Rustic White Photography | Atlanta Based Wedding and Lifestyle Photographers | Destination Wedding Photographers

It’s hard to believe a year has already passed since we first met the families of Bert’s Big Adventure 2012.  Bert’s Big Adventure is in it’s 11th year of changing lives, and for the past two years we have been blessed and humbled to be able to be a part of this amazing organization.  Bert’s Big Adventure is a non-profit organization that provides a magical, all-expense paid, five day journey to Walt Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families.  At least this is where the experience begins.  Today Bert’s Big Adventure is so much more with year-round support through initiatives such as the Reunion Adventures, the Fairy Godparent volunteer program and additional charitable services.  Most of all the trip and programs create a community of families that support and care for others facing similar challenges.  It is truly a life changing program for the children, families, and for everyone behind the scenes.

For the staff, orientation marks how close the trip is.  For the kids, orientation marks the longest 42 days of anticipation and excitement.  This year’s trip includes 12 families and 13 children, and marks the first time Bert’s Big Adventure will be taking children from outside Georgia.  Nashville and Indianapolis both have a Bert’s Big Adventure family, and though they weren’t at ImagineIT! Children’s Museum for Orientation we can’t wait to see them real soon.  Now enough talking, and let’s just look at the cuteness from this year’s Bert’s Big Adventure Orientation.

The man all the kids want to hang with.  Bert Weiss, Bert’s Big Adventure co-founder & host of The Bert Show.

The team behind Bert’s Big Adventure is simply amazing to work with.  Smart, creative, funny but most of all caring and kind.  They are the perfect blend of professionalism and big kid, and ideal for spending five days in Disney with these families.

We’re excited to be welcoming and working alongside Sarah Esther and Cassandra Young as the newest additions to the photography team.

And there’s us…because who doesn’t look dapper in green.

Counting down the days to Disney,

-Robert & Tiffany

The past year has given us so much to be thankful for.  The friendships we developed, the adventures we had, the little victories we won.  All of it has served to enrich our lives, and help us grow not only as artists but as people.  Thinking back over the past year these moments stood out as some of our favorites. In no particular order we’ll start off with:

Traveling the streets of Venice.

Teaming up with Lauren Grove and a talented group of vendors for this rustic inspiration shoot.

Witnessing God’s grace and being reminded of what is truly important.

Photographing our younger brother’s wedding.

Meeting Lara Casey, Emily Ley & Gina Zeidler at the Making Things Happen tour.  (*photo by: Gina Zeidler)

Capturing Emily Ley’s sweet family.

Sitting beachside in Mykonos and swimming in the Aegean Sea.

Photographing this beautiful beach bridal shoot that Tiff dreamed up.

Our first cruise.

Being a part of The NotWedding.

Playing in Disney with Bert’s Big Adventure.

Did we mention Europe.

Wishing everyone a joyous and safe New Year’s Eve, and a prosperous 2013.

-Robert & Tiffany

It’s hard to believe next month we will be at Orientation for the 2013 Bert’s Big Adventure trip, but before we close out 2012 we had one last reunion to celebrate…and because it’s Christmas time it’s one of my favorites.  The Bert’s Big Adventure Holiday Reunion.  This year’s holiday reunion took place at the Fox Theatre with a performance of Beauty and the Beast, and though we couldn’t snap photos during the show we did get to spend time with the families and capture some sweet moments before the curtain went up.

Ready to hug it out the ladies behind Bert’s Big Adventure were at the door greeting every family as they arrived.

Tiff and sweet little Dariana.

With catering provided by Affairs to Remember we may have sneaked in for a chocolate chip cookie or two.

This was our first time working with Songs for Kids, but these guys were amazing and needless to say the kids loved them.

The kids couldn’t get enough of the always entertaining and funny Ken Scott.

Having celebrated 10 years of Bert’s Big Adventure trips Stacey unveiled a very special gift for the families with a commemorative 10th anniversary coffee table book.

It’s hard to believe the year is coming to close, and in one short month we’ll be meeting the 2013 Bert’s Big Adventure families.  If you would like to learn more about Bert’s Big Adventure, or ways you can donate CLICK HERE.

-Robert & Tiffany

We love fall…the holidays are right around the corner, and that means more time with friends and family.  Thanks to Bert’s Big Adventure reunions it also means more time with our extended Bert’s Big Adventure family.  This year’s fall reunion was held at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and with catering by Davio’s it was the perfect way to end the weekend and welcome in October.

Magical Moments 2012 was also unveiled.  A beautiful magazine highlighting the Bert’s Big Adventure 2012 families.

Next up the Bert’s Big Adventure Holiday Reunion.  We can’t wait.

-Robert & Tiffany

It’s kind of like going to camp.  There’s an itinerary, responsibilities, a few meetings but all and all it feels like a lot of play, and when it’s all over you leave each year with a lot of memories and stories to share.  Lucky for me one of my responsibilities is team building workouts, and this year started our annual Bert’s Big Adventure Retreat Team Challenge.  Two teams, seven obstacles, and a whole lot of running around the beach.

