Jamilah's Creative Touch | South Florida based Wedding & Portrait Photography

Last Post | New Blog

2010-09-28T22:09:00.000-04:00

Some parting words for my BlogSpot friends... Jamilah's Creative Touch Blog has moved!! Yay!!! This will be my final post on this site... I officially moved to http://www.jamilahscreativetouchblog.com and will be posting there from now on... Please change your feed to my new address and come visit me there =) And with that, I'll leave you with the latest image of myself -- captured by my wonderful husband... I'm currently working on my new website, and needed some professional images of me... the photographer (who isn't too fond of being in front of the camera)...

NEW BLOG :: http://www.jamilahscreativetouchblog.com

WPPI Road Trip to Washington D.C.

2010-09-20T18:40:00.001-04:00

"this is a pivotal moment in my life... where my dream -- just got that much closer to reality..." ~jamilah
[just wanted to start with what I wrote at the end... just in case you don't finish the long read]

A week ago today, I woke up at 3:30 in the morning -- anxiety stricken with the need to make sure I didn't sleep through my alarm. I fell back asleep, only to wake up again an hour later feeling the same way. I laid there in my hotel room, filled with excitement and anxiety of what the day would bring me. This would be my very first huge professional photography conference, flying all the way to D.C. WPPI [Wedding & Portrait Photographers International] is traveling around the nation stopping at 10 different cities, bringing top photographers to speak about various business & photography topics. After checking out the different speakers, I knew what city I had to attend -- DC!! This is where Jasmine Star was going to speak -- and this is where I had to go. We all have our idols... whether it's Heidi Klum from Project Runway... Ellen or Oprah... or even a college professor... someone you look up to and simply admire -- for who they are & for their accomplishments... well, my photography idol is Jasmine Star -- the queen of gorgeous photography, beautiful words, and such an inspiring speaker... she is as incredible in capturing people as she is as a blogger & speaker... And. I. Love. Her! Her work... and her way with words... for me, I think it's her blatant honesty in her blog posts that reels people in... with as many as 200 people at a time leaving comments on her daily blog... so there, it's not just me =)

So back to my story... laying there in bed... thinking about my crazy journey... flying all the way to DC from Florida... and to be honest -- I. Was. Scared! Scared for so many reasons... What if they didn't have my name on the registry? What if there are no seats left? What if I run into Jasmine Star in the bathroom -- what do I do (ask for her picture right then and there)? What if my new shoes kill me? Huhhhh... Then, I stopped those thoughts... and told myself to just have fun! It'll be alright...

My day -- was way beyond alright... it was exceptionally epic! On top of meeting so many photographers that shared the same passion and as eager to learn as I was -- I made friends, listened to incredible photographers speak about posing, work flow, lighting, marketing and so much more, I got to meet many sponsors in the industry with incredible products, and I got to meet (shake hands/hug/and take pictures with) all the speakers =) Yes, which means I got to meet Jasmine Star! And I kept telling myself all day, I didn't fly all this way to just sit and observe. Darnit, I am walking away from this with at least a picture with her!

At the end of the day, I walked away feeling a bit light headed -- overwhelmed with information & filled with inspiration... My heart was filled to the brim with inspiration, motivation, and courage to go after my dream! I didn't want the day to end! Needless to say, my worries were all in vein. They had my name at the registry, complete with a name tag that had my name and my company on it. And the nerd that I was, I was the 4th person to arrive that morning and got a front row seat! I didn't run into Jasmine Star in the bathroom, but I did manage to meet her & snapped a shot with her. (Yay!) And my feet did kill, but it was ok because I stuffed my purse with emergency flats -- just in case =)

I'm not going to bore you with all the pages of notes I took... but I will leave you with images from my day... and with that a disclaimer: all photos were taken with my iPhone -- so they were all pretty much horribly lit and shakey & very grainy... but I don't care... because this is all the memento I have from my epic day! These images... along with the knowledge & inspiration all of the wonderful speakers left in my heart...

Awesome host & photographer, Jared Bauman, giving us his 5 tips on running a successful business...

Photojournalist, Greg Gibson, taking us through his work flow...

Then we had a 30 minute coffee break, which was breakfast time for me... on the elevator I bumped into a girl who was also looking for breakfast, so why not eat together?... and lucky for me, because they weren't accepting credit cards at the time -- so this girl was sweet enough to lend me $5 to pay for my breakfast! Thanks, Katia!

After our break, Clay Blackmore showed us the ropes on proper posing & lighting... he was so energetic & enthusiastic (and spoke too fast) -- I couldn't keep up with note taking... so I just sat and enjoyed his lively presentation... he was fantastic and does incredible work!

Yup! I got a shot with him!

After lunch, portrait & fashion photographer Lindsay Adler taught us how to organize & archive our images properly... how to protect our images... and properly tag our work... she showed us amazing tools on Lightroom3 & the ins and outs of other photography software... on top of a great presentation -- she sent us a link to download all the notes the next day! Talk about organized! Huh... a woman after my own heart... I purchased her newly published book -- The Linked Photographers' Guide to Online Marketing and Social Media -- she autographed it for me AND I got a picture with her =)

Jared Bauman, pulling raffle tickets and giving away prizes... I didn't win... but a girl in my row won two or three times... so, I still consider it lucky that a fellow row mate won a ton of prizes... and really, I already felt lucky just to be there!

Finally, the last presenter... the photographer I flew 1,200 miles to see... who I've been waiting to see all day... Jasmine Star! I can't even believe that I was right there! Front row, right in front of her... right in front of all the speakers! It makes me giggle!! How exciting, right??

In the image below is Jasmine in the center, me on the right, and a new friend Madalina (the girl I sat next to in the front row)... we hung out during our breaks, exchanged cards and met Jasmine Star together... giggling like starstruck teenagers... excited at the chance of meeting an idol...

Jasmine was an incredible speaker... truly a remarkable story teller... and an inspiring photographer & person... not only did we get to have a snap shot with her... but we chatted for a bit and laughed on how she mispronounced my name during a live workshop where I Tweeted a question to her... she answered my online query, but totally butchered my name... Jam --e--liah... and I didn't even care she butchered it (because everyone does at first look), because I was screaming to my husband that my question was read out loud by Jasmine & she said my name! HA! She said my name! Well, kind of... so back to DC, I gave Jasmine a tip on remembering my name... I told her (like I tell everyone I first meet to shake out any mispronunciations that may occur) -- I told her, it's Jamilah... like vanilla... lol... corny, I know! But it's the only way I can explain how to say my name properly... and guess what? people actually do remember it... maybe Jasmine will remember it... maybe not... but I definitely will remember not only meeting my idol, but meeting so many talented & incredibly amazing photographers in the industry... And I will remember this pivotal moment in my life where my dream --- just got that much closer to reality...

Baby Jackson | South Florida Family & Children Portrait Photographer

2010-09-17T16:31:00.001-04:00

The first time you met baby Jackson, he was only two weeks old... and now, he's half a year old -- and looks totally different from his newborn session... he is such a handsome little man and a totally laid back baby... As in our first session together, Sharron & Luke came well prepared... multiple, coordinating outfits were laid out... baby was fed and happy... and they even asked to borrow their friend's beach house for our photo shoot location... when she told me that -- in my head I was singing the "AHHHHHHHH"(in a high octave) --- like you hear when the pearly gates of heaven opens, all you see is blinding light, and the sound of "AHHHHHHH"... Like something miraculous just happened... Anyways, it was also like that when I showed up to our session... and like that when I left... because shooting this family was so much fun! I honestly felt like a kid in a candy shop... gorgeous family, perfect lighting, awesome setting... it's every photographers' dream... and even though Sharron felt bad that I was sweating profusely in the 100 degree weather when we shot outside --- I would do it all over again -- wearing a wool sweater! So here's part 1 -- with all the fun baby highlights... stay tuned for part 2 --- more of my family favorites =) enjoy & happy Friday!

gooooor--geous!!

love his cute chunky monkey fingers...

mmmm... feet look yummy!

mmm...nom nom nom...

love this one...

isn't he sooo delicious?!

baby Jackson gettin' down! lol

he loved the joke I told him! ok, his parents just know how to make him laugh!

Really... no... they're not a celebrity family... just a gorgeous one!

Teaser | South Florida Family & Children Portrait Photographer

2010-09-16T19:38:00.001-04:00

This family? Oh, no. They're not a celebrity family. They just look like one... Me? Yeah I know... pretty lucky photographer =)

And to think... this is just the teaser!! Stay tuned for their full preview on tomorrow's post =)

Nick + Donna = Married {Part 2}| Michigan Wedding Photographer

2010-09-15T20:29:00.002-04:00

I apologize for the delay for part 2... I flew up north to attend a professional photographer's conference in Washington, D.C. (which you'll be hearing about soon enough)... but first, I must share the rest of my favorite images from Nick & Donna's wedding day along with their wedding slideshow!! Hope you enjoy!! And don't forget to show them some love by clicking "Like" below the slideshow... xo
PS... Click HERE if you missed part 1 =)

I absolutely love this image... veil blowing in the wind... loving on each other... ahhh... perfection...

Um, yea... they are just gorgeous! Yes, Nick... you too!

Awesome shot by my hubby... and,oh, I didn't tell you? Yes, the bridesmaids were all gorgeous as well! Lucky me!!

Fun shot... after all, it was a golf course... and that's what they do!

Another shot from Dave... Probably one of my favorite group shots... simply perfect!!

Love this one also... & I wish I had a video tape to show you how goofy the bridal party was behaving! lol

Some details of the beautiful venue...

I just LOVE their blue and white theme... with the silk linens... such impeccable taste!

First dance kiss... love it!

And this party... was all--about--dancing!! You know it's a ~~wild~~ fun wedding when... a guest (in a dress no less) is on another guest's shoulder... Yea, that's how this wedding rolled!! And it was incredibly fun! I felt incredibly lucky to have flown up to Michigan to be Nick & Donna's wedding photographer! For that, I thank you!!

