I told her to smile at me with those gorgeous eyes of hers, laugh from her belly, and rock it like it was nobody’s business.  Lauren stole the show that day.  Every passerby, even other brides who were getting their portraits at the same location, could not take their eyes off of her.   The beautiful white gown, the super fabulous hair, and the hint of red lipstick … she carried herself with glam, style, and grace.  Lauren is stunning.

I absolutely love everything about Lauren, inside and out (I tell her that all of the time).

I am thinking about using one of her images in my marketing campaign this coming year, what do you think?  Which one is a fav?

I was doing so good within my little bloggie world and then things got a little crazy, a little fun, and a little happenin’!  I have neglected my blog and swear to get slapped with a wet noodle.  Every single day I think, “Okay, Gina…today you are going to post some of the kazillion images you have captured…and yet the day goes short.  It hit my heart like a bad bout of hurt today when I had a bloggie reader www.slsmithphotography.com send me a message reminding me that I had not blogged.  Yes, Steph, I know, and this one is for you.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting  be back in the world of something I love, my internet friends.

I made a wonderful mistake of booking myself for a last minute bridal fair in San Antonio.  Triple OMG!  On this day I was truly blessed to meet some of the most wonderful people.  I shared giggles, ewwws, and ahhhs  with vendors (thanks for showing me the ropes Charlene, sharing a smile Valerie, San Antonio Weddings staff, my now clients, and love filled brides and grooms to be.  I walked into that cold Henry B. Gonzales convention center with no expectations, just the determination to have a great time and anticipation of  lovin’ the glitz of the wedding industry.  That day I signed contracts and have been getting called by such awesome now brides…and soon brides to be.  Mallory, Anna, Jessica, Theresa, Sandra, Calie….you are beautifully fabulous and so are your images!

Long story short, it was on this January day  that I started to drop off of my bloggie world.  I had brides who needed my immediate attention on engagement photos, bridal portraits, and even a couple of weddings within a months time.  So, as you can imagine, things have been a little hectic in the Cherish world.

Every one of my brides I met that fateful day, thank you for building my spirit and trusting a love a have for capturing memories.  So many of you told me, ” Gina, there are lots of great photographers, but my gut felt you were the girl for me.”  That is the client I want, one who connects with my energy and passion.    I am truly a blessed girl who happens to carry around a camera.

This is Theresa and Andre.  They were one of the happy couples who I immediately had a connection with on that January day.  They have already gotten married and I will post some of those fabulous images soon.  Their love is funny, full, and forever.

I am back and have a new fold in my brain (if possible cause I might be to old to be gettin’ some new folds).  Scientists say that the number of folds you have in your brain determines your level of intelligence.  Well, I got some intelligence this weekend  Some photography light intelligence.

I am back from a phenomenal workshop that included me, my camera, a single light, and the super fab Zack Arias of the One Light Workshop.  I have been following Zack’s work for over a year and loved the mood he creates in his images.  I want to give my clients those same moody images that a simple pop of light can give.  All of Zack’s workshops are filled up within a day or two and lucky me I was able to be on the list when he strutted his strobe into Austin, Texas.  He is clever, fun, down to earth, and OMG such a great teacher.  He had so much patience with all of my kazillion questions.  I am, and have always been, a note-taking fool…the girl who should wear a pocket protector and carry around every type of post it note created.  Yep, I am one of those….the girl who sits in the front row and wants clarity to everything.   I won’t even tell you what time we started or what time we wrapped up, because well, you might think, “How in the world could anyone take pictures for that long”.   Believe me, with Zack’s knowledge it did not seem like enough time and each click of the shutter, I learned or practiced something new.  And to my fellow blog readers, I have to be honest, I am sooooo not a “flash” type of girl.  I love natural light (and still do), but realize the importance and necessity of sometimes having to use flash because that beautiful buttery light is not always available.

Here are a few from my shutter clicking journey….

I saw a little magic today.  I saw the magic though my daughter’s eyes.  I wish I could promise that she always have a little magic, but for this year….it is there in a great big way.

Today has been on her calendar for days.  OMG…I have so much to learn from my little elf…she is so organized and seems to preplan everything.  Shoes, dress, tights, hairbow, even bobbie-pins were laid out last night for the special trip to see Santa today.  She even practiced her Santa conversation in the car on the way:

“Hello, Santa.. I know you know my name is Alyssa, but I just wanted to remind you and I have been a really good girl this year.  You can even ask my mom.  I know my elf “Ordament” has been visiting you when I go to sleep and is telling you all about my day and what I especially want for Christmas this year.  I would really like to have a DJ Hero and an Indian doll, but not one that looks like a barbie, instead I want one that looks like a real baby”.  But, Santa, I know what ever you get me, I will love it.”

Sure enough she talked on and on with the Jolly ole St. Nick.  I am not sure he got in to many words.  But must have said a few things because she even commented on how his breath smelled like “Hot Cocoa“.  Ahhh…the things kids notice.

Santa, thank you for giving my little elf some magic that works on all of us.  We will see you in 5 days Santa…and if you want you can wear your Santa shorts and flip flops, cause it is warm here in San Antonio.

