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I know I've said it. Many times I've said it. But, I'm going to say it again. I LOVE WHAT I DO! I seriously feel so blessed to be able to capture such special moments in peoples lives and call it my work. I get to befriend such wonderful people and I actually get to celebrate their moment with them. It just doesn't get any better than that.
Jennifer and Tom are two of those wonderful people that I write about. I had the pleasure of shooting their Jewish wedding and I have to say that I felt such joy while doing it. It was truly a wonderful experience for me (I had never attended a Jewish wedding ceremony before). I was drawn by all the jewish traditions during and after the ceremony. I was hoping I'd capture all those special moments with my camera in order to bring it to life once again, whenever viewed. I know that while I edited these photos, I relived the day all over again. The reception was just as special. It was very intimate, close family and friends, and I must say it was a celebration. The bride and groom were actually able to have a good time and enjoy their special day with their guest. Just perfect in my book.
Jennifer and Tom, thank you. Thank you for not only making me part of your special day, but for being kind, for being so in love, and well, for being such a good looking couple! You made my job easy;) May your special union be nothing but blessed with each other's love.
(P.S. You're families rock. They were also very kind and sweet towards me, I felt so comfortable around them).
Tom had such a wonderful smile during many parts of the ceremony. When I later asked him what was going thru his mind he said "I was just so happy to be marrying her". (So sweet). Jennifer's response "GOOD ANSWER BABE!"
These are ceremonial rings, aren't they beautiful?
MAZEL TOV!
All I can say about Michael's Catering...AMAZING! Seriously. YUM!
They're just too cool;)
A couple months ago we chatted a little about what she was hoping to do and when was the best time to do it. After exchanging pregnancy stories, and laughing our heads off, I went through my calendar and booked her session. I was so looking forward to getting creative with her because she was definitely willing to try something different...YAY ME! Well, originally, she was scheduled for last weekend but, the weather was not very cooperative. It rained almost all day. Blah! Yesterday however was JUST PERFECT. We did some indoor shots then went for a drive around the area and just had a blast. Little momma was a great sport about walking in heals anywhere and everywhere, even in tall, itchy, grass. Not one complaint, you go girl! Everything turned out just as I envisioned it and I even think prego and hubbs had a great time. I mean, at least that's what they said. You wouldn't lie to me right guys? I think they were telling the truth cause they treated me to Cold Stone Ice Cream afterwards (yay me again). Thank God for preggers and their cravings;)
Jael and Sam, you guys absolutely blew my mind with this session. You were great in front of the camera and I truly believe your love for each other had so much to do with it. I'm so happy for you guys and can't wait to see your life change, all for the better, when your little bundle of joy comes along (by the way, she's having a girl). God bless you guys in your "Journey to Joy" (as you guys call it). Muah!
It was a hard decision but, it was one that she had to make. She didn't want to leave, to Detroit that is, but she felt it's where she needed to go and being the believer that she is, she was obedient and went. We kept in contact here and there. We shared quick texts, phone calls, and ichats just to check in and make sure all was well. Few months passed. Then half a year went by. She shared all sorts of news with us and although we missed her terribly, we were happy she was accomplishing so much and knew she was where she needed to be. Then, one day...I remember it well. We were ichatting when she shared that...SHE MET SOMEONE. We were all like "for realz"! No, it wasn't like just anyone, it was like THE ONE according to her. Feeling a little skeptical and overprotective of my darling little sister in law (she's 2 months older than me but very petite, but older than me. Did I mention she's older than me? Boowahahahah!). Back to the story. On one of her trips down to the M.I.A. she brought back a little bit of Detroit with her, Mr. Nate. The family (very big and mischievous) totally gave him a hard time but, welcomed him with open arms. Shortly after, on my birthday to be exact, he popped the question! We were so happy for them and to tell you the truth, we love him. They came down last week for a quick visit and some wedding planning so we took advantage and did their engagement session. We had a great time playing dress up and getting kicked out of locations but, the evening went by way to quick. We're hoping to get part II of this session in Detroit (woot woot). I'm excited! We don't have much time though, they'll be getting married this summer!
