Month: January 2011

Categories
Personal

Happy Birthday Randy!

Today my husband Randy turns 28! Can’t wait to enjoy the day with him and play tourist in the city this afternoon, we don’t do that enough! I wouldn’t be where I am today without his constant love and support. We are so alike and so different, but it’s what has made us Jen & Randy for the past 9 years. He’s honest, loyal, passionate and caring. His family, friends and music mean the world to him. He rarely has a bad day. He brings the sunshine when I can’t seem to get out of the rain. I love him more than I can even explain. Looking forward to what’s in store for our journey ahead. All I know is that I’m excited I get to hold his hand while we’re along for the ride. Some days I wonder how I got so lucky? Happy Birthday my Love!

A few photos from Randy’s show a couple weeks ago:

Categories
Personal

Our Wedding!

Last Wednesday night was a memory that I will hold close to my heart forever. We watched the videos from our Wedding for the first time. The Wedding came to life again, it was as if I was seeing it with a whole new pair of eyes. All 15 of us in our itty bitty house made for quite a cozy night, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was a celebration, it was a time to slow down and remember that this is what life is about. My Mother in Law suggested I cook every Wednesday night. Ya’ll, if my schedule allowed for it and I knew I wasn’t going to get backed up, I would do it every single week for all of us. I would do and it and love every minute of it. I don’t really know what it means to do anything quick and easy though because I am my mother’s daughter. Flowers, table clothes, tea light candles, were put out that night. What I made? 40 handmade meatballs and Red Gravy from scratch. “If you’re going to make the effort, at least do it right.” These are words I heard often while growing up. I always have backup everything too- because I hate running out of anything. HAHA! It starts to become second nature when I’m at the grocery. Gotta get backup! I enjoy going to the grocery, have fun cooking, and love spending time with my family.

In 2012, a few things will be changing with my schedule and bookings so I look forward to slowing down a bit. Until then, 2011 is my year, our year! I am working my booty off and going to challenge and push myself more and more each day. I swear there are some weeks I wonder how I got through it. I am excited about this year, I look at my calendar over the next few months and it’s almost completely booked. Between the weddings, E-sessions, Bridals and the Grow With Me kids- yall keep me busy ;) Thank you x 100!

Work was put on hold last Wednesday. It was fine. Life goes on. I cooked. Cleaned house. Laughed and cried watching our video. Enjoyed every minute of my family being over. Prayed that I’ll have many more days like that night.

So guys, I guess it’s time to share my wedding, a view into my world for a minute. Me on the other side.

I owe a million thank you’s to everyone involved!!

Preparation: My parents house & Randy’s parents house

Ceremony: Our Lady of the Rosary Church on Esplanade Ave.

Reception: Pavilion of the Two Sisters – New Orleans City Park

Photographers: Studio Tran – Beebe Tran, Corine Tran, Leslie Pendleton, Eric Bordelon, & Jason Cohen

Videographers: Blink Video – Melanie Talley & Wendy Saucier

Florist: Erin Steen

Makeup: Suzette Stuprich with UpSa Daisy Salon

Hair: Shannon Diaz with UpSa Daisy Salon

Church Vocals: Aria Mason

Church Organist: Tommy Zanca

Church Trumpeter: Gary Hotard

Reception Band: The BoogieMen

Reception Coordinator: April Laughlin

Girls & Girls Chuck Taylors: Famous Footwear

Girls Button Down Shirts: Men’s section @ TJ Maxx & Marhshalls

Girls Monogram Totes: The Knot

My Dress: Romona Keveza – Town & Country

My Shoes: Badgley Mischka – “Randall Pump”

My Custom made Hair Flower: Etsy – Byrdferth

My Veil: Same one my Mom wore when she married my Dad 34 years ago :)