In blue leis: Seth, Tiffany, Cassie, Molly and Erin.  In yellow leis: Stacey, Michael, Mel, Jerry and Amanda.

…and their off.

First obstacle Bucket o’ Sweat & Tears sent everyone running back and forth to the beach until they completely filled a 3 quart bucket with water. From the outset I may have underestimated the competitiveness of the teams.

Obstacle 2, Express Jet, may have been the hardest as it loaded the teams up with suitcases and luggage weighed down with sand.

Pool Party sent everyone for the water as they headed out to rescue two baby dolls.

Cassie making her 40 yard baby doll pass to Seth.

Obstacle 5, Treasure Hunt.

Obstacle 6 had the teams throwing on blindfolds as one person could lead them to the next obstacle.

One more obstacle and a sprint for the finish line.

Next year will need a few tweaks, but for today’s team workout it definitely beat push-ups in the sand.

-Robert

*all images captured on GoPro 960

We’re two days in and the boss man himself is on his way out to join us, but thus far it’s been the ladies behind Bert’s Big Adventure, Troika Studio and yours truly hanging out, brainstorming and crushing some surf lessons during the 2012 Bert’s Big Adventure Retreat.

-Robert & Tiffany

It’s often a day of tears.  The families have all gathered together at the ESPN Club for The Bert Show’s live broadcast from Walt Disney World.  The morning may be full of tears as parents read their personalized letters to their children, but the morning is still a celebration.  A celebration of new friendships, achievements, discoveries, love, and life.  There is a special bond between each person in the room.  The memories and friendships made here in Walt Disney World will always be cherished.

One of the strongest mothers I know.  The room is filled with them.

Bert’s Big Adventure is a compilation of so many people, but at the core of it our four women who work year round to bring this trip and these families together.  Melanie, Bert’s Big Adventure Development Director, holds Noah as his mother reads her letter to him on the radio.

The kids write hand written thank you notes to all of the Bert’s Big Adventure sponsors.

All morning the kids enjoy a caricature artist and airbrush tattoos.  Their smiles are contagious as they share their portraits!

A little casanova, Will stole Tiff’s heart as well as a few others over the last four days.

A warm welcome from the Express Jet crew as we arrive at the airport to board our flight home.

In an early blog we wrote how everyone involved with Bert’s Big Adventure always seems to go that little extra.  Well here’s an example.  Since ASA has now become Express Jet our Captain and Co-Pilot presented their hats to Jordan and Noah as a gift from today’s flight.

Back in Atlanta the fun continued as the families were greeted by Express Jet crew, Disney characters, and a welcome home dance party.

It’s hard to say goodbye, so we don’t.  Reunions throughout the year bring us all back together, but the tears still flow as the families receive one last surprise before their limo ride home.

M-I-C, see you real soon.  K-E-Y, why because we like you.  M-O-U-S-E.

-Tiffany & Robert

Last night we attended a speaking engagement held by Jasmine Star entitled The Fix.  In the world of wedding photography Jasmine Star is at the top of the game, but last night’s conversation wasn’t about technique, or business, or capturing great images.  Rather last night we sat and listened as Jasmine spoke about the value in helping others.

Now I know this is something you’ve heard before, and I’m not a fan of getting on a pedestal.  What I will say is every time Tiff and I have felt stuck in life or in business if we pause and turn our energy outward to see what we can do for someone else we inadvertently always move ourselves forward as well.  There is simply a reason why helping others feels good, and it’s because it is how we’re suppose to be.  It’s God’s way of telling us we’re on the right path.  Now Bert’s Big Adventure isn’t the first non-profit we’ve worked with, but the path that led us here combined the best of what we have to offer with people we love hanging out with.  Plus how many times do you really get to photograph on Shipwreck Beach.

8:00am and it’s time for a beach side breakfast with Lilo & Stitch.

Today’s agenda, Animal Kingdom, and for the kids of Bert’s Big Adventure this is not only a first to the park, but for some their first time seeing these types of animals.

The animals must have know it was a special group on this Safari because they came to show off.  The hippos yawned and splashed, the giraffes sprinted by, and the rhinos faced off in the middle of the road.

After the group Safari ride the families were free to explore the Animal Kingdom.

Bree and The Bert Show’s Kristin were front and center to tackle Expedition Everest.

Will taking over our jobs, and slapping on a camera.

The fun and exploring doesn’t stop as families head over to Hollywood Studios to check out the rides…

..including Tower of Terror

Here’s how it goes.  We’re in the Grand Floridian enjoying dinner in a beautiful banquet room, but the room next to us seems to be unaware they are playing their music quite loud.  A manager goes over and asks them to turn it down.  Only thing is when he comes back they proceed to turn it up even louder.  The manager walks back over again only this time when he returns he says, “the guest in the next room apologize about the music, so they wanted to invite you all over.”  Just then the dividing walls are pulled back… and the dance party begins.

