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What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from. -- TS Eliot
During this time of year, it’s quite easy to look back and gage how far I’ve come. The goals I met, the mistakes I made, the dreams I chased. These instances, however, merely serve as a starting block for next year. No matter how passionately I insist there’s more to them, I inherently know they were but a brief flicker of time. I am to learn from them, and move forward.
This time last year I was at a juncture in my life where I questioned whether I’d be able to pursue photography as a career. Afterall, if I failed, I’d still be able to go back to law school, with my scholarships fully intact. JD told me that he’d rather see me fail at something I loved, than succeed at something hated. And with that, I made a one-year commitment to photography…you know, to see if it’d work out for me.
Apparently, it has.
I’m SO incredibly excited for what 2008 has in store! I have some fabulous weddings booked, new business ventures to develop, and a fresh desire to be a better wife, daughter, and friend. God has been wonderful and I’m thankful to be experiencing life in so many new ways!
From the bottom of my heart, I want to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR, filled with love, joy and peace!
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T his past year has been nothing short of wonderfully amazing. Yes, there were times when I wanted to pull my hair out due to life’s curve balls, but I somehow managed to keep my mane intact. Minus the bald patches behind my right ear ;)
I wish I could say I did everything on my own, but I wouldn’t be able to look myself in the mirror. After my 29th wedding of the year, I asked for desperately needed help. Because I outsource a large majority of my business, I’m freed to focus on more important issues…but I still keep my hand on the proverbial ladle stirring the boiling pot. There are certain elements of my business that I refuse to outsource—client care is numero uno—but between splitting my time for shooting, running my business, client communication, and looking for new opportunities to grow, I am spread thin. Like, someone-throw-me-a-bottle-of-Rogaine thin!
That’s where Alexandria stepped in. Somehow through all the mire, I wasn’t able to see a fabulous solution standing in front of me. Literally. Alex is a full-time art student here in Orange County majoring in graphic design and photography. She’s loving, low-key, and adds just the right amount of spice to my life. Alex also happens to be my younger sister. |
From the first day working with me, Alex rocked my world. She’s awesome in Photoshop and Illustrator, has an impeccable eye for detail, and occasionally brings me Jamba Juice. If it wasn’t for her strange taste in music, I’d say she was perfect! I’ve learned that headphones are my best friend when Alex is rockin’ it out on my computer…but it’s a small price to pay to have someone help me stay on track.
Alex is the first member of the All Star Team and I’m honored to call her my assistant, friend, and sister!
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Wedding Favorites : 2007
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© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
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Fortune brings in some boats that are not steered -- William Shakespeare
My clients are my un-steered boats. They were guided to me by God’s fortuitous winds and I’m deeply indebted to their trust in my ability to document their wedding.
I absolutely LOVE what I do, but as I was choosing a few wedding favorites to blog, I was humbled seeing such a fabulous group of people, all of whom I call my friends. My brides and my grooms were nothing short of amazing and I owe everything to them!
Here are a few of my Wedding favorites…
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| Today has been a whirlwind! We woke early and boarded what I truly thought was going to be my last plane ride. Ever. When we arrived to the small domestic airport, I knew it was going to be a new experience. For starters, our luggage has to be weighed to ensure the plane fly properly…what threw me for a loop was when the airline attendant asked me to STEP ON THE SCALE. What?!? Never. Never in a billion years would I even dream of stepping on a scale for anyone other than my doctor—and this only happens after sticker and lollipop bribery has taken place. I seriously prayed for the ground to open up and swallow me whole. Apparently, my prayer went unanswered because I had to stand on a scale much like a prized heifer. I promise, my face was the color of crimson! :) |
| When we finally boarded the small plane, I started to panic. Everything was fine and dandy initially, but once I buckled myself in, my life flashed before my eyes. Okay, this sounds dramatic. And perhaps I am. However, there wasn’t an inch of my body wasn’t scrunched with fear as we wobbled off the tarmac. Once we were airborne, the trip was lovely and the views were insane! |
We arrived in Bluefield, Nicaragua this morning with the winds shaking the nearby trees and the grey sky threatening rain. A few hours later, we received news that we would not be able to charter a boat to the island because the water was far too choppy and difficult. So we spent the day eating, reading, playing games, and hanging out. Even though our plans have been slightly skewed, I’m having a great time thus far!
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S even years ago, we sat together in a pizza parlor. The dark mahogany paneling cast warm shadows along the blinking, neon beer signs. JD walked back to our booth from the jukebox and his lips parted, making way for a smile. The soft sounds of Bob Marley danced in the air and I began to cry. JD was headed back to Monterey Bay to finish the last semester of his freshman year. The distance always made me wilt.
To this day, Marley’s reggae strikes a nerve like no one else. Fond memories and happy emotions.
This afternoon—after exploring the streets of Managua, Nicaragua for a few hours—JD and I made our way into a local eatery, desperately looking for something to fill our empty stomachs. On our way in, a little boy asked us for money and JD gave him a dollar. The little boy smiled and thanked us.
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| The restaurant was empty, but the humid breeze rolled through the open-air patio. After we ordered local delicacies—queso fundido, frijoles con tostones, plato tipico—nothing other than our favorite Bob Marley song played through the speakers. We sang outloud…no, I sang outloud and JD bashfully looked at me over the lip of his Pepsi bottle. |
| Once the song finished, a little grasshopper made of palm leaves landed on our table. Just past the metal gate, we saw brown eyes laughing and waving. Our little friend was watching us from a distance. Throughout the course of our meal, more gifts of palm landed on our table, so once the bill was paid, we were smitten. |
| His name was Edwin. When I asked if I’d be able to photograph him making his craft, he replied in Spanish that, yes, I could take a picture of his art, but of him? Well, no…unless we wanted to pay him extra for using his picture on the Internet. Like I said, I was smitten! ;) |
| When I boarded the airplane last night, I didn’t think Bob and Edwin would make my day so sweet. The first day in this beautiful country has been lovely and I can’t wait to explore some more tomorrow! Everyone is arriving tonight, so tomorrow morning we’re taking a small plane to the coast, loading our luggage onto an even smaller boat, and arriving to the island…I can’t wait! |
2013
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2012
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2011
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2010
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2009
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2008
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2007
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