Enjoy a few more favorites on their slideshow =)

Nick + Donna = Married {Part 1}| Michigan Wedding Photographer

2010-09-09T20:08:00.001-04:00

Last Fall in Michigan, I met Nick & Donna at Starbucks on a cold rainy night... we talked about their 2010 wedding plans as I watched them exchange looks of excitement... I thought they were a super cute, and super sweet couple... and I was stoked when they officially made me their wedding photographer... capturing them during their engagement session -- I got to witness their love for each other... how much they like to laugh... and how much Nick adores Donna... and visa versa...

Fast forward to August 28, 2010... Nick & Donna are no longer just a cute couple... they are now a cute married couple... about to venture into the meaning of forever... what an incredible wedding celebration they had... full of love... tears... joy... laughter... and a night filled with dancing... surrounded by great friends and family... I'm so happy my husband and I were chosen to capture the biggest day of their lives... to witness their first steps into forever...

as usual... I had too many favorites... so I hope you enjoy part 1...

get ready to be enamored by this gorgeous bride...

simply... stunning... and those dimples!! huh! so adorable!

church time... {captured by my second shooter/husband/Dave}

in the midst of their ceremony... a tender moment captured between bride and groom...

you may kiss the bride... {another awesome shot by my second shooter}

introducing... Mr. & Mrs. LaPlaca!

bride & groom portraits... one of my favorite parts of the day...

they are just one good looking couple!!

L-O-V-E!

Stay tuned for Part 2 {Bridal Party, Details, & Dancing}...

Tuesday Teaser...

2010-09-07T09:37:00.001-04:00

I hope everyone enjoyed their three day weekend... My husband and I definitely had an enjoyable weekend... with a nice mix of relaxing... shopping... a tiny bit of work... cleaning... and hanging out with friends... here are some highlights =)

Some good eats... Japanese one night... Mexican another... which, by the way, were the tastiest most authentic tacos I've ever had... from where? A scruffy Mexican food truck on the side of the road! Loved it! Thanks to Anthony Bourdain, we felt a little adventurous that evening =)

another peek from my (awesome) family session...

and some editing...

stay tuned for more previews from Donna & Nick's Michigan wedding =) Happy Tuesday!

Teaser | South Florida Family & Children Portrait Photographer

2010-09-04T18:02:00.001-04:00

Um, yeah... I couldn't contain my excitement from my family session this morning... let's just say when they emailed me to capture them again... I felt like the luckiest photographer! Here's one of my favorites... stay tuned to the blog for more sneak peeks =)

PS... I'm 5 Fans/Likes away from reaching 400 on my Facebook Page!! Yay!! Once I reach 400 Fans, I will be doing a contest to giveaway a Free Portrait Session!! So please "Suggest" my page to your friends by going to my page, and clicking "Suggest to Friends" beneath the profile picture... click HERE to spread the love =) thank you & I hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Ba-Bye Summer!

2010-09-03T16:04:00.001-04:00

Three day weekend!! Thank you, Labor Day!! I feel like this weekend marks the end of summer... like the last hurrah before Fall rolls around... Dave and I plan on a relaxing & fun filled weekend... starting with Date Night tonight! Then a photo shoot on Saturday... some relaxing Saturday night... then BBQ with friends on Sunday... then visiting with more friends on Monday... huuuuh.... it's going to be FUN!! I hope you enjoy your long weekend -- because I sure will =) Happy Labor day weekend!!

And what's a post without pictures? Here are a couple of pictures that remind me of summer... enjoy!

September!

2010-09-01T18:26:00.001-04:00

First of all, I can't believe it's September already! Do you know what that means? It's almost Fall! First, it'll be Halloween! Then, it'll be Thanksgiving! Then, before you know it --- it's Christmas time! Eeeek! This is the time that moves all too rapidly for our liking... Anyway, I'm going to slow things down a bit (sorry if I gave you a panic)... I'm personally very excited about September... and I thought I'd list the reasons why =)

September 4: I get to capture (or recapture) Jackson & his parents to mark his 6 month birthday... yay! [The image below was from his newborn session I got to capture]

September 10: I fly up north to spend a long weekend with my sister! Yay!

September 12: I'm shooting an engagement session for my bride & groom that live in Maryland, and are getting married in Fort Lauderdale for their 10/10/10 wedding! Yay!

September 13: I drive to Washington D.C. and will be attending my very first WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) event!! My first HUGE photography conference! EEEEE!!! I mean, I love my sister -- but yes, this will be the highlight of my September! Here are the awesome photographers that I'll get to meet and learn from...

September 22: The first day of Fall!! My all time favorite season!! Since down in Florida we don't really have the foliage that you see up north, I like to deck out my house with Fall decor... Michigan brides (or any northerner), if you need a wedding photographer for your Autumn wedding -- I'd be delighted to capture it =) [Images below are from Nick & Donna's Fall engagement session -- but soon you'll see their wedding images]

September 26: Season Premiere of DEXTER!!! Eeeeee!! That's all I'm going to say about that!

It's going to be a fun filled September... and I am beside myself with excitement! Happy Wednesday!!

iheartfaces: "photojournalism" | Michigan Wedding Photographer

2010-08-31T17:12:00.003-04:00

As I thought of an entry for this week's photo challenge at "iheartfaces" for the "photojournalism" theme, I decided to post an image from the Michigan wedding that my husband and I shot this weekend... So, this post will be a two for one deal -- I get to enter a photo challenge and share a wedding teaser... ahhh... love efficiency =)

This image was taken at Nick & Donna's wedding ceremony... such a sweet moment... these are the moments I love LOVE to capture... the candid moments as the wedding day unfolds... the laughter... the tears... the tender smile between bride and groom... like this one... I don't need to narrate for you to understand this image... you can see it in Donna's eyes... in her dimples... and in Nick's smile... you can see it... and you can feel it... the Love...

Hope you like! Check out more "photojournalism" entries by clicking the link below... Happy Tuesday!

Off to Michigan!

2010-08-27T17:26:00.000-04:00

If you know me... you know that I'm an organization freak... a to do list notebook carrier... a grocery list maker... a filing happy person...and I made this monster in me, because -- well, to be honest... deep down -- I'm a slob... if I let myself go, the house would be a mess... laundry would eventually have to wash itself... and my day -- wouldn't be productive... my mind is cluttered with a million ideas running at once... and if I don't write it down -- I won't remember it... am I alone in this? I hope not...

This organization monster was born out of discipline... discipline and dedication to change bad habits... but no matter how many lists I make... how far in advance I plan travel... I always, Always pack my luggage last minute... always! Right now, I'm running on 4 1/2 hours of sleep... thanks to my to do list that I just had to complete, and thanks to my procrastination...

How I pack? Well, it doesn't help that I have to try on every outfit before it goes in the luggage... and make sure there's a back up outfit -- just in case I change my mind... there has to be multiple pairs of shoes -- for one outfit... you know... just in case! Although, I have gotten better in minimizing what I pack... the fact remains... I'm a procrastinator when it comes to packing...

This weekend we're off on a whirlwind weekend adventure to Michigan... I get to capture Donna & Nick's wedding, which I'm soo soo soo excited about being their wedding photographer! And the icing on the cake? I get to see my family! Even though it'll only be for a few hours on Sunday -- I'm gonna bask in the laughter, little hugs, and all the kisses I can get from my three nephews and niece...

So in spite of my packing habits... I still got the job done... and now I'm off to my Michigan adventure... and because a post isn't the same without a picture... here's 1/4th of the kids I get to delight in =) have a great weekend!

ps... a quick shout out & thanks to my brother in law, Scott, for taking us to the airport and for house sitting!

Save the Date...

2010-08-25T15:26:00.000-04:00

This weekend I helped my sister in law design her save the date via Photoshop [CS5]... because I had so much fun (the first hour at least --jk Lisa!) -- I thought I'd share a save the date idea for my future brides... this can be printed on a 7.5 x 6 photo paper inserted in an envelope or made into a postcard... I didn't want to spoil the surprise by using my sister in law's design; instead I came up with this design... using images from Nick & Donna's engagement pictures from last year... after all... their big day is in a few days... and I get to capture it... Yay!! Double "yay" because I get to see my family as well! Happy Wednesday!!

Brides, if you're interested in Save the Dates for your wedding -- please contact me HERE...

Lily + Ryan = Married | Palm Beach Wedding Photographer

2010-08-23T17:32:00.003-04:00

Again, apologies for this delayed post... juggling 2 professions = hectic! Lucky for me, if you saw part 1-- then this adorable newly wed needs no introduction... although if you missed it, click HERE... their online gallery will be up this week (YAY!), so if you haven't signed their online guest book you can click HERE... then you'll be notified when the pictures are ready! Now... let's delay no longer... here's Mr. & Mrs. Loveland in their married glory... along with a quick slideshow of more of my favorite images from their special day... enjoy!

oh so lovely...

some beautiful details...

gorgeous bridal party...

and the gentlemen...

love this shot! scrolling through everyone's expression is hilarious!

first dance...

the look on her face is priceless...

so sweet...

l-o-v-e...

mmm...cake time!

and they danced the night away...

yup! they know how to get down!

I'm pretty much the luckiest wedding photographer to have captured Lily & Ryan's wedding day...

iheartfaces: "got to wear shades"

2010-08-16T16:39:00.002-04:00

this week's them at iheartfaces is "got to wear shades"... so I thought I'd enter the image below... taken last year... and with this image... shades aren't merely for keeping the sun out of your eyes... it's to stay cool... oh so very cool ;-) happy monday!

check out the other entries by clicking on the link below:

Lily + Ryan = Married | Palm Beach Wedding Photographer

2010-08-15T16:03:00.002-04:00

Lily & Ryan... sweet... young... passionate... and passionately in love... that's how I would describe them... in fact, I told Lily's mom that those two were so passionate for each other... and she had to agree... during their engagement session... and capturing their wedding... all the shots of them together, you can visibly see their passion and love for one another... and I absolutely loved capturing the fire between them...

