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Hummingbird Nest Ranch Wedding : Nicole+Phillip
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© Jasmine Star. This post cannot be republished without permission. Stealing makes me sad. |
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T wo white butterflies-and the golden sun-fluttered across the rolling green hills of The Hummingbird Nest Ranch. The aquamarine sky sparkled against the emerald grounds of the ranch and one could hear faint laughter in the distance. Nicole, surrounded by her lovely bridesmaids and family, smiled and laughted while she prepared to don her wedding dress, almost in disbelief that her moment had finally arrived. The handsome boy she saw everyday on the campus of USC, who became a friend, who then became more, was going to be her husband. And the man of her dreams.
Nicole and Phillip spent their lives growing together, each pushing toward their goals and aspirations in unity. They each lovingly push each other to think big, dream bigger, and love with wreckless abandon. Phillip cites their cultures as the reason to their success-I'm Italian, and she's Cuban...so while we may be hot-headed and like to party, we're also very passionate in everything we do-but it's merely just a single thread in a quilt of loving harmony. Beyond all else, they love passionately. The hug passionately. They kiss passionately. And this single thread will undoubtedly keep them together for eternity.
Nicole and Phillip...it was a true honor sharing in your perfect day. Thank you for your trust in documenting your wedding, and I appreciate being so welcomed by your amazing families. I wish you only the best in your lives together and can't wait to see what the future holds for you both! Have fun in Africa and be sure to wave to the lions, tigers, and zebras for me! Much Love and Appreciation...J*
Nicole had her dress custom designed. As owner and CEO of Nicolita Swimwear, she has access to the best designers and seamstresses. Nicole crafted ideas and the design and came up with a two-piece dress. When connected, it acted as a gown, and when unzipped, acted as the flirtiest cocktail dress for her fabulous reception! |
| I can't even begin to describe how much I LOVED shooting this wedding at the Hummingbird Nest Ranch! It seemed like every spot was such a wonderful spot for wedding photos! |
| Special thanks to Kelly Jo Grady for a lovely job on Nicole's makeup and Larry McDonald ( larrymc@yahoo.com ) for the awesome job with her hair! |
| I think Nicole looks just stunning in this photo JD captured... |
| One of my favorite group 'formal' shots ever! :) |
| I'd be remiss if I didn't give a HUGE thank you to Heather Ham of Heather Ham Events ( heatherham@mac.com ) for her flawless coordination and her entire crew of amazing assistants who ensured the day flowed smoothly! |
| The perfect end to a perfect night: Kissing Your Spouse... |
To see more of their beautiful wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!
**On a personal note, I want to thank JD for providing a lot of the pictures on this blog post and slideshow. While I don't always give him credit, he's an essential piece of capturing each wedding and helps me in so many ways.** |
    
I AM … thankful.
I WANT… to make a batch of cookies, but will eat a salad instead.
I HAVE … a chipped toe nail.
I KEEP … secrets, Time Magazine articles, and a sugar stash.
I WISH I COULD … sleep for 12 hours straight.
I HATE … arrogance.
I FEAR … not saying I Love You enough.
I HEAR … JD’s sighs when I don’t get off the computer.
I DON’T THINK … I’ll be saying no to those cookies afterall.
I REGRET … flying American Airlines yesterday.
I LOVE … two-day old facial scruff, kisses on my forehead, and massages. And homemade cookies.
I AM NOT … going to live with regret.
I DANCE … like no one’s watching. Except they are. And it makes JD embarrassed.
I SING … so well. Like, I’m seriously going to blow everyone out of the water when I audition for American Idol. I’m THAT good.
I NEVER … keep my eyes open when I sneeze.
I RARELY … lose an argument.
I CRY WHEN I WATCH … Olympics commercials. Darn you, Visa!
I AM NOT ALWAYS … tactful.
I HATE THAT … tatertots are so deliciously horrific for my thighs.
I’M CONFUSED ABOUT … why Heidi and Spencer are still together.
I NEED … to always floss my teeth.
I SHOULD … go make a salad … then eat some cookies!
And because all of the requests I received about how Polo's doing (okay, so I just got one request, but that's enough for me!), here's my happy little baby...
