Spotlight Sundays: The DIY Bride

Welcome to the inaugural post of Spotlight Sundays! These posts are meant to share something awesome I came across in the past week and want to share. Plus it's an awesome little pick me up when you're at work on Monday morning procrastinating. (I promise I won't tell your boss)

This post is dedicated to the DIY Bride:

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love me some DIY, Martha Stewart, Etsy and anything that gets you down and dirty in creative-ness. With that said, you can imagine my excitement when I came across:

http://www.weddingchicks.com/

Source: Weddingchicks.com

From inspiration posts to printables, these ladies know how to win over a DIY Bride. Within 30 mins of clicking around, I had already designed my wedding. :::True story:::

So when your boss isn't looking , click over and get ready to be inspired!

Happy Sunday!

This love is ours...

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.” {Douglas Adams}

Never in a million years did I think that this is where I was suppose to be. There was a plan for me. High school.College. Job. Marriage.Kids. But I've never been one for plans really, which is why I wasn't surprised that my life has taken the turns it has. There was on surprise I didn't count on. And that was meeting Greg.

At first, I didn't think he liked me. He barely talked, kept minimal eye contact and only responded with few sentences. It felt like I was pulling teeth!He always says I was texting the whole time. In my defense, I was reassuring my sister that I wasn't being kidnapped by a weirdo. Somehow deep down, I had this feeling. The feeling that this would be {my last first date}.

Almost two years later & things haven't changed. He still gives me butterflies and I somehow haven't driven him crazy. It seems like no matter how bad things got, God wouldn't let us break it. He is the surprise I always prayed for.

Now whether or not we make it to the golden years, sitting side by side in rocking chairs on the porch, is up to God. But I know one thing is for sure. I'm grateful for the moments where I can look into his eyes and realize that not only do i have a best friend but I have the love of a man who makes me want to be a better person.

Merry Christmas to the best present! {That I get every single day}

Photo: Seth Roberts Photography

My Boo

So this week is dedicated to my little peanut, My future partner-in-crime, Jah Jah Bean!! (Legal Name: Elijah Andrew)

It has been a wonderful year watching him grow up from looking sightly like E.T. to a walking, talking little tornado with a color coordinated wardrobe. [Thanks to Momma's OCD :::True Story::: ]

As I've spent the last couple of days with him, i cant help but feel grateful for him. He's God's pint size reminder to always laugh, enjoy the small moments and rejoice in the "firsts of life".

To my munch: Titi loves you boo!! <3

Cake: Mericakes by Mary Burn (Culpeper,VA)



Jah Jah Bean says: You must first learn to love yourself...

The Lady in Red

“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”

― Ira Glass

I had made it. Still tired from the bus ride from D.C., I sat in my chair at WPPI/PhotoPlus Expo anxiously waiting for Jasmine Star. If you have ever asked me about photography or asked me which industry professional I most admire, you already know my “Justin Bieber-esque” awe for Jasmine Star. If you haven’t yet, get ready for me to geek out.

As I sat there, I began to think: how did I get here? Not even a year ago, I had never even given a thought to being a photographer, let alone a wedding photographer. It was only a few months ago, I sat in my bedroom watching Jasmine’s Creative Live & realized that not only she was fabulously dressed, she was REAL & her story was similar to my own.

As she gave her presentation she delivered not only in message but in style. I laughed, I cried, & learned to never give up on my dream! Because at the end of the day, the blood, sweat and tears are worth the sweetness of success.

Afterwards, I had the honor of meeting her and, sweet baby jesus, did I geek out!!!! I’m pretty sure it went something like: HiImABigFan, ImReallySorryButImGoingToTotallyGeekOutRightNow!!! How did she respond? With a Hug. =)

Thank you to Jasmine Star, the woman who never fails to remind me why I took the leap of faith and began my journey to become a Wedding Photographer.

Weddings | Marlo and Clinton

A few weeks ago I had the honor of working alongside the always fabulous Nicole Johnson (Now Mrs. Wingo!) from Photography by Nicole Johnson as a second. The Omni Hotel in Richmond was an awesome location and shooting a gorgeous couple made for a great day.

