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Shooting with David Jay
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© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
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T his past Saturday I had the phattest time shooting with the fabulous David Jay. I always love hanging out with him because he’s such an inspiration and has this amazing personality. He’s like a magnet that people can’t help be drawn to…I truly believe it’s what makes him so unfathomably successful. And it's still so hard for me to believe that just two years ago, David photographed my wedding...and now we're shooting together!?! Life is sweet.
The day was even better because we were joined by the awesome Brett Austin (videographer extraordinaire) and the lovely Kimberlee West. I’ll be blogging images from the wedding tomorrow, but as I was editing today, I came across these little photo gems. Because I’m so used to photographing JD when we shoot together, I can’t help shooting whoever I’m shooting with. I love catching photographers in action…but don’t worry, I saved all the ugly pictures to be used as blackmail should the need ever arise! ;)
Here's DJ shooting the bride...in the foreground is his computer...he was streaming the shoot live to over 50 viewers! :) |
| And this is the lens DJ was shooting with....good grief...I was soooo envious. The Bible teaches not to covet...so I guess that means I was total sinner because I totally coveted this lens!! Celebrity photographer, Denis Reggie gave DJ the lens last week. Kinda makes me wish Denis and I were friends...I totally would have talked him out of giving the 50mm, 1.0 lens to DJ and given it to me! ;) |
| Here I am...with DJ's arm totally ruining my picture... ;) |
| The uber fun Tricia from Hidden Garden provided the florals as well as acted as the wedding coordinator...she's SO awesome!! If there's a bride looking for a coordinator, definitely check her out! :) |
| Finishing touches on the slideshow... |
| Thanks again for EVERYTHING, DJ...you rock. |
    
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Evie and Eddie : Engagement
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I t was Evie’s first fieldtrip as a first grade teacher. Nervous and excited, she guided her class much like hen would baby chicks. The children spent the afternoon at Exposition Park and Museums in Los Angeles, so when lunch time rolled along, everyone tiredly plopped on picnic tables. As Evie made sure the children were eating and behaving, Eddie surprised her from behind with a hug. He packed a picnic for the two of them and—again—surprised Evie…with a large homemade card. Scrawled in black ink was a pledge of his undying love and asked for her hand in marriage. As Evie lowered the card from her moist eyes, Eddie was on one knee holding a diamond ring.
Bewildered, the students’ expressions were a mixture of confusion (Why is my teacher crying?), fear (Who is this strange man who made my teacher cry?), and bafflement (Why is this strange man on his knees?!).
Suddenly, a little girl gasped and then shrieked, They’re MARRIED!!
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Yesterday, Evie and Eddie walked along the blossoming rows of roses in Exposition Park under a gray sky. The chill in the air caused Evie to snuggle closer to Eddie, but also gave her a reason to move in order to stay warm. And move she did. Eddie twirled, hugged, teased, and kissed Evie, not merely warming her body, but heart as well.
I had such a great time with this couple and I’m excited for their wedding next May. They have a lot of great things planned and I know I’m going to love their friends and family just as much as Evie and Eddie. The minute I heard Tiffany and Mark sent them my way, I knew we’d get along super well! :)
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| In case anyone is wondering, Evie designed both her dresses and had them custom made...she's so creative! :) |
| ...Outside of the Science Center... |
| After a quick outfit change, we headed across the street to USC (where Evie earned her Master's Degree) to complete their engagement session... |
| I can't believe I actually captured this picture...the minute they flashed their fingers in front of Tommy the Trojan, I closed my eyes and silently chanted U...C...L...A...UCLA...FightFightFight!. So, yeah, I guess the picture is cool...if you're into that whole Trojan thing ;) |
| To see more of their engagement session, CLICK HERE for a slideshow! |
I had the fortunate pleasure of meeting up with my good friend, Shyla, yesterday. Even though she lives about 45 minutes from me, we don’t visit as often as we should…and now that will change even more because she’s moving from Los Angeles.
We met in February 2006 and we immediately drawn to each other because we were trying to get our photography businesses off the ground. We bonded over befuddling conversations of exposure and photoshop. And our affinity for pointy shoes.
I’m sad she’s moving away, but I know that HUGE things are in store for her. She’s returning home to Portland for the holiday season, then making the loooong trek to the East Coast. I’m incredibly happy for her and proud of the decisions she’s making. Shyla’s going to rock the East Coast and drop a little West-style flava she’s known for…HAVE FUN, Shy!
