Melissa + Nick: Diamond Bar Wedding

After months of craziness, things are finally settling down. That means a ton of blog posts coming up in the very near future. To begin, I wanted to share Melissa and Nick's beautiful wedding in Diamond Bar, California. I had the talented Tegyn Friedman as my second shooter. These next two are so equally gorgeous, I couldn't decide which to share. The first look. There were some amazing details at the reception. Melissa made these adorable birds herself! LOVE this cake cutting series. I secretly hope that every couple I photograph will smash cake in each other's faces.

Wedding Previews

Lately I've been realizing how much I miss photographing people, especially weddings. There is something so special about being a part of that day for a couple, and I'm looking forward to doing it again.  In just a couple months I will be done with my design degree and on my way to Houston TX (The Woodlands, to be exact)! I am planning to get going right away with photography there, and I will be coming back to CA often to visit family (and even more often if anybody needs a wedding photographed :)).

Here is a little sneak peak of what I have to get up on the blog when I'm done with school. I thought looking back at these pictures might help fill the photography void.
Katelyn + Nick (second shooter for Jenn King Photography) Kendra + Scott (second shooter for Tegyn Friedman Photography) Alise + Stephen (second shooter for Tegyn Friedman Photography) And of course Melissa + Nick, who are getting two sneak peaks on here :)

Inspiration

When I started back in school, I needed something to keep me motivated and strong. It was scary jumping back into school after being out for almost three years! Plus being a mother of a 2 year old and wife of a pilot are already lots of work. So I decided to make a few inspiring images, which I am sharing today. I placed these on my desktop over a year ago and I love them still.

Images from Lomography.com words from here and here.

Tegyn

I know...I've got at least three weddings to blog, and I will I PROMISE! But this little bunch of pictures was a lot less intimidating than sorting through all the gorgeous extravagance that is wedding day. 

Right before school started back up, I got together with this lovely friend for a photo shoot. We took pictures of each other and it felt so strange to be in front of the lens rather than behind! I think she is just so pretty. Oh, and in case you missed it, she's a photographer too.

Melissa + Nick: Preview

This past weekend I stepped out of my 'Industrial Design student' role and photographed a wedding! It was such a nice change of pace, especially since the couple was pure wonderfulness. Melissa definitely takes the cake for most organized bride, I LOVED working with her. Here is a little sneak peak of the day!

Give Thanks!

Thanksgiving has taken a special place in my heart this year. I am overwhelmed with gratitude, and have grown so much personally. I decided it is time to write down some grateful thoughts that have been passing through my mind. 


This past year I am especially grateful for: 
A family we hardly knew that opened up their home to let us live with them. 
The love and friendship we now have with said family. 
Generous Grandparents-in-law who opened up their home to let us live with them. 
Delicious Vietnamese food as a result of living with said Grandparents. 
New cleaning and efficiency skills I would not have otherwise learned. 
The way I have seen my personality refined as I learn to live happily with others. 
Parents, siblings and in-laws who so willingly help watch my daughter when I need it. 
Family members who love and teach her. 
A husband who makes sacrifices I can’t even imagine in order to support his girls. 
(and while I’m talking about him) The little things he does to make me feel loved, even when we are thousands of miles apart! 
The opportunity to return to college and get a design degree. 
How empowered I feel, knowing I went back to school with all odds against me. 
The motivation and excitement that has continued to push me while pursuing photography. 
The fact that my husband is my best friend, and how our love has been strengthened through the difficulties we’ve braved together. 
An intelligent, healthy and loving daughter! 


I can’t possibly list everything but this is a good start. Overall, my gratitude is for the strength I have felt as Mike and I have waded through this interesting and exciting, yet challenging year. I have no doubt that strength is from Christ, and it is him whom I am grateful for above all. Happy thanksgiving everyone! 


p.s. i call the picture above forest in motion. what does the image make you think of? To me, it represents the way my life is moving so quickly right now, but at the same time, I want to stop and take in each moment.