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I just got home from having a simply wonderful day. There’s nothing like being surrounded by people who love you and make you see the world with a new frame of mind. Or just a new frame.
Today I drove a couple hours to help my good friend, David Jay shoot a fabulous wedding in Ventura. The day was made even better because we were joined by the awesome Crystal Goss all the way from Arkansas, so we had a blast shooting together! We spent the day laughing, enjoying each other’s company, and checkin’ out each others’ shots…sheer awesomeness!
I can’t wait to blog images from the wedding, but I just wanted to show my friends in action…aren’t they fierce?!
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E arlier this week—while in kickboxing class—I pulled a muscle in my lower back. Badly. By the time I arrived home, I was hunched over and couldn’t walk uprightly. I’ve pretty much been laying flat on the floor since then. This morning, however, I felt better and decided to attend a spin class, knowing that if I spent the ride in the saddle, I’d be okay.
Much to my girlish delight, I discovered that the new LuLuLemon store opened in the Irvine Spectrum, which is where I work out. Located across from the Apple Store, walking into the LuLu store was like slice of Heaven. Sans the pearly gates, of course.
As most my friends know, I pretty much live in these workout clothes. I think they’re perfectly acceptable to wear anywhere (and if it wasn’t for JD, I’d wear them to church, to a nice restaurant, and to the dentist), and just so darn amazing. The nearest store was located at Fashion Island, but now that there’s one so close to home, I fear I’ll be dipping into my 401K to fund my athletic fashion addiction.
As luck would have it, JD called just as I was paying for my purchase. I felt caught. Exposed. As if he had a shopping tracking device in his back left pocket. I answered prepared to deliver an oration about stimulating the economy, but he just sighed and said I could add the new items to my existing pile.
Appreciating his support, I promised to, “wear them until I’m 401, k?”
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Saying No and Turning Pages
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L ast year I made a few mistakes in regard to my business. The biggest one was not setting time aside for me. The non-photographer side of me. The person who wasn’t glued to her computer all day, who read more, who slept more. The person who took deeper breaths.
One of my goals this year was actively pursue a balanced life with relationships in this order: God, JD, family, friends, me, business. You see, this six-armed tree bore only five arms last year and it really affected the trunk, the core of who I was. Because I was so busy with everyone else, I kinda forgot about making me, me.
This year I’ve learned to say No and set aside time to indulge in life’s simplest pleasures. Mid-day walks, late night movie repeats of Gladiator, reading. Doing these things is not easy, as I’ve been known to simultaneously have a heart-to-heart with a friend, catch up on email, fold laundry, and flip through the latest W Magazine. I’m the walking love child that OCD and Multi-Tasker bore 20-something years ago.
It’s almost July and I can honestly say I’m SO much happier this year than I was last year. Fear, trepidation, and stress have packed most their bags, leaving in their place a fresher, lighter view of life. I hope that next year is only better! A special Thank You goes to JD, my family, and friends for constantly reminding me that the world will not end if I don’t complete every task on my To-Do list. And if it does, I can place the onus on them!
Here are two books I just can't rave enough about...
Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott. I just finished "Grace Eventually" by Lamott and I laughed, cried, and loved the world a little more after her stories. She's one of the best writers around and her voice is so real. Touchable almost.
Late last night (it was actually early this morning), I completed Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri. It left me breathless. Lahiri is probably my most favorite writer of all time and I love her work so much I can french kiss each page. It's just that good. Her short stories are the best in current literary publications. She's nothing short of amazing.
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| And a very, very special Thank You must go to my best buddy, Polo. Everyday we share a quiet breakfast together, the crust of my sandwiches together at lunch, and a sliced orange every night together. He literally brightens my life and I love him more than I love Ben&Jerry. And that’s a lot. |
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Heather and Gian : Wedding
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© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
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S he floated down the circular staircase and hugged friends as they entered the villa. Heather radiated joy, peace, and happiness as she descended each step, knowing each one would eventually lead her to seeing her future husband. The bridesmaids bellowed questions from the second story down to the first—Where are Heather’s red reception shoes?...Can someone tie my ribbon?...Who won the World Cup qualifying game?—to avoid creating a happy commotion. They, of course, created a happy commotion nevertheless. And they had the right. Their sister and best friend was marrying the man she loved before she even knew she loved him.
Both field researchers for eHarmony, Heather and Gian were perfectly suited for each other—brilliant, witty, and kind. Week after week, they pretended to be married as they interviewed couples as part of their research. Finally, after months of pretending, they relinquished their hearts to each other and fell in love. Shortly thereafter, they were engaged and planning their wedding at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu.
The bright sun bathed Malibu canyon with golden rays as the wedding began. A large, gnarled tree—perfectly illuminated with white lights—provided shade for guests and covered Heather and Gian as they said their vows. They promised to love, honor and hold onto each other during the good, and the bad. In sickness and health. In riches and poverty. They promised to love until death breaks them apart under the shade of a large oak tree.
Heather and Gian…you’ve taken a piece of my heart to Belize with you. I know you won’t read this until you’ve returned from your honeymoon, but please know I couldn’t think more highly of a couple. You’re perfectly matched and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for such an amazing team! I love your hearts and I wish you the best in your lives together! Much Love and Appreciation…J*
A little wedding shoe bling! |
| Heather and her mother, Sandy, just moments after getting into her wedding dress... |
I love my brides. But I love my brides 68% more when they opt for a First Look! ;)
Heather asked her father to escort her as she saw Gian before the ceremony...it was SO SWEET! |
| JD's angle of the First Look... |
| Heather looking fabulous with help from the amazing Cathryn Vanbreen of The Studio Agency... |
| Another shot from JD...and I just love it! |
| We headed to Calamigos Ranch for pre-ceremony pictures... |
| I have to give major props to Courtney Toney of Joyful Weddings and Events for keeping the day on track and just being an all-around fabulous wedding coordinator! |
| JD captured this shot and I think it captures Heather's bridesmaids perfectly! :) |
| Moments after walking down the aisle... |
| The First Dance and the remainder of the night was kept fun with help from Danny Farrell of NYC DJ's... |
| To see more of their wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow! |
I know there’s no way of thanking someone who consistently gives of himself…again, and again, and again. I sometimes try, but when do, my trajectory gets flung elsewhere and I’m left awkwardly trying to convince JD that I was trying to THANK you! Yeah, I’m just that good.
This past Saturday, when we stepped out of our car, the temperature was a torturous 114-degrees. It was the kind of humid day where just standing in the shade trying to imagine the Nordic coast made you drip. And there JD was, carrying all the bags, gear, and computer. Smiling. I would’ve run up to him and hugged him with deepest appreciation, but that would’ve required me actually getting up from the shaded lounge chair and putting down my iced tea. And THAT would’ve been a little too much work!
I kid, Internet, I kid.
While I’m sure I’ll use the infamous I was trying to THANK you! verbiage later today, here are a few awesome photos of JD in action. Yes, I know he’ll love me for them.
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| JD, there are times when I feel like one hot mess, but you're there to consistently have my back. My sometimes sweaty back, but my back nevertheless. Thank you for being for being my best friend. 143. |
2013
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