My husband and I had a blast capturing their beautiful wedding... starting at First Presbyterian Church for their lovely ceremony... then over to the Beach Club of Palm Beach for their gorgeous reception... the day was filled with joy... love... and passion... how lucky of us to be a part of it... and lucky of us to have been their wedding photographers =) here's part one of my favorite images... enjoy...

some pre-wedding shots...

beautiful... she's just absolutely beautiful...

some details...

what a handsome groom...

brace yourself... more of the gorgeous bride...

ok, that's just a killer smile...

I do time...

l-o-v-e...

so sweet...

hope you enjoyed... come back for part II... happy Sunday!

Happy Saturday!

2010-08-14T18:50:00.001-04:00

I blogged my heart out all summer & everyday for two weeks straight, then totally went off the grid cold turkey... and for that, I apologize... this is going to be the trend for awhile... from now on (until next June) I will only have time to blog twice [maybe three times] a week... for those who don't know, last Wednesday was my first day back in school... as a teacher, that is... I had to put my teacher hat back on and refocus on the year ahead... as stressful as running a photography business & being a teacher can be... I just feel blessed being in two careers that I absolutely love... and in this economy... I feel blessed simply having a job at all... so I will definitely have a challenging year juggling two professions... but I have to admit... I enjoy the challenge =)

AND!! (I have to gloat just a little bit) I won 4th place at iheartfaces weekly challenge!!! Yay!!! Now and again I like to join the fun and enter their contests... which is centered on a different theme every week... last week's theme was "surprise" & with the perfect picture in mind... I just had to enter... and now, I'm glad that I did =) Yay!! How very cool!! Click the link to see the other winners =)

On another note, I want to thank my Fans/Likers! I really (really, really, really) appreciate your support! I am currently at 375 "Likes" (WOOHOO!), which is only 25 likes away from my oh so BIG giveaway!! So, please spread the word and "Suggest to [all your] Friends" beneath the profile picture on my page... click HERE to LIKE [or show your LOVE] =) [by the way, I heart you back]

I hope you all are having a delightful weekend... mine will be spent editing a wedding & 2 events... meeting a bride on Sunday... some cleaning... and hopefully blogging Ryan & Lily's wedding... here's what I'm working on at the moment... check back tomorrow for the rest =) Happy Saturday!!

Tuesday Teaser... {Palm Beach Wedding Photographer}

2010-08-10T12:34:00.000-04:00

a fun shot taken at Lily & Ryan's wedding last week... the star of this photo? the bride's adorable niece... more to come... Happy Tuesday!

iheartfaces: "surprise"

2010-08-09T08:00:00.008-04:00

the theme for this this week's photo challenge at iheartfaces is "surprise"... and even though I've taken thousands and thousands of images... this was the image that immediately popped in my head that fit the "surprise" theme... this was shot at David & Kelly's wedding in April the first time they saw each other as bride and groom... love the look on his face =)

check out the rest of the surprised looks by clicking on the icon below... happy monday!

Carrie + Steven = Engaged! {Palm Beach Wedding & Portrait Photographer}

2010-08-08T16:58:00.000-04:00

here's part two of Carrie & Steven's Palm Beach engagement session (where they got their model on)... if you missed part I (or if you want to see it again) click HERE... enjoy!

and here's the slideshow with more of my favorites from this awesome engagement session =)

Happy Friday =)

2010-08-06T10:57:00.001-04:00

Here are a couple of highlights to my week that makes this truly a happy Friday... I received this sweet thank you card with a gift card to my weakness... chocolate... mmm... Godiva to be exact... thank you Laurie, John, & Jane! You really shouldn't have.... but I will enjoy this =)

then this morning we were greeted by the FedEx man... to receive another lovely thank you gift from my bestie, Maggie =) Thank you Mags, Edward, & Ty! I hope you guys come back to Florida (soon) (&often)!

and this just makes me feel warm... filled with love... and appreciation... for my friends... though a thousand miles apart... I can feel their love... support... and friendship... one thing I've discovered in my adulthood... it's not about the quantity of friends you have... it's the quality of their friendship...

"a friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are..." -unknown

Carrie + Steven = Engaged! {Palm Beach Wedding & Portrait Photographer}

2010-08-05T08:26:00.000-04:00

The first time I met Carrie, she was bubbling over with excitement! Excitement about the wedding... about being a bride... and about marrying the love of her life... When I met both of them to finalize their wedding details, I knew they were absolutely made for each other... I thought it was so cute that by chance they wore matching outfits to our meeting (well they say it wasn't planned) (I secretly wanted to take a picture)!

Steven is so easy going and so in tune with his bride, that inside I was swooning over their love for each other... They just totally compliment each other and are just so --- meant to be... And I knew they were a match made in heaven for me (as their photographer) when they told me they both love the artistic flare (ehem -- creative touch) I give to my photos... and when they wanted to do a sunrise photo shoot for their engagement session... yes... I was swooning all over again...

Carrie & Steven were so much fun to capture... I mean, with Carrie's gorgeous smile -- and Steven's willingness to pose for my camera... it -- was -- bliss! I can only imagine the fun I'm going to have on their wedding day... for now... here are a few of my favorites from their engagement session... stay tuned for part II... enjoy!

not gonna lie -- I'm not a morning person... but to capture this happy couple with this backdrop --- I'd wake up at 5am anytime!

l-o-v-e...

oh Carrie... you have such a gorgeous smile...

make sure to come back for part II... that's when they get their model on ;-)

teaser...

2010-08-04T16:53:00.002-04:00

If this isn't happiness... I don't know what is... a teaser shot from Lily & Ryan's wedding this past Saturday... more joy to come =)

love this picture of them...

DIY: Party Favors Part I

2010-08-04T12:35:00.001-04:00

Yay! Third week in a row for my DIY posts! Doesn't seem like much, but for this Gemini who easily gets distracted by life -- it's an accomplishment... trying to be less Gemini-y and trying to finish a project here without dropping it and starting a new one...

Anywho, today I wanted to share the party favors we gave to our guests at our wedding... and this was hard to decide on... I researched a million party favors online... we definitely wanted to do a practical gift, since we knew giving our guests dove shaped crystals would only end up collecting dust -- it had to be something a bit more personal... and functional... so after mulling over heart shaped cookie cutters, bottle openers, and picture frames -- we decided to make it ourselves... since Dave and I are big music fans (and always trying to stump each other on who the artist is), we decided on making a cd with a compilation of songs that reflected us... songs that took us back to when we started dating... and songs that resonated our love for each other... we requested the songs on the cd to be played at the wedding... so when our guests listen to the cd, it would take them back to our wedding day =)

Thanks to family friend & wedding helper Charmaine, she burned 100 discs in one day... pretty awesome! The rest of the work my husband and I did... he was such a cute helper by the way =) We made black & white CD labels with our name, an engagement picture & our wedding date on it...

we placed them into CD envelopes...

then with another set of whimsical colored paper, I cut them to fit square envelopes (from Michael's)... printed labels on white card stock... then glued everything together & had perfectly wrapped CDs to gift to our guests... (tip: make sure you print & cut everything you need prior to assembling... it just makes everything run more smoothly)

the theme of the evening was "the sweetest night"...

aren't they adorable? our guests loved them... we get calls from friends saying they were just listening to our cd =) pretty neat...

these were personal... cost effective... and a hit... but there's more, we gave two party favors... yea, we decided on two... so stay tuned for next week's DIY: Party Favors part II =) hope you enjoyed...

iheartfaces: "random acts of kindness"

2010-08-03T11:31:00.002-04:00

This week at iheartfaces, they are celebrating random acts of kindness -- and asked photographers to share stories of such. Last year, I was lucky to have been a part of such an extraordinary experience... I was part of "Help-Portrait" -- a movement of photographers giving back to the community... the idea of help-portrait was simply -- "to give pictures, not take them"... it was a chance for professional photographers {all over the world} to work together in their community, find people in need, and simply capture them, and give them professional images -- for free... We had professional hair and make up artists, professional photographers, and lots of volunteers on hand to help make sure the day went smoothly... Our West Palm Beach group captured families & children from the Foster Care Association during their Holiday Party... most of these children moved from place to place and had never even gotten school pictures taken... these families didn't have much, but they gave what they had and opened their homes to children who -- didn't have a home, who didn't have a family... we met so many caring families -- so many heroes that day... families who never had professional pictures taken before... families who couldn't afford much, but gave all the love they had to these children..

It was the most humbling experience... working with other professionals in the industry... not competing with each other, but working together... seeing the families excited to get their hair and make up done... to see the excitement of the children... to see the excitement of the families getting "family" portraits for the first time... and to see how special they felt... that was the point of the day... to make them feel special... and to show them how special they were... it was a special day for all of us...

some behind the scenes...

look at the sparkle in her eyes... she whispered to us that she's always wanted to get professional make up done...

Robyn (the girl helping with the sign) was wonderful in getting the kids to smile...

they loved seeing their pictures... and the look on their face when they got their prints -- priceless!

Freddy, one of our photographers of the day...

and this little doll was shy... but I caught this playful moment =)

the news camera man capturing the event...

me with a very excited mother...

here's our west palm beach team... a group of incredibly talented & giving people...

and here's the official 2009 recap of the event from around the world... makes me cry every time... (please scroll all the way down & turn the music player off so you can watch the video)

click below to read more warm "random acts of kindness...

the absence of her laughter...

2010-08-02T10:24:00.000-04:00

years ago, in photography class I dedicated a photograph to my sister -- and entitled it "the absence of her laughter"... there were four sisters... then there were three... her name was Myra... and today is her birthday...

I didn't want to be down or sad today... I simply wanted to remember my sister... her smile... her eyes... her hair... her laughter... her voice... her love... and yet, the human part of me caved in... and I can't seem to stop the tears... it's just very hard to remember all the happy memories without missing her... without wanting her here...

I think when you lose someone... a sister... a soulmate... there will always be that void in your heart, where something once lived... I think there will always be a wound... a wound that never heals... life goes on... but when you stop and remember... you feel the pain of the wound... like it was just yesterday...

and at times... you just have to embrace the tears... and succumb to the sadness... because it's moments like these where you really feel how deep love is... and how love never stops... even after years have past... a person's love continues to permeate inside of you...

here are some pictures of my beautiful sister... Myra... 1978 - 1996...

