Valeria's Bridal portraits! :)

We had some great fun in taking a few moments about a month before her June wedding to capture some sweet bridals of Valeria!!!!  I was looking forward to working in a few new spaces - and a space I had worked before actually had the water going this time.  (thus the waterfall like appearance) 

I am happy to share these now...and always excited to get opportunities to spoil a bride whilst she preps for her wedding day....sometimes it is all about the prep!  (hair, makeup, veils, etc)  She ended up using a different veil for the wedding (which yes, i loved that one!)....but overall, her lovely shoes/boots were so cute...and the dress just had the fun little accents of lace and beading. :)

Thanks Valeria!!!! 

Teasers from the Chavez wedding!!!!

I am always BLESSED to see the variety of weddings/ceremonies out there where couples express themselves in culture, family, love and unions.  :)

This wedding is no different!  I think this has to be my first TRULY almost all-out Mexican wedding!  I've been to a at least 2 others, both vastly different in ceremony and celebration.   The Mariachi were KILLING it tonite!!!!!!!  Amazing, almost their own orchestra. :)  The cake was astoundingly huge and yummy...the couple were amazingly patient as I dragged them around to create some fun images. :)  We even had a bit of down time in between ceremony/reception...giving us a time to re-charge after being out in the 90-plus SUMMER weather going on!!!

Here are some quick-lick-fast teasers from out of camera tonite....I had such a fun time...just watching and observing...smiles all around the room and much singing and celebration!

Thanks you two, and CONGRATS!

It's not a good photo shoot......UNTIL!

you forget to remember......to watch for ANT HILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm just known for stepping into a few dramatic events in my life...even on vacation...I somehow got bit on my lawn chair by a few ants. LOL :):):):)

Well yesterday's shoot, no exception...and i was SO careful....or so i thought!!!
But I cannot complain, it is really quite hilarious to me and gives me nonstop stories to tell or laugh about.

So for today, it was realized it was definitely the fire ants....
and it was a mix of THINKING it was the dried out high grass/weeds v. the sting of an ant bite!
gotta love every moment. :)

I'll show you a couple of pics from the shoot when i can....
but for now - herez my swollen left ankle!
yay.

Makes Me Happy Night of Blues.

Here are some fun images I took tonite with the rain as it is....always and i mean ALWAYS....makes for fun pictures...and yea, driving too.  :)

The past is just as squiggly as the future.  One long beam of squiggly light.

Everyone's paths, some close, some far, some merge together and some stay apart.

I make my own lightning.

TEASERS : Chris and Allie

Just a few quick pics!

Very fun wedding................

WHO is running your "Sick Cycle Carousel" ???? - something to think about, Inspiration of the day.

I had an amazing discussion today....and the last question we discussed was....
WHAT HAS YOU STUCK????????????

I know there are ton of things we desire out of this life...and there is a reason why you might not be seeing these things happen.  You could have a LOT of unresolved issues that you either don't know about, or undoubtedly some BELIEFS about yourself that stop you from moving forward.  You could have a very distorted view of yourself and a nasty attitude.  Maybe you dont' even know what you want.  Wow. 

I've noticed a trend in stubborness, or refusal to see TRUTH for what it is.  We don't wanna admit we could be wrong...therefore we keep believing that truth over and over...and never see our dreams come true.

who is running YOUR "sick cycle carousel'....you know the things you do over and over and over and over thinking at some point you will move forward. I only see one person down there. (song from Lifehouse)

You have some choices you can make.  You cannot blame ANYONE for stopping you.  You do NOT pass go, and collect $200 for that.  You are the only one stopping you.

The 2nd question AFTER that...was WHAT ACTION WILL YOU TAKE....to get unstuck....I've seen way too many folks sit around and whine for 10 years about something they don't have....or something they can' do....and then 10 years go by, nothing changes.  You need to take a step back and realize, if you really wanted it - you would make it happen.  The story you tell yourself could be a lie.

Think about something you DESIRE in your life right now.
Why don't you have it, why aren't you doing it?
Fear and Doubt will always be there, we know this now.  So, what is stopping you?
Why do you prefer the round and round v. moving forward?

Your self-worth can determine the outcomes in your life too.  If you look at yourself and deem yourself unworthy of life and love...then that is exactly what you get.  You spend years searching for what was there all along, just too blind to see and denying yourself the very thing that can set you free.