Bridesmaids Dresses: Jcrew

Wedding Cake: Haydels

Grooms Cake: Holly Bratton with Couture Cakes

Reception Photobooth: Squareface Photobooths

Candy Buffet Jars: Walmart & Michael’s Crafts

Chinese Takeout Boxes: Uline

Sticker’s on Boxes: Zazzle

2nd Line Handkerchiefs: Augie Leopold Advertising

Koozies: Inman Promotional Team

Vintage Signs: Etsy – The Back Porch Shoppe

Old Time Camera’s for Guest Sign In: Ebay

2nd Line Umbrella’s: Luna Bazaar

Guy’s Tuxs : John’s Tuxedo

Guy’s Avitor Sunglasses: Amazon

Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Ramsey’s

Randy’s Bass Guitar Wedding Gift: Marcus Miller Fender Jazz Bass – Musician’s Friend

Here are my pieces of advice for all my future couples: I totally hammed it up. I will be the first to admit. When I saw the camera in my face, I smiled, danced or grabbed whoever was next to me to take a picture. I know what it’s like to be the one taking the pictures and I love seeing my couples interact with each other. When they hold hands, kiss or just a simple smile. I was somewhat nervous in the beginning, which is seen on my face a bit during prep. During the ceremony Randy broke the golden rule and chomped gum the whole time, I twirled my hair way too much on the alter. During the Reception, I laughed, cried and danced my rear end off. I look at the pictures and I’m thankful I did bootcamp for 6 months before the wedding came. It really did relieve so much stress all while getting in shape! I wasn’t a twig for the Wedding, I’ll never be a twig. I’m a healthy girl. I’ve gained some lbs since then and I really don’t care ;) Well yes, actually I do. But I’m working on that! I’m happy, we like to cook and enjoy ourselves. It’s what you do when you’re from NOLA. However, I do still exercise and still go to bootcamp. My last words to say are just to soak it all in. I reminded myself a couple of times on the Wedding Day to just chill out, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. I will remember this day for the rest of my life, I am so happy I have these memories, both my photographs and videos. I can’t stress how important this is. Weddings are expensive, don’t skimp on two very important things. It’s what helps preserve that special day. Make the best of it ;) One last thing- no two weddings are ever the same, it’s all about what you make of them! Every couple has their own vision and their own plans of how they want the day to unfold. The cameras help to preserve that special day. Make the best of it ;) HAM IT UP, you’ll be glad you did!! haha.

Love you guys, hope you enjoy! I had ALOT TO SAY and lot’s of Vendors to thank!! Now you can see what this post took me so long to get up!

My Video Montages – THANK YOU Melanie & Wendy!

Click the links below to view all 4 of our Montages.

Prep Montage

Pre-Ceremony Montage

Reception Montage

Ending Recap

My Wedding Photos – THANK YOU Beebe, Corine, Leslie, Eric and Jason – the 5 of you worked your MAGIC!!! Here are just some of my favs, around 150 – I didn’t want to put too many up and jam up the blog.

Categories
Children

Beau & Ellie :: Portraits

As I sit here eating my yogurt, fruit and granola- I wanted to get these posted before I head to the gym for a spin class and run errands. (If only I could say this was my routine every single morning- HA!!) I’m really trying to stay on track though. My friend Dana is motivating me along the way!

I photographed Beau and Ellie last week at Rivertown Heritage Park- one of my favorite spots! They were adorable and did really well! I love Beau’s little freckles and Ellie’s cheeks. I got lots of smiles from Ellie and some cute poses from Beau. They truly were a blast to photograph.

Here are some of my favs:

Categories
Children

Sophia :: Portraits

I couldn’t wait to share these photos with you all! Do you remember this little sweetness? Here’s her first day of life, I remember it like it was yesterday. Sophia’s parents, Ashley and David are such great friends to Randy and I. We love our weeknight dinners with them and our friends, Dana and Tim. This is something we’ve done a lot lately. We all go to one of our houses, open some wine and cook dinner together. Sweat pants and looking a mess, haha! It doesn’t matter because the company is what we enjoy. The past couple of times we’ve gotten together it’s been to watch our Wedding videos or Jersey Shore! So the gang came over this past Sunday – Ashley and David hadn’t seen Sophia’s photos yet, so I decided to put them into a little slideshow for them :) It was fun to watch it this way with music.

