couple days ago, I received a pleasant surprise in the mail: the newest copy of W Magazine! My best friend, Brianna, ordered me subscriptions to some of my favorite magazines…which was the bestest random gift I’ve received. Every so often our friends give random gifts (thanks, Mel, for the Mac makeup duster!) and it seems like Bri’s gift is the gift that keeps on coming…I LOVE it!
I often find inspiration in fashion magazines, and W is no exception. Here are a few photos that I hope to recreate sometime this year during wedding season...
Stuart Weitzman
Bottega Veneta (because I cut it out of the magazine, the mid section is missing...I failed my scissors class in preschool!)
I make it a point to always look at non-wedding photography. It helps me hone my skills and develop an eye to see art on an otherwise traditional day. I clip these photos from the magazine and place them in a notebook to look through when I’m feeling kinda, sorta blech about my work. I love feeling challenged, so seeing stunning imagery makes me want to be better and try harder.
Please note that while I attempt to make my couples look and feel good, I—on the other wrinkled hand—don’t give a flying fig about how I look. Obviously. Thanks to my friend, David Jay, I was able to see myself through his lens. Which is arguably more painful than one may think. We had such a nice time shooting Shelley and Brett’s Wedding, but I didn’t know he’s also a part time paparazzi! :)
I don't remember what I said at this moment, but I want to use this as proof...
Dear JD: I AM FUNNY!
From: Your comedian of a wife, Jasmine*
I'm off to pick JD up from the airport. He's been gone (again!), but he'll be home later tonight...hollllla!
Happy Saturday!
Orange Coast Wedding Magazine Party
02.28.08
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ast night JD and I headed to The Montage Hotel Laguna Beach for the Orange Coast Weddings Magazine Party. I always enjoy going to industry parties because I see old friends, make new ones, and eat really good food! ;)
The party was so beautiful and opulent…and made me want to plan my own wedding all over again! Okay, not really, but it got me really, really close! The details was splendid, the food was delicious, and the entertainment superb…everything a wedding industry party should be!
The magazine just launched and I know it’s going to be an awesome resource for Orange County brides!
Here are a few pictures I snapped last night…
Holllla! This ice luge was a total winner! The bar tenders servers Passion Orange Martinis...this would be perfect for a large wedding reception! :)
Sweeeeeet! The Montage Hotel hosted a wedding cake taster bar and I could've spent the entire evening in a sugar bliss!
The floral decor was done by Square Root Designs...and everything looks truly stunning. I LOVE their work!
Jaime Snyder of Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach planned the entire event and not a single detail was overlooked. She and her crew worked tirelessly on this party and it was a complete success! Please note she was rockin' the cutest shoes...how she walked in them for hours is beyond me, but ya gotta give that girl serious props! ;)
I'm still a kid...whenever I see a photobooth, I drag JD into it for some good old fashion fun! Red Cheese Photo Booth Rentals were on hand to document the night, so here we are livin' it up Orange Coast Style! :) By the way, if of my brides get a photobooth for their wedding reception, please note I'll take a few spins in it!
I Love My Brides
02.27.08
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I really love my brides. All of them. I sound like a polygamist, don’t I?! ;)
I’m sure there’s a myriad of factors that come into play when a client books me, but for some reason (okay, a lot of reasons) I am blessed to work with some of the most fabulous—and dare I say fierce—girls ever. And I LOVE it! Beyond all else, they are the types of girls I can have a long dinner with, order a completely unnecessary dessert with, then go shopping…only to splurge on a pair of shoes with. These are my kinds of brides and I’m so incredibly stoked to be documenting the most important day of their lives!
Just today I received an email from a bride who found a pair of Jimmy Choo heels for her wedding…she wrote that the shoe gods have smiled on us. Us?! Yes, US! She inherently knew I’d be just as happy taking a picture of the shoes as she would be wearing the shoes. We’re a great pair! ← That pun was TOTALLY intended! ;)
Another bride emailed me and suggested a skin-repairing medication for JD’s burned hand. She researched on found that I could buy it from a online Canadian pharmacy. I was SO touched by her thoughtfulness and generosity.
A large part of why I think I’m so connected with my brides is because of my blog. I post slideshows, ramble about tomato sauce, and write about the banalities of my life…and somewhere in the mix, I post pictures too! For some reason, they keep on coming back to read about my life and I’m honored.
So, I just want to thank my faithful blog readers and my brides for caring about me…I feel loved and like a little girl in black patent leather Easter shoes! ;)
he peered out of the passenger side window before exiting the car. Shelley carried a small box of bridal belongings as she stepped from the car and clutched it close to her chest, looking to the grey sky. Immediately, her bridesmaids positively chirped of a rainless day. What do clouds mean, anyway? At least it’s not hot. And if it does rain, it’s supposed to be good luck!
Shelley looked at the sky again and smiled. The day, regardless of the weather, was going to be beautiful. Afterall, she was marrying the man of her childhood daydreams.
A few years ago, Brett told his older brother he was done dating. Over it. The next girl he dated was going to be his wife. Little did Brett realize he was to find her at a friend’s wedding. He was finishing his residency in Oklahoma, but when he saw Shelley, he knew a part of his heart would remain in Orange County.
Last Saturday, Shelley and Brett promised their lives to each other where it all began: At a wedding. Their day was beautiful and the scattered showers didn’t drench the spirit of the day because it wasn’t about details of the wedding, it was about two amazing people committing their hearts to one another.
Shelley and Brett…I struggle to find the right words to tell you. From the moment we met, I knew we’d be friends. Your passion and sincerity for life and each other is contagious and I was extraordinarily honored to be a part of your wedding day. I wish you nothing but happiness, joy, and contentment for eternity! Have fun on your honeymoon and I can’t wait to hear about everything when you return! Much Love and Appreciation…J*
Shelley and Brett's wedding was held at one of my FAVORITE wedding venues: Rancho Las Lomas
Nothing screams ooh la la more than a Monique Lhuillier wedding gown...
A few Rancho Las Lomas wedding details as completed by the lovely Courtney Toney of Joyful Weddings and Events
I just ADORE Amy of Vanilla Bake Shop...she always does an impeccable job and her cupcakes are divine! :)
Listening to Shelley's father deliver a toast...
The First Dance
To view more of their fabulous wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!
FAQ : Photoshop Tutorials
02.25.08
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oohoo! It’s a gorgeous day here in Orange County and I’m loving life! I’m editing Saturday’s wedding (post coming tomorrow) and all I can think about is the most AMAZING Photoshop tutorials on the web. No, really, I know I type with CAPS LOCK all.the.time but, really, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find a better guide to understanding Photoshop in a fun and entertaining format.
I’m often asked a lot of Photoshop questions and while I’d love to answer every email, I simply cannot. Like I’ve mentioned before, I use The Boutwell’s Totally Rad Actions and Kevin Kubota’s Action Packs to process my images in Photoshop. They pretty much rock my world. However, in the past couple of weeks Doug Boutwell has put together the coolest tutorials to help TRA users. All out of the kindness of his surf-loving heart. Isn’t he great?!
I HIGHLY (there I go with those darn caps lock again!) encourage you to sit down, grab a Cup-O-Noodle, and cozy up with your computer because you’re gonna learn a ton! Here are a few links:
