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Ebell Long Beach Wedding : Cindy + Jelani
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© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
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H er neighbors stood in their driveway and cheered as she descended into the limo. She kissed her father goodbye, reminded her aunt to pack the steamer, and shrieked once the door was closed. I'm getting MARRIED today!! Cindy's wedding day was a long time coming because, afterall, Jelani was her first real crush. A successful man she met at church, and a person who made her stomach drop at the simple sight of his car. Oh, how she loves his Mini Cooper. The bridesmaids held hands as prayed on their way to the Ebell Club and, once finished, Cindy softly chewed on a piece of green gum. Then shrieked again.
She saw him from a distance. Jelani descended the limo with a nervous smile and quickly put on his suit jacket. Cindy peeked from the upstairs window and laughed. A slightly nervous laugh. As Jelani made his way upstairs to see his bride-to-be, he stood in the hallway and the couldn't help the tears from falling. She's precious. That's how he described Cindy and in that moment, it was easy to see how overcome he was to know that such preciousness would be around him for the rest of his life.
Together in front of their family and friends, Jelani and Cindy made a solemn and tearful oath to love, honor, and cherish. They promised to remain by each other's sides come what may, and put God in the center of their relationship. When it was time for their first kiss, they laughed. A slightly nervous laugh...then proceeded to seal with bond with a kiss.
Cindy and Jelani, I'm SO happy for you!! I speak not as your wedding photographer, but as your friend. Being able to witness your relationship grow has been such an awesome thing and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you both. Thank you for the honor of documenting your love and I hope you're having a blast in Maui! Please toast to a great marriage over shaved ice and spam! ;) Much Love and Appreciation...j* |
| Cindy made a truly stunning bride...with many thanks to the amazing crew at Design Visage... |
| I love Jelani. I really mean this. We've been friends for almost seven years and he's as great as they come. We met at church and bonded over studying for the LSAT and getting into law school. He's such a smarty and works at a fancy law firm in Los Angeles...and I....well, I became his wedding photographer! :) |
| Cindy and Jelani opted to see each other before the ceremony and I couldn't have been happier. Because it was a winter wedding, and the sun falls before 5pm in Southern California, they decided to prioritize their wedding photos. I couldn't be happier! |
| The look on Jelani's look alone makes me know opting for a First Look is incredibly valuable... |
| I love this photo JD captured... |
| I loved the classic, old school vibe of the wedding day... |
| We ventured outside for a few minutes and JD captured this photo...Jelani, you look so regal! (p.s. You owe me dinner for making you look so good!) ;) |
| They were radiant all day long... |
| We were in a pinch, so we went back indoors to shoot and had a little fun... |
| Their ceremony was perfection... |
| Jelani and Cindy were lucky enough to be given his great-grandparents Peruvian wedding rings, and it was such a nice touch to the ceremony... |
| As one of their first acts as husband and wife, they had communion together... |
| And they partied the night away.... |
    
W hen life gets hairy, I have a tendency to have little patience, lack creativity, and--let's just be real--act crabby. And not even the cute kind of crabby. Just plain, old, You're Ugly kind of crabby. When this happens, JD usually pats my hand and says, It's time for you to get a book isn't it? And just like that, he knows I need an escape. Because that's what books are to me, a way to live in someone else's life and dissect the pretty words that describe every scene.
In the past month or so, I've read three books that I'd love to give a little shout out to in case there are people looking for good reads as we approach the holiday season...
*TRADE OFF by Kevin Maney. My good friend David Jay recommended I read this book. He's an avid business book reader, so when I challenged me to define my brand in relation to Maney's Convenience/Quality scale, I was in. It's a super easy read, but the content is awesome. It opened my eyes and made me realize just how important the direction I'm moving different aspects my business. Such an awesome read!
*MARCH by Geraldine Brooks. I blogged a bit ago encountering Brooks' People of the Book and I was in looove. Her writing style just makes my heart jealous and the way she interweaves historical fiction makes me swoon. March won a Pulitzer Prize and it's easy to see why...her documentation of the Civil War from the perspective of Mr. March, the father/husband character from Little Women is beyond heartbreaking, and beautifully written.