Sophia makes top ten best dressed kids! She was a doll during her photo shoot- I LOVED every minute of it! We are so fortunate to have them in our life, so taking these of Sophia was very special. Love her like she’s my own! She is so precious, it’s funny to see all her different expressions. One minute she looks like David, the next Ashley. Sophia turns ONE next month- crazy how fast it went by!

Categories
Engagements

Andy & Holly :: Engagement

Been up since early this morning editing away. I had an engagement session scheduled for 10am but it needed to get rescheduled due to goofy weather! Right after I post this, I’m headed out the door for a little jog. Trying to turn over a new leaf this week. Eating real healthy, exercising more often and hopefully I’ll learn to make a bit more time for myself. I was chatting with my friend the other night and we got on the subject of work. She’s said she’s been trying to wake up about 15 min earlier just to get in some “me” time before her busy work day begins. Whether it’s meditating, a little yoga, praying or just drinking your cup of coffee outside on the porch. I am so guilty of waking up and going straight to my computer to respond to emails and begin editing. I can’t tell you how many meals I’ve eaten and how much coffee I’ve consumed in front of this here computer! About 2 months ago, I started mapping out my blogposts and editing schedule. This in turn allows me to blog more frequently and alleviates a good bit of stress. Instead of feeling like I just need to work work work until I can’t see straight- I’ve dedicated a certain amount of time to editing per day, certain blog posts on set days, etc.. I can’t tell you how much this has helped me not to get burnt out. This business will always be a learning process for me and I will continue to find ways to make things better. So back to my point- I’m going to try extra hard to get up earlier and start the day off on the right foot. I’m sure it will make a difference. I challenge you to do the same if you find yourself popping out of bed every morning and the first thing on your brain is ”what you need to do.” I often start my posts with random things I’m thinking about. If it affects just one person on how to view things differently- then I hope it was worth reading :)

I photographed Holly and Andy last week in the French Quarter. It was another one of those mornings where I woke up and wondered if we were going to have to reschedule. It briefly rained in the early AM and there was huge amounts of fog. I was afraid their photos were coming to come out cloudy looking. Well as was fine and I LOVE the way their photos came out. You can see hints of water in the streets and and some interesting foggy looking backgrounds. Holly and Andy were a blast, they goofed off, laughed and gave each other the sweetest faces throughout their session. I can’t wait to photograph their Wedding next month.

I hope you enjoy their photos and try giving yourself a little time out in the morning tomorrow. I did and it really helped :)

Tomorrow I’ll be posting my friends little girl Sophia and I’ll have lots to say. She is the cutest… well you’ll just have to see tomorrow.

Categories
Weddings

Past Brides & Baby Bumps!

This is definitely worth posting when I thought about it- thanks to facebook updates I’ve noticed lately that 4 of my past brides are all expecting their first child!! Congratulations to Katy, Tiphanie, Jessica & Bridget!! This makes me really happy, so I just felt like sharing ;)

Maybe I can see if they will email me a photo of their bump? Then I can put it below their Wedding photo!!

Bridget & Ryan – Married February 7, 2009

Here’s a photo of Bridget and Ryan now- Brittany Reese took this while she was in town for Bridget’s Baby Shower last month.

Jessica & Sean – Married November 14 ,2009

Tiphanie & Martin – Married December 19, 2009

Katy & Caleb – Married March 13, 2010

Categories
Weddings

Austin & Elizabeth :: Wedding

I first met Austin & Elizabeth when I photographed their Engagement Party a few months ago and they were just as sweet as I imagined they were going to be! Then shortly after I shot their Engagement Session at Audubon Park, it’s been so great getting to know them over the last few months. Austin & Elizabeth were married on January 8, 2011. Preparation began at The Ritz on Canal, the Ceremony was at Holy Rosary and the Reception was held at New Orleans Museum of Art. MoJeaux was so fun and everyone surely had a great time dancing! I remember saying how much I couldn’t wait to photograph at NOMA. I studied so many years of Art History at LSU, I’m a bit of an art nerd. I just love the feeling you get when you walk into an art museum :)

Elizabeth wore her grandmother’s wedding gown- and after some tweaking, the dress fit her perfectly. She is absolutely stunning and made a gorgeous bride! I loved the light pink PJ sets she had for her bridesmaids. It’s the first time I’ve seen that and I thought it was super cute. Overall, the day was magical – I’m so lucky to have been there documenting their love story! Thank you Elizabeth and Austin, we had a great time- you guys are awesome!