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy..." -Eskimo Proverb

the four sisters... Myra's graduation dinner...

Myra & I... our trip to the Philippines in 96... it was awesome!

in Japan... on the trip home...

since I can't visit her grave in Michigan... Dave & I will be spending a quiet evening on the beach tonight... listening to the ocean... looking up at the stars... and simply remembering...

teaser...

2010-07-31T12:39:00.000-04:00

because Carrie has been super supportive in helping me reach 350 "Likes"on my Facebook Page... and because I know she's dying to see more pictures from her engagement session... here's another little teaser shot just for her & Steven =) and just a little reminder, once we reach 400 "Likes" on my page -- there's going to be a big giveaway... so please like HERE & "Suggest To Friends"... {thank you!} have an awesome weekend!!

I love this picture... it's just so peaceful & full of love...

About Me Updated...

2010-07-30T09:52:00.000-04:00

Since I gave my blog a little facelift... I thought I would update the "About Me" portion from my blog and website... and why not share it with my readers and clients... I wrote a list of random facts that you may or may not have known -- about me... click HERE or click "About Me" on the menu bar...

Side note: I just want to give a shout out to my fans or "Likers" on my Facebook Page... I truly appreciate the love & support... at the moment we are up to 344 "Likes"(Yay!)... once we reach 400, I will be doing a big giveaway... so don't miss out... "Suggest to Friends" underneath the profile picture, and suggest my Facebook Page to all your friends... (As I said before: Thank you... and I Like You Too!!)

and what's a post without a picture? This image was taken at Sanibel Island on our weekend getaway after our wedding... our first vacation as Mr. & Mrs. Newcomer =) have a great weekend!

Tyler {West Palm Beach Family & Child Photographer}

2010-07-29T15:17:00.000-04:00

Tyler is my best friend Maggie's 7 year old son... he's handsome... smart... clever... energetic... and a whole lot of fun! They all came down from Michigan to visit us for a few days... Maggie & Edward went down to Miami overnight, and Dave and I got to babysit Tyler & Isaiah (our nephew)... and all I have to say about babysitting two boys (6&7 years old) for almost two days -- I was incredibly happy to see Maggie when they got back!!! It's true -- I missed her! Ok, ok... we were exhausted! Loved it -- but exhausted... but while Maggie was away... I wanted to surprise her with some pictures of her son... so here are pictures from our mini session with the boys... enjoy!

yup... he's a handsome little man...

and our nephew, Isaiah...

the boys...

love this one!

Hope you're having a good day!

sneak peek...

2010-07-28T15:25:00.000-04:00

because I absolutely could not contain my excitement... here's a sneak peek from my engagement session yesterday with Carrie & Steven...

yes, we were up this early... but it was well worth it!

I love Carrie's radiant smile & the way Steven is admiring his future bride...

now you understand my excitement? stay tuned for their full preview next week =)
{and help Carrie & Steven win a $25 print credit by "Liking" my FaceBook Page}{thank you in advance... and I like you too!!}

DIY: Table Numbers

2010-07-28T10:10:00.000-04:00

Week two of DIY Wednesday! I'm happy to share this sweet & simple idea for table numbers... photography, of course, is a huge deal in my book -- so what better way to display table numbers than with pictures of the bride and the groom? Aside from building a relationship with your wedding photographer (which is quite vital) during your engagement session... you can use the engagement pictures for your wedding...For ours, we used 10 different images taken from our engagement session... made all of them black and white, then photoshopped numbers onto them... I made 5x7 prints of the images while my husband carefully placed each one into the frame... teamwork =)

I cut orange card stock (the size of the frame) to leave a tiny, orange frame around the image to accent the b/w...

you can use the same frames... or be a little whimsical & use a variety of frames...

our guests loved walking around to see the different pictures on each table...

here are two of my brides that used this idea & displayed engagement pictures that I captured of them... (their guests loved it too)

after all, the day is about you two... hope you enjoyed! (Next week DIY: Party Favors =)

tuesday teaser...

2010-07-27T16:35:00.000-04:00

just had to share this... more this week =)

Baby Grey & Family {West Palm Beach Family & Child Photographer}

2010-07-27T12:25:00.002-04:00

Last year while anticipating the arrival of their little guy, Tiffany and Chris had a peaceful maternity session by the water... when baby Grey was a couple of months old, Tiffany called me for some baby portraits... and now at 8 months old, we took some shots of the family... it's been such a pleasure getting to know this sweet little family... Tiffany and Chris are truly the kindest people you'll ever meet... and baby Grey, well -- he is just absolutely adorable... even though he's a serious baby with that serious look on his face, once you get him smiling and laughing -- it is priceless... here are some of my favorites from the session... click HERE if you missed baby Grey's solo =) happy Tuesday!

well hi there, cutie!

love the look on Grey's face =)

awwww...

such a beautiful family!!

iheartfaces: "purple"

2010-07-26T08:09:00.000-04:00

The theme this week at iheartfaces is simply -- the color purple {which happens to be my father-in-law's favorite color}... I automatically thought of a photo shoot I did last year with my friend Rachel... we found so many fun and colorful walls that day, and one of the walls that became our favorite backdrop was bright purple... so I knew I wanted to enter the image below... one of my favorites... and if my father-in-law is reading this post, this one's for you! enjoy the purple & happy monday!

to see more fun "purple" entries, click on the link below:

Bows & Ruffles...

2010-07-25T18:51:00.000-04:00

One thing I'm in constant pursuit of -- is wedding attire... to shoot in, that is... Yes, it should be easy... black on black... at least, that's the "traditional" thing that photographers don... well, I get kind of bored with it... so today, my husband and I went out to seek something less traditional -- but still professional looking... and I'm so happy with a couple of my findings -- that I wanted to share it with you... I'd pair these tops with black slacks, maybe a black jacket or vest, and some comfy black shoes that I can wear for 8 hours during a wedding... aren't they adorable??

Hope you're having a delightful Sunday!

Giveaway at LuluLetty's =)

2010-07-24T11:31:00.000-04:00

Like the images below? Well go to LuluLetty's Blog to see how you can win a free 11x14 print of your favorite image... who doesn't like free? =) happy Saturday!

Baby Grey {West Palm Beach Family & Child Photographer}

2010-07-23T12:47:00.001-04:00

you've met him HERE... and even in mama's belly HERE... well, here is another dose of sweet baby Grey, now 7 months old... and more adorable than ever... before they moved out of the state, Tiffany called me to do one last family session with them... it's always so nice to see how babies have grown, and even nicer to have gotten to know such a sweet family... here is part I... stay tuned for part II -- the family... enjoy... and have a lovely weekend!

PS: make sure to stop by Lululetty's blog tomorrow for a big announcement (from me) =)

so serious...

oh so cute...

there's a smile!

love this...

The Artist

2010-07-22T14:04:00.001-04:00

Most of the people that read my blog know me in person... or at least have met me in person... so they have an idea of who I am... for new people who happen to stumble upon my blog, I figure I'd do a little introduction... of me... the artist behind the work...

Before I do that, for those who don't know how to pronounce my name --- I just wanted to clarify... it's Jamilah, enunciated like vanilla (not Jameela like tequila)... which is what I tell people I first meet, and it seems to work... they remember =) Jamilah, like vanilla... maybe annoying -- but hey, it works!

As you know I specialize in wedding & portrait photography... this love of photography began my freshman year in college, when I took my first photography class (which wasn't my last)... I remember my first time in the dark room, grappling in complete darkness -- clumsily putting the film in the canister... a little claustrophobic at first, but I got used to it... I ended up taking three more years of black and white photography, and was a few digital classes shy of getting an associates degree in photography... I think my four years of photography classes really helped to mold my craft... and today, when I'm not capturing people, I like to capture the beauty that surrounds me... and capture things that take my breath away...

aside from photography, I'm a lover of all artistic mediums... my creativity started brewing back in elementary school, when all I wanted to do was draw and write stories... aside from drawing, I'd make things... when I couldn't buy Barbie's van, I made one out of a shoe box! And my friends loved playing with it =) I've dabbled into many things... sketching... scrapbooking (which I sadly don't have time for)... even painting... below is my first oil painting (painted four years ago)... of course, painted in my favorite color!

I even started knitting! Thanks to my mother-in-law, who taught me how to knit on a loom... the blue one is an incomplete baby blanket for my nephew... and the gray is an incomplete scarf... didn't I tell you I was a gemini? I specialize on leaving trails of unfinished projects =) (I'm working on it though!)

lastly, my other love... writing... I started writing poetry in middle school (maybe even fifth grade)... and began journaling in high school... collecting favorite quotes, writing down poetry, my personal journey in life, and any random thoughts...

this is where my style of {dot}{dot}{dot} came along... my poetic way of writing my trail of thoughts...

one of my favorite classes in college was my writing class... I loved my professor, because he really challenged me... and brought out the best in my writing...

well, that's all for now... I hope you enjoyed the read =) Happy Thursday!

DIY: Escort Cards

2010-07-21T18:15:00.000-04:00

This time last year, I was busy planning my wedding and the million details that go along with planning the happiest day of your life... I signed myself up to all the wedding websites you could think of! The Knot's wedding check list was my best friend -- even though we'd get into many fights due to the never ending list that continued even after the wedding day! I also signed up for BridalTweet to get wedding ideas & just to see what was new in the wedding community... Wednesdays were deemed "Wedding Wednesdays" and people would tweet wedding pictures, flowers, and anything wedding related they wanted to share...

To join the "Wedding Wednesday" fun, I did a couple of DIY posts on wedding projects I made for my wedding... sadly, my Gemini trait got the best of me -- and it became another unfinished project... BUT, it's never too late -- right? So, I wanted to revive this idea and simply call it "DIY Wednesday" -- to not only share wedding ideas, but any DIY projects I happen to do at home...

Earlier, I shared my DIY wedding invitations HERE:

Then my DIY unity candles HERE:

Now, here's a look at one of my favorite wedding detail we made ourselves -- Mini Quote Book Escort Cards... which were inspired by Martha Stewart Wedding ideas... and thanks to my key wedding helper {dear family friend Charmaine}, we were able to personalize & assemble these adorable books with my favorite love quotes...

