Looking back on 2009

It's already the end of January?!  Man, that went by fast.  "They" always say time goes by faster the older you get, and I'm still pretty young!  Well, as long as that time is filled with meaningful things, it can go by as fast as it wants.  I was fortunate to have a great year in 2009, so I thought as my first post, what better way to get to know me and my business than reviewing my last year?  Here's a peek at what happened...

Christi started my 2009 year with a 3-hour hike up and down some pretty gnarly hills to take her senior portraits!  It was perfect weather in January?!?!  We had a blast walking around with her mom, who kept a great conversation going the entire time, and her cute high-school boyfriend, who had Christi smiling the entire time. :)

Roxanne or "Rox" and Paul were married at her parents house in Wilton, which is out in the middle of a bunch of fields.  I actually had to ask directions to their house from a guy on a tractor!!! No joke!  When I got there, the families were rushing to put together all the last minute details, and everything turned out absolutely beautiful AND so unique!

Rox was so laid back about the day, she just wanted to have a good time, which made everyone else wanna join in the fun!

Paul was just as chill, and down for anything under the sun!

They had a great idea to get some shots on the air-strip at the neighbors house!  Way cool idea--they even pulled out a plane for us to "play" with!

They guys were entertaining to say the least!  Work it!

The bride's nephew was the ring bearer....isn't he too good to be true?! 

I love ring shots!

They were not afraid to get a little messy either--as you can plainly see, she started it!

It's hard to see, but she's wearing cowboy boots, while jumping on the trampoline!  What an unforgettable wedding!

During their first dance, they started out slow, then  "surprise!" -- they broke away from each other and each took their turn in the spotlight dancing to different songs and put quite a show on for everyone! 

It ended with an amazing dip and kiss to make it the most perfect ending :)

Then one of the kids left their scooter in the middle of the walkway, so of course, the bride's mom had to pick it up for "safety" reasons, but couldn't help herself--she hopped on it and cruised around the dance floor!  Awesome!

 Here's a shot of me and Michelle, the bride's cousin and bride's maide, who I have known forever-ever!  We had such a blast with the whole, huge family and their guest list of nearly 400 people!!!

Meanwhile, grandpa and granddaughter relaxed in rocking chair in front of the giant fish tank they pulled outside to enjoy in the wonderful warm evening weather. They even pulled couches and rugs outside to make it the most comfortable and welcoming outdoor experience.  Absolutely unforgettable.  Thank you for sharing your day with me and letting me be such a big part of your wedding!

THEN, off to San Francisco to help Chandra of Eternal Expressions, a friend of mine from Sac State (whoop-whoop!), shoot a wedding for the lovely MyLe and Lawrence. Yes, I was driving on the Golden Gate and taking pictures at the same time! SSHHHH!  :)  I held the camera by the dashboard and shot thru the dirty window to get this cool shot on my way to meet the couple.

And  their doggy obviously wanted some camera time too!

Here's some more shots from their day...The setting was perfect--you can see San Francisco appearing in super foggy background of some of these shots.

This one reminds me of a fairy tale. 

She was so darn cute. 

 

 and off to the reception we went...

They rented a room inside a library, which was stunning! The view from the balcony outside was awesome.  The inside of the reception room was lit with beautiful chandeliers making a stunning setting for the rest of the event. 

Mmmm, I was so hungry by this point that the cheese and fruit trays in front of the bar caught my attention. 

There table settings were also very tastefully picked out, and it made for a wonderful setting for their reception.  Thank you Chandra for having me there to help capture and enjoy the celebration!