*WEDDING WISDOM by Mary Dann and Leila Khalil. I was beyond honored to have photos grace the pages of this book, but when I discovered my photo was chosen as the cover image, I was thrilled! When I received my copy last week, I sat down and read the entire book in about an hour. It's awesome. It's written by famed wedding coordinator Mary Dann and public relations specialist, Leila Khalil, and if you're interested in becoming a wedding coordinator, or merely want to refine your coordination business, this book is for you. It's filled with Mary's insight and wisdom, but always gives full access to her email etiquette, contracts, and timelines. Totally awesome. |
| In other totally random news, I'm incredibly stoked and humbled to announce I'll be a platform speaker next March at WPPI 2010. When I received the news I was selected, I cried. No, like sobbed. How my life has made its way through mangled paths and crooked streets is beyond me, and to speak in front of my peers is beyond comprehension. To know that just three years earlier at WPPI I had no one to eat dinner with, to soon be giving a platform presentation is the most humbling thing. Ever. I'll be presenting on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 8am**, so I'd love to meet you there! |
| **Yes, I know I'm speaking the morning after every epic party in Vegas is slated to drop, but I fully plan in going to EVERY party and slipping a Benadryl tablet in everyone's drinks. You'll go to bed early and wake up refreshed and ready to come hang out bright and early. Right? Riiiiight?!? I'm terrified I'll be speaking to a room full of empty chairs, and JD off in the corner wearing a J* t-shirt waving pom-poms. He plans on being my biggest cheerleader. |
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The Workshop, November 2009
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T o say they were a group of excitable, zealous, and energetic photographers would be an understatement. Way under. The group of 20 photographers who came from around the US and world (Canada and Holland, represent!) blew my mind. They were outstanding, creative, and inquisitive...and, let's just be real, FABULOUS! They not only came ready to learn, they came with lists (and lists!) of questions. But what I was most struck with was their collective desire to connect. With photography, with each other, with me. It was all just positively overwhelming.
When the group arrived on Monday morning for The Workshop, I knew they were special. Before I announced The Workshop on my blog, I opened it up strictly to those who subscribed to my newsletter and ended up selling out...these attendees were legit! Hanging out with them at a group-planned mixer on Sunday night, I knew I was in for a real treat. Best yet, Sunday was just a precursor to how fun Monday would be.
Many thanks to JD and my mother who always help me and make the day complete...without them, I'm nothing. Now that I've written too much already, I'll get straight to the pictures... |
| Look at all my beautiful attendees rocking it out... |
| I was especially thankful to have the ever fab Lauryl Lane for providing the fall inspired floral pieces... |
| Again and again...I need to thank the amazingness that is Vivian Tran of All Made Up for styling the shoot, and working wonders with hair and make up. She and her crew rocked my world and I can't thank them enough! |
| One of the things we focused on was shooting in harsh light. It was about 85 degrees on Monday and we were shooting at 1pm...this is probably the hardest time of day and light to shoot in, but I wanted to show how people can natural reflectors to achieve the type of photos they want. The group offered feedback, asked questions, and proffered so much support that I couldn't help but fall in love.! |
| JD caught me in action...which is sometimes a bad thing.... |
| ...OH LIKE THIS IS BAD STUFF!! I, apparently, like to talk with my hands...so much so, I could probably flag down an approaching plane. Or spaceship. |
| I want to take a quick second and mention Ashley is selling this gorrrrgeous Vera Wang wedding dress...it's a BARGAIN I tell ya! For more info, shoot her an email: ashleyrose@me.com |
| I can't express how much I appreciate Jeff and Ashley Rose for modeling for The Workshop...they're so amazing and truly in love. Thanks SO much, you guys!! |
This is my most favorite picture of the day! Words can't express how thankful I am to have met so many truly fabulous people. I felt their love and support from our first meeting and I am so blessed because of them.
To my new friends...you're awesome. Plain and simple. Your hunger and desire was palpable, and I'm honored to be just one small part of your future successes. I can't wait to see all the fabulous things you'll do! Thanks for your time and sharing your lives with me! Mwah! |
| To be the first to know how future workshops, be sure to sign up for newsletter notifications!! I'm working on a swanky newsletter to include tips, tricks, and sparkly things, so holla back if you're interested! :) |
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Sacramento, Photography, and Denny's
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I t was close to 11:30pm. I curled up on the hotel bed in a fetal position and craved sleep, but that's when JD reminded me of my ravaging hunger. I hadn't eaten almost the entire day because of how nervous I get to speak in front of large crowds, but when he mentioned food, I almost ate my pillow. I quickly changed and we scoured the freezing streets of Sacramento for an open restaurant.
We found Denny's two blocks away.
We ate and reviewed the day. The presentation for Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley went well and we compared notes of all the amazing people we met. The room was filled to capacity with 115 fabulous photographers, and I felt right at home as they welcomed us like family. It was awesome.