I found a beautiful set of whimsical card stock paper {from Michaels} that had accents of our wedding color -- orange... so, it just had to be... I used this for all of our wedding details, which all came together perfectly...

these were quite meaningful to me, because I'm a lover of quotes & have journals of such inspiring words...

there were four different sets of quote books... and we made a little over a hundred...

of course during assembly, it seemed too ambitious & quite overwhelming... but the end product was absolutely lovely...

I hope my future brides found this helpful =) Happy Wednesday!

tuesday teaser...

2010-07-20T17:25:00.000-04:00

more cuteness to come... hope you're enjoying your Tuesday...

Happy Monday!

2010-07-19T11:57:00.001-04:00

Usually this greeting is lathered with cynicism... because, really? Who actually {remotely} even enjoys Mondays? Not too many people... it arrives too quickly, then abruptly ends the fun & relaxing weekend that you were having... {long sigh} The greeting usually sounds more like "oh, dreadful Monday" {in your most somber voice}...

Well, for me it actually is a happy Monday... because this is one of 4 Mondays where I don't have to wake up to my alarm, beckoning me to go to work... nope! I get to enjoy a few more weeks of summer vacation =) {happy sigh} For newbie readers, I'm an elementary teacher by day... and a photographer by evenings & weekends =)

So for those who do have the Monday blues... here's something that should make you smile... my nephew, Vansh, with his new specks... which he absolutely hates... but gosh... isn't he so adorable?

he takes them off... often...

then when he sees his mama coming, attempts to put them back on...

really, he'd rather eat them than wear them!

better luck next time blue specks...

OH! And to add to my happy Monday... I'm featured on my friend Maria's BLOG! Yay! Happy, indeed!

Maria + Cole {Lifestyle Photographer}

2010-07-17T12:49:00.000-04:00

In the teaser I called them a stylishly, clad couple... and that, indeed, they are... You've met Maria... now meet her husband, Cole... a sweet husband who endures the heat and the cold to shoot his wife's weekly fashion shoots for her blog... they enjoy champagne picnics and bike rides... and are such a cute couple... I was so smitten to have had the opportunity to capture these two... I hope you enjoy their previews as much as I enjoyed capturing them... =)

adorable couple, right? which image is your favorite? {as you can see, I had too many favorites}

Maria = LuLu Letty {Lifestyle Photographer}

2010-07-15T11:00:00.000-04:00

Meet Maria... a classmate since 6th grade... high school tennis buddy... & reconnected via Facebook... Maria is a wife... etsy shop owner... artist... vintage buyer... with a taste for vintage clothing... she is a trend setter with a style all her own... oh, and lastly -- she's a professional blogger =) well, I call her professional because you simply do not have over ~~1,300~~ 1,420 blog followers without leaving readers a sense of professionalism! And she, is a very good example of a fantastic blogger (posting every day & sometimes twice a day)!

Maria not only helped me get started with my blog, but this past year she has helped me with any blogging issues I had... even to a point where I gave her my password to fix something I couldn't figure out... Maria, is so helpful... not only to me, but to the 1,420 people that follow her... because aside from inspiring loyal followers with her vintage style -- she has DIY fashion & non-fashion projects & advice; from making hair bows, how to properly care for wavy hair, makeup advice, to making homemade ice cream... check out her delightful blog HERE... {you'll be hooked}

Again, while in Michigan, I squeezed in a photo shoot with Maria & and her husband Cole... and originally , I was going to post their photos first -- but I thought it appropriate to do a Maria tribute first since she was the reason for this shoot... a photo shoot to thank her for all the help she's given me... and well --- for being so inspirational... enjoy!

this picture is so heavenly! perfect lighting... perfect model... {sigh}

don't you love her hair & adorable outfits?

love this...

love this set of b/w photos...

and this is one of my favorites...

thanks for the awesomeness, maria! stay tuned for photos of maria & her husband...

The Nolasco Family {Family Portrait Photographer}

2010-07-12T18:19:00.000-04:00

While vacationing in Michigan a few weeks back, I had the pleasure of capturing the Nolasco family... a sweet, lively family that truly enjoy sharing a good laugh... Parents Esmeralda & Jorge have been married for 33 years... and they have two beautiful daughters, Diana & Donna... Donna (my August/Michigan bride {yay!}) emailed me last winter wanting to do a surprise family photo session for her parents... so, we did just that! And what an awesome time we had! Here are some of my favorites from our shoot... enjoy!

We began the shoot with the whole family...

one of my favorites...

boy can this family laugh on que, while looking fabulous! ;-)

love...

they were so adorable... it was like shooting an engagement session, all the flirting & giggling =)

love this one...

some sisterly love!

so much fun!

told you these girls are beautiful =)

and I'll end it with one of my favorite shots of the day...

Thank you, Nolasco family! Look forward to seeing you in August =)

Vy & Scott Wedding Part II {West Palm Beach Wedding Photographer}

2010-07-08T10:52:00.000-04:00

here is part two of Scott & Vy's wedding... with the deliciously red theme that was so delightful to capture... I'll let the images speak for themselves... thanks again to Scott & Vy for allowing us to capture their wedding day... enjoy! (if you missed part 1-- click HERE)

helloooo there, ladies...

stud! only word that comes to mind...

soo much fun!

and a look at the red details that made me swoon....

time to get their model on!!

isn't Vy such a gorgeous bride?

told you they got their model on for me =)

love...

and a slideshow with a few more favorites from their day...

Vy & Scott Wedding {West Palm Beach Wedding Photographer}

2010-06-30T20:45:00.001-04:00

Approaching this wedding was quite different from other weddings... I was extremely nervous because I've never met the bride & groom -- not in person... Vy & Scott live in New Orleans, and decided to have a destination wedding in Florida where Vy's parents live... Since January when Vy and I spoke on the phone to finalize their wedding contract --- we've been kind of like pen pals... Every so often we'd exchange emails to see how wedding plans were going... or she'd email for wedding vendor ideas... or just to share the excitement of their upcoming wedding & finally meeting their photographer...

So on their wedding day, I was super excited to meet them (and anxiously nervous)! But once I met Vy, at her parents house packed with wedding guests, my nervousness melted away... everyone was so kind and so friendly... Vy & Scott were so much fun to get to know in person... they're sweet, caring people with a terrific sense of humor... and the icing on the cake? They were awesome models!!! After the ceremony I even got to steal them away for an hour and a half for their bride & groom portraits! Inside --- I was screaming "Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyy"and giggling like a kid in a candy shop! Oh yea, and it didn't matter that we were outdoors the entire day in the blazing heat --- because well, everyone was sweating -- not just me =) And who can think about the heat when there was love, laughter, family, food, and a huge celebration to be had? Nothing mattered, but Vy & Scott's wedding celebration... I'm so excited to finally share some pictures from their big day... and with so many favorites --- this is only part one of their previews... enjoy!

Scott gifted Vy these beautiful jade earrings which matched the ring her mother lent her for the wedding...

what a beautiful bride...

and I absolutely loved her red shoes... which was their wedding color...

love the bouquets? her girlfriends made them at home! along with the rest of the wedding decor... oh so lovely!

gorgeous bridal party...

and so much fun, they were!

handsome groom...

one of my favorites...

this was sweet... & funny because the priest made him kiss her hand twice =)

you may now kiss the bride...

I love this mother/daughter moment...

ahh yes, the stunning bridal party...

remember this teaser?

here are more parasol fun shots =)

she called this a cupcake picture... but isn't she stunning?

oh I didn't tell you? Yes, there were three parasols -- one for each lady =) to my delight...

love....

and the laughter just kept coming... it was such a fun day!

love this vintage, romantic moment..

simply stunning... I told you they were AWEsome models!! Just wait for the rest...

Make sure to come back for part two to see more of Vy & Scott.... Happy Wednesday!

teaser...

2010-06-29T23:01:00.000-04:00

I LOVE this image... some people (like my sister) wonder why their heads are cut off... I simply tell her, it's suppose to be... it's -- artistic... so whether you're curious to see this couples missing heads, or if you want to see their beautiful wedding --- be sure to come visit tomorrow =)

What I've been up to...

2010-06-28T21:21:00.003-04:00

via pictures... (some highlights of our vacation)

family time... with my sister, niece, & three rambunctious nephews...

we stopped along the way to site see... in Atlanta: the world's largest aquarium...

simply amazing...

visited family in North Carolina...

we jet-skied...went tubing... and white water rafting...

and even snuck in a couple of shoots... some family fun...

stylishly clad couple...

and finishing up on this lovely wedding my husband and I shot...

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer... my husband & I have one week left of vacation, and will surely enjoy the rest of it =) Happy Monday!

iheartfaces: "celebrating teens"

2010-06-22T19:59:00.000-04:00

Although my husband and I are on a road trip (as I blog this), I had to join this weeks photo challenge at iheartfaces --- "celebrating teens"... thanks to the wifi on his iPhone and my Mac was good to go =) This image is of beautiful Christina taken last year when she was 15, approaching her senior year... I not only love this image, but I loved this session... I wish Christina nothing but the best in her bright future...

click on this link to check out other bright eyed teens at iheartfaces...

Laurie...John... & Jane {Family Photography}

2010-06-16T16:44:00.000-04:00

In my recent visit to Michigan, I finally got to say hello to my friends and captured their sweet family of three. John and Laurie were high school sweethearts who eventually got married. Now they live in a beautiful home raising their first baby girl, Jane... who is such a cute baby!! John & Laurie are the most genuine people you'll meet! I'm glad to be (long distance) friends with them! Here are some previews from our little shoot... enjoy!

so cute...

I love this picture...

I like this one too...

awww...

love the bottom right! those bright, blue eyes and the hair sticking up!

so sweet...

Tears of Joy...

2010-06-16T12:43:00.001-04:00

So for the last few weeks I've been updating my website... working on my logo... and completely updating every aspect of my business... because if I make one tiny change, like changing my logo... I have to change it on my website, my splash page, my clients' site, my blog header, on my contracts, on my facebook page... and -- well, it's time consuming! And exhausting...

