HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Yes, I'm late... I know. But its been a busy couple of days for me, as I'm sure its been for you too... I hadn't touched a computer keyboard since last Wednesday until yesterday morning. That has to be a record! It was actually nice. So those of you who have emailed me these past couple of days, you will be receiving a response shortly. I'm slow. Sorry, trying to get back on track here. Its the holidays, thats what they do to us. 


This past Thanksgiving Thursday was my first time cooking a feast. A feast for five from scratch.  What was I thinking!? Just kidding, it was great! And my recipe-reading skills even surprised me! But even more impressed was my daddy. He said I am now officially ready to marry. Then I reminded him I just celebrated three years of being married, thank you very much. Ha ha!  Everything was delish!  I was beat by the end of the night, but it was all worth it. Laughed until my stomach ached because my dad had jokes, ate soo much that I wasn't able to sleep well that night, but I would do it all over again. In. A. Heartbeat.


I am no chef, but did have a juicy turkey on the table alongside with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans & sweet potatoes (a huge hit, thank you Cherisse for the recipe). Oh yeah & how could I forget the pies! Pumpkin, Lemon Cheesecake (my husbands fav) + Pecan. Marie Calendars makes them soooo good ;) Maybe I'll attempt a pie for Christmas!


Then, Friday thru Sunday I was asked to document a youth retreat. It was full of blessings from above and will be sharing those images soon!


I cant take the credit for whipping up the deviled eggs below, but I have been accused of eating most of them! ;) A big thanks to my brother David for helping me out with the appetizers. Love you!!! I had planned to take pictures of everything, but I was exhausted by the time I was done... hey, God-willing, there will be a next time.

Thankfulness.

I've been blown away by the response on my blog the last 24 hours.... 300+ visits! And they are from all over the world. I feel incredibly blessed to have wonderful family, friends & peers who share my blog. Ever since I started this blog, I've wanted it to be about my journey in life, as a wife and photographer...   and a place where other photographers can find useful info, once I get that good. I have faith ;) 

A special shout out to those of you who left a comment on my last post. As you may know, it was my first official wedding! I was nervously excited all at the same time to share the images with everyone. Of course there is always room for improvement, but for being my first, I'm happy. So thank you to those that left me some love and encouraging words, I appreciate each one. You all have a special place in my heart. Thank you to those that have ever shared my blog. Thank you to those who take time out of your busy day to stop by & check out whats new. To the Man upstairs for blessing me with special people in my life and all the opportunities I've been given and those to come.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Happy Friday~!

Wedding : Mike + Yeni [11.06.10]

Nerves were flying left and right... the big day had finally arrived. After months of planning, today was the day. Yeni stood looking gorgeous as ever as her mother tied the gown. The forecast called for rain but that wasn't going to stop her from marrying the man of her dreams. I was worried about it, naturally, but grateful it ended being perfect lighting with the help of some clouds.

Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they made their way to the alter and 

with "I do's" opened up a new chapter in their life.  

Yeni your gorgeous! 

Yeni and Mike, thank you for the distinct honor of being your wedding photographer. Your day was perfect and I couldn't have dreamt of a better experience. May God bless your lives, I wish you only the best!

To see more of Mike & Yeni's wedding at the Braemer Country Club please CLICK HERE for the slideshow.

I want to give a huge thank  you to Cherisse + Kris for all your help!

COURAGE

Courage. Are you born with it? Is it something you acquire? Do you automatically know if you have it or not? Do others see it in you before you see it in yourself? The definition from the Merriam Webster Dictionary is as follows COURAGE: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. Wow, I know! And to think its in each of us. Well, I think it is. It may be more evident in some than others, but I truly believe its in you & I. Its  like that love that you recently discovered you have for art or writing. It has always been in you. 


This post touches my heart in a special way. Its dedicated to the men and women who put their life on the line each day, in danger, to protect and fight for freedom. Both the military & law enforcement. If I really think about it, there are things that I do that would not be possible or safe if it wasn't for people that found the courage and saw a need to serve. Now, this isn't a post encouraging anyone to sign up at the local recruiter, but I would like for someone who may be in the military service, past or present, to feel appreciated. And not just today because its Veterans Day or on Memorial Day here in the States, but everyday. Its the least we could do. If you have served, THANK YOU.

Are there times you feel the need  to stand up for what is right even though it seems like the whole world isn't? Courage does not mean your are not scared, it simply means you do it anyway! What have you been holding off from doing because it scares you? Has fear of rejection stopped you from applying to that dream job or school? Making your hobby into a business? Generally the things we fear most are the ones we receive the most satisfaction from!


May you find that courage in You to follow your dreams. Again, a big thank you to our military, law enforcement and their families. God bless

The Monday after

I woke up this morning feeling good about today. Don't ask me why (just yet) but its going to be a good day. This past weekend may have something to do with it or the fact that I had an extra hour to sleep because of Daylight Savings Time? Possibly. I don't know, but I'm certainly looking forward to a week of new opportunities and blessings.

Saturday, I was the main photographer, for the first time I might add, at a wedding! Boy did I have tons of emotions running through me & I wasn't even the bride. I couldn't sleep the night before, I doubled and tripled checked my my equipment before leaving to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything... I'm going to be completely honest, there were times when it crossed my mind that maybe I wasn't fit to do this just yet, but on Saturday once the day started rolling it was pretty much non-stop and very exhilerating! On my drive back home once it was all said and done I realized I wanted to be doing this for the rest of my life. Wedding photography. Yup my first official wedding and I'm hooked! Yesterday I went through some of the images & I love them! Cannot wait to share :)

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do. "

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Has there ever been a time in your life where you were scared to do something yet you did it and were pleased with the outcome? Please share, I'd love to hear from YOU!

And because a post is always better with a picture I leave you Troy & Lola - they are always soo happy to see me each time I get home!

TONYA JOY WORKSHOP: Let them eat cake!

Last month I was very fortunate to attend a Tonya Joy workshop! Let me tell you, she is Ah-mazing! Its evident in all her pictures and all the work she puts into every single detail. This was my first workshop so I wasn't sure what to expect... the day was jam-packed with mentoring, Q&A, two styled shoots and delicious food. I had a wonderful time learning from someone as successful yet so down to earth as Tonya Joy & meeting a great group of people! Here are some shots from that day...

Aren't all the details just to die for?!

 I love the vintage typewriter... already bought myself one on Ebay :)

Venue catering/pastries and cake: Kristina Kendig

The attendees <3

Everyone getting in on the fun

 Tonya Joy letting us in on her secrets ;)

Overall, I had a wonderful time & learned so much. THANK YOU Tonya for opening up your home & for answering our questions without reservations.. You truly are an inspiration in my life and I am forever grateful! I went home with tons of useful information and with a renewed interest to be creative.

More on the styled shoots coming next week... until then Happy Friday loves'