Here a few of my favorites!

Engagements | Celeste & Tobias

Their love was a storybook fairytale. Written in the stars and destined to be a happily ever after. Celeste and Tobias met while on vacation in Florida. What they didn't know was fate was planning their meeting long in advance. They had each vacationed before separately at the same time in the same place three times without knowing. Their paths crossed on the fourth time when the stars aligned.

After meeting Celeste, Tobias knew that this girl was the one to spend happily ever after with. Proposing with a family ring in the shape of a star (already sized to fit her perfectly), fate could not have written a more perfect love story.

Tobias and Celeste, I was truly honored to have you both as my first engagement session. Not only did you guys rock it out but you give truth the saying "it was written in the stars."

Weddings } Arlington, VA

It's the kind of love you love to see. The love where words are spoken through stolen glances and knowing smiles.

This weekend I had the pleasure of shooting alongside Jenn from The Creative Light Studio at Chris&Vanessa's wedding. I knew Vanessa was a girl after my own heart when I saw her shoes. (Because glitter really does makes everything better!)

And did this girl have moves! Jenn really does find the most gorge and fun loving brides!

Start your Engines!!!! Part 1

I have returned to the land of cyberspace! I have a lot to blog about and will over the next couple of days. But first I will start with the Part 1 of the Mid-atlantic Powerfest.

Now I'm a city girl gone country and when you mix cars with a carnival you can bet your bottom dollar that I will be there. With that said, it was a given that as soon as I saw the lights of Mar Fest lighting up RT.33 I had to be there. So on sat night, I packed my new stylish compact camera bag and we hit the dirt. Literally. There were heats after heats of cars lining up to show who was more ballsy and who would wreck 'em the best. So for four hours I was grinning ear to ear. (It also helps if you have an incredibly handsome date too.)

Wedding Obsessed...

So I have spent an unhealthy amount of time scouring wedding photography blogs looking at the various styles and which ones seem more like my style. While on my hunt, I came across Blogstomp and it has turned my world upside down. :-D (Yes I just used an emoticon & you love it!) I'm playing around with the trial version before I fully commit but so far it looks promising!

These photos were from my very first wedding shot alongside the very talented Nicole Johnson

My Birthday

In true stye, there is always some drama on my birthday. This year it was with Mother Nature. I had planned to lay in my river tube and "tube" on my friend's speedboat. However, Mother Nature decided to make an unannounced arrival.

However, she had other activities to attend and there were smiles all around!

Part two...coming soon!

Weddings

So I blogged awhile ago about second shooting a wedding with Jenn from The Creative Light Studio. I was scanning through my photos and noticed a few that I loved but didn't post on FB or the site. So here you go:

This was edited by Jenn and one of my favs.

I have a few opportunities coming up to second shoot with some fantastic ladies. I'm getting back on my grind, slowly but surely.

On an even better note: it's my birthday this weekend!!! As I have reminded my family a million times, it's my birthday month. I mean who wouldn't want to celebrate the day the most awesome girl was born? ....Just kidding.maybe.

Hugs<3<3

S.O.S.

I've been slacking. I've been slacking in all areas of my life. There are emotions of sadness, feelings of numbness. It started with that phone call. Yoda had passed away.

Grandpa Yoda was a family friend who went to same church I attended growing up. I doubt there was one sunday where I didn't see him passing out the mass programs. We called him yoda because he simply looked him, smile and all. (Minus the green tinted skin though) His laugh was hearty and his smile wide. In spanish cultures, we hug and kiss when saying hello and goodbye. Every Sunday, without fail, I got my hug and kiss. Occasionally, a "behave yourself" when I was an alter server that Sunday.

Sitting there during his viewing I couldn't help but remember those days I spent in that Church. The Sundays where we tried not to giggle as the pastor feel asleep during the service. The love we received from the elders in the parish. They're older now, more fragile. As I rested my head on my brother's shoulder, tears slowly streaming down, he whispered in my ear "It's the end of an era". It was, it is.

