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Making Things Happen Workshop : Lara Casey

know I've stated it before, but I'm a firm believer in learning from others. Learning in a variation of forms, but when I first started my business, it came in the form of workshops. I went to as many workshops as I could afford and they accelerated my growth in so many ways. I've always been a proponent and will remain well into the future.

When I heard Lara Casey was hosting a workshop in Los Angeles, I immediately signed up. I didn't even know what the workshop entailed, but I knew Lara...and her flair, and her determination, and her business saavy. So I signed up. I've watched Lara --Editor of Southern Weddings Magazine, branding expert, photographer rep, and many other things--from a distance and admired her growth, so I wanted to soak up everything I could. Better yet, she announced that Jose Villa and Jeff Holt would join as her guests, so it was an easy decision.

Jose, like usual, was affable, kind, and giving....I love him!

I can't say enough good things about this workshop. I decided to make 2010 a year of growth for me. Not as a photographer (although I remain to work on this), but, more, as a person. Lara Casey's workshop really fine tunes your goals, how you want to grow, and personal development. I walked away inspired, challenged, and hungry to be a better person. For this, I'm incredibly thankful.

A Napa Wedding

s we made our way to Napa, JD sounded like a skipping CD. LookAtThat...LookAtThat...LookAtThat! It was the first time we've visited this part of Northern California and to say we were impressed would be an understatement. The acres of vineyards, the wineries, the large stretch of monochromatic foliage. Everything. Was breathtaking.

What made extra everything beautiful was the fact that we were visiting as wedding guests. Together along with about 75 other people, we celebrated Jeff Norwood and Jessica Claire's wedding, and the day could not be more perfect. Just before the ceremony began, JD leaned over and said, I love weddings. Just like that. With a period, not an exclamation point. He grabbed my hand and as Jess walked down the aisle, Jeff cried big, happy tears.

I can't wait to see the official wedding pictures (taken by the ever fab Jose Villa) as I know they'll capture the opulence of the perfect day. And because every post is better with a photo, here's one of me and JD. I asked/made him pull to the side of the road for a tacky tourist moment. Don't hate.

Jose Villa Wedding Workshop

n Sunday I received a really good birthday gift. Jose Villa emailed and informed me he had one spot open for his workshop in Santa Barbara. Yesterday, I woke up in the darkness of morning and make the three and a half hour drive to Sovang, California tofinallymeet a photographer Ive admired from a distance. Words cant describe how insanely talented, Jose Villa is with his camera. His imagery is beautiful, breathtaking, and unique, making him one of the most sought after wedding photographers in America.

And I sat in his seminar brimming with excitement.

The day was awesome it was great being able to meet him, along with 20 other amazing photographers. I love going to seminars because it helps refine my craft and yesterdays seminar was no exception. I didnt shoot too much, instead opting to spend photo time asking Jose every question that came to mind (yes, I even encouraged him to blog more!), and he graciously answered them all. Yup. Hes pretty much one of the coolest guys around.

Here are a few images I snagged while floating around

The ever gorgeous Lacie wearing a Jenny Lee wedding dress...

This is gorgeous Shelbie wearing a killer, vintage inspired Melissa Sweet wedding dress...

I now know what makes all those crazy talented Santa Barbara wedding photographers so good: The SUN!
The light was insane...soft, gentle, and kissable. I LOVED it!