do the work it was made to do.” Working with the different mediums to create what is best in that chosen medium or combinations of many of them.

Bradley’s work was recently featured at Anne Hunter Gallery in Seaside. Contact Bradley by email bradleycstudio@gmail.com

her favorite color is green

Bradley Copeland’s art studio is located in Santa Rosa Beach. Bradley stated that “My studio is a fun space. People are stopping by all the time.” She seems to love being busy working on her art. Bradley enjoys answering the questions of the visitors and soon-to-be collectors. She can also be scene doing pop-up shows in local area high-end shopping centers.

“I think all art is exploring identity.” bradley copeland

Follow Bradley on Instagram @bradleycopelandstudio

the eyes that captured my heart

Every person we meet seems to ask us, “How did you two meet?” well, here’s the short story. We’ve both been in the advertising industry most of our working lives. While attending the American Advertising Federation summer conference, I noticed Mara sitting alone while waiting for the next meeting to begin. I had seen her walking around the hotel and liked her appearance. Of course, I didn’t know what to say when, and if, I got the chance to meet her face to face. I could tell by her smile and the reactions of her friends that she had a good personality. She looked like a fun person to hang out with. What you may not know about me is that I am a shy person. Most people don’t believe it when I say it. The truth is, I am shy until you get to know me. Then it’s hard to get me to shut up - I guess I get excited about being among like-minded individuals that don’t judge me. Oh well, back to the story.

I decided to build up my courage, walk to her table and say “hi” or something. I still had no idea what I was going to say but didn’t want to miss the opportunity. Here I am thinking “What do I want to accomplish by meeting her?”. “To have another friend in the organization?” Not really. I wanted a relationship. My first marriage

was over and it was time to move on with my life. My mind was not thinking of marriage - I just wanted the chance to care for and love someone the way I wanted.

Here goes nothing. I walked to the table, handed her my phone, and said “I don’t have your number.” Cheesiest line ever! To my surprise, she took my phone and typed her number in it. I must have been in shock because I can’t remember what I said after that. She went back to getting ready for the meeting and I walked away to take the event photos. Shortly after the keynote speaker began. Since now I have her number something needed to happen. Being in advertising, or just plain silly, I chose to text her. The ad guy in me says “should I tease, surprise, or shock her? The romantic side of me says let’s surprise her. I text her “I miss you already” and then wait for a reaction. She looked at her phone and then looked around the room until she found me. I’m sure I had a goofy grin on my face. She smiles back. After the meeting was over we talked again and from there became friends. The conference ends. Everyone says their “goodbyes” and “see you next time”. Shortly after we connected on Facebook. Hours, days, weeks, and months go

by. Other AAF conferences happen and our lives intersect again. Some other conference attendees warned Mara about me telling her that “He likes younger women, watch out.” I don’t know where that came from. I’m not a player, I am just me. I hang out with younger people. Why? Because they still like to have fun. I enjoy dancing to all types of music, good food, going to the movies, and concerts.

By now, you may be wondering where the title of this article came from. Have you ever heard the very sexist question “Are you a butt or boob man”? I always answer with “I am a look into her eyes first, then personality” guy. If you see Mara’s big green eyes you’ll realize how they captured my heart. If you get to spend time with her you too will experience her spunky

personality. Plus, she has a crazy real loud laugh. You can also hear the sexy accent I fell in love with.

Since this is the wedding issue, let’s fast forward to ours. We began dating, hanging out with the family, going to dinners, having cocktails, and walks on the beach. We were clear we didn’t have to get married and would be just fine living together. After a couple of years of that, I started thinking about wanting to be more than “mom’s boyfriend who lives with us” to the kids. I wanted to be a true stepdad or “step-on dad” as the kids called me when we were clowning around together. I decided to ask Mara to marry me right before Christmas. We ordered toys for the kids which arrived in a large box. I decided to use that box for a special

surprise. I wrapped all the presents and placed them under the tree, including the box. Mara thought that the big box was just a gag since that’s where the gifts came from. I told her to open it. She tells me that there is nothing in that box because she’d seen everything that came out of it already. The kids tell her “come on mom, open it”. She finally does and sees that I taped an “amour” titled journal to the bottom. By this time the kids were already playing with their goodies and not even paying attention to us. Mara sees the journal and looks at me and smiles. I ask her to open it and inside I wrote “will you marry me?” on a little heart-shaped note. She reads it. I’m still looking at her and it feels that time stands still. No response. She then starts to cry... All I can think is “oh she

doesn’t want to?” What seems like hours go by (maybe 3 minutes) and I ask her for an answer. She looks up at me with raccoon eyes and says yes. My heart starts beating again.

Life continues and we begin to discuss what we want to do for a wedding since we both had one before. We talked about places we would like to go, the type of ceremony, and if we wanted a large or small group in attendance. Destination wedding it is, with just the two of us to a place we have never been before. That place was Paris. Mara, being the detailed person she is gets to do the planning. I’m good with whatever she wants. She is excited that our favorite movie, “Midnight in Paris” was going to come to life. Our family was happy for us but felt they were going to miss out so we decided

on a small local get-together for them as well. We told them we were having a small dinner to celebrate with both families and friends at Cuvee in Destin but ended up surprising them by getting married there before dinner. I didn’t realize you had to be a resident of France to legally get married there, now we know. We boarded to our dream destination wedding early the next day. I remember talking to each other saying that we couldn’t believe Paris was happening. We get to the plane with a big beautiful wedding dress that I carry as a carry-on but worried all the way that it would get messed up stuffed inside a plane closet. Much to my surprise, the flight attendant smiles and tells us that they will take good care of it. We get to our seats and before we know it we are served champagne. Our dream has begun. 10 hours later we arrive in Paris. Paris is a photographer’s dream and even

