2 years and a thousand more

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Do you remember what you were doing two years ago? What made you smile? What did you believe the future held for you?

Two years ago I had the pleasure to witness two wonderful people exchange vows. Two years ago marked the beginning of my photography career.  And never did I foresee myself accompanying this sweet couple on the birth of their daughter.

And so its what we can’t see ahead that’s so thrilling for me. In a sense we all live spontaneously. We can plan and hope, but only time will tell what really plays out in the future.

One thing that I hope remains constant in my life is love. Whether its in a predictable or spontaneous nature. I hope that I can love myself and others now and always.

More than 2 years ago, I never really looked at photography as a business. I enjoyed photographing my friends, my family, later my love, and ultimately my children. I never really thought it would transform into what it has become. But boy am I glad it has. Choosing photography as my career choice has been one of the  best choices I have made. For me its satisfying. Its rewarding.

Although I can’t see ahead and view my future I know I want to continue doing this for years to come!! Loving others and loving my work.

For Chelsea and Diego, their years to come hold one thing true…loving their new baby girl, Collette. Did Chelsea ever believe she would find her love and companion while working at Traditions years ago? Did Diego ever believe he would conquer love and win her over with his persistent moves? Even if it meant cooking for her. As much as he planned and hoped, only time would tell what would really play out. And she said yes! He stole her heart and she trusted him with it.

Little did they know what falling in love would do for them. It would bring them together as a family and ultimately creating one of their own. Now that their lives are joined by the presence of a fragile, beautiful, healthy baby girl love is more present than ever before…

for 2 years and a thousand more.

Congratulations Chelsea and Diego! Enjoy loving Collette each and everyday. Making sweet memories now and always.

much love,

Liz

Click HERE to view the birth of Chelsea and Diego’s baby girl

never imagined

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Happy January! :)

Wow..I have not blogged since last year ! ^_^

Alright…so here I go……

I started the year with a huge smile. For the first time I stayed true to my time off during Christmas Break. I had the pleasure to leave a trace of great memories with my husband and children. I slept. Plenty. I ate. Too much. Made new goals and lists of priorities for the year. And had time!!! ha ha

My time off has really helped me to step into 2012 with such an optimistic outlook on the direction of my career. I am so excited!!! f’reals!!!

And one thing that had me excited as well and of course filled with anticipation was the arrival of a sweet baby girl. I was on call for the 1st week of January. Each day waiting for the phone to ring. I had my bag ready near the door. Gas in my car. And chap stick in my pocket. Okay, the chap stick is a must have at all times, but I thought it would sound great lol :D

What did indeed sound great was Chelsea’s voice Fall of 2011. She called me and shared that she was expecting! She also expressed her love for my style. She liked the finished product of my images and also shared how a past video of mine had made her cry. Hey, I cried when I was pregnant too! I remember even crying while viewing a Campbell’s soup commercial. (that’s a whole other blog post lol.) So, she was due early January and  knew it would be great to have me there. What was so awesome about hearing this from Chelsea is the fact that she was my very first bride! Yup!!!!! I yelled. Maybe did a little dance. I don’t remember, but I am sure I did. And told my husband and everyone I knew how smitten I was about documenting the birth of their first child!!!! I still can’t imagine it has happened.

Chelsea knows how much I adore her. F’reals!

Do you ever remember filling out your very first job application hoping to get the job although you have no past experience or references?? Well that’s where I found myself Fall of 2009. I was ready for a real opportunity to capture my very first wedding. By ready and real, I meant I had the confidence and most importantly the knowledge to be trusted with such an important day. Personally, I did not want to be the cause for messing up anyone’s special day. No way! was I going to just buy a camera and automatically title myself..photographer.But that’s just me. I had shot plenty of people. Particularly things. I had the right gear. I had completed several classes.Read tons of books. And then the moment arrived when I knew. I knew I was ready to transition from an amateur to a paid photographer. Never had I imagined who would allow me the great honor. And it was Chelsea. With no past references of paid clients or pages and pages of past shot images for her to view, she knew! She knew she could trust me to capture her day. And this was the very first time I got paid for my images and work. And I felt it was fair. I knew it was right.

Never did I imagine  she would have welcomed me on board on her wedding day, nor the fact that 2 years later she would pick up the phone and  have me back at yet another amazing day of her life. And that is why I love her!

She is so amazing, creative, original and sweet! And now we can add on that she is a mommy! But lets not leave Diego out of the picture. If there is one thing I can say about Diego its my witness to seeing him speak with his heart. He is usually quiet and relaxed when I have been around him, but what speaks volumes is his love for Chelsea (and now their new daughter) which is evident at all times . He is that kind of guy that will hold your hand and there is nothing more you need to know. I am so happy for you Chelsea.

