I am humbled by the experience had this past weekend.  Approximately a year ago I was asked to be the event photographer for a special weekend, the “Brides Against Breast Cancer Weekend“.  I was not sure what it was about, but I knew I wanted to be a part.  I mean, really….who doesn’t want to stomp out cancer?  I volunteered and it was one of the best experiences.  Brides and bridal shops donated fabulous dresses to be sold at prices that were a steal!  (We are talking about thousand dollar dresses sold for a couple of hundred…wow!)

Here in South Texas, we are in the middle of our wedding season and calendars are booked out the kazoo, days/hours off are seldom, and us wedding folks live and breathe glitz, glam, and fabulousness.  With all this said, it was amazing how many of us “wedding vendors” took time to dedicate to giving back. Everyone organizing the event was a VOLUNTEER.  Pablo Vasquez, was the organizer of the entire event and such gratitude is owed.   Some of the vendors at the event included the following…. Bisli (gorgeous flower arangements and a warm happy smile), San Antonio Weddings magazine, San Antonio Wedding Guide, Granberry Hills Event Center, and many other vendors whom I would call friends and experts in their field.

There is so much greatness to have and share.. go take a piece of it, it will warm your soul.

Here are some images to share…

I usually know exactly what I am going for.  I am definitely a perfectionist and look at tiny details as if they were bigger than big.  However, when it comes to an upcoming ad that will run in San Antonio Weddings Magazine in 2010-2011, I am baffled.  I am not sure which layout to pick.  I like each layout for a different reason, but can’t pick a single one.  Can you help Me?  A, B, or C?

I have a special little client that rarely finds an opening on my calendar for her very own photoshoot.  She is sweet and loves flowers, painted toes, curls, lip gloss, chocolate ice cream, and lemonade.  She is my best little person, and anytime I try something new she is always the guinea pig on my new photography adventures and regardless of the outcome, tells me, “Mommy, I love you more than that”.  I am not sure what the more than that is, but I know I love her more than that.  Chad and I could have never asked for anything better than our sweet Alyssa.  This spring I reserved a Saturday for a photoshoot for our best girl.  One simple request she had, “Mommy, we have not had blue bonnets in Texas since I was 5 and I want my portrait taken in the blue bonnets”.  I am a photographer who aims to please, so we hit the road, ice cream custard in hand, searching for the perfect spot for her perfect photoshoot.  It is spring in the Lone Star state and flowers adorne every knook and cranny along our state highways and open fields.  We found our perfect spot to run in our cowboy boots and dresses, roll in the flowers, and pretend that tomorrow or yesterday did not exist.  We live life in the present, each minute better than the last.   We feel blessed every single day, and we celebrate having our good Lord watch over us.

We celebrate this Easter Sunday giving thanks to God.  Thanks for….. well everything.

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…

It was the party of all part-ays!   The event was on Thursday night.  I am talking everyone in the San Antonio Wedding Industry was at this annual event that was hosted at the beautiful La Fontana Event Center.  The editor of San Antonio Weddings, Todd Kabes, was right on target when he chose this beautiful wedding venue to host the annual event that celebrates those individuals who cherish opportunities to work with wedding clients.   A few of the vendors I met that left a stamp on my soul and were Breanna from Powerhouse Studios, Carol from Cakes by Carol, Mike from VHT, Elaine from Elaine’s Custom Cakes & cookies, Peggy from the Candy Lounge, and all the awesome people at An Event to Remember who provided a scrumptious dinner, decor, and table linens (all of which were accompanied by a genuine smile).  It was a party for all of us vendors who frequently are in attendance at super fab parties, every weekend, events that we document (in my case with photographic memories),  or construct, or host, or decorate, or cater, etc….  we call these super fab parties… San Antonio Weddings.  La Fontana Event Center, owned and operated by my cheerleaders, Cesar and Nancy Trivino, left no detail unturned, nothing but perfection from the floor to the ceilings, to the gazebo, to the bar.  Beautiful silk fabric draping adorned the eating areas, the chairs, and matching table linen, bouquets, and place settings accented the tables. 

Each table was filled with passionate people talking with giddy excitement of their business and love they have for brides and the grooms to be.  The energy was contagious and warmed my soul.  If you ever want to have a fabulous wedding, I’m telling you, get married in this South Texas sweet city of culture, perfection, and detail.  We call this home, or San Antonio. 

I met so many fabulous people that evening whose energy was palpable and truly extraordinary craftsmen (and craftswomen…if that is a word) in their field.  I just know  with my new found relationships, I am going to get lots of BFF’s.  I am a lucky girl, in a fabulous wedding industry. 

Cheers to brides and grooms, you are in good hands, when you have your nuptials in San Antonio!  

Beautiful Magazines added to the decor of the evening

Laughing, networking, dancing, and talking shop

Awesome flower arrangements by Events to Remember

San Antonio Weddings Magazine- Premiere Reading and so much more for all Brides!

I have always loved being outside.   I can remember picking veggies in our garden (eating the cherry tomatoes right off the vine), playing in the backyard in my “little house” that mom & dad gave me for my birthday when I was 4, playing in the sandbox (after it had been wet with the water hose of course…better sand castles), smelling mom’s roses that lined the chain-link fence, running through the grass with no shoes on…the stories go on forever.

These days I still love being outside.  I think if it wasn’t for the mosquitos, I would live in the tree house, hang from the branches of our live oaks,  whistle like a cardinal, and pretend that tomorrow does not exist.  I would live in the now.

