Elizabeth + Hedi = Married!

I had the pleasure of second shooting Elizabeth and Hedi's wedding with the uber awesome Rob Her of nLighten Images. He had asked me back in October or so if I was available to second shoot right after Christmas. Luckily, I was staying in town and I had the weekend open so I jumped on the opportunity. Rob is in a word, awesome. Thanks again for the opportunity!

Elizabeth and Hedi had a mini destination wedding up in Atherton (they live down in the OC) a few days after Christmas. Originally, they had considered a destination wedding in France, as that is where Hedi's family is from. But Elizabeth didn't want to wait that long. This couple is seriously in love. Elizabeth was beaming with her infectious smile and Hedi was totally relaxed. They had a beautiful wedding day, with great weather for December 27! Elizabeth was stunning in her vintage gown and hair/makeup. Their vows were so sweet and even made me a little misty eyed. They had some cool belly dancers and overall it was a success! Thanks Elizabeth and Hedi for letting us share in your big day. Felicitations a vous deux et touts les meilleures voeux!

Here are some of my favorites:





That's Rob in the background. :)






















Rob in action :)








See Rob's full post here.

Thanks again!

A GREAT day in American History

Whoa, I didn't realize that the last time I posted was seven days ago. Many apologies on my slackerness. Yep, I made up a word just now.

I'm in week 2 of my Boot Camp and it felt slightly easier. Note, slightly. It's still a killer workout though. Waking up at 5am is tough. Plus, we just got back from Disneyland and after two days of 12+ hour walking and having fun, I didn't think I was going to make it through. But I'm typing this, so I must be alive.

Oh yeah, did I mention I just got back from Disneyland? Sunday was my sister's 19th birthday! Her last teen year. And since Disney's promotion for the year is getting in free on your birthday, and as we are all big Disney fans, it seemed like the perfect birthday celebration! Pictures coming up!

I will be posting a wedding that I second shot with the awesome Rob of nLighten Images. I haven't had a chance to post it up with the holidays, working, and a mini vacation. But I promise it will be up before the end of the month!

And how could I forget to mention that today marks one of the greatest days in American History. I finally get to say it: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA! While his swearing in as the 44th president won't magically change the country, there is hope. We chose hope over fear.

I bring a hair dryer to the gym.

I've become one of those people. Yes, those. The kind that bring all kinds of junk to the gym to get ready for the day. I'll admit it. I'm one of those gym snobs who thought that getting ready at the gym was silly. Why not go home? Why show the world how you roll? Sometimes, it's not that simple. Well, I'm officially one of those people. With good reason, I might add. I had to. Either that or look like a drowned rat all day.

Personally, I'll take the hair dryer.

I started Boot Camp today. I thought I was going to DIE. And I'm not even talking about the working out part yet. Waking up at 5:15am isn't glamourous. I don't know how Oprah or anyone else in their right mind does it on a daily basis. I love sleep. In fact, I might even dare to say, I cherish it. Let me have my sleep.

Well, it turns out that my will power won out. I decided to sign up for Boot Camp with AlaVie Fitness as a way to jumpstart my fitness program in these last handful of months leading up to the wedding. I've been pretty good about working out, I just needed to kick it up a notch. Shock my system, if you will.

Let me tell you, Internet, I was shocked. And then I about died again. No joke. As obscene as it was waking up when it was dark, having to work out when it's dark and cold is just as obscene. I didn't know how the ladies who started at 5:30am did it. They were finishing up and it was still dark. But I decided that I had plunked down the money, so I am going to do this.

The workout itself wasn't so bad, and it was nice to be in a small group. I sort of felt like the fat kid on the playground because I was last finishing up some sprints and drills. I didn't care. That's usually how I felt in high school when we had to run laps for the annual fitness test. That's usually how I feel anyway, nothing new. I must say, however, this was my first boot camp and all the other ladies had been before.

"It'll get better" they reassured me. "Good job for just making it out here!"

As dawn broke through the night sky to wake up those who were lucky enough to be sleeping, we continued our work out. I'm happy to report that I can jog without completely passing out, as I have been doing intervals outside and on the treadmill prior to this camp experience. Let's face the truth though, I was tired at the end. I was glad it was over. My head was steaming, literally. I guess I was really hot and the air was really cold. Oh Physics!

Then, in pure ghetto-fabulous style, I went across the street to 24Hour Fitness (I do have membership and frequent it) to freshen up. And I busted out my hairdryer. That's how I roll now.


Am I looking forward to tomorrow?

No.

And.

Yes.