I am also so happy that you are on a new chapter of your life. You have a little one who will love you and whom you in return will love unconditionally. You both will be wonderful parents. I am certain. You will step back and realize you could never imagine your lives without her!

Thank you for believing in me. Trusting me. Sharing your memories with me.I never would have imagined being where I am today, but I can’t imagine seeing it happen any other way 2 years ago! I am blessed to have found a job in which I love what I do. Working with people like you! Again, thank you Chelsea and Diego!

much love,

Liz

Here is a look back at Chelsea’s bridals and a look forward to the upcoming newborn images of Collette Richley…their baby girl.

sweet like mommy!

isn’t she gorgeous! so upset I wasn’t blogging 2 year back because oh the things I would have raved about

her style and bridal session!

guess, I can make it up with Collette! ^_^

stepping into a pair of heels

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Happy New Year’s Eve! I can’t believe another year has crept past us. I am still saying…”so  much to do..so little time”, yet I am on my 365th day.

One thing I have done is review my year…

I have failed tons! Succeeded some. Watched  my kids get older (which in turn shows how much I’m getting older..ahh!! lol).  Made new lifetime friends. Gained so much wait. Literally. Enjoyed great photo sessions with wonderful people. Smiled so much. Cried so hard. Spent so much. And loved each day intensely!

One of my favorite memories this year was definitely my sisters 15th birthday. The day I watched her metamorphosis from a child into a respectable, young lady. How so?? Well in our tradition fifteen year old’s get a grand birthday celebration. It is celebrated with family and friends. Ceremony included. The ceremony covers their becoming into a young lady. The girl walks into the church in flat shoes symbolically representing her childhood and in return exists wearing a new pair of heels. Her heels, thus, signifying she is now a young lady. She is free to evolve into the new stage in which she can now wear makeup, talk about boys, hold more responsibility and so forth. She leaves the days of playing with dolls behind and steps into a much more mature role.

I have been able to care for my sister for so many years and to see her become so independent has been very tough for me. Next year she will enter a new chapter of her life. How do I prepare for her to begin talking about boys and falling in love?? So not ready. Just as I am so not ready for next year, but bring it on 2012!!

I will be stepping into some new changes myself. Stepping into more of my shenanigans which result in growth. Usually its a hot mess of a process. I wouldn’t mind just simply stepping into a pair of heels and calling it a day, a month, a year.. lol!  I guess its like bearing children….you’re never ready. So as prepared or unprepared as I may be..here I go! See ya next year ;)

much love,

Liz

 

just a side note here: this image below gets me all giddy and warm inside when I see it. just saying.

silent night

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Hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas!!

I did :)

A few days before Christmas, I had the great pleasure to join a wonderful group of Christmas Carolers as they made a special visit to the Hospice of East Texas.

You see, on October of this year I lost someone very dear to me. I spent countless days at the Hospice center. Many days filled with prayers for peace, healing, comfort and strength. My days rolled by. Hospice visits became graveside visits. And it was then that an old friend whom I worked with from years past contacted me. She too had recently stepped out of days similar as mine. She had lost someone so dear to her as well.

We spoke about our experiences. She shared her sorrow. I shared mine. She also brought to my attention her desire to give back. And I knew I would be on that page with her! Wendy has a great heart!  and not to mention a great voice :) She put her all into organizing something special for those who still remain at the Hospice Center. Ill and weak with days rolling by for them which are unknown. It was for them that Wendy wanted to bring a bit of joy.

She contacted the volunteer coordinator at the Hospice, sent me a couple messages to keep me posted and gathered a group of ppl also willing to help. God Bless em!!

It was beautiful. Gift bags were prepared for each patient! Some delicious food was prepared for families (the ones who make visits  to their loved ones and chose to stay  nights and days there.) And..some Christmas carols for all to hear (patients, staff and visitors). Now, I  have said this plenty times…I don’t sing..I mean I do, but it doesn’t sound too good :D Thank you Wendy though for allowing me to sing and to have been a part of something so rich and rewarding!!

MAJOR THANK YOU! to all the staff at The Hospice of East Texas for all their love, compassion and hard work. They have a great staff there! One thing I noticed the night we made our rounds were these wreaths that hung throughout the hallways. Just some quick facts about them…they are in a circular formation symbolizing one as in unity. They are also most commonly known to be made out of evergreen..meaning strength!

The wreaths at the hospice are quite special. Hospice made a wonderful choice in displaying them for all to see. They are adorned with ornaments. Each ornament sent in by a family member in remembrance of their loved one. How awesome is that?! I love it. Just a little holiday cheer and a reminder to keep strong on the many silents nights. My prayers  go out to all the families who have endured the loss of a loved one or continue to spend days in question about the health of those they love. May all be calm and may all soon be bright!

much love,

Liz