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I walked into his office the same way a convict may approach a courtroom. I was nervous, anxious, and petrified at what my outcome would be. Yes, I knew I was doing some things right, but I also realized there was a ton I didn’t know…and Uncle Sam would track my patootie like a bloodhound.
Certified accountant extraordinaire, Harold Nelson, CPA, and I met last night to finalize the details of my tax filing. And, boy, was it a doozie! I brought JD along for moral support because just hearing what I owed in taxes might have causes an uninvited aneurism, but everything worked out nicely. When I first met with Harold, he walked me through every step I needed to complete in order to get my business on track with the State…he was AWESOME! For so long I looked for answers, but he gave clear and concise directions as to what I needed to do as well as proffer not-so-great news with a smile. Priceless. |
In the end, JD and I hoped we’d get a nice little return to reinvest in our slowing economy (nothing says America like a new purse and shoes!), but it’ll have to wait for another day. I tried convincing JD that, really, I’m so patriotic that I need a new Louis Vuitton purse, but he wasn’t having it…not even when I sang the National Anthem.
Pfft…boys!? |
    
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Jane and Kevin : Wedding
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© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
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J ane and Kevin closely sat next to each other as their Maid of Honor toasted their love. She made it a point to express she worried Kevin wouldn’t be able to handle Jane’s feisty demeanor upon first meeting him, but over the years noticed Kevin held Jane in the palm of his hand. Not gripped, nor clenched, but, rather, with his fingers loosely facing heavenward. Kevin loves Jane so evidently and knows she needs a lover who will surround her heart with devotion and support, not merely words. Their Maid of Honor acknowledged this, but it’s something everyone already knew.
Their wedding day was filled with fun, joy, and gorgeousness. Basically—as Jane so aptly described her wedding—it was feroche. Surrounded by their friends and family at Seven Degrees—one of Orange County’s most fabulous wedding venues—their special day was spectacular. The wedding was coordinated by Jeannie Le and her assistant, Nite, and nothing was left unbeautified…they were nothing short of amazing! The florals were designed by Flower Allie the event was captured by the ever amazing videographer Kyle of Elysium Productions. Every vendor was a dream to work with and I was truly honored to stand beside them and document this wedding.
Jane and Kevin…I think you’re so feroche (I’m going to use that words as many as times possible in this post!) and truly amazing. From the minute we met, I knew we’d become friends…and I felt so blessed to be photographing your wedding day! I know you’re in Paris right now and have been patiently waiting for this post, so I hope it does the love you share justice. More than anything, I wanted to capture your joy and laughter…because that’s what makes your relationship so special to me. Have fun in France and eat a chocolate and banana crepe for me! Much Love and Appreciation…J*
Here's Jane looking gorgeous with makeup done by Sherry from On Location Beauty while starting the day at The Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach... |
| Jane and her bridesmaids have been friends since elementary school...I can't say enough nice things about this group of girls...I want them to be MY friends too! ;) |
| Showing off her bling! ;) |
| Last minute words of encouragement before the couple's First Look |
| Jane and Kevin decided to see each other before the ceremony...which is something I can't stress enough! I absolutely LOVE the extra time allocated for pictures and while they weren't initially going to do it, they opted for a First Look. Yay! These images were taken just moments before Jane and Kevin saw each other for the first time on their wedding day... |
| Jane and I are TV soul mates...she watches America's Next Top Model and Project Runway (she's my little Feroche Coutura!), so she knew just what to do in front of my camera! I love expressive brides and I believe Jane embodies everything I desire for a girl to be on her wedding day...Fun, Fabulous, and Confident! |
| Immediately following the wedding, there was a Tea Ceremony... |
| Jane really worked hard on finding the perfect personality fit for her reception details...I think she did wonderfully! :) |
| For more images of their wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow! |
W e woke with the sun this morning. JD and I hurried from room to room getting ready for an early church service, leaving the scents of soap and cologne with each passing. Our church is an hour from our home, so we have to plan things in advance—especially for Sundays like today. Sundays where dresses are worn, the smell of coffee ripples through the congregation, and hugs are given as if they are the last. A typical Easter at church in East Los Angeles. Days like today make me happy to be alive and thankful for my life.
The remainder of the day was spent balancing time between our families hunting for Easter eggs and barbequing carne asada…then holding our bellies in happy remorse. Days like today make me happy to be alive and thankful for my life.
It was a warm afternoon, so JD, my mom, and myself sat on my parents’ porch and talked the day away. Life. Business. Dreams. Days like today make me happy to be alive and thankful for my life.
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| I hope you are having just as pleasant a day as mine…Happy Easter and God Bless! |
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Sweet and the Not-So-Sweet
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There are two versions of Paul, ShowIt's amazing videographer.
The Sweet and the Not-So-Sweet.
THE SWEET
Take a look at this innocent face...doesn't he look like the good boy next door? |
I captured this photo of Paul while he shot along side me during the engagement shoot in Las Vegas. There were a few emails asking if photographers could tag along and while I initially loved the idea, I want to make sure that I use these sessions as a way for me to click with my clients and get to know them on a personal basis. If there were fifteen other photographers, I think it would have been difficult. In lieu of this, Paul offered to come along and film me...with hopes of posting snippets of my clients in action from a real shoot.
Here are a few still frames from video of what's to come... |
THE NOT-SO-SWEET
Here's a blooper from Shelley&Brett's Wedding we shot together last month. This is precisely why I worry bringing along a videographer...he has all my dorkiness ON FILM.
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T oday I've been playing Catch. Catch Up. With email and editing photos. While I'd probably prefer laying out in this gorgeous Las Vegas weather, it's nice to stay holed up in our suite. I'm returning to Orange County tomorrow, but I'm working on decreasing the mountain of email that's formed since I left for WPPI. I've had such a nice time here with my friends, but I'm SOOOO excited to go home and see my boys! ;)
Last night--in celebration of a wonderful week here in Las Vegas--a small group of us went to dinner. Afterward, we went to Gary and Missy's Bellagio suite to hang out...and the following madness ensued...
Five hundred and eighty-three attempts, eleven people, and one fish-eye lens later, the following picture was captured. This moment was probably the highlight of my trip...good times! :) |
| In other news, if you have the time, be sure to check out the New and Improved Pro Photo Resource for my most recent article. This month I wrote about the importance of being personal and the reasons why divulging more of your life on your blog is so awesome. If you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to leave comments here or over at Pro Photo Resource...Hollllllla! :) |
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