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I t's way official. Me and Cold are in a serious relationship. He keeps me up late at night, we share cough drops, and he's stolen my voice. Cold flirted with me on and off for a couple days, but now he's moved in and his toothbrush is next to mine. And it bothers me. I really hope JD girds himself with NyQuil and Vicks Vapor Rub and fights Cold for my undying attention. It's not funny anymore.
In other not-so-banal news, you wanna sign up for the latest and greatest from yours truly? A few of you sharp minds have already found the new Email sign up link in the Websites Tab of my blog (holllllla!), but in case you'd like to be on the ins with Jasmine Star, feel free to Click HERE and sign up! Ooooh, did I just refer to myself in third person. I BLAME THE SUDAFED!!! |
| I plan on making announcements, debuting sneak peeks of what's in store, and sharing tips, so if you're interested, feel free to holla back at your girl! |
    
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Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
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I just got home from a long day away from home. I'm definitely under the weather, but I had the chance to meet with some amazing clients today (pictures coming soon) so that made me feel better. What made my night even better was seeing some pretty gnarly pictures from Victor Sizemore's Ugly Christmas Sweater Party last night. With many thanks to Jessica Claire for these pictures, here are a few that made my stomach turn. And not in the good way...
JD and I were desperate to find an ugly Christmas sweater, so we made an emergency stop at Walmart and found two glorious sweaters...that illuminated every time we moved. Can you say AWESOME?! |
| We had a White Elephant gift exchange and it was pretty awful. JD is the proud owner of a year's membership to Cat Fancy Magazine, and I own a book about 400 Things I Didn't Know About Chuck Norris. Be warned...some Chuck Norris facts will be making their way to my blog. That's how I roll. |
| You can head over to Jessica's Blog to see the rest of the images...just look how happy she is to show off her sweater! |
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FAQ : First Look
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© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
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A couple days ago I met with a bride (Hi, Christina!) and discussed the layout of her wedding day and the wonderful things she has planned. When we discussed the timeline of her day, I asked if she had given consideration to the idea of a First Look--an opportunity for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony and share those first moments as husband and wife together. Christina and Mike hadn't thought too much about it, but were open to hearing more....
I often receive this question from other photographers as well: Why do so many of your clients opt to see each other before the ceremony? Christina suggested I blog about the topic, and I couldn't agree more! ;) After our meeting, I came home and calculated that 73% of my couples opted to see each other before the ceremony...which I think is AWESOME!
When I speak to clients, I am first and foremost a bride. I was a bride before I was a photographer, so my opinion is based from my personal experience. I chose to see JD before the ceremony on our wedding day and it was the best decision. Ever. Our wedding was small (25 people), but our First Look was the only chance we had to spend time alone on our wedding day. When we saw each other, it was if that moment was carved out just for us. Away from guests, details, and things that might have distracted our attention from the gravity of the moment. Just he and I ready to commit ourselves to each other.
Many brides worry about forsaking the moment the groom first sees his bride walk down the aisle, but I think it's just as special having seen JD before the ceremony, if not more. Because we saw each other before the ceremony, I was SO much more calm and relaxed. I descended the aisle looking at JD, but at the same time looking and my friends and family surrounding us, and appreciating the moment of my parents giving me away. It was as if I was truly in the moment, and not just focusing on the man at the end of the aisle.
The best part of a couple seeing each other before the ceremony is that it lends to a much smoother layout for family pictures, cocktail hour, and beautiful sunset pictures of the bride and groom after the ceremony. If a couple requests a First Look, I also encourage them to plan for family pictures and bridal party pictures beforehand. Com'on...how many people want to miss the cocktail hour? Not many. By capturing formal photos before the ceremony, it frees the family and bridal party to mingle, catch up with out-of-towners, and simply enjoy the mood of the day. Some couples opt to spend cocktail hour with their guests as their time is so limited during the reception, or some opt to enjoy some time alone.
I prefer a bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony, but--truthfully--it doesn't matter to me either way. More than anything, I want my brides to be happy. I simply explain their options because I know they'll make an educated decision. Often times brides think there are rules to weddings (Cannot see groom before hand, Must throw garter, Cannot be seen as a couple until the Grand Entrance), but I believe there should only be one rule: Do What Makes You Happy.
Here are a few First Looks from this past year that make me happy. Because, you know, being happy is my only rule!
Miranda and Justin's Wedding at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel |
E veryday we face the same annoyances. JD and I know we're supposed to overlook them and all, but we've dated each other for 12 years, and subtle hinting somehow lost its appeal. JD now only asks me to move my shoes from the end of the staircase to the closet 1,849 times a day. That's down 14% from last year. Yes, I keep track. And while I know it shouldn't matter, I get SO annoyed when JD refers to pinecones as acorns. It's like the most terrible thing I could hear in a single day. Polo was playing with an ACORN today... It makes me shutter. Don't ask me why. I act like I'm some botanist or something.
Yesterday, I received the results from a recent blood test and discovered my triglycerides were too low. I called JD to let him know and by the time I made my way home, he already Googled what types of food I should be eating and what lifestyle changes I should make. He also let me know he likely has a Chinese remedy in our medicine cabinet to help me. I'm sure he does. This man collects Chinese supplements like their going out of style. Sore throat? JD will proffer little round balls of Chinese herbs to suck on. Headache? Why, yes...JD has a little brown herbal tablet for you to swallow at bedtime. I'm sure he and his mother have secret competitions who can hoard more homeopathic remedies. |
Again, I know I shouldn't get annoyed, but YOU try living with a Chinese Medicine Man who scoffs at my Advil and Motrin.
The upside to my test are many, but the best news is: 1. I should eat more carbs (eat your heart out, Dr. Atkins!); and 2. JD helping me cook healthy meals. Thankfully, none of which contain ACORNS! |
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Engagement Favorites : 2008
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I 've had some time to think this past week. If you're a loyal blog reader, you'll know that thinking can be dangerous if you're initials are J. asmine. When I think, it usually involves spending money, forcing JD to do something he doesn't want to, or a crane. Yes. Yes, a lot of my ideas involve cranes. I'm a big thinker, Internet. Breakfast delivery...ON A CRANE. Getting a massage...ON A CRANE. Automated shoelace tier...ON A CRANE. Oh, and don't bother stealing these ideas because I've already patented them.
In all seriousness, I've been thinking about my clients. How much I love them, how much they've changed my life, how blessed I am to have earned their trust and respect. My first interaction with clients is during the engagement session and I adore getting to know each couple through my camera. I'm a better person because of my clients and I appreciate their encouragement and faith as I follow my dreams and passions.
Here are a few favorite engagement photos from 2008... |
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