New Music - Week 4

I owe this week's music to my friend Mendy who introduced me to Ferras on Saturday night. I don't listen to the radio much, but she told me their song Hollywood's Not America has been playing a lot recently. Right when I got home that night, I downloaded the album from iTunes. It's incredible! What a glorious mix of moving piano ballads, catchy choruses, and songs that are reminiscent of Keane and other awesome artists.

The song I want to highlight is called Rush. The intense, beautiful piano melody and the passionate lyrics are captivating and I love listening to it loud :)

Cami's Bridals

Sandwiched between two days of clouds and rain, yesterday was sunny with gorgeous light. Perfect for Cami's bridals.

Cami looked incredible in her wedding dress adorned with dazzling details and her long red hair complemented the rich greenery flawlessly. I don't think I mentioned this in her engagement post, but Cami is a marathon runner. She had to finish her finals almost a week before they were scheduled so she could race in the Boston Marathon. She is an amazing woman who I admire in so many ways.

I'm so excited for her marriage to Taylor on the 22nd!

Allred

Remember my post a few weeks about about the Ben Folds concert? Well, the very next night I went to hear Allred play an acoustic set down in Provo at Velour. It was just Allred in his crushed red velvet chair, which is where he's written his last 2 albums. I talked to him after the show and convinced him of an amazing photo shoot with his chair.

John is an open book, which is one reason why I think he is such a great song writer. It was intriguing to hear about his life experiences, opinions, and song writing process. I love his freckled face and 7-color-hazel eyes. John is moving back home to Connecticut in June, but promises he will be back for shows. He actually has a show this Friday at the Faces Photo Studio in Draper at 7pm.

Thanks John!

And I have to say that while we were shooting, I did not have a lot of sympathy for John while he smacked away mosquitoes and gnats. I mean, I had to swat them away every once in a while, but I must've just been in my zone. So I get home and it looks like I've broken out in hives. All along my forehead, under my eyes, under my chin and on my shoulders were TONS of red bites. It was pretty nasty out there to say the least so it was probably good that we left when we did.

Bad Luck with Keys

I am not typically a superstitious person -- except for the fact that I LOVE Friday the 13th -- but I hear that things happen in 3's.... I hope this isn't the case with me.

On Monday at my shoot with Debra, I was constantly putting my keys in and out of my pocket. We drove to 4 separate locations, shot at 6, and we got in and out of the car for outfit changes, too. Somewhere along the way, the keys to my studio fell off my key chain. I spent Tuesday morning in search for them...but it was like finding a needle in a haystack, except I didn't even know WHICH haystack to look in! I finally gave in and had my landlord make me a new set. Bummer!

Last night, I made the mistake of parking at Wal-Mart during a photo shoot (which I will be posting images of shortly). I get back to my car and someone ran a key across the entire driver's side, front and back panels. Seriously! Who does that? Doesn't anyone have respect for other people's property anymore? Did I do anything to them? It looks awful and I try not to think about it. Breathing in slowly and deeply every time I see or think about it helps a little. My poor little car....

Like I said, I hope I don't have any more 'key' catastrophes!

Any of you have any similar stories you'd like to share to make me feel better? :)

Debra

I met Debra about a month ago at an open mic night where she mesmerized me with her jazzy tune called Waiting. I was thrilled when we set up this photo shoot. It was fun to search out new backgrounds with bright colors, especially since Debra was up for anything. And, I just have to say this, doesn't she remind you of Elizabeth Reaser? Yes, I am a fan of Grey's Anatomy and she will also be Esme in Twilight. Debra has beautiful porcelain skin, dazzling blue eyes, and soft curls that could make any girl jealous. Thanks Debra!

Landon: Sealing

Saturday afternoon was filled with laughter and hugs at the Salt Lake Temple. Landon was sealed to his parents for time and all eternity. It was joyous to feel the love emanating from Landon's family: his parents, aunts & uncles, and grandparents. Landon's got a great personality, too. He gets a very 'serious' face unless someone or something makes him laugh. So real. So childlike. So endearing.

Oh, and I love Temple Square in the Spring! Everything is in bloom which heightens your senses with the bright colors and fragrant smells.

Landon: Adoption

On Friday morning, Landon officially became a member of Hallie and Mike's family. I felt honored to be able to attend such a sweet occasion. I wasn't allowed to take pictures during the actual adoption (except for the one quick snapshot at the end with the judge) but I was able to capture beautiful moments of Landon with his loving parents and the people who helped bring them together. I became misty-eyed during the time with the judge and could feel the deep love that Hallie and Mike have for their beautiful baby boy. Congratulations!

Cast a Vote

I need all of your help.

I am trying to find 3 words that describe my style. I have picked 7 of my favorite wedding images (which was a hard task in and of itself) and now I need to pinpoint how others view my style.

So please, PLEASE vote even if you're a random visitor who I don't know. Every vote is important in discovering how you all see my work. And, I love all of you who have come to my blog :)

After you've looked through the photos, you may vote at the end of the post. Please fill in 3 words, but only vote 1 time.

Liz

You may remember Liz from last August when I did a shoot for Elisa's bridal gowns. She was a saucy blond back then, but now she's a sexy brunette ;)

My friend Jamie inspired me to go to the Dream Mines from some pictures she took there a few weeks back. I'd seen it many times on my way to the sand dunes, but either I never had the time or the guts to go check it out. This place is incredible! It rests on a steep, rocky mountain. The structure is filled with a variety of graffiti and ruins. Poor Liz was wearing her cowboy boots to hike in which proved to be difficult and she didn't even fall! (I did, however, fall)

I couldn't resist stopping in Eureka for a few quick shots. I loved the Levi's mural and the Union Pacific train. We raced ahead to the sand dunes as the sun was almost ready to set. The wind was blowing fiercely by the time we arrived and it was only 50 degrees. Poor Liz was amazing and still looked fabulous despite the bone-chilling cold. I LOVE the added element of her hair blowing in the wind.

Thanks Liz for being up for anything! You are seriously gorgeous.

And, sorry there are so many images, it was so hard to narrow them down!

Friday Date Night

My sister and I were excited for our Friday night out with the boys. Grandma came too, which was nice because it gave me time to snap some awesome pics. These boys are a hoot!

Will loved to sit on the contraption where the balls come back up. According to my calculations, he sat there 87% of the time ;)

James didn't quite get the whole 'turn' thing. If he didn't want to bowl, we'd go for him, but then out of the blue he'd grab a ball (a 7 pound ball, mind you). He'd start walking to top of the lane saying 'heavy, heavy.' James was thrilled every time he threw the ball down -- he'd jump and cheer, never looking back at the ball :)

Will beat us all.