so when you can bring your favorite model with you. Mara planned more sights and adventures than anyone can think of recommending you. I planned to take as many pictures as I could while there. Art, architecture, nature, people, food, and anything else will be my subjects. We visited museums, artist residencies, and sat at Hotel’s bar while it rained outside. We both enjoyed cocktails, pastries, candies, and bread every day. Our first dance was on the Pont Alexander III using music from my phone. As you can see from the few images here, we did get married in Paris too. It was overcast, cloudy, rainy, and perfect for photos day. We got married at Ponte de Bir-Hakeim, one of the most famous bridges overlooking the gorgeous Eiffel. My bride looked stunning and was glowing from within. Our wedding was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and I truly loved every minute of it!

My favorite color is purple Before the ceremony

Photo by Jake Meyer

I am sitting across from the love of my life. Taking pictures of our food, and all while enjoying the view from the Eiffel Tower. It’s doesn’t get much better than this.

smiling the shoe fits

She may not be Cinderella. She is a princess. I will always place Mara on a pedestal. She has a love for the finer things in life. That is why she picked me? Hahaha! Fashion is one of her many passions. I discovered that I had found my perfect model. She doesn’t like to get her picture taken. She loves it! Playing dress-up and styling herself and others is fun to do together.

this woman of mine

listen!

NECESSITY

By Emmaline

Order your very own copy of Emmaline’s sophomore EP release on CD today! For a limited time, Emmaline will be signing EVERY order! Stock is limited! Get yours while they’re hot off the press!

TRACK LIST

Peppermint Kisses Ladylike

You Don’t Know What Love Is Necessity

EMMALINE

emmalineofficial.com Necessity, is available on CD, Vinyl and all music platforms.

in sickness and in health

by jim clark

In sickness and in health For better or worse Not just another saying Not just another verse

These may be meaningless words To you and even others Words we have all heard before In our minds, in our ears from our fathers or our mothers

Where do these words come from? What do they mean?

Pledging a commitment to yourself or to another. In a relationship, during a wedding or in life to your family, your parents, your sister, or your brother.

In sickness and in health can be really tough. When the medicine won’t work at all or hardly enough. When the doctors have done all that they said they could do. And your tears start to flow while your heart breaks in two.

I am a grown man. I not supposed to cry... The tears just keep coming...

Of course I know why. For better or worse we all have to die.

Yes I am human! You should give it a try! Where do we go from here? The future is never clear.

Keep getting up, keep living. We keep doing the best that we can while respecting our fellow humans.

You can, you will, you must shine. Life still comes and goes... Take it one day at a time.

People will leave this earth way before we think they should. But they were so special, so young, or so good?

We will try... as hard as we can... to keep the memories of them in our minds.

The fun we had, the tears we shared, and even when we showed our behinds.

But just as our memories fade and I’ve been told they always will. Tell your story, one so special someone will always try to remember, to share, and to tell.

A life always ends and someone’s else’s begins...

For better or for worse.

we are all human < be yourself

whatcha think?

DID YOU LIKE THIS ISSUE?

This is the third issue of amuse magazine and I'm already thinking, writing, and taking photographs for the fourth issue. Hopefully, you enjoyed the photos, poems, and stories too. Let me know what you would change or add.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE IN ONE OF MY NEXT ISSUES?

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OR LESS OF?

There was a lot of love in this edition. Weddings tend to bring out the emotions in us. I’m thinking more art and other fun stuff in the next issue. What about you? Think about it and let us know what you think.

Even if it's "you" that you want to see in an issue, I may be able to make it happen. Upcoming ideas include art, food, crazy couple photos, your face here photos, and many ideas that haven't popped up in my head yet. I want to include more writings of other people... short poems or song lyrics, who knows? E-mail me your thoughts or poems and we can consider them. Send it to: info@nwfla.com with the subject title "amuse me".

LET ME KNOW AND THANKS. Yes... I am asking you 'cause I have learned that if you don't ask, nobody does anything. Share some of your thoughts or comments by e-mail at info@nwfla.com.

DID

YOU LEARN ANYTHING OR JUST ENJOYED FLIPPING THROUGH THE PAGES?

A magazine can be fun to create but it does take time to put it together with the way you want it. Creating a flow and incorporating the style that matches your personality and includes things you like as well. What’s going on in your world? Let’s talk about it. CONTACT call 850.357.0088 and leave a message E-MAIL jim@iamjimclark.com

FACEBOOK facebook.com/amusedestin

Capturing the moment when you don’t expect it is awesome. And whoever said it’s not a good time to shoot when it is raining can be wrong too.

Call me at 850.357.0088 to discuss your next photo session, a fun portrait or candid event coverage.

[ uh-myooz ]

dictionary.com

verb (used with object), a·mused, a·mus·ing.

1. to hold the attention of (someone) pleasantly; entertain or divert in an enjoyable or cheerful manner: She amused the guests with witty conversation.

2. to cause mirth, laughter, or the like, in: The comedian amused the audience with a steady stream of jokes.

amuse ~ to occupy the attention with something pleasant. That which amuses is usually playful or humorous and pleases the fancy.

words related to amuse tickle, gratify, wow, please, delight, cheer, charm, regale, interest, gladden, divert, panic, grab, crack up, put away, knock dead...

3. Go to page 23 to see the amuse word of this issue. What or who do you think about when you say the word?