Alyssa said she was Nervous to see Santa as we approached his green chair…

For some reason it seems I often come across individuals in the wedding industry whom I seem to take a liking to mighty quick.  Barry of Heavenly Caterers in San Antonio, is no exception.  I call him chef Barry and he is my friend, and not because he is one of the best chef’s that walked the earth, but just because he is himself,  a genuine man of great talent and awesome spirit.    I love it when I am at the same venue as Barry because he always manages to greet me with a hello and often makes me feel like I am the best picture taker ever.  Warms my soul.  Barry always saves me a plate of my favorite fixin’s and fills my belly with some tasty hors d’oeuvres , savory main course dishes, and sweet desserts.  Makes me feel like Pavlov’s doggie right now, just thinking about that fresh grilled steak and shrimp.

This past month I was the humbled and lucky girl who was the  featured photographer at La Fontana Event Center’s Open House and Barry was the featured chef.  I just had to take a few clicks of my shutter for others to see how wonderful his dishes looked.  The dishes on display were so beautiful, I thought they were fake.  To my surprise every morsel was real and tasted just as good as it looked.  So… I’ll give you some inside scoop, if you are looking for some great food for your special event, give him a call (210.385.3085).  He can give you and your guests a belly full of love.

It is Sunday night and I don’t know where the week has gone.  I remember last Friday I was so excited to be able to spend 9 whole days with my family (minus a fabulous wedding on Saturday I will blog about later).  Nine days of cookie making, turkey basting, garage cleaning, napping, reading 2 great books, bath soaking, hot cocoa drinking, Christmas light hanging…. and the other “to do things” that happen when I find a few extra minutes.   As the night closes, I feel jealous of myself and the week I just had.

I wonder why these lazy days seem to go by so fast and yet the days of work have minutes that seem like hours.

And because every post is better with a picture…here is a capture from a walk we had in Gruene, Texas.

As Thanksgiving comes to a close with the wishbone out of the turkey, the 5am black Friday shopping over,  the last whip cream dollop added to a yummy piece of pumpkin pie,  I can only hope that for many more years to come, I am able to enjoy the holiday season.  A time to reflect on life, the love of spirit, the love of family,  the joy of  friends, and time to reflect on the days and years yet to come.

turkey, ham, fixin's momma's red chile, tamales

Lauren and James spent their afternoon preparing for their wedding day and from the moment they first laid eyes on each other, as Lauren graced her way down the aisle, their smiles never disappeared for the duration of the day.  They are real, fun, and melt my heart.

Their love, laughter, and happiness is contagious.  On this special day, I was the lucky girl with the camera who was able to spend some time with two people who truly know what it is like to be in love with a best friend.  Being around this couple made me smile.   In fact, the minute they entered the room, the entire room was full of smiles, laughter, and joy.  I am  so fortunate to be able to spend my day with people I cherish and add joy to my life.  On this special day  I giggled at the little jokes from Lauren’s brides maids, felt nervous with James as he awaited his beautiful bride, and laughed so hard my belly hurt at their dance off (running man, sprinkler, and Michael Jackson, just to name a few).

The entire event was orchestrated by the fabulous Vicky Sharp and Spring Hill Event Center in San Antonio served as the perfect backdrop for a this beautiful wedding.  Vicky decorated each of the tables with beautiful floating candles, pearl beads, exquisite linens, and accented all decor with beautiful silver.  The amazing cake was created by the Cake Shop in San Antonio.  The Cake Shop created a beautiful wedding cake that was almost to pretty to cut and a groom’s cake that told a story of history.   Both cakes were stunning in both taste and rendition.

Lauren and James, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to capture memories for you as your journey begins as Mr. & Mrs.  Cheers to you both!

The other morning I woke up to what I thought would be just a regular day of work, packing lunch, walking dogs, and making dinner.  Instead it was a day  that escapes me.  On this morning I felt the need to wear a bracelet, something I rarely do while working because I sometimes find the jingling a little annoying.  On this day, as I surveyed my jewelry, I felt compelled to wear my charm bracelet that seemed to be staring at me, “Fear Not for I am With You”.  My charm had a secret message for me.  It was a private love note from God.    I am a religious person who totally trusts in God and realizes that my life is blessed because of his graciousness.

As I was driving to work early in the morning, stuck in good ole San Antonio traffic, I looked down at the cuff on my sweater and this same little charm lay flat, stuck in the cuff of my sleeve, and the only charm visible, “Fear Not I am With You”.  I thought this was peculiar and felt such peace as my day progressed.  Little did I know that morning I did have God with me, needed his love,  and I was not in fear, I found comfort.  This certain day and the last couple of days turned out to be icky days with a few wanna “do-overs”.  But I know tomorrow is going to be the best day yet, and if not, I will try again the next day.

My hope is that when you have an icky day, that you look for your own love notes…. I promise….they are there!

There is something about a newborn that makes me think about what life is all about.  Shutter clicking my way through this photo session allowed me to reflect on just how fast life passes us by.  Before little Lily’s parents know it,  she will be starting kindergarten…. high school….college…. you get the idea.  Life is such a short journey and I hope I always embrace what it lends me.  The only thing that stands between a person and what they want in life is the will to try it and the faith to believe that it can happen.  I hope I always do something a little scary, dream a little big, and laugh a little more than I did the day before.    Looking at these pictures of Lily reminds me how precious life is and to embrace my life with my soul.