As we were about to leave Denny's, a man walked in a sat a table across from us. Non-descript, multiple sweaters, nervous shake. Though we were uncertain, we soon guessed he was someone down on his luck, perhaps with special needs. He ate by himself, and reviewed the nutrition facts on the menu for what seemed like an eternity.
Our bill arrived and we went to the cashier to pay. JD handed over payment, then quietly asked our waitress if he could pay for both bills--ours and the gentleman who sat across from us. It was as if he read my heart. Without words, he knew exactly what to do...what should be done.
Thank you, Sacramento, for making me fall more in love with my husband's heart.
Speaking of my husband, he forgot to bring his camera to the presentation last night. Hold on, let me repeat that: HE FORGOT HIS CAMERA. Don't worry, folks...he's a professional. In lieu of this, I decided to host a last-minute contest! Many congrats to...
Kira Lauren |
| Diane Jago...this is my favorite photo of the night. Diane even blogged she saw JD laughing at my jokes. Oh, Internet, this is PROOF my husband thinks I'm funny...booyah! |
| Lastly, many thanks to Jon Orfanos for making us feel extra welcomed! |
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FAQ : Destination Wedding Photography + Metering
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A fter speaking to a few attendees from The Workshop a couple days ago, they offered so much encouragement in regard to FAQ Posts. For a long while, I felt stupid even posting them...I mean, who am I to offer my opinion on anything?! With the exception of celebrity gossip, I'm hardly an expert on anything, but because of their support, I'm refreshed to post a few of blog reader questions and my responses. For those of you who appreciate these posts, I appreciate you back. Fo real.
Josette asked:
I have been shooting weddings for a few years now and I'm ready to take the leap and do Destination Weddings. I thought you would be a great person to get a few pointers from to get me started.
Destination weddings are a unique element to wedding photography. I know there are certain photographers who aim specifically for this type of client, so I'm sure they'd have much more valuable insight than I. What I can tell you about destination weddings is that they've been an organic growth for my business.
I'm proud to say I'm a destination wedding photographer, but this has come with a lot of trust from my amazing clients. My first year of business was spent focusing on local clients and taking the best care of them I possibly could. As they sent their wedding slideshows to their college friends, co-workers, and family outside of California, my name started spreading. Soon enough, there were brides from around the United States asking me to document their weddings. I was (and still am!) blown away by this.
I don't think I have pointers, per say, but I can encourage you to take care of your local clients, blog about these weddings and include slideshows, and everything will fall into place.
Wendy asked:
As for advertising& where should I put my money? I know that website optimization is important, but what about magazines? And what else is out there? What other options do I have? How do I get noticed? I mean& where should I put my focus and attention?... my money?
Well, I have to say you're lucky to have money to invest! :) When I first started, I didn't have any money. Seriously. I just left law school and spent whatever money I had on my wedding. I can't tell you where to invest money because it'd be quite different than what I did. I never advertised, so I'm not a huge proponent of doing so. If I was in your shoes, I'd spend money on building a brand, not an ad. I'd hire a designer to build me a custom Showit website, a designer to create an awesome logo, and create a slick blog. From this point, I'd blog about who I was as a person, not as a photographer. I mean, yes, I'd blog photos, but everyone is blogging just photos. What would make you stand out from the rest? YOU! Focus on becoming a better photographer and person, and you'll soon realize you won't need to do adveritsing...your blog readers will do it for you.
Sidenote: I know there are some people reading this and rolling their eyes because they assume I'm talking about the current state of my blog. No, in fact, I'm talking about my old blog...the old blog that was read by, like, THREE people a day. Those people--random girls reading my blog at work...stay at home mothers who read my blog...college students who were bored in class--were the very people who referred people my way. This is applicable to anyone and everyone! :)
Kristin asked:
I was wondering how you use your focus points while you're shooting, especially during a wedding when things can be fast paced. Do you use back-button AF? Or do you switch the focus point around? And do you mainly use the One Shot or AI Servo focusing mode?
Great question! I use back-button focus, and I switch the focal points around. I'm always setting my rotated focal point on the subject's eye and I have my camera set to One Shot focusing mode.
Jess asked:
Question, do you use a light meter? Finding good light and getting away from soft pictures is something I am struggling with. Can you advise?
I get asked this question a lot! I also get asked what type of metering I prefer. To be honest--and this is going to sound quite lame--I just use the screen on the back of my camera. Seriously. I've trained myself to know what I want my pictures to look like based on the image I see on the back of my camera. Upon purchase, my camera was set to Evaluative Metering and I haven't changed it since, but I strictly use the back of my camera. :)
And because blog posts are always better with a picture...here's a sneak peek.... |
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