I'm not digging the idea of another early morning, but I'm stoked that I'm doing this. I'm facing whatever hangups and fears and saying "Take that! I can do this!"

Tomorrow is the Fitness Test, a la high school fitness test...

Wish me luck!

2009 = Best Year Yet!

I feel it in my bones. And I'm not talking about pain. I feel it like a knot welling up in my chest. And I'm not talking about a heart attack. No, no, it's just a feeling...that this year is going to be the best year yet!

This time last year I would not have thought that I would be where I am right now.  My dream of becoming a photographer are coming together. It's not just something I hope that maybe someday I could do. It's something I'm doing. I went to my first photography seminar. I went to my first networking Happy Hour. I went from being close to terrified at the prospect of networking, to being a "networking champ", as Lisa put it. I shot my first wedding. I met some industry leaders. (It was like meeting a celebrity!)

I'm doing it folks. I'm making it happen. Thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way.

2009 is going to be huge! Here's a sample of things coming up in 2009:

Boot Camp - yes, I signed up to be tortured 3 days a week for a month. I need someone to kick my butt into shape this year. Seriously! Starts Tuesday!

WPPI- Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, the largest photography convention in Las Vegas. My friend, Elana, will be tagging along for the fun. I'm really excited to meet old and new photographer friends that I have made since August. It's going to be super fun! Sleep? Who needs sleep?

More shooting! Photo shoots that is. The end of 2008 proved to be wonderful and I can't wait to work with more awesome people. Thanks to Jennifer and Rob for inviting me to shoot with you.

Our Wedding! That's right folks, Cent and I will be tying th knot on July 18, 2009. We're super excited. And if you're wondering, our photographer is the radtastic Travis Hoehne.

Moving to Dallas - Yes, I wrote it. I will be leaving California, but not forever, there are things called planes. And there's the phone. And there's the internet. Never fear! Looking forward to meeting local photographers in the Dallas Metroplex area.

Thanks for the great ride 2008. I'm stoked for 2009!

Robin + Greg = Engaged!

I met Robin and Greg through my awesome co-worker BFF Ashley. She put out the announcement to those interested in an Engagement Session, and Robin contacted me within a few days. Thanks Ashley! We met up at the Concannon Winery in Livermore on a bright, clear day (the day before the downpour!).

Robin and Greg are a totally laid-back, fun-loving couple. They were so great to work with and Robin even braved the cold out in Livermore! It was probably about 42 degrees out when she didn't have her coat on. She literally braved the cold. (For those of you used to -42 degree weather, we Californians aren't apt to the cold!) 

Here are a few of my favorites:

























Thank you Robin and Greg for a great afternoon. I wish you all the best for your wedding in September!

Frozen Focus

Today, as part of my New Year Goals, I went for a walk/run for exercise. Since I'm in Dallas and apartment bound while Cent is at work all day, I figured I'd get some air and some exercise. I had been looking out the window all morning and noticed that the rain was on and off. The news had reported warnings for freezing rain. Did I pay much attention? Not really.

So when I stepped out the door around 3pm, I about froze. But I was determined. I started walking with my iPod Nano plugged in and my Nike + tracking my miles. I just thought warm thoughts. Let me just say that when it's that cold, warm thoughts aren't going to do anything for anyone. Oh, did I mention that I was wearing shorts? Yeah, I was wearing shorts...longish basketball style shorts, but my calves were still exposed. After a 40 minute jaunt around the neighborhood and adjacent park, I hurried back to the apartment to catch Oprah. I never watch Oprah (because I'm usually at work), but I'm working from home this week, so watching TV here and there is allowed.

I decided it would be interested in checking the weather. Exactly how cold was it? Well...the temperature at 4pm in Irving, TX was 36 degrees! When you factor in windchill, 30 degrees! That's below freezing! No wonder I was cold. Seriously, my thighs felt frozen at the end of it. Silly me didn't pack my swishy sweats. You know, the type that make swishing noises when you walk? Yeah, those were in the laundry or something.

And yet, I walked/ran 40 minutes before freezing over. Take that 2009! I'm straight out the gate!

I'll be posting some photos from the frozenness. I'm still defrosting...until then...

Southern Weddings hitting stands in 3 days!

Happy 2009!

What a better way to start off the year (especially if you're planning a wedding) than with your very own copy of Southern Weddings? That's right, the awesomely delightful blog, Southern Weddings, is now in PRINT! It will be hitting stands on January 6! Be sure to check them out!



Photo courtesy of Southern Weddings Blog. Cover image by the awesome Jose Villa.