I can't wait to Rock it out next week...

So I realize as I'm sitting here writing this that I wish I had photos to show just all the moments and things I took in today!  I did a family photo shoot in the morning for my cousin.  Which today was perfect lighting for.  As I finished our photo shoot I saw a wedding getting set up at the park we took pictures at. That got me excited about shooting a wedding and then I decided to go out exploring the sites for my wedding next week Saturday. 

Wow did it set in that it is officially FALL!  Whoot whoot! :) (don't get me wrong Summer & Spring I LOVE you too- but Fall is just soooo darn pretty)  The leaves are turning colors, the air is clean & crisp and getting cooler, just a perfect start to Fall! 

  I got soooo excited when I went to the reception site for next week's wedding- the property is GORGEOUS and the view is amazing!   Then I adventured out to see the church. I scoped out the church area and saw a wedding happening as I was there exploring the outdoors.  And church is SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!!!  So needless to say I am PUMPED for next week's wedding!!

Yesterday I got from UPS my backdrop for the wedding and my cards for the reception!  I am in LOVE with this backdrop and just how beautiful it is!  I can't wait to Rock it out next week! :)

Glam Me Over

I'm sooo inspired by the Boudoir world of Photography and where it's going.  Not the entire idea of posing half naked or the sexy lingerie side of it all, but more the feel good of doing one of these shoots and feeling more confident about yourself, your body, your looks, etc.  I've teetered on the idea of what to call these shoots and honestly I don't even know if "Glam Gal" is the right fit, but it's a start to what I've encouraged to my friends/family and I'm proud of the results already. 

So many of us feel we need a special occasion or holiday to do a photo shoot but really one of these shoots is for ANYTIME.  These photoshoots I did this past week were completely ANYTIME and were with nothing special going on.  I've gotten sooo many great comments from others and I know both Lei and Katie have gotten a ton of compliments from others too that they didn't expect. I have seen confidence build in both of these women since the shoot and have given them both something to smile about.  And they should because ladies you are both GEORGEOUS!  Thank you for letting me take these shoots and see your inner beauty outshine these amazing photos of you both. 

Katie's shoot:

Hair & Makeup done by: Michelle Nakasato

Makeup line: Smashbox

Clothing:unknown

Jewelry/Accessories: Forever 21

Leilani's Shoot:
Makeup & Hair done by: Michelle Nakasato 
Makeup line: Smashbox
Clothing: Charolette Russe
Accessories/Jewerly: Target/Express

If you'd like a GlamGal Shoot I give you permission to get your hair/makeup done, wear chunky jewelry, spurge on that new top you saw at the mall, buy and wear a pair of fake eyelashes you never thought you needed, get your nails done, etc. :)  Whatever you want to help you ROCK it in front of the camera. 
Think creative about the type of shoot you want to do - I'd love to do a vintage shoot or one at an icecream shop w cute 50's inspired dress and cute heals :)  just some ideas :)

Summer Lovin' Had Me a Blast...

I can not get over the fact that it's the middle of August!   Where in the world has time flown?  I feel like I was just talking about summer and how much I couldn't wait for it to be here and now i'm thinking these days aren't going to last much longer.

My summer has gone so quick.  Been so busy with plans, photoshoots, time with family and work.  So much has happened since my last blog post!  We bought a kitten from the humane society (her name is Charlotte), she's a handful, we've shot a wedding (sooo much fun look for it on my smug mug or facebook), did a few family shoots, did a photoshoot of my nephew (new nickname for him boogie bear-don't know why), spent a wonderful day with my husband at the State Fair (tried deep fried smores & deep friend cream cheese- both were great), went to Noahs Ark with my family and a friend (got a great tan), spent summer nights swimming at my best friends house (we've nicknamed Ben MerMan), and overall have just enjoyed a lot of great memories!  I'm sad to see the summer wind down, but excited for the next couple months of excitement ahead! :)  

Here's a few summer lovin' memories....

"just because" and my "Favorite" Nieces

Honestly, where does time go? I am pondering that question as I write this!  It seems like i've had NO time to make a post or even update my facebook status. :)  I've decided to put up a "just because" post today and share a few of my recent favorite pics i've taken.  I have been running around crazy lately preparing myself and getting ready for the wedding i'll be shooting in 2 weeks!  I'm super excited!  Me and Ben are going to a lighting seminar tomorrow and i'm really excited- so much to always learn in the photography world and so many things to add to my wish list of things to buy!

We are now looking at new lighting set to bring along to wedding receptions that i'm super excited about - now just to save up the $2300 to get it! :)

We've added to our collection of photography equipment 2 brand new pocketwizards that are amazing and i'm very excited to use at the upcoming wedding. We've also joined online Pictage a website that you can view your pictures on and purchase online from. However since i've signed on with Pictage I've read many mixed reviews from other photographers and may be making a switch-a-roo to Zenfolio same services but would cost us a LOT less!  Give me feedback if you get a chance and look at my pictage slideshows or gallery- is it difficult to use?, etc. I'd love to hear the feedback! :)  http://pictage.com/866866  (a link to my "favorite" nieces photoshoot). - Had to throw that in there since i was voted Lianna's "favorite Auntie" :) I'll gladly accept that title!

Have a great Friday!!!

Let your inner beauty shine

I am falling in love with the idea of "anytime" photoshoots.  Honestly its not about a special occasion, an event or anything planned.  It's about getting glammed up, looking great and letting that inner beauty sparkle. 

It was definitely not planned that I would go to the park with my husband and my mother in law and take pictures, we just spur of the moment decided to go.  And when we were there the camera came out and the pictures kept on coming.

Here's a few shots I got of my mother-in-law.  I love the laughs I got and the fun we had. Wendy you're beautiful outside and inside.  Thanks for sharing the day with me and letting your inner beauty shine.

 

beginning of a beautiful thing...

When I think about time for myself I laugh, when do I have time for that?  Hah when do I have time to blog! It feels like for EVER since i've blogged!  But now that life is starting to settle down a little more than it was before I need to continue my blog. :) 

I've reflected lately on the feeling of needing relaxation and peace and remembering the things in life that truely make me feel whole.  My family, being outside on a beautiful day, and one thing i've always loved: FLOWERS! 

I convinced Ben last weekend (when he was home for one day) that we needed to go to Steins and "look". :)  Well "looking" turned into getting my heart set on buying some flowers and herbs.  I at one time had my entire patio a little oasis with flowers all over it, sure it wasn't cheap but it was one of those feel good things.  It was great to go outside or look out my patio and see flowers every day.  So I suddenly felt that need to have my flowers back in my life. 

Mind you I haven't had a flower garden on my deck for maybe 2-3 years, it's time! :)  So we've started with just a few things, one a new flower- its sooooo beautiful- full of pastel peach color.  And i've got an herb garden started!  Filled with rosemary, chives, basil, peppermint, cilantro, etc.  I'm pretty excited about this start. But knowing me this is just the beginning of a beautiful thing. :)

to be adored by you...

I couldn't even wait to post up all the pictures from this engagement shoot yet without blogging about it first.

My good friends Mark & Erika are getting married this October and we finally got a chance to go out and do their engagement shoot this past weekend. I am currently going through the hundreds of photos I took that day and skimming out my favorites. I couldn't help myself but stop editing, blog and post a few of my favorite pictures i've come across so far. 

I just absolutely adore the love they show towards each other and how much love is Erika's eyes.  These pictures sum up their love for each other and make me smile sharing them. 

Mark & Erika thank you for letting me document your love with these pictures! I'm soooo excited for your wedding.