Today as I was trouble shooting the website --- looking through all my sessions... the babies, the couples, the weddings... (with my favorite love song playing in the background) I actually started -- to get teary eyed... tearful... not at my work... but tearful at the joy so many have shared with me...

I've been truly blessed to have been a part of so many joyful moments in peoples' lives... from children & family joy... the joy of expecting a baby... newborn baby joy... the joy & excitement of an engaged couple... and the blissful, joy of a bride & groom... nothing -- compares... I've been truly blessed to have captured all of these joyful moments for my clients, family, & friends...

Photography for me doesn't feel like a job... or work... (well, the business part of it does)... photography is a gift... for me --- a gift I can give back time & time again... a creative outlet to capture life's fleeting moments that we can never chase or get back... it's a gift of a timeless moment... this is why I love photography... this is why I love what I do... and love the smiles & tears that are evoked by simple images of life...

With the launch of my updated website... I wanted to share with you what makes me fall in love with photography... over and over... and all over again... each time...

Please visit my WEBSITE and let me know what you think of the updates =) comments welcomed & loved..

kinda tugs at your heart, doesn't it?

good things to come...

2010-06-14T22:43:00.000-04:00

I couldn't help but to share these teasers...

romantic, vintage wedding...

sweet family of 3...

stay tuned for more sweetness =)

iheartfaces: "all about babies"

2010-06-14T14:11:00.000-04:00

I've been out of touch with iheartfaces, so I thought I'd join this week's photo challenge -- "all about babies"... I've been fortunate to have shot many adorable babies... from my home studio to outdoor settings, with baby props and black backgrounds... but to tell you the truth, my all time favorite baby (and none baby) shots are always the candid ones -- that are neither posed nor thought up... it's a fleeting moment that captures something very real... a reflection of real life...

So for my entry, I immediately thought of the recent pictures I took of my niece (Maliha) during her bath time... I love the simplicity of this picture... and just -- how sweet it is...

for more baby sweetness, check out the other entires below...

Ballerina Maliha {Baby Photography}

2010-06-10T20:22:00.001-04:00

You may have seen my neice, Maliha, in her newborn post... well, she's now 6 months old and quite the healthy baby... She's one of 4 reasons why Dave and I frequent Michigan =) This past weekend we were there to get a dose of my family, and that usually means a slue of pictures of the kids before leaving... so my sister and I managed to do an impromptu photo shoot of this little darling while the 3 older boys played with their uncle David...

Not that she needed much of an introduction... but here is --- ballerina Maliha =) (let the oooohing and aaaahing begin)

mmm... love those chunky cheeks!

and those arms... how many rolls?

I love it when she does this... soooo cute!

some outtakes...bottom right is my favorite! love the look of discovery on her face... yes, that's your hand...

the end of the shoot... who needed that headband anyways?

stay tuned for baby bath time =)

Heidi & Matt Part II {Wedding Photography}

2010-06-08T15:58:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posting part II of Heidi & Matt's gorgeous, Georgia wedding... My husband knew that I've been missing my family; so a month ago he purchased tickets for us to fly up to Michigan during my birthday weekend -- which was this past weekend... (what a wonderful family/friends-filled trip it was... but more on the trip later)

If you missed part I of Heidi & Matt's wedding previews, make sure to check it out HERE... and to no further delay... here is part two of Heidi & Matt's wedding followed by their slideshow... enjoy!

one of my favorite shots...

first dance as a married couple...

this was so sweet...

and I absolutely adored all of the homemade details that Heidi & her family made...

so lovely...

Edible arrangements? Nope, homemade...

The cake was as delicious as it was gorgeous! Heidi's mom and sister made the cake...

everyone enjoyed the cake... including me =)

here are more of my favorites... enjoy!

Heidi & Matt Part I {Wedding Photography}

2010-06-02T18:47:00.002-04:00

So two weeks ago my husband and I drove 8 hours north and stayed the night just before we reached Atlanta. The next morning, we drove 2 more hours to reach the beautiful mountains of Blairsville, Georgia to shoot and attend our friend Matt's wedding. Then immediately after the reception, we hopped back in our car and drove straight through the night to reach home at 3am Sunday morning.

And this -- was -- all -- totally -- worth it! Capturing our friend's biggest day of his life made the ride all worth while. My husband has been friends with Matt for about 6 years, and I've known him for about 3. And I've never seen him as happy as he is with Heidi. What a beautiful wedding they had! The weather was perfect... Heidi was an adorably, gorgeous bride... and Matt was a handsome groom... It was so much fun capturing their wedding and capturing all the love that encompassed the day... I had sooo many favorites, I definitely had to break it up into two parts... so here's part I of Matt & Heidi's big day... hope you enjoy!

some pre-wedding shots...

bride & mother of the bride...

loved the something blue...

gor--geous!

aww... our friend Matt...

ok, now that's the look of a happy groom!

here comes the bride....

loooove....

always my favorite shot of the day...

a shot of the bridal party...

did I mention it was an absolutely, beautiful location??

come back for part II =)

Lily & Ryan Part II {Engagement Photography}

2010-05-29T13:45:00.001-04:00

You've met (adorable couple) Lily & Ryan on my previous post... now you can delight on a few more previews along with a slideshow of my favorite images from their engagement session...enjoy!

Lily's ring = gor-geous!

click play below & enjoy the slideshow...

Lily & Ryan Part I {Engagement Photography}

2010-05-27T16:39:00.001-04:00

When I met Lily and Ryan, I immediately saw their sweet chemistry and their apparent love for each other. Shooting their engagement session was a lot of fun because not only did they take direction very well, but they were simply adorable to capture. They were just so easy and so fun to work with!

Lily reminds me of my all time favorite actress, Audrey Hepburn. She is petite, yet strong, and quite graceful with an amazing smile -- just like Audrey. Ryan seems really genuine & sweet, and is very caring towards his fiance. I know Lily is going to make a beautiful bride and Ryan is going to be a handsome groom in July... here's part 1 of their engagement session taken at gorgeous Bethesda By The Sea. Hope you enjoy....

love this one...

and this one...

so romantic...

Aren't they sweet? Check back soon for part II along with their slideshow =)

good things to come....

2010-05-26T20:24:00.000-04:00

I've been busy with behind the scene stuff... for my website... blog... for my company... while editing an engagement session and a Georgia wedding... here are some teaser shots of good things to come...

sweet engagement...

elegant simplicity...

check back tomorrow for more =)

Yushiry&Guadalupe {Wedding & Lifestyle Photography}

2010-05-21T16:10:00.001-04:00

I remember a few months ago when Yushiry first contacted me about a photographer, she told me not only did she love my work -- but some of my images made her cry. Of course, I asked which pictures really touched her and it got me teary eyed -- thinking about this complete stranger who I was able to reach through my images. What an incredible feeling...

Yushiry & Guadalupe got married in the beginning of March at a sweet, intimate outdoor wedding in their backyard... She wanted to have a post bridal session with her husband at beautiful, Morikami -- which is where we shot their session... it was blazing hot as we walked around Morikami -- but I couldn't complain because I wasn't the one wearing a wedding gown & tuxedo... they were definitely troopers, because they didn't complain about the heat at all! Here are some of my favorite shots followed by their slideshow... enjoy!

Whether it's for a wedding or a portrait session, I love when my husband accompanies me... he not only carries all the equipment... keep me hydrated during days like this... capture amazing shots... but he makes the experience that much more fun, because I get to share my passion with him! How awesome to share your favorite thing to do with your best friend?! Here are 9 (of infinite) reasons why I love my husband...

and here's the slideshow with more of my favorite shots from the day... aren't they adorable?

Al & Nadine Part II {Wedding Photography}

2010-05-18T21:29:00.000-04:00

I've already introduced this fantastically, sweet couple in my previous post --- so I won't say anymore! Except that I hope they're enjoying being newly weds! =) Here are the rest of their previews along with a slideshow of their sweet & intimate wedding... enjoy....

Al & Nadine Part I {Wedding Photography}

2010-05-16T13:20:00.000-04:00

I had the privilege of capturing Al & Nadine's intimate West Palm Beach wedding a few weeks back. When Nadine first called to inquire about a wedding photographer, I thought she sounded so sweet over the phone -- that I hoped they would choose me to be their photographer. When we finally met in person, I quickly realized how sweet they both were. Al & Nadine are both quiet mannered people, with kind hearts, & the most genuine smiles. I had a lot of fun walking around Clematis with them, capturing their smiles & laughter as they celebrated a historical day for them --- their wedding day...

Since black & white photography is my favorite thing, I wanted to first share my favorite black & white images of Al & Nadine... stay tuned for Part II in full color =) enjoy!

aren't they such a cute couple?

Dave & Kelly Wedding Slideshow {Wedding Photography}

2010-05-16T11:11:00.001-04:00

If you're not tired of seeing David & Kelly, here's the slideshow I made of some of my favorite shots from their wedding day... enjoy...

David & Kelly Part II {Wedding Photography}

2010-05-12T21:35:00.000-04:00

So this took a wee bit longer than anticipated... I guess being out of town, being sick, and just being busy working two full time jobs can lead to such delay... but wait no more --- I've already introduced this fun newly wed -- David & Kelly... now here are more images from their gorgeous beach wedding... enjoy...

the happy groom with his mom...

love the look on his face... just sheer happiness...

oh flower girl Maddy! I loved how she chucked one petal at a time... isn't she so cute??

it was pretty awesome having a steel drum playing during the ceremony & cocktail hour... bet you've never heard the wedding march calypso style =)

here...comes... the bride =)

I love this moment...

a few more bride & groom portraits...

some sweet details... I loved the simplicity of the lovely decor & how it all came together...

first dance...

mmm... cupcakes! (I really wanted one... but my second shooter (hubby) said no...boooo!)

and they danced like nobody was watching!

thank you, david & kelly for letting us share this special day with you ♥

iheartfaces {celebrating mom}

2010-05-11T16:20:00.000-04:00

As we finish celebrating Mother's Day, iheartfaces is continuing the celebration by "Celebrating Mom" on this week's photo challenge... As I sifted through my maternity sessions, and family sessions -- I thought I couldn't go without celebrating my sister... a mother of four children, 3 boys and a baby girl... every time I talk to her on the phone -- with the kids screams & cries in the background, I tell her I don't know how she does it... and I honestly don't... she is graceful, intelligent, strong, beautiful, and an incredible mother... and without her, I wouldn't have my sweet nephews and niece to spoil...