Laly and Nate, I'm so happy for you guys. I pray wonderful blessing on your relationship and soon to be marriage. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this special time in your lives. God bless you guys always;)
And...here they are!
Sometimes, while I'm on the computer working on my sessions, I'm so into what I'm doing that I practically relive the session all over again. While in la-la land, my kids ask me quite often "why are you smiling"? I tell them "because I love my work". This is so very true about me. I L.O.V.E M.Y. W.O.R.K. I love the experience of getting to know people in a different level, especially if I already "knew" them. I love making them laugh and helping them break out of that "I'm just not photogenic" shell that's wrapped around them before coming into the session. I love the expressions on their faces when they see themselves in the images and say "Wow, I really like how I/we look there". Its such an awesome feeling. My main goal while shooting is to make sure my pics come out as perfect as possible straight out of the camera but, sometimes a little tweek gets done here and there in my post processing. Although it involves a few extra steps, it allows me to dissect every image one by one, letting me soak it all in yet once again. I enjoy the process from the beginning to the very end. My passion for photography is so overwhelmingly satisfying to me that I can't help but smile, it just shows.
Here's the sneak peek I promised you of Junior and Keziah's engagement. Late but hey, cut me some slack;)
Some time late in 2009, I decided to push myself a bit more and wet my feet with wedding photography. I started thinking and planning exactly how to execute my plan for 2010. I thought maybe I'd do some portfolio work here and there, ask some people to play dress up for me (hee hee), but within a matter of 2 weeks I was asked to photograph a wedding. Out of the blue! I was all like "WOOHOO! YOU GO GIRL WITH YOUR BAD SELF!" Eh hem, after I finished jumping on the bed, I went and jotted down the date in my calendar. The wedding was way down the line but I was so excited! Then, SHE asked! "Would you mind being my photographer verses my guest?" Girlfriend said what? At the moment, there was no bed to jump on so I had to be all professional and say "Why dawling of course it would be an upmost honor to photograph your wedding." (Then I ran to the nearest bathroom and screamed my lungs off WOOHOO! YOU GO GIRL WITH YOUR BAD SELF!) This wedding however was going to be around the corner so I had to get with the program and quick!
Time just flew by and the wedding day quickly approached. It was D day and I was ready baby! Last weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of capturing my two very dear friends wedding day, Junior and Keziah. She made a beautiful bride and he the most handsome groom. It was so beautiful seeing their love and special moments so up close. They were so lost in each other that I don't think they even realized I had the camera all up in their face (future and prospective clients, I'm so just kidding...I know about the comfort zone). Their wedding was so beautiful and the weather...just perfect. The wedding and reception were held at the beautiful Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne. The backdrop was so beautiful. There was laughter, tears (the good kind), and so much love present. They enjoyed their day so much, they did not want it to end (she told me so).
Well, as I type out this way pass due blog post, they are somewhere in beautiful Puerto Rico, enjoying their new lives as husband and wife. Junior and Keziah, I pray wonderful blessings on your union and ask God to enrich your lives with all the elements necessarily for a forever lasting love story. Thank you for honoring me with this opportunity.
Here's just a few so you can get a little taste...
Thanks for stopping by and checking out my somewhat abandoned blog. Make sure and jot down a comment and tell me what you think! Stay tuned for some more of Keziah and Junior (engagement session, yeah...I'm all backwards) and other fun stuff I've yet to blog;)
Oh, and just an update...I have 3 more weddings booked for this year! WOOHOO!
Part II of Tommy and Laura's engagement session went really well today if I do say so myself! Due to the technical difficulties on our 1st shoot, we had to postpone the city shots we planned on doing that day. Mz. Laura showed up with a stunning red dress and matching red shoes to top it off. Talk about HOT! She is such a beautiful young lady, and Mr. Tommy doesn't stay behind, handsome young fella! You know what's the best part about it all, they are just as beautiful on the inside, super sweet, intelligent, and funny. Tommy and Laura, I have truly enjoyed working with this special couple. I wish you nothing but love, happiness, and success in your future as a couple and everything you strive to accomplish as individuals. Keep in touch;) God bless you always.
