Jen and Tim

Jen and Tim reminded me of something. If you're like most people, you probably had great wedding pics taken (or maybe not so great wedding pics...) and then don't think about getting professional pictures again until your first kid comes along. Well, what about all that time in between? If you're like me, you think life is pretty sweet right now. Seems like a pretty good time to document your life if you ask me! I know I make a point to have our photos taken at least once a year.

Jen and Tim obviously see eye to eye with me on this. They just celebrated their one year anniversary and wanted some updated pics. They also just bought their first house together and now they will have some pics of themselves to help turn their house into a home. That reminds me, I have been seeing so many awesome photo display ideas lately but I will wait until tomorrow to share those with you since I am rambling too much already!

lauren and john

I'm bringing Johnny and Julia back

What happens when I stay up too late? I decide to do things like encores.

commissioning artwork?!

I never thought I'd be one lucky enough to be "commissioning" personal art work, but I've been pretty blessed in that department lately! One of my friends, Ron, asked if I would be interested in having him turn one of my favorite photos into a painting in exchange for a family photo shoot. I jumped at the chance! Ron has been an artist literally for decades and has been in numerous art shows. And he wanted to trade with me?! After a few months of work, the painting is complete. I am so thrilled with how it came out! This is one of my all time favorite photos that Aaron took of us shortly after we got Avenue.

Johnny and Julia

Darren and Kayli slideshow

Click here to watch!

P.S. I decided to try something new for the first look and have the groom approach the bride. Let me just say, way more touching and emotional. Loved it!

Kayli and Darren Wedding

Hmmm...so I decided something at Kayli and Darren's wedding. I really like shooting my friends weddings. I think there could still be a couple weddings a year in my future...we'll see. All speculation aside, Kayli and Darren's wedding at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center was nothing short of amazing!! To top it all off, I got to work with some of my favorite people ever. Melody did an insane job making a dessert bar, Jesi absolutely blew me away with her coordination and creativity, Carlie did gorgeous hair and makeup, and an extra special thanks to Gabriel who was kind enough to shoot with me since Aaron was doing double duty as photographer and groomsman. Because of Gabriel, Aaron was able to take off the photographer hat as soon as the wedding started. Also thanks to the amazing DJ Johny E, photocabina, and officiant Isaac Marks!
I am about to blog way way too many pictures but this doesn't even scratch the surface of my favorites. Check back tomorrow to see a slideshow of this wedding where you can see pics of the dessert bar, the first look, and more. I am sure you will laugh and cry.













I have a new love affair: HOLGA! I couldn't think of a better time to christen it than this vintage inspired wedding!

lighting

If you are a photographer that wants to learn off camera lighting, or just want to take your lighting knowledge to the next level, I highly recommend attending a Bui Brothers and Tofurious workshop. I have known the Bui brothers for awhile now and I can't say enough good things about them. They are so much fun to hang out with and so generous and helpful with their knowledge. I have learned so much from them so when Vu told me about this workshop I signed up right away. They rock off camera lighting like no one else and also happen to be amazing videographers as well. Be sure to check out both the Bui brothers and Tofurious. I am sure you will be blown away. Here are a couple of images from the day.

dolphins

This was so me this morning! I was surfing with my friend Karey and just as I was thinking I should go under the wave I see 2 dolphins coming straight at me. Karey and I always talk about buying a waterproof camera but today we really wished we had it. It was amazing! Shortly after this a few of them swam under our surfboards. Too cool!

Athena

Happy Friday!

The lightning storms have left and we enjoyed a beautiful morning at the beach. Here's a couple iphone pics of Ave engaged in her latest obsession- digging to China or something! Hope you have a fun/sun filled weekend!

Chelsea

Sarah and Andrew