I took the image below during our Diwali celebration last year in Michigan... my sister, Annaliza, with her three boys and baby girl in her belly... isn't she a beautiful mother? That's my sister ♥

and here I go missing my family...
check out other awesome entries at iheartfaces.com or click on the link below =)

good things to come....

2010-05-05T18:15:00.000-04:00

just wanted to share what I'm working on...

more romance to come...

David & Kelly {Wedding Photography}

2010-04-30T17:52:00.049-04:00

When I met David & Kelly last year (with their laid back attitude and terrific sense of humor) I knew that this was going to be a fun wedding to capture... and after their engagement session, I knew I was right... this was going to be a blast...

And sure enough... it was! But what wedding isn't fun to capture... But with Dave & Kelly, I guess what I mean when I say fun -- is INSANE, CRAZY FUN! My husband and I had so much "fun" sharing their special day with them... from start to finish, it was incredibly fun... here are some of the images from their wedding day... stay tuned for more... enjoy!

beautiful bride Kelly...

the ladies...

the bridesmaids were surprised with personalized fancy flip-flops!

bride with her father...

groom and mother...

the fellas...

the first look...so cute!

groom's face is priceless!

ready for pre-wedding beach portraits...

something so sweet about little girls and brides... (click HERE if you haven't seen Maddy on my blog yet)

this is fun... oh yea, the guy in the front is the groom's brother... apparently the sense of humor runs in the family =)

L-O-V-E!

double scoop of L-O-V-E! this is one of my favs!

come back for more awesome photos from their wedding =)

Teaser shots {wedding photography}

2010-04-29T17:26:00.000-04:00

So I had intentions of posting David & Kelly's wedding previews... but with time not being on my side today -- laundry, packing for weekend trip & my school's talent show tonight... it just wasn't happening... sorry! But come back tomorrow!! Cannot wait to share! In the meantime, here are a couple more teasers for you... enjoy!

oh yea, you'll want to see the rest =)

Little Snowman {Newborn Photography}

2010-04-28T19:11:00.000-04:00

This weekend I was lucky enough to see my friends' newborn baby boy & capture his tiny sweetness... Congratulations to Mike & Megan! Now you have a sweet little Snowman family of four =)

Meet Matthew James Snowman... born April 22, 2010... 8lbs 4oz...

isn't he darling?? and didn't he do great for a 2 day old photo shoot? ♥

Happy 1 Year Anniversary, Blog!

2010-04-27T17:29:00.001-04:00

So a year ago this month, I tried my hand at blogging! I didn't even know what a blog was, how to post properly, or how to play with HTML... oh wait, I still don't know how to read HTML and all the coding stuff! (A little bit, but not really) Thanks to my high school friend Maria (a super blogger with nearly 1,000 followers), who inspired me to just go out and start blogging! Plus I kept hearing that it was the thing to do for a photographer, to get my work out to the world and to be able to share images with my clients... so, I did... and now, here we are...

It has been an incredible blessing to have met so many wonderful people that shared their lives & their special moments with me... what a year of growth...learning... of fun...and a year of adventure... as a homage to my blogging anniversary, I wanted to take a look at what this past year has brought me... see all the smiles once again... sweet moments with couples & families... romance and love I captured... and all the happiness I got to share with my clients... and for that, I thank you (truly from the bottom of my heart)!

Here's a look down memory lane...

I could keep going---but I won't! Just wanted to share a few... thanks for stopping by! Come back & visit to see what the next year brings us.... ♥ me

I Heart Faces {Smiles}

2010-04-26T16:12:00.000-04:00

On a day such as today... dreary...rainy...stormy...and a Monday, no less... sometimes you just need a smile to lift your spirits... either giving one... or receiving one...it makes you smile on the inside...

This week at {iheartfaces}, the theme of the photo challenge is "Smiles"... I automatically thought of a photo I took of my 3 year old nephew... you can just see his big "Cheeeeeese" on his grin -- and that smile has a mix of devilish & angelic sweetness, doesn't it? Which is very much his personality =) this is Yaya... one of my nephews... hope it makes you smile!

check out the other entries to really get you smiling =)

Teaser shot...

2010-04-24T09:24:00.000-04:00

This is what I'll be working on today... editing David & Kelly's wedding from last weekend =)

stay tuned for more!

Tommy & Nicole:: {Slideshow}

2010-04-23T19:06:00.003-04:00

I thought I'd make a slideshow and share it with you (since I've never actually published one) =) so I gathered some of my favorites from Tommy & Nicole's wedding, because it's always fun to revisit a wedding and see pictures in motion... let me know what you think! enjoy...

The Cardenas Family {Family Portrait Photography}

2010-04-22T16:23:00.001-04:00

Once in awhile a photographer gets to be in front of the camera instead of behind... this is the case for my wedding photographer and friend, Sarah Cardenas of BrightHouse Photography... she has the most adorable 4 month old baby named Juliet... since she's always taking pictures of Juliet and her husband Abe -- she asked me to capture her family, so she could be included in a proper family portrait =)

I had a blast capturing her sweet family... and how could I not? with all the laughter and fun... and with so much sweetness from Juliet? I hope you enjoy the images as much as I enjoyed capturing them =)

how darling is Juliet??

the pretty girls =)

daddy and baby girl...

little details... of the little one...

and a fun one, just to share the love =)

i heart collages =)

2010-04-20T20:57:00.001-04:00

iheartfaces.com photo challenge this week = collages... here's my entry =)

these images are from the 9/9/09 wedding I was honored to capture of Pauline & Rodney... they were incredibly sweet, fantastic clients! we had such a fun time shooting their portraits... hope you like =)

Lisa & Shawn {Engagement Photography}{Part II}

2010-04-19T16:19:00.000-04:00

Since I've already introduced my sister in law & her fiance, Lisa & Shawn... no need to ramble... although, if you missed part I of their previews-- scroll down or click HERE...I hope you enjoy part II -- this time taken in our home town, WPB...

i like this one =)

and I love this one =)

some fun night shots...

Teaser shot...

2010-04-18T18:47:00.000-04:00

coming soon =)

Lisa & Shawn are engaged! {Engagement Photography}{Part I}

2010-04-16T16:24:00.000-04:00

Lisa & Shawn recently got engaged just on the eve of my wedding! The family is very excited! And being a sister-in-law now, I am so excited to share in her year of wedding planning! Lisa did a spectacular job as my bridesmaid, going above and beyond her duties! I'm excited to return the favor as she plans for her own wedding.

The four of us (Lisa,Shawn, Dave,&I) got to experience the beauty of San Diego a few weeks back when we went to celebrate another family wedding (Laura & Cody's). As part of their engagement session, I got to capture Lisa & Shawn as we trekked around the city. Shawn was a little uncertain why we even needed "engagement" pictures, but realized -- it wasn't so bad! =) So here are images from our impromptu sessions around San Diego... hope you enjoy!

stay tuned for part II =)

Mr. & Mrs. Cuce {Wedding Photography}

2010-04-13T18:39:00.000-04:00

Like I said in the previous post, Nicole & Tommy had a gorgeous wedding! And I can definitely appreciate the details of her wedding, as we shared the same color theme -- orange! Shooting their wedding with my husband was so much fun! Getting married only a month ago at the same venue really made it that much more sentimental for us... Nicole & Tommy, thank you for choosing us to capture your wedding day... we wish you a long and happy marriage =) enjoy reliving your moment through these images!

this is so cute!

some fun portraits...

re-posting this because it's one of my favorites.....

some details...

first dance as Mr. & Mrs. Cuce...

cake time!

oh yea, she got him good =)

then they danced...

and danced the night away =) (these are my favorite dancing pics)

Nicole & Tommy {Wedding Photography} {Pre-Wedding Portraits}

2010-04-11T19:57:00.002-04:00

You might remember Nicole & Tommy from their engagement session we took last year... well two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of capturing their wedding day... what a gorgeous wedding! My husband and I had a blast capturing the day for them... with too many favorites to share, I thought I'd wet your appetite by sharing some of the pre-wedding candid shots & bridal party portraits... stay tuned for the rest =) enjoy!

mother of the bride & little sister =)

a few bridal details...

what a beautiful bride...

handsome groom...

the guys couldn't keep it together... they were having too much fun =)

aren't they gorgeous?

good things to come....

2010-04-07T18:11:00.001-04:00

here are a couple of teasers of what i'm working on... can't wait to share the rest!

how does that saying go? "good things come to those who wait"... right? =)

Baby Jackson {Newborn Photography} {part II}

2010-04-05T20:51:00.000-04:00

Remember this little guy? Well if you missed his previous post, click HERE. I posted part I in B&W... part II are my favorites in color... since I've already introduced this handsome family, I won't delay... enjoy!

aren't they such a sweet family??

Teaser shots {wedding photography}

2010-03-30T21:01:00.000-04:00

I was editing away on images from the wedding I shot this weekend {Nicole & Tommy's}... and I just couldn't resist posting these teasers... I won't be blogging until next week since my husband & I are off to San Diego!! Until next time.... ciao!

they had a beautiful wedding... cannot wait to share more =)

{iheartfaces} photo challenge

2010-03-29T23:06:00.001-04:00

I wanted to join the fun at {iheartfaces}com...my photographer friend sarah introduced me last week to this awesome photography resource when she posted her entry... so, why not? I've actually never entered any photo contest, so I thought I'd get my feet wet... just for fun =)

the photo challenge this week is "dramatic b&w"... and for my entry, I'm going back to an image I captured a year ago... and for some reason, it's one of my favorites... I love how simple it is -- and yet, quite striking all at once... I like the saying "less--is more"... and when we're looking for a composition, it doesn't always have to be something extravagant or a crazy setting... it could simply be the look in the person's eye... or a simple gate in the background... that makes an image... unforgettable......