I believe that when our time comes, we will get to see those we love again as we remember them best. I'll be waiting for my Sunday hug and kiss, and that occasionally "Behave yourself"

Memorial Day

A few weeks ago Greg asked me if I had heard of this new iPhone App that takes pictures and makes them funky looking. I was curious because I get panicked when I bring my camera out bc, ever the New Yorker, I feel as though someone might steal it. I know, it's a little ridiculous considering now I wave to my neighbors as they drive down the road and i don't even know them.

But alas I downloaded Instagram and I am in love. I used this past weekend and was able to capture my nephew's first dip in the lake.

Needless to say he's a cutie.

Happy Tuesday!

The sign...

S I know I haven't posted in over a week. Bad me. But in all honestly, it's been a rough week. Between work drama and then a close family friend passing away, photography kind of fell by the wayside. So to recap:

Photo Club Critique:

Well this did not go as I planned. In a way, it didn't go anywhere. As we reviewed the photos being projected, the other photogs offered their two cents. I was growing steadily nervous trying to remember the iso and shutter speed. Finally, my photo was posted. I did my "schpill" trying not to stutter. Then... silence. No one offered any advice or even sound. Needless to say I walked home a little disappointed.

The Email:

Wednesday brought on a case of the blues. I felt in a rut. I'm trying to get my name out there, even trying to get a few more second shooting gigs but nothing. Its been feeling a little like maybe I'm not on the right track. As much as greg and my family love my pictures and can't help but feel maybe there a little bias. As I scrolled through craigslist trying to not be so negative, I noticed I had a new email.

A groom had emailed to see if I was available next year. Holy. Guacamole. He had seen my ad on Craigslist. Now I haven't booked anything but part of me felt that this was a sign that yes i'm on the right track.

I watched Oprah's Master class episode a few weeks back and she said this:

"I say the universe speaks to us, always, first in whispers. And a whisper in your life usually feels like 'hmm, that's odd.' Or, 'hmm, that doesn't make any sense.' Or, 'hmm, is that right?' It's that subtle. And if you don't pay attention to the whisper, it gets louder and louder and louder. I say it's like getting thumped upside the head. If you don't pay attention to that, it's like getting a brick upside your head. You don't pay attention to that—the brick wall falls down. That is the pattern that I see in my life and so many other people's lives. And so, I ask people, 'What are the whispers? What's whispering to you now?'" — Oprah

I got my whisper.

My personal Rapture...

Tonight I'll be having one of my photos critiqued for the very first time. Tonight is judgement day.

I have been dreading and excitedly anticipating this night for two weeks now. Once a month I join a group of photographers at the local library to discuss techniques and other photo related things. This will be the second time I'll be going and the first time I will actually have to speak. Not that i was thinking I'm better then them, Last time i was scared out of my wits. there are times when i sit in front of my computer thinking i'm crazy to try to be a wedding photographer. Then there are times where I sit there and say " I rocked that out!"

Tonight there will be professionals judging my work and ultimately letting me know if I have what it takes to continue.

Hopefully it won't be too bad and i won't run out of the room crying. it's almost like offering your baby up for all the world to judge.

Crossing my fingers that my baby won't be too ugly.

To all the survivors out there....

This weekend has been one of reflections about the choices we make and events in life that make us question everything. On Friday Greg and I were asked to photograph a Relay for Life Event in Petersburg, VA. A lot of people asked me why I would waste my gas on a volunteer event and I won't even be able to use it for my website. The answer is simple. I do it not only to make each survivor feel special but to help me remember how lucky I am.

We were set up to photograph at the entrance by the survivors table where they would register and receive a purple shirt (the one above). Halfway through a girl around 10 years old came running up to the table smiling. To be honest I was expecting her to be accompanying a parent or loved one who battled cancer, instead she gave her name. Her father proudly told Greg how she had been battling cancer and a lung transplant since she was diagnosed at 10 months. The way he spoke about her and how she still keeps fighting could've brought tears to anyone's eyes. Despite all of this she was all smiles and ready to walk with her family by her side.It's moments like that where you realize life can always be harder and can end sooner then you hope.