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In other blogging news, a couple days ago I passed the 3,000 COMMENTS….holllla! Thank you to everyone who takes the time to leave a little cyber love. I shamelessly love feedback (yes, even the constructive criticism), so I appreciate this place I call home on the web…y’all make it feel so nice and cozy! Lastly, big ups to Gabriel Ryan for being my 3,000th commentor…a nice little iTunes card will be coming your way!
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Heather and Gian : Engagement
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They pretended they were married. It was part of their job.
As pseudo husband and wife, they studied other relationships and synthesized the information for their company. Completing his post-doctorate work at UCLA, Gian met Heather and they worked closely in gaining the trust of the couples they were studying. Together they developed fictious families, a fabulous dating history, and described what they liked most in each other. However, things changed one evening when Gian leaned over and brushed a few strands of hair from Heather’s face. That simple gesture—his delicate touch in front of other people—changed Heather’s feelings for him. Gian’s fingers on her face let her know that he, too, wanted her in no uncertain terms. They no longer wanted to pretend they were a couple, they actually wanted to be one.
The bright sun cast its favorable glow on the UCLA campus for Heather and Gian’s engagement session. It was a natural place to have their photos taken as it was where their relationship first sprouted. They spent time strategizing where they wanted their pictures taken, what spots meant something special to them, what walls had enough texture to make a photo interesting. They can’t help it. They’re researchers by nature and profession! The best part of their story is that they’ve studied and researched what makes relationships succeed, and they are sure theirs is bound to be one for the record books.
I had so much fun with Heather and Gian…and I am stoked to hang out with them again next year at their Calamigos Ranch wedding and meet their friends and families. I feel so blessed to have such amazing clients! :)
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| This was a textured wall they picked out just for me!! ;) |
| In addition to his research career, Gian is a professor of psychology at UCLA. This is his building...which also happens to be the same place he and Heather met... |
While Gian was getting a few things from an adjacent office, Heather sat on this podium and explained how this exact classroom was one of the first times she looked at Gian while he was teaching and thought, He's HOT!
We decided to have a little fun while waiting for Gian... ;) |
| Heather and Gian are planning on using one of their engagement photos for their Save-the-Date invitations, so they put a lot of thought in what exactly they wanted to produce...here are a couple that caught my eye! :) |
| To see more of their engagement session, CLICK HERE for a slideshow! |
J D and I walked confidently to our table at PF Chang’s last Saturday night. There was an extra bounce in my step because we were given a gift card from my parents…it’s amazing what a little piece of plastic and do for one’s psyche. Mama’s a big spender toooooonight!
After ordering enough food to cover the diameter of The Great Wall, we started discussing a topic both of us have been avoiding: Our vacation. We decided months ago that we were going to vacation in Costa Rica at the end of the year. During the height of wedding season, JD and I decided that we needed something to look forward to…the proverbial relaxing light at the end of an insanely busy tunnel. And if that light came from an aromatherapy candle adjacent to a beachside massage table, then so be it!
Well, just two weeks ago, I decided to book our tickets. Then changed my mind after seeing a staggering holiday airfare markup. Because we’re planning on leaving shortly after Christmas and staying past New Year’s, the difference in ticket price was well over $1,600.
So. Back to The Great Wall.
JD suggested going to Cancun. Using my chopsticks, I punctured the air with opposition. We’ve been to Mexico before…didn’t we want to visit someplace new? We could always go back to Maui, I suggested. Although we doubt there’ll be many New Year’s festivities…and we were there for our honeymoon. JD researched vacationing in St. Lucia, but it looks like that destination will have to wait until we win the lottery…or I’m adopted by P.Diddy.
So. Before I plan my much anticipated vacation, I decided to put it out on the cyber universe. I’d LOVE to hear thoughts, opinions, suggestions as where JD and I should go. We think we exhausted every possibility, but perhaps we’re missing someplace. Like Oz. Or Candy Land. Or some other untapped place…preferably that won’t break my pink piggy bank, where I can get a tan, and eat good food.
Grazie, Danke, Gracias, She-She, Merci, Thank YOU!
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| EDIT: I just want to sincerely thank EVERYONE for their opinions and suggestions! From the bottom of my heart, thank you! I've been researching a plethora of spots, so hopefully I'll find one that fits our personalities....and, ahem...budget. Because, yeah, I haven't heard from Puffy yet. |
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