Categories
Crafty Projects Personal

Cork Board Project!

Hey Ya’ll! I’m just taking a little break from editing today to share one of my recent craft projects with you! I started this tack board probably about 4 months ago, maybe even longer. It all started when I broke a mirror… BOOO I know! I was trying to hang it and I pushed too hard and there it went, a crack all the way down the center. So what was I going to do with it? I saved the broken mirror pieces which I am sure will find it’s home someday when I use them for another craft project. I was left with the mirror frame and didn’t want to throw it out…. I decided I wanted to make a tack cork board for my office so I can hang up all the cards that my clients mail me.

So here is my process of turning a mishap into art. These are all taken on my iphone- so quality isn’t that good, but you get the gist!

First Randy helped me cut the cork, so that it would fit right in the frame.

What it looked like before I started laying newspaper – nice but just boring..

Day One!! I’m outside enjoying the beautiful sun on the patio table. Started putting down the first few pieces. It’s easy… just cut paper into strips, then paint on the glue with a small paint brush, next just lay strips across.

Day Two!! I’m inside now- about 3 months later, haha! The pieces will hang over, that’s okay- you can cut them off later.

Lexie really enjoys laying on whatever project I have going on….. Laundry, Newspaper, Magazines, you name it!

Day Three!! Another couple of months later.. I am now at my parents house working on this. It’s a Sunday, Mom was cooking, I took the day off, just enjoying the day, being lazy, etc…

Complete! Now it just needs to be hung!

What it looks like hanging in my office. I have some of my clients save the date, Christmas and thank you cards up there too ;)

Categories
Weddings

Ben & Megan :: Wedding

Ben & Megan are an adorable couple! I’ve had a great time documenting their engagement journey up until this point. It first started when they introduced me to The Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge, I feel in love with it the day I took their Engagements. I could tell these two had a unique style and I was happy to be along for the ride. Megan picked another beautiful place for her Bridals. A small, cute little chapel in Baton Rouge- it was perfect! I LOVE CLIENTS who just take me along and allow me to do what I do, yet push me to be creatively inspired by their vision.

On January 7, 2011 – Megan and Ben said their “I Do’s” in Baton Rouge! Prep began at Megan’s moms house, followed by the Ceremony at St. Aloysius Catholic Church and the reception at The Camelot Club at the tip top of the Chase Building! Randy and I enjoyed capturing such a beautiful wedding! It was great running into my past couple, Bridget & Ryan, who are now expecting their first little one!! So happy for them! Great working with Dyle Films, too!

Also, you’ll notice below that Ben and Megan did a “First Look” before the Ceremony started. It was so sweet to capture them seeing each other for the first time that day! Thanks again Megan and Ben- I hope you guys enjoyed your honeymoon!

Here are some favs!

Categories
Bridals

Megan :: Bridals

I’ve been looking forward to posting Megan’s Bridals for a while now! We took these about two months ago in Baton Rouge and my favorites have been sitting in a folder waiting to get put on the blog. Can’t show the bride in her dress until the big day is over ;) I photographed her wedding last weekend in Baton Rouge, which I am currently editing. They should be up soon! I love when clients have ideas for their portrait sessions. Whether it be Bridals, Engagements, or any of my other sessions. I really do crave interesting and new places that I haven’t been before. I remember Megan emailing me photos of the cute little church and some other things she liked. I knew her session was going to be great because she had a vision before we even arrived.

I hope you enjoy her session, here are some that I love from her session!

