alyssa and craig sittin’ in a tree… :)

My whole heart for my whole life.

-French wedding quote, usually engraved on the couples’ rings.

Random thought:  It’s funny how my blog is slowly turning into a photo blog.  I think I might need to take a break from picture posting for a couple days, I gotta keep it real, you know?  haha  I do think about other things, I swear.

Back to the original point…I’m posting today to share some teasers from a fantastic engagement afternoon I had with Alyssa and Craig.  They are setting their wedding date soon and I couldn’t be more excited about their venue (I’m keeping it a secret because it’s her exciting news to share!!).  

I’ve known Alyssa since high school so it was really special to be the one to take her engagement photos.  I’m loving my new hobby in general but it feels really great to be able to give something special to my dear friends and family.  I’ve never really been good at much.  Not that I think I’m that great yet but it’s just a good feeling.  Now I’m rambling.

On to the posting…

Craig proposed by the seals/children’s beach in La Jolla so he wanted to take her there for the photos (awww….sweet!!).

The best moment of the day for me was when we were trying to set up a funny shot in front of the potty and all of a sudden, a man came out of the one Alyssa was standing in front of – nearly knocking her over.  She looked so embarassed, it was a hilarious moment.  :)

..just a few more…

Congratulations lovebirds!  

more love for jennie & jason

When you photograph in color, you photograph people’s clothes.  But when you photograph in black & white, you photograph their souls.

-Ted Grant

Jennie’s was the first wedding where I kept my camera in full manual mode the entire time.  I’m experimenting with different exposures and shutter speeds to see what my camera’s full potential is.  I’m also experimenting with processing moods and with all this experimentation…the pictures might look like a big giant hodge-podge but I wanted to post them for Jennie anyway.  :)

I learn more every time I take my camera out.  I want to be great at it….

So Jennie these are for you my love, I hope you are in honeymoon heaven right now!!  See you soon!

 Beautiful Paper products by Love at First Invite

a tease for jennie

I had a wonderful time with my Beta Iota besties at Jennie’s wedding on Saturday and took tons of pictures. It was nice and bright in the room so my camera was happy, and so was I (you know I hate using that flash!). Sadly though, my photoshop trial ended (I’m awaiting a new copy) but I did process a few before PS cut me off.  

So, here’s a little sum’n sum’n for Jennie (how do you spell that!!??).  :)  You were glowing sweetie, you looked so in love…thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me on your special day.

More to come…!

The Rehearsal

Practice makes perfect.

-Who Knows?

Wedding rehearsals are often eclipsed by the grandeur of the wedding day.  Sadly, the memories are merely swept under the rug the minute you wake up the following morning.  

It’s too bad, really…Some of my most precious memories were spent with my friends the evening before our weddings.  Childhood stories, chick flicks, and last minute wedding day preparations, combined with drinks and laughter with good friends create a recipe that can rarely be equaled; we should pay the rehearsal a little more respect.  

Random post, you say??? Well, it just so happens, this post was inspired by a few candids from Rebekah and Josh’s Rehearsal/Wedding Day Eve.  It was an awesome evening with great food, great drinks and lots of love.

And, of course, I’m in the mood to share…  Here you go!

Good times.  :)

 

for lindsay

Love doesn’t make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwile. 

-Franklin P. Jones

I have very few pictures from Lindsay’s wedding (partying too hard apparently), but I went through and found a few I thought she’d like to see.  I loved all the bright colors at her ceremony so I decided to make the pictures really sunny and bright.  I *heart* all the natural lighting in these…

You looked tres belle, madamoiselle Linds!  :) 

Gorgeous Paper Items courtesy of Cathy @ Love at First Invite – Image Editing credit to: Heather Boland

I wish I had more…  The Bouchers intimidated me!  :)

my best friends’ wedding

To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.

-Heather Cortez

It’s hard to shoot a wedding when you are:

1) In the wedding party

2) In tears

3) Not the “real” photographer… (somewhere in Vegas there is a wedding photog that hates me)

Regardless…I was pleased that I got some shots that I really love (Hubby got some good ones during the ceremony, too!).  Wedding photos are a whole new breed when you know everyone in them, their fears, their goals, and their triumphs.  This one of one the most important weddings I will ever go to – I was thrilled to be a part of it and I will never forget the happiness I felt that day.

I could spend forever processing these files – but knowing that it sometimes takes FOREVER for a bride to get pictures from her pro photog, I wanted to get these up as soon as possible so she has a least some pictures.

Of course, there are more…but these are my favorites (I know some are a bit grainy but I’m working on getting new lens):

She wanted a semi-vintage/classic style…

And the first one I posted in case you hadn’t seen it:

Oh, and…me…in all my proud bridesmaid glory….

I love you Mr. & Mrs. Gulley!  I hope you are loving your honeymoon.

ALOHA!

 

i need sleep but…

Hobbies of any kind are boring, except to those who share the same one.

-Dave Barry

I wanted to post some wedding pictures before I go to sleep.  However, I have spent the last HOUR processing and guess how many I finished?  

One.

I have a couple more hundred to go…but being that I’ve been in Vegas for 3 days with a delayed flight home and a hangover, I should probably get some sleep.  DANG IT.  If I didn’t have to work tomorrow, I’d be up all night playing with these pictures!!  Why does life always seem to get in the way?

Rebekah, love, this is for you.  There are better ones but this one is the first one I clicked on.  :)

Will you help me with my new Cartiers please?

Hope you likey!!  I think you look phenomenal….

MUAH!

i need a good flash

…or a tripod!  But I prefer a flash.  :)  I think I may buy one for myself for my b-day this weekend.  Yeah.

When I was at Jennifer’s wedding I tried my best to get some good shots but the reception room was a little too dark to keep my camera happy.  That rocked because she had some sweet blue uplights – but it didn’t work so much for me…the girl in a dark room w/o the right equipment.  hehehee

Here are the three that I liked though….(ask and you shall receive Jenn!!), hope you likey:

Time to dance

How Sweet it is

This next one is just a big BLUR (it’s a low light thing) – BUT…it is my most favorite big BLUR of all time.  To me, it sorta looks like someone took a polaroid through the eyes of a happy drunken wedding guest.  :)  I’m strange, I know.

Tipsy

I love me some wedding photography.  Especially when it’s of my beautiful friends….

lindsay + brandon

Friday night I was lucky enough to join the girls in the sharing of Lind’s special day.  The venue and flowers were beautiful with Lindsay even more so…

I was again, just a crasher, but Katie and I lucked out at the last minute when Lindsay found she had two extra seats. Wedding reception seat filling is my favorite!  

Lindsay & Brandon, CONGRATULATIONS and enjoy Paris!!  I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home.  ::hugs::

Maid of Honor

Lovely

Daddy’s Girl

Let them eat cake

Speech

Congrats again…we heart you both!!