REVELATION.

Take a few moments, seriously...what "sick cycle carousel" has you going in circles?

What action can you take TODAY to make something happen in a new direction?
A life of purpose!

Talk amongst yourselves.

Then go DO IT.  Take action.

about a MONTH til the Dream Center!!!!

Hey everyone...just checking into Jen's life today....and remembering that on July 2nd, I'll be heading to Los Angeles to the Dream Center.  I cannot wait to get going....and see what God is going to show me and teach me while there.  I know my heart is to simply SEE better and be able to help others the way God does...u know, by shining the light...and maybe even just giving hugs.  They help almost everyone you could ever think of there.  The pastor has such a big heart...and they use an old hospital building (which is fitting) for anyone hurting, lost and just plain wounded - they can find hope and healing there.

Sometimes I know, God meets us where we are - in our homes, on our job...but sometimes we need to remove ourselves from what is familiar...to move into a place surrounded with healing and hope.  There are so many factors that stop us from moving forward in our lives...and not having God's help...it's kinda harder and less peaceful.

I'm just kinda nervous, as usual, about what will happen - what I'll see...and will I cry A LOT. ahahah!!! I've found myself being touched by scenarios in which people find hope. I think in this world...we all need a little hope. :)

I have to thank EVERYONE that help to donate financially....and also to everyone that is praying for me...and sending warm thoughts with me.  Really, this was never about me - but I'm the one being sent to see what is out there....and bring it home with me. :)

I pray that in your giving, it is given back to you and then some.

I really appreciate it.  Sometimes I feel alone, but I also remember....i have lots of people I don't get to see much...supporting me.  I may not hear it or see it, but it is there. :)

THANK YOU

Bridal Artwork!

Jenny and I didn't get a chance to do bridal portraits...but we did get to steal a few moments during the wedding day to have fun!  i saw this window opening later in the day...and thought, why not merge a picture from earlier in the day to this one....kindof like this simplistic architecture....she seems to float in between everything...and it all makes sense!  I made this one last nite while prepping their images. :) yay!!!!

Hope you enjoy it!

Jen

Art in Progress.

I am still working on this one...........I love the purple tones...I love the left side - but am still not sold on the right side.....I've reworked it a few times...and this was the last one so far............

I'm going to step away...and re-visit soon!

meanwhile, enjoy the "so far".

Howz it lookin?

Makin art.

U know that TRASH and TREASURE saying?
yeaaaaaaaaaa sometimes webcams with bad lighting give you mushy grainy crap. :)
But man, i was in love with my *in transition* blonde hair....and my profile-y face-y shapes.

BEFORE:

what is that nasty dark GRAIN on mah faaaaaaaace! oh yea, BAD LIGHTING! :)

Then i was like...........man, i know i can make something of this! (as per usual)...I take a few moments to brainstorm by playing in PS or something like that.  U know a combo of LR and PS makes me happy.

So i decided to make it a focus on my hair...and blow out the background.

I also noticed the weird shape my wet hair gave me...so I changed that too. :)

I don't reveal all my secrets...but it is clear...I have fun when I create.

Here is the AFTER:

who is this!?! Oh, itz meeee!!!!

What is the last mess that you made AMAZING? :)

Let's talk.

To the left, to the Right! :) - Previews from today.

A little bright light, in a mass of darkness.

I have been feeling so feeling....since coming home from vacation....while trying to jump back into life...and also realizing that taking time to chill is very very important.  April 2012 kicked my butt...and I definitely had a blast working hard and fast...but now, I'm slowing the pace for May. :)  I'm excited to mentally and emotionally prep for June...because I have 2 weddings for sure...that I have a lot of fun to prep for, and amazing images. :) YES!!!!

Anyways, what I have felt lately is just a little quieter....and needing to just sit down and soak some things in.  I've also desperately needed my washer fixed, and itz not fixed yet.  This week I took myself to the laundrymat SUPER large one (6 loader) and did laundry. :)  It was awesome. :)

My heart feels for those right now that are hurting and feel alone....I can't tell you how many times I've felt soooooooooooo alone just in my ideas/heart/thoughts.  Sometimes you just want to be understood or recognized or remembered.  Sometimes, you just simply need the quiet and the darkness.