Categories
Children

Ethan :: Portraits

My friend Christina came over yesterday so I could take a few photos of her little boy Ethan. His 4th birthday is today and she needed a photo for his party invitation. This was done in about 5 minutes outside right before the sun went down. He’s always dressed so stinkin’ cute. We are going to do a full session with him once it gets a little warmer!

Here’s a couple that I loved :)

Categories
Children

Tommy :: 4 Months

Tommy was cute as pie last week, I loved his little cheeks! Looking forward to photographing more of him this year, he’s changed soo much since I took some photos of him 3 months ago! His eyes are like crystal blue, they are beautiful! Tommy gave us a couple of smiles that afternoon, but seemed to give the rest of them to Mom, Carey when he got home! She emailed me a picture she took of him from her phone and wrote… Look at him now, “little stinker!” He was cracking up! haha.

Tonight I’m looking forward to being off. I’m heading to watch Randy’s band play on Fulton Street tonight. I hope everyone has a great weekend. I have an exciting and special shoot tomorrow- can’t wait to share it with you guys soon ;)

Categories
Children

Addison :: 3 Months

Addison had lots of cute little accessories for her session! She had a few different tutu’s, hair flowers, hats and booties. She was decked out! I’m happy that she’s the newest member of the ‘Grow With Me’ kids! Addison’s mom Tiffany, works with my friend Noelle who makes hair flowers on the side. They were so cute! Noelle needs some of these photos so she can start a little flower portfolio! Looking forward to capturing this little princess over the next year. I am so thankful for the gift of being able to photograph her life. I know I say it over and over, but it’s true! I know Addison will be stylin’ in her shoots to come.

On a random note…. Wow, it’s cold this week! Brrrr! I may just have the best grandmother ever though. She came over after making her weekly trip to Walmart to bring me a little surprise. She bought Randy and I a heating pad for our bed! It slips over the mattress cover and has duel remotes, one for Randy’s side, one for mine. That might be the greatest invention ever- I turned it on before I took a shower last night and my bed was warm when I got in it after. I didn’t really want to get out of bed this morning, haha! I was so comfortable.

Here are some of my favorites from Addison’s 3 Month Shoot:

Categories
Engagements

Ryan & Christine :: Engagement

I photographed Ryan and Christine this past week at City Park, they are an adorable couple! As many engagement sessions as I photograph, each couple is so different! However, they all seem to have a little something in common. We joked because sometimes I can hear my couples whispering to each other- and it’s usually this…. The girl telling the guy…. “Okay, smile for this one…. aright now serious” It’s so funny- you wouldn’t believe how many couples do that. Honestly, I think I even remember doing it when Randy and I took ours. It gives a little control of how you want your photos to look so they don’t all have the same face in every photo! Anyway, I think it’s sweet! ;)

Looking forward to capturing their beautiful wedding this upcoming May!

Categories
Engagements

Elizabeth & Greg :: Engagement

I had a great time photographing Elizabeth & Greg’s Engagement session last week, their Wedding is right around the corner! Elizabeth has one of those contagious laughs, she’s always smiling- it’s refreshing. We chatting a bit about their upcoming Wedding and all the details. Looking forward to capturing their big day soon!

Here are some of my favorites:

Categories
Portraits

Jazmin :: Portraits

I really enjoyed photographing Jazmin last week! She wanted some portraits taken for her Sweet 15! This reminded me of how much I love taking Senior or Headshot type photos. I know you guys are used to seeing alot of Weddings, Engagements, Bridals, Kids and Families on the blog- but be sure to tell anyone you know who may be needing Senior photos this year to come my way! We had alot of fun taking these, Jazmin was a natural in front of the camera, she is beautiful!

Looking forward to getting lots of editing done, this past week was great- 5 sessions and 2 weddings! I have LOTS of fun stuff to process this week, so be on the lookout! Tomorrow I’m getting together with our friends to watch Dana and Tim’s Wedding video from the Bahamas. She texted me yesterday saying she just got it back and was dying laughing. Seriously, that was one of the best trips I’ve been on, so fun. I know you guys remember my post about her wedding. So tomorrow we plan on getting together to cook dinner and watch it.

