This session was the first I shot after returning from an inspired week at WPPI in Las Vegas. Aside from a terrible cold & a STRONG desire for fresh air, I walked away from that week with a renewed sense of why I do what I do. I made a promise to myself to break boundaries this year, to allow creativity to lead the way, and to not be stifled by rules. As artists, we have to push ourselves to step outside of our comfort zones. We have to remember that the only failures are unrealized ideas, and our inability to try new things. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten a flash of an idea for an image ( usually requiring me to scale a 6 foot wall & hang from a tree…all while trying the get the shot ) and written it off as “crazy” & convinced myself its just not possible. The thing is…history proves that crazy ideas have the potential to be the most memorable, and the most brilliant. Consider Jackson Pollock & Andy Warhol…two famous artists who forged their own path despite negative reviews, and wowed the world with their originality. I’d be willing to bet they heard the world “crazy” a few times on their journey…but refused to be afraid of breaking the rules. My 6 year-old gave me the best advice as we were playing a game of monopoly recently. He said “don’t follow the rules mommy…lets make up our own.” I have a feeling he’s going to be an artist :)

So I don’t think it was an accident that Beatriz & Dwayne were the first session I had on the books last week. They are my photo soul mates in every way. Willing to climb through thorn bushes, sit on broken glass, and lay down in a field that…well, lets just say it didn’t smell like roses ;) Bea didn’t even bat an eye when I asked her to climb a crazy hill for the last silhouette shot. And I have to say I’ve never had a groom more willing to put the time & energy into turning an idea into an image… it made my day when he said “wow, that was fun” as we wrapped the shoot. We connected so much during this session that there was talk of planning a “Trash the Dress” shoot near their home on Jersey Island, off the coast of France.

Thanks to Bea & Dwayne for an inspiring session…see you guys in June!

Jennings & I go waaaay back. We were best buddies in middle school & danced with the same company throughout high school. If you’re a friend of mine on Facebook, you might have seen the hilarious “dance troupe” shots in my photo gallery. Look closely & you’ll see Jennings in there too… (hint: she’s the cute little blonde in the front row…and yes, she’s probably going to kill me now ;) Truth is, she’s an amazing dancer & I wanted to incorporate those dance roots into a few of her & Brennen’s engagement shots. I think that’s why I love this first image so much…it has such a graceful feel…

I love that my job has reconnected me with so many people from years past. Can’t wait to photograph these two again in June!

If you google “happiness” you just might see this photo pop up…

I just returned from a whirlwind 4-day trip to Las Vegas for WPPI ( where we had virtually NO cell service…more on that later ) so I’m a little behind on blogging this good news. My boho-chic editorial shoot for Elissa Keno was picked up by two of my favorite wedding blogs for a dual feature on Ruffled and Weddings Unveiled. A big thank-you to Amanda with Ruffled and Kirstin, Brooke & Terri with Unveiled for all the amazing support they offer the photo-community. Its always a thrill to see my work on their blogs. I’m pretty sure all of our 2010 & 2011 brides are already dedicated followers of both sites, but just in case…here’s a reminder to add them to your google reader for all the latest & greatest wedding inspiration :)

On a completely different note, the results from the Winter 2009 ISPWP contest are in & we had a few wins! It’s especially important to me to have placed 6th & 9th in the “Emotional Impact” category, as the emotional moments are always a major focus with each wedding we shoot. I’m so blessed to work with couples who share my vision for capturing the raw emotion of their day. Congrats to Kilbi & Sean for BOTH winning images in the Emotional Impact category & to Ellison & Jeremy for their rainy day engagement win! Stay tuned for a barrage of blog posts in the coming week…wedding season has officially begun!!