My hubby loves me.  He brings me joy (literally).  He fills my bucket, he brings me happiness, he spoils me.  Chad tolerates all of my nature addictions, the several bird feeders, the flowers, the seeds, the cement garden decor, the bird houses, the green grass I run my toes through, my rock paintings, my veggie garden, my fruit orchard, all of it.  Lately he had been talking about seeing some “yellow birds” outside when I was at work (I have an addiction to bird watching).  The next day, he took me to the savy bird store and we bought a finch feeder. ..Now look what what I saw this week….bringing me joy.  I  am such a lucky girl.

On Thursday I called my sister and told her, “I think Chad forgot our anniversary, again”.  She giggled and so ohhhh…nooooooo….  Yep, when he forgets he usually does not get to use/see his gift from me…that is usually for me…. (wink..wink).  This is the third time he has forgotten.  I will give it to him that he tries to remember, he sets his alarms (watch, computer, calendar) to buzz the sound of love about a week before “the day”.  Nucklehead, though, he forgets about it by the time the day comes around.  Between you and I, it is funny and I secretly love it when his eyes bug out, face turns pale, and stops breathing when he sees his Victoria Secret present…..and realizes that he must have forgotten about something.  

This year he claims that he did remember, he was just planning to celebrate a few days later.  He thinks I am not on to him, but honey, yes you are lame when it comes to remembering.

This year he swore that he remembered but could not celebrate until, Saturday because he was perfectly planning the most perfect-est gift for me and it was not released until Saturday, June 6.  Hummmm…..  

Early Saturday morning I had an engagement photoshoot with a super cute couple (which I will post later this week) and got home to see a kazillion “Ivory” soap bars lined along the stairs leading to my hubby.  My thoughts were 1.  either he knows that I felt really sweaty and smelly and needed a shower  2.  he realizes I need a full time housekeeper  to “CLEAN” or 3.  their is something behind his madness.  Well this was our 14 year anniversay and the “theme” for this year was “ivory”…..  so he wrapped my new phone as the last  ivory soap bar that was closest to him …..  I swear he is so cleaver.   Tada… I am giddy and forgot all about the tardiness of his memory .  BTW…he does the “theme” thing every single year.  I swear he loves me.  

I love gadgets… I don’t even think that I know what most of my gadgets do, they are just shiny, new, pretty, have a neat organizing feature (you guys know how much I love that), and calendars, text messaging, music….and  ewwww-la-la….great camera in this phone 3mp.  Oh yeah, and the accessories are cute and fun too!

I love you Chad and I so love “Ivory” (yes, I named my phone).  Cheers to us, our love, our friendship, our marriage.  I can’t wait for the many more we have to come!

PS…tell Lissy not to feel sad anymore that daddy only got mommy some soap….haha….the kidlet cracks me up!

That is what Memorial Day is about, honoring those heros near and far who have provided us the freedom that is not free. 

My 7 year old was excited that there was no school today, but she asked, “Mommy, why do we not have school?”  She knew it was a holiday but not really sure what it was about.  Unfortunately, she was not even sure of the holiday name.  Daddy was in the car when she asked and he offered her the explanation, because he understands what it means to be willing to fight for freedom and peace and serve our country.   Alyssa still does not really understand what death is about and that everyone eventually dies, much less the willingness of soldiers to die for our country,  but Chad managed to explain to her that others have made sacrifices for our country and on this day we pay tribute and respect to them for their heroic deeds.  She got it.

 Some day she may remember some fallen heros ….  (US Department of Veteran Affairs) 

 Civil War……140,414 (Union)…..74,524 (Confederate)

World War I….. 53,402

World War II….291,557

Korean War…  33,741

Vietnam ….47,424

Desert Storm … 147

War on Terror…2333+

Okay, last night I got this email from Kim at Kimtown and she said my blog proof was ready to look at.   She was my Santa no…better…she was my  Santa Claus and all of his reindeer.  When I first talked to Kim I had a vision of what I wanted, told her my favorite store was White House/Black Market, and told her that I am starting my branding campaign of providing fun photography for REAL PEOPLE.  REAL MOMENTS. REAL LIFE.  She took off with the idea and ran.  This morning when I “opened” my blog for the first time, it was better than the Christmas when I was 5 that I got my Easy Bake Oven….yes…that good!  I am so excited!  I know it is not the fanciest blog and I know there are photographers out there that have much better pictures that I do, but it is mine and MY opportunity to connect to my peeps.

I have been thinking about getting a new blog for some time now, but I have to tell you that when you first start a business each decision is quite thought provoking.  Should I do this…should I do that….is it worth this amount or that amount…. the questions never end and often times keep me up at night….contemplating rather than dreaming of sweet nothings.

So where do I find myself today….. well…..I swear, if I had it my way I would walk around with a camera in my hand 24/7.  Even though I launched my business over a year ago, I still am in love with the idea of capturing some images of strangers who later become friends.  One of my girlfriends once said to me, “Wow, do you realize that those portraits are going to hang on the wall of someone’s home and be in their family, possibly forever?”  The thought of my simple click of a button becoming a family treasure melts me.  I am humbled.

So I owe it to my family, my friends, my clients, and even the many unknown internet friends to share my journey of owning a photography business, sharing the message I learn from each photoshoot, and living life in a world that moves way to fast and makes me realize that life is not long enough to do everything I want to do.  I am a hard worker who loves to learn, reflect, and laugh.   This blog has given me the freedom to release my inner thoughts.  I won’t feel ashamed of my mistakes, but rather learn from them, and I will cherish the opportunity to share my life.

Thank you for riding with me on this journey and a special thanks to the many clients I had this past year who have been my cheerleaders and have taken my business to a whole new level that I never knew existed.  These special people trusted me with their precious memories and sometimes had a level of confidence for me that I was sometimes lacking.

And because every post is better with a picture, here is a beautiful bride whose wedding I photographed last night.  Sheri…. one word…. “Beautiful”.  I will be posting more fantastic memories of both George and Sheri this week!