Yea, so my wedding… Sad that I still haven’t put any photos on here. I am terrible, I need to do that. My wedding video should be coming right up, so as soon as it’s done- I promise to post my wedding pics and video all at once so ya’ll can see me on the other side of the camera, oh joy! haha

Categories
Bridals Children Commercial Family Maternity Newborns Portraits Seniors Weddings

Best of 2010 in Photos!

Hey Gang, well it’s that time of year again when every session is edited from the year before and I’ve had a chance to reflect on my work. It’s very rewarding to look back and see all the beautiful people I’ve been given the opportunity to photograph! Each person being completely different in their own way and each having their own story to tell. I am blessed to have been included in their life, even if it was for a short hour.

Now that I look back, I realize how much I’ve been to City Park and the French Quarter :) I see how I have a mini obsession with hands and feet. How my love for portrait sessions grows each year. Thank you all so much, I’m looking forward to bringing some fresh new images to you this upcoming year!

Lots of love! Jen

Categories
Crafty Projects Personal

Bathroom Renovation!

So as most of you know who have been following my blog for a while, Randy and I live in a cute older little house in the neighborhood where we grew up. Both my parents and my in-laws live less than 2 minutes away :) We’ve taken this house room by room and did what we could afford at the time. First it was the den, hallway and our bedroom. (Took paneling down, ripped up the carpet, refinished the wood floors, put crown molding up, new doors, new knobs, new blinds, fresh texture, fresh paint, all new closet doors, new front door) You get the picture… our house has had a major face lift. We then moved on to the kitchen, which some of you may remember. This was our biggest expense and totally worth every penny. I have really enjoyed cooking dinner with Randy in our kitchen and sipping wine together after a long and stressful day. It’s the place where we get a chance to actually talk about our day, talk about life and future goals/plans.

Next we re-did the laundry room and my office, which was right around the time we did the kitchen. Well almost a year later since the kitchen renovation and 6 months of being married, we decided it was time for the bathroom to get freshened up. So here it is… all our stages are below. It’s been so relaxing to take a shower in there now, knowing we have a fresh new tub, floor and cabinets. Our house is finally starting to feel like home where we have put so much of our time and love into it.

Special thanks to my brother Jimmy for getting this project rolling for us. He is a great contractor and knew just what to do next. With his dedication to get it done and our style thrown in there, I think it came out great. We love our painter Matt who is in Randy’s band. He is the only person I would ever recommend to paint. He’s painted something for just about everyone in my family. His business is Perfectionist Painting… and he is just that… a perfectionist!

To be completely honest, it takes a lot of patience to renovate a house. It’s not the easiest circumstance, especially when last month I shot over 20 sessions. It was tough to juggle it all. There are bound to be arguments and tiffs along the way about this paint color or that tile, etc..  In the end, it’s all worth it though. It only brings you and your better half closer, makes you communicate more and learn how to problem solve. After being with Randy for almost 10 years, I can honestly say the main ingredient is communication.

So here’s our process from start to finish. We are just about done with our house. We have one more bedroom to renovate, the garage outside would look great with new siding and I would LOVE to paint the bricks. One day at a time…….. one day at a time :)

Happy Thursday Ya’ll! Be on the lookout for 5 photo posts next Mon-Fri from my shoots this week.

Oh, my favorite part of the new bathroom, is my makeup organization now!

Categories
Newborns

Josie :: Newborn

So excited to share this last session I photographed of 2010 with you guys! Wow, it’s been an amazing year- thank you all so much! I photographed Nicole and Kyle’s Maternity just a month ago and now little Josie has entered this big ole’ world! I can’t wait to capture her first year of life, what a gift! We got lucky last week, we had a bit of a warm day so we were able to head outside and shoot these. I am obsessed with Josie’s name, it fits her perfectly! Her hats were precious and she gave me a couple of smiles which is always fun!