To some extent we are all survivors. Whether its a physical condition or emotional, you can't do it alone. Petersburg's Relay raised about $86,000 and had hundreds of survivors, family, friends and community members show up to prove that there really is no such thing as too many birthdays.

Happy Sunday <3

Why I love weddings...

A lot of people have asked me why do I love weddings so much? They then go on to list all the reasons why weddings are an exuberant waste of money. To some extent they are right. I've seen couples go into debt trying to have that platinum wedding experience. But I don't love weddings because I like to see how tall the cake is or if the bride went with an over the top gown. I love them for a whole different and sometimes rarely acknowledged part.

This weekend I had the opportunity to second shoot a wedding with Jenn from The Creative Light studio. (Any brides in the Ohio area look her up!) The couple, Matt and Katie, were the about the best couple any photographer can ask for: Relaxed, easygoing and fun.

It was during their bride/groom photos right after the ceremony that the light bulb went off. This is why I love weddings. You could see in their eyes how much they loved each other. It was radiating off of them! The way she whispered to him "my husband", the way he held her while they posed, it all reminded of why I love weddings.

Weddings aren't just a huge party with an open bar (if you're lucky). Its about two people who were lucky enough to say I found the person I want to grow old with and that through thick and thin we're in this together. Call me a hopeless romantic but those moments, those looks are why I love weddings.

Dance like no one is watching...

who doesn't love the beach? We were hanging out when I saw this young girl, could not have been more then 14, just drop her stuff and whip out her hoop. She was dancing and hula-ing at the same time with no music. And while watching her I realized what ever she heard must have had an amazing beat because girlfriend was working it.

It was a great reminder that we all need to be brave enough to dance to our own beat and be true to ourselves. Not to mention rock out the tye dye look every now and then.

*hugs*

A stormy weekend...

Storms have a way of freaking me out. No, seriously. I've always considered the fact that storms have this awesome power. if you ever wanted to feel small in this world, watch the sky during a storm.This was the view from Greg's parents farm. It was during a lull between all the rain that was being dumped.

i couldn't help but think that god was giving me a metaphor for my life at the moment. It may seem that nothing I do is going right. It may seem like all I can see is negativity and obstacles, just like all I saw where black clouds over the mountains. It may even seem as if it might never end. But it will. Just like the lull provided a little bite of sunshine, I will get to where I'm going. Might get crazy, I might get soaked but it will be worth it.

Just in time for the Easter Season....

Baby Moses! Luckily my little peanut is still young enough to not realize the various costume changes I put him in. =)

Tuesday Night I was booked to shoot a new up-and-coming artist NiQue, Urban Rock Diva (http://www.niquemusicworld.com) It was going to be my first live event and needless to say i was a little nervous. Not only did I park about 1,000 blocks away but I got lost getting to the venue! In NYC there are numbers and avenues that make sense. In DC, there are states, people and letters! My iPhone was of no help because it froze and shut off completely. Luckily, after suffering a small nervous breakdown, I made it to the venue with the help of my wonderful DC friend, Bryan.

i must say for a first live event i could not have asked for anything more perfect. I was able to shoot during her rehearsal and the entire set. I was also able to be right in front and the lighting stayed consistant! The photo gods spared me!

NiQue herself was a wonderful and talented artist. It was also her manager Joseph W.'s birthday! So we all got cake :-)

So i have this idea...

This past weekend i watched a webinar by Jasmine Star, an international wedding photographer, and she talked about how she started a blog to document the year she would spend "trying" to become a photographer. It was something that started out with only two readers, her husband and mother. Now she has thousands of followers and has created a successful career as a wedding photographer.

Then I had an idea. What if I documented my own journey of self discovery. The idea of possibly thousands of followers is kind of scary. I am not sure if I want that many people knowing whats in my Kool Aid. But I have hundreds of photos that I wish I could share and talk about them. Like this one,

This was taken a few weeks after my nephew was born. I was over the moon that I was able to capture his smile in the few seconds I had. He has grown to be one photogenic baby. He already knows that when Titi (auntie in spanish) breaks out her camera its time to smile.