To express what I'm talking about.................here is my photo.

Mexico 2012 - Full Moon over Playa

Matt+Jenny - April 2012

Here are a couple of small teasers...right out of camera....

I know she thought i was a tad crazy, but LOOK AT THIS, amazing light and amazing bride.

One of the most natural moments I caught the whole day. :) 

Thank you ocean!

So, every year my hubby and I go somewhere to chill for a week...we've done so...since we've been married.  Such a great feeling to UNPLUG and really just be and enjoy.  :)  No decisions...no life expectancies...just enjoying!!! :) so, here you go...here are some of MY favorite images....I really just captured a lot as is....and then did just a few creative things.  MOSTLY with the FIRE SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES PLEASE!

one of my FAVORITE of the fire images!!! :) I love it.

Night-time ocean.

this is the moonlight....and wish that was me and zak, but itz not! :)

moon donut.

slow shutter in bright sunlight...looks like hair, LOVE me some palapas.

still have no clue what these berries are on the palm trees!

totally DIGGIN this palm in our backyard here....it is twisted and sideways!

one of the main atriums - was messing with the statue and architecture.

waiting for the theme night of Caribbean buffet!

The only thing this is missing...LIGHTS on the awesome shell where the band is. :)

creation tip #4353748597

So, I dont' know about you....but we have clothing pieces we love....and me...
I LOVE TANK TOPS!!!!!!!!!!!! I love love love them.  I love all the shapes and colors I can find...and I wear them out...and sometimes, get rid of them....

However, there are a few tops I didn't wanna give up on...and get a few more wears and tears out of them...so....i pulled out the sewing machine today...and did what I do....take that saggy old tank top and make it "new" again!!! 

I don't even care if it is a striped or checkered...you can get away with it :)
For me, I put the old tank on....and gather it in the back..and guesstimate how much I need to take in...
somtimes really, it is just the backside you need to take in.  Or, if you have really gotten a tank that is too huge and wide...you can take in seams too! :) 

Anyways..............I flip it inside out...and sew a diagonal right up the back.
Thatz right !!! A diagonal!!!!  Start at like 3 inches out...(from the fold)...and then zoom your machine up to almost the top of the shirt. WHAMMO! done. :)

I've done 3 total now...and going to start another project too...of merging a tank top and rainbow dress. :)

ENJOY

My Little Calendar....

So I did a shoot a couple years back....and it was kinda focused around fitness and fashion...i had a blast learning and shooting...and troubleshooting everything that goes with big shoots/models. :) 

I decided this last week to just go ahead and print my own personal calendar of the moments I helped to create...it was super fun...and i'm always going to be passionate about fitness. :) 

And in May...there is someone special there too. hhaahaha Well, we are all special, you get the idea. hahahahahaahh :)

ENJOY

sorta the "front" of the calendar.

Yep, that's me!

Pocket full of Possibilities....

so, this book was one of those things...I got to be a part of....I am so happy to share this with ya!

I got to capture the cover photo, then see it transformed to a magical art piece. :)

I love this, because it has a backstory in itself...and dreams dreams dreams....

I heard part of the backstory on Friday...and I get my copy this week...I am excited to read more about what is inside...and see what possibilities come of this!!! :)

Congrats Shuronda! This is AWESOME.

A tip for all the brides and their shoes!!!!

Have you ever wanted to just be COMFORTABLE?????

Well, one of the tips I gave myself when I was thinking about my wedding...was comfort and being able to WALK without hurting for hours and hours.

I think what is key is that when I planned my dress and wore it....it went straight down to the ground...and you couldn't see my shoes.  I figured, why would i want to be in pain the whole time? :)  So i had bought a very comfy dress and years before, had bought WHITE platform skechers...which i might affectionately call my "frankenstein shoes".

Take a looksie here:

I guess my MAIN TIP is, the last thing you want to do on your wedding day...is be uncomfy and miserable!   Find alternatives that are still true to YOU...and your style!!!  But don't be ashamed or afraid to say LISTEN! I wanna be comfy and party all nite!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHA :)

I hope you enjoyed a little piece of my past.  This means, these shoes are well over 7 years old....as of April 2012 I have been married for SEVEN years. I love you baby! :)

Much Love

Jen