I’ll be putting together my best of 2010 post over the next couple of days. Today I am thankful to be home watching it pour rain outside, beginning to edit the 4 sessions I had Monday and Tuesday, in my PJ pants, listening to Pandora, frosted cupcake candle burning, laundry washing, roast in the crockpot for dinner, dogs napping. Life is good :) Trying to remind myself on a daily basis to live in the present moment. I don’t do that enough. I get too caught up with everything spinning around me. Anyone know the feeling? It’s a new year- trying to turn over a new leaf.

Happy Wednesday. The rain is soothing…

Categories
Newborns

Audrey :: Newborn

I photographed Audrey last week and she was cute as a button! She was just two weeks old when we did this session. As I was flipping though her photos again before I picked my favorites, I couldn’t help but think that she looks like a little angel when she sleeps. So delicate and peaceful. I love when they nap for a few minutes and I’m able to pose them. I always think it’s funny how they fall right asleep with some light rocking and a nunu. Oh, and the little smile she gave me while sleeping was priceless! Anywho, I’m about to run off to my 4th shoot this week and it’s only Tuesday! I hope the weather holds out for me.

Here are some that I loved!

Categories
Family

The Donegan’s :: Family

I photographed this sweet family last week in City Park! All the grandchildren were in town for the Christmas Holidays. They really wanted to get a big group shot of the kids with their grandparents as well as take some updated group sibling photos. I love these kind of sessions. Everyone is always so cooperative and up for anything! It was a beautiful day at the park!!

I took a ton of photos, but here are some of my favorites from the day:

Categories
Personal

1.1.11 – Happy New Year!

Partied out. Yep. That’s how I feel right about now. This is the first night I’ve been home sitting here doing nothing in about 10 days. When I say mini vacation that I scheduled myself, I meant it. It’s almost been a marathon of how much fun I could have. Exhausted. I’ve never been so exited to be sitting here in a clean house on a Saturday night with nothing to do and nowhere to go. I also just got back from the grocery store, needless to say it’s all fruits, vegetables, milk and protein. I think I’ve eaten so much, I might turn into a big fat Italian meatball. Well now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, I’m looking forward to a new start. That involves healthy food, water and lots of exercise.

I really can’t believe it’s 2011. Where did last year go? It feels like the blink of an eye. Looking forward to thumbing through my images from last year and pulling my favorites out. It’s crazy to think how much I’ve been shooting lately – I am forever grateful to each one of you who has asked me to photograph for you. I never in a million years thought I would be where I am today. I look forward to photographing the 24 Weddings I have booked for this year, my special ‘Grow With Me’ kiddos and all the new people I’ll be meeting this year.

In 2010 I married my best friend, road tripped to Vegas, LA, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Napa, San Fran, and witnessed our best friends Dana and Tim marry in the Bahamas. I captured some sweet moments behind the lens, and also experienced what it was like to be on the other side of the lens. Learned that a handful of the brides I’ve photographed are now expecting their first child :) Watched my business mature to a new level, made some great new friends, watched the Saint’s win the Superbowl, laughed, cried, gotten sick a few times, called my mom to help me out more times then I can think of, experienced turning a house into a home. Had fun remodeling, decorating, buying and refinishing. Enjoyed picking out our first Christmas tree. Gotten in 2 wrecks this past year, one was the other persons fault – one mine. Cried some more. Read some amazing books. Worked my butt off. Edited more hours than I can count. Celebrated, danced and enjoyed the company of my loved ones. Gained some more responsibility, turned 26. Planned and organized as best as I could. Set some new goals for 2012. Grown richer in Faith and really enjoyed going to church every Sunday. Prayed and given thanks for everything I’ve been so fortunate to receive.

Here’s a toast to you all- I thank you for your kind works and comments over the past year. For allowing me to follow my passion of photography. For checking back to see what’s new, for supporting me and being my friend. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Here’s how we rang in the new year last night. 5 couples, Tony Angello’s Restaurant for dinner, laughs, jokes, reminiscing about when we were young and first became friends, toasting to a new year! At midnight, we were still at the restaurant, so we headed outside with our champagne and watched the fireworks!

Much love, happiness, health, success and blessings to you all in 2011!

Love, Jen