If you're a newbie or a "Newcomer" (ahem) to {iheartfaces}like me, check out their site for endless photography resources and weekly challenges =)

thoughts on beautiful rachel's image?

Remembering Dad...

2010-03-29T17:46:00.004-04:00

Two years ago yesterday {March 28, 2008}, my Dad passed away. My Mom held a memorial service on Saturday, which Dave and I flew up for (among other friends & family that joined us)... as I was thinking about posting this in bed this morning, I cried while a flood of memories came... losing somebody is never easy... and though years do make it bearable, the wound always feels fresh when missing that person... I want to keep this simple by just simply remembering my dad with some fond memories & pictures...

- Dad combing and blow drying my sister & and my hair while we ate breakfast....
- At home during the winter months, while I was getting ready for school, Dad would always warm the car up for me... turn the car on, crank the heat, then wipe the snow off the car so it was ready for me...
- He loved listening to me play the piano... at my wedding, I opted out of the traditional wedding march for a piano piece my late sister taught me -- one of my Dad's favorite pieces he loved to listen to....
- My dad could read all day everyday... he always borrowed at least 20 books a week from the library...
- He liked to joke around and make people laugh...
- He loved listening to classical music... we bought him many CD players and boom boxes along with many classical cds for birthdays and holidays...
- Their dog, Midnight, was daddy's little girl... after me, that is...

He was incredibly intelligent, generous, loving, funny, and loved...... and missed very much...

Mom & Dad...

very old pictures of Mom & Dad...

old pictures of Dad with my step brother and his family...

our family... the picture on the bottom right is the last Thanksgiving we spent with him...

miss you, Dad...

Baby Jackson {Newborn Photography}

2010-03-25T16:28:00.003-04:00

A week ago, I had the pleasure of capturing (2 1/2 weeks old) baby Jackson and proud parents Sharron & Luke... They came right on time for their session with blankets, clothes, and props in tote... Sharron looked amazing, and didn't even look like she just had a baby... and Luke was always there for Jackson and momma's needs, a good dad and husband... they were a photographer's dream: open to ideas & took direction very well (and it didn't hurt that they were such a gorgeous family)...

Once again, there were too many favorites too choose from... so I decided to post my favorite black & white images for part 1 of their previews... hope you enjoy!

DIY: Unity Candles

2010-03-23T18:27:00.003-04:00

Part II of my DIY projects = unity candles... I'm usually on top of everything, especially with my "wedding to do list" that never seemed to end... this minor detail was overlooked until a week and half before the wedding, when I realized that we didn't have this checked off the list... so Dave and I searched hi and low for a nice set, that wasn't too chintzy and something that would actually be functional after the wedding... since most of the candles had "love" or "forever" inscribed on them -- we weren't feeling them so much... so I decided -- to make them =)

Dave and I went to Michael's & Joann Fabrics in search of candles that would soon become our unity candles... ... and finally found what we needed at World Market (a favorite of mine) in Wellington... we bought two (ivory, shimmery) pillar candles; one big pillar candle, and then candle holders for all three... we then went back to Joann's and purchased accessories and such for the candles: more orange ribbon, metal pins, glue gun, and some self-adhesive crystals (for some bling)... two hours later & one trip back to World Market to replace a broken pillar candle --- Dave and I had our unity candles... CHECK! =)

I was so proud of my unity candles... I loved how they came out -- and I'm not embarrassed to display them... the big pillar candle is displayed on a shelf, while the two smaller candles rest on top of my piano... every anniversary, we will light them -- in celebration of our love & each other =)

Now here are images that show the journey of our unity candles... enjoy =)

this set below is by our wedding photographer: Sarah =) of BrightHouse Photography...

this is totally unrelated... I couldn't help but to give you a sneak peak of baby Jackson (from my newborn/family session)... here's an outtake photo with his binky... isn't he adorable?? more of him soon!

DIY Wedding Invitations {mine}

2010-03-19T17:28:00.005-04:00

So I've been wanting to share some of my DIY details from my wedding that were all hand made... after all the hard work, you betcha I'm gonna talk about them =) Plus, I thought it might help my upcoming brides come up with some ideas for their own wedding...

When we started the whole adventure of planning our wedding, I admit -- it was a bit overwhelming... where to start? what theme to choose? what wedding colors?... the only thing I knew right away was that it had to be orange! My favorite color! Dave was totally cool with it. My sisters -- not so much... but, it didn't matter =) the decision was made!

Back to my projects... the first project that we endeavored were the wedding invitations... we being: my sister Farida, Charmaine, Dave, and myself... I couldn't justify spending $600 or more on invitations! Why buy them when you can make them? These weren't totally made from scratch... I purchased an invitation kit from Michael's and added my own embellishments and personal touch... it required lots of ribbon, a wicked printer, lots of ink for the printer, helping hands, 2 sided foam tape, paper cutter, pandora radio, and lots of patience! I honestly didn't know what I was thinking when I thought I could spit these out in a day! Nope -- it took a week! My suggestion: print everything (every-little-thing) before assembling... that way, you have everything laid out ready for your own sweet assembly line...

Also, I made a sample of everything! Being a visual person, I just had to physically see everything before we made the final product. This helped with ribbon cutting and being able to estimate how much glue, ribbon, or paper we needed. Plus, if you're a perfectionist (like me) -- it helps to know the measurements of everything, as we measured and cut everything with precision... that's where Dave came in, he was my paper cutter =)

I used orange ribbon: a thin one for the inside of the invitation and a thicker one to seal the outside. I used the same ribbon (orange ink & font) throughout the wedding details to really carry out the orange theme, and to bring everything together... the end product, was amazing!! I was incredibly happy with how it all came together =)

and that's only one of many DIY projects from my wedding =) hope that helped some of my brides... or entertained you a bit... more to come! have a great Friday!

that's my sissy on the left and Charmaine on the right... see the precision in that ribbon cutting?!

Gavriella Maliha....

2010-03-18T20:05:00.007-04:00

this tiny, sweet girl is my beautiful niece, Gavriella Maliha... or just, Maliha...she's almost 4 months old, and already wearing 12 month old clothes... because she's the youngest sibling with 3 older brothers -- her favorite outfits around the house are her brothers' hand me downs (pants & t-shirts)... but I think my sister is finally getting the hang of having a baby girl, and is dressing her in more pinks, dresses, and girlie outfits =)

when my family came down for the wedding, Maliha spent the night at our house... when I took over babysitting duty--tutu and camera in hand... I was desperately wanting to capture her in this tutu, so we had an impromptu photo shoot... although it was a bit difficult trying to capture a baby without a helper to spot and hold the baby, I managed a few shots before she got too fussy... for that, Maliha, I thank you =) here's my niece..... enjoy!

I ordered the tutu from Etsy (one of my addictions) =/ thank you Tutu Cute by Mini M for this adorable tutu!

First weekend getaway as husband & wife =)

2010-03-15T20:31:00.008-04:00

Dave and I originally planned on a mini getaway immediately after our wedding (since our Hawaii honeymoon won't be until June)... but once family started arriving and knowing our family would be around a few days after the wedding -- neither of us really wanted to leave =) so we stayed and got to spend some quality time with both sides of the family... this past weekend we finally got to escape the hectic, craziness of what had overwhelmed us this past year in planning and preparing for our wedding...

this weekend, we finally just got to be....... husband and wife...here are some images from Sanibel Island... enjoy!

had to stop on the side of the road to capture this image...

our hotel was right on the gulf...

and we got to witness this incredible sunset...

after dinner... we sat on the beach... in complete darkness... underneath millions of stars...

we rode our bikes around the island...

stopped along the way...

we picked shells... took cheesy pictures... and simply relaxed......

and enjoyed each other's company...

thank you mr. stranger for taking this picture of us =) and thanks to my husband for the romantic getaway....

Madelyn & Andrew:Part II {Children Portrait Photography}

2010-03-12T16:50:00.003-05:00

I was going to wait to post Part II this weekend, but Dave and I will be at Sanibel Island for a little weekend getaway =) so, why wait?

Here's part II of Maddy & Drew's previews... enjoy the deliciousness of their smiles and sweetness =) Have a great weekend, everyone!

Madelyn & Andrew {Children Portrait Photography}

2010-03-11T19:29:00.007-05:00

If you've followed my journey on this blog, you may remember this cutie patootie -- Maddy! ... she was one of my first little clients... well fast forward a year later, and now you can meet her baby brother Andrew (aka Drew)! These adorable babies are my friend's (Dena & Mike's) children... and yes, shooting Maddy still makes me want a little girl of my own one day...

There were too many sweet pictures to choose from, so here's part one oozing with cuteness and adorableness with Maddy & Drew's delicious pictures =) Enjoy!

{I posted the Easter-ish pictures first, since I have my Easter Special...Tell your friends!}

sooo cute =)

had to re-post this... just so cute...

she was stretching and I told her to freeze... she took direction very well... thanks Maddy!!

Told you they were cute! Wait for part II though =)

Teaser shots...

2010-03-10T19:51:00.004-05:00

editing my last portrait session with these two adorable kids, Maddy & Drew... and I just had to post these... aren't they too cute?? more to come =)

Easter Mini Session

2010-03-08T19:00:00.005-05:00

As you can tell from my previous post below, I've been occupied with -- getting married... Dave and I had our first relaxing weekend since our wedding... and how pleasant it was =)

Now I'm getting back into the groove of photography and back to business...how I've missed shooting! Since our next holiday is quickly approaching, I wanted to do a special for Easter... read below for the details =) I have limited spots, so make sure to book your session soon so you can have your prints by Easter...

Hope to capture you soon! xo ~jamilah~

Professional Previews!!

2010-03-07T18:27:00.003-05:00

OMG!! Our wedding photography previews are up!! I love Sarah Cardenas of Brighthouse Photography for beautifully capturing our wedding! Thanks, Sarah! You are the best! Here are the pictures I stole from her blog =)

Sