Destin Trip 09 - The importance of girlfriends.

Holy Moly~~~ I can't believe I haven't updated my blog in a while! There's been so much I've wanted to share, but for some reason it is a discipline to regularly update. For non-work related updates like trips, I'll be updating backwards. From now on, I hope to be a more avid blogger! Here's some photos from my most recent trip to Destin.

Live passionately. Love completely. Learn humbly. Leave a legacy. If you had one month to live, what would you change about your life? I don't want to live with any regrets.

These girls are two of my girlfriends I've known for almost 8 years???? We've definitely been through our share of ups and downs with each other. We've all had many moments that we've hurt each other and sometimes we've carried those scars with us. Making mistakes is just all a part of being human and being in relationship with one another. That is why it's so important that we are transparent and we communicate with each other and admit our mistakes, clear up any misunderstandings, and begin to really love one another. I guess that's what you call growing. It's nice to have people that understand who you are, but I'm beginning to think what's even more important than that is the patience and persistence in walking alongside you as they continue to try to understand and love you. Real love is sticking by your side.

I'm really thankful that during that past few weeks, we've been able to open up in ways we have never been able to before... and now we move forward. :) Love you, ladies!

Crazy. Sexy. Cool. In the wrong order.



With our powers combined...









Huge bird we saw on the Pier. Intimidating creature, actually.



Bruce loves sharks.



Harborwalk





I miss all the smells and the view from this balcony.

What am I doing in Destin?!!

I've been asking myself this question a little too much throughout today, but I think I will just let it rest. I've had my share of crazy and spontaneous moments, but this sure tops it. Monday, a friend told me he was extending his stay in Destin after the holiday weekend and invited me and other friends to come down and join. Of course, out of everyone else (who worked normal jobs), I was the only one who had the flexibility to actually pack up my things and go the next night. I ended up leaving at 2 something in the morning and showing up in Destin at 9:30.

Sometimes, I surprise myself. I proved to myself I could survive a six hour drive by myself despite the fact that I absolutely hate driving. I think I like surprising myself. I know that artists are supposed to be overflowing with creativity, originality, spontaneity, and whatever other -ity you can think of. I've been hearing a lot, that it's all part of being an artist. But sometimes I do wonder when it can become excessive. There is always a delicate balance for everything. A time and place to relax, have fun, laugh and share great moments with people you love and take it all day by day as it comes, and there is also a time to be *serious* about life and map out what you want to do. Maybe for me, I'm just built differently and the planning may have to be more for the bigger picture and not so much the daily activities. haha PAs can come in handy too! Anyone want an internship?! hehe It's under control for now, but as my photography is getting much busier, I may just need one!

Here are some fun photos taken yesterday! ;)

This place is so beautiful!! I love the smell of the ocean, and the breeze, and this goes without saying, the beautiful view! The condo, the beach. I love it all. What more can you ask for? Other than a quick swim in the ocean, we pretty much ate brunch and dinner, worked, chatted, hung out, etc on this balcony overlooking the water. It was relaxing.



Besides client meetings and photo coverage the day of a wedding or a session, most of my work is editing and behind the scenes. Sometimes, these are the not so fun details. A pro, however, is that they can be taken with you wherever you go... even to the beach! ;) Here's a photo Bruce took of me working on the balcony. It's nice to have a change in scenery when you're editing.





Here's Bruce!



Can't wait for the rest of the gang to come join us tonight! ;)

Wedding Albums.

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! I missed out on fireworks this year, but definitely enjoyed my time with good company! One day I'm going to take all my gear, find myself the perfect location, and try dabbling in fireworks photos. hehe You can find some good tips and creative ideas for fireworks photography here.

I know I changed album companies a while back, but I just wanted to share some photos with you. I am so happy with the way the album turned out. I think I may stick with them foreva eva... or at least for a long while! It's so much more beautiful in person, but these photos will just have to do for now. :)







This is probably my favorite spread. Nice, simple layout + I love the getting ready part of the day. ;)



In the next photo you can see that it has the tightest gutter seam!



If you want to check out this particular album design, it's here. Another sample album is here.

What I'm thankful for.

Just doing some reflection. What I'm thankful for... in no particular order:

1) My supportive family.
2) True friends... the ones that love you and stick by your side no matter how ugly you can get.
3) Being able to do what I love as a career.
4) The beautiful summer skies. I'm in awe every time. Sometimes it's distracting enough to be dangerous while driving.
5) New experiences.. like getting to go kayaking for the first time! :)
6) Music. Period.
7) Yesss!! AC in this swampy weather~!
8) Those past tough times that in hindsight you can see reeeeally stretched your character.
9) Holiday weekends where we can all get together, grill-out, and relax! (BBQ Season!)
10) People that inspire me to LIVE... (more abundantly). :)

"Without gratitude you can’t live meaningfully" - Ravi Zacharias