A wedding and fireworks capped out the night, but the smiles continued on as everyone boarded the buses and headed back for a good night’s rest before family day at the parks.

Check back soon for Bert’s Big Adventure | Recap and Letters, and if you want to give back and see what you can do with Bert’s Big Adventure CLICK HERE for more details.

-Robert & Tiffany

The other day we were trying to describe what it’s like for us to be a part of Bert’s Big Adventure.  The experience is hard to summarize.  In fact I rattled on for 45 minutes on the phone reliving story after story because there is no simple way to sum up an experience that not only changes the lives of the families, but the lives of every person involved.  We feel humbled and blessed to be able to capture this incredible journey through our lens because there is something magical in watching a child as they  see Cinderella’s castle for the first time.

It’s 8:30am and the families are settled into Tony’s Town Square for a very special breakfast, and what is sure to be a very magical day in the Magic Kingdom.

You can’t have breakfast in the Magic Kingdom without a few friends stopping by.  Chip, Dale, Pluto & Goofy made their way through the restaurant visiting the kids and signing autographs.

Stomachs full the families headed out to explore the magical world of Walt’s imagination.

All the parks of Disney World are incredible, but the Magic Kingdom carries that wonderful essence of Disney with the stories of  Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and so many others that a little girl can’t help but fall in love with all things princess.

So with a little Fairy Godmother magic the girls are all transformed into little princesses.

Keeping with the theme of all things princess, and pulling out all the stops Bert’s Big Adventure was granted access for all the families to check out the very exclusive suite in the top of Cinderella’s castle.

Dinner, games, characters and a pool party wrapped out the evening, and made sure everyone would sleep sound after another 14 hours of fun.

Be sure to check out Bert’s Big Adventure HERE to see more pictures and video.  Next up Bert’s Big Adventure | Life from Disney Day 2

-Robert & Tiffany

Going into our second year with Bert’s Big Adventure we weren’t sure what to expect. Would it feel as special as it did last year? After all, flying down to Disney to photograph Bert’s Big Adventure was one of our top memories of 2011, but even more it was an eye opening experience that left us humbled and touched by the kindness of people. As the limos arrived at the Sheraton Gateway hotel any uncertainty faded away as we knew this 10th anniversary of Bert’s Big Adventure was going to truly be something special.

All smiles as they pulled up to the red carpet the families were immediately greeted by the Westlake cheerleaders and marching band, plenty of their own paparazzi, and the staff of Bert’s Big Adventure. Perhaps most touching about the arrivals was the family participation. Families who had already arrived and checked in came back out to line the red carpet and cheer for the other Bert’s Big Adventure families as they arrived.

Host of The Bert Show and co-founder of Bert’s Big Adventure, Bert Weiss, greeted the families and chatted with the kids.

There is something special about Bert’s Big Adventure that makes everyone who comes into contact with the organization want to step up that little bit extra. One of those moments was watching the students from Westlake marching band take a moment to let some of the Bert’s Big Adventure kids try out the drums.

Our first dinner together. We’ll second I suppose we did have orientation.

I don’t know how anyone sleeps that first night because Santa has nothing on Bert’s Big Adventure. Either way it’s up before the sun, and down to the send off party. The Bert Show broadcasts live, vendors and sponsors come out in full support, and with the mix of entertainment the staff of Bert’s Big Adventure sets up the kids may think they are already in Disney.

Posh Tot Events once again did an incredible job designing the overall theme as well as the Carter’s VIP lounge for this year’s send off.

Loved the Hollywood theme of this year’s send off, and the way Posh Tot incorporated images of past Bert’s Big Adventure children into the table centerpieces.

We always enjoy getting to see how much sponsors and vendors connect with Bert’s Big Adventure.

Not your typical arrival at the airport. Bert’s Big Adventure flys the families down VIP with a private flight thanks to Express Jets, but the party doesn’t end at the Sheraton. Music, characters and a red carpet greet the families as they make their way on to the plane.

Orlando!

Like we said earlier, something about Bert’s Big Adventure makes everyone go that little extra. Our flight Captain carrying little Bree off the plane.

Marie was certainly excited to be in Orlando as she motioned Bert over for a hug after the flight.

The bus ride over to the resort may not have been the most exciting part of the day, but Noah is so darn cute we couldn’t help ourselves.

Thirteen hours in to the day and it’s time for dinner at Epcot’s Living Seas, and though it’s really something to sit up close and watch the fish swim…

…it’s more exciting to watch a mouse swim.

Once Mickey got dried off he grabbed Minnie and came on in to greet the kids.

Still not ready to call it a day the families are brought out for a front row seat at Illuminations.

Coming soon: Bert’s Big Adventure | Live from Disney Day 1

-Robert & Tiffany