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Free To Succeed Tour : Boston
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I think the closest thing to it could be summer camp. When I was a kid, I went to camp and spent the hot summer days jumping in lakes, going on hikes, and singing around the campfire. I’d make new friends and we’d pledge our eternal devotion through braided friendship bracelets or homemade neon keychains. By the time we had to say goodbye, we’d share tearful embraces, exchange addresses with the promise to write, and wave until the large yellow transportation bus disappeared, leaving only dust in its place. Yes, I think the closest thing to it would be summer camp.
Last night in Boston concluded my stint on the Free to Succeed Tour and it was a lot harder to say goodbye than I expected. During the last month, the tour bus—complete with its hodge-podge family living inside—became home for me. I lived, breathed, ate, and slept amongst my friends and while I was quite dubious of its power, the tour has changed me in so many ways. Too many and too personal to list here, but suffice it to know I’m a better person because of the many people I’ve encountered. I’ve shared stories, hugged, and even cried with an abundance of photographers around the United States and I’m so blessed.
Yesterday, just a couple hours before my last presentation on the tour, I sat with my legs dangling over the Mystic River. There, on a tattered New England dock, I closed my eyes and let my hair whip across my face and thanked God for allowing me to be a part of one of the most amazing experiences. Still now, sitting in my living room—reeling over what feels like the longest travel day of my life—I’m incredibly thankful. To David Jay for inviting me on this incredible tour. To my husband for picking up the slack, never complaining when I brought home piles of laundry, and for being my rock. To my family for their support. To my friends for their patience and understanding.
And though I didn’t have a friendship bracelet or neon keychain to give David Jay, I tearfully embraced him and said goodbye. When JD and I got into the taxi today, I looked back at the tour bus where David was once standing, and saw only dust in his place.
A special thanks to Kenny Kim for these photos…you can check out a complete slideshow on his blog! And a special thanks to Bob Pattison for bringing me a uber fab Johnny Cupcakes t-shirt...I LOVE it! :)
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| I made the last minute decision to wear my read shoes last night...because...well...life is just better when you're wearing red shoes! |
| DJ's girlfriend, Allie, surprised me with a lovely bouquet of flowers after my presentation, so in true I-cannot-keep-it-together-form, I cried... |
| I'm back in full swing this week and have a busy few weeks coming up, so this blog is now back to its regularly scheduled programming. Hollllla! |
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Free To Succeed Tour : New York City
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| The past day and a half in New York City was a whirlwind and I loved every minute of it! Once JD and I landed, we were too excited to take a nap and catch up on rest, so we ventured into the heart of the city with the Showit Crew. It was JD's first time to the Big Apple, so he walked along the crowded streets with huge eyes and wonder. We ate a delicious dinner at Blue Fin and though we were full and tired, I begged everyone to join me at Serendipity 3 for a sugary nightcap. And boy-oh-boy did we do some serious damage to my metabolism. Awesome. |
Last night was tour stop number 13 and the seminar was comprised of fabulous photographers--some who traveled as far as Canada and Mexico--and I truly felt so honored to be there. Thanks to Kenny Kim for capturing the night...
I usually get SO nervous before I speak, so JD said a quick prayer with me before I got on stage... |
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Free To Succeed Tour : New York City
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S o we wobbled through our front door an hour past midnight. Exhausted couldn’t really describe how we felt because we reached that point three hours prior. We showered and—while we waited for both our heads to simultaneously hit the pillow—watched the USA Basketball team earn the gold medal. JD, if you fall asleep before me, I will poke your bellybutton until you scream like a little girl! Though not certain, I’m pretty sure I blew Kobe Bryant a few kisses before my eyes closed.
After three hours of sleep, JD and I wobbled out the front door with our carry-on luggage and prepared to visit New York City and rejoin the Free to Succeed Tour. Though a wee bit foggy-headed, we’re excited to join our friends as we make our way through the Big Apple and Boston.
We’ll back home later this week, but we shot a wedding yesterday and I can’t wait to blog it! It was a perfect day for a perfect couple and I was so honored to be a small part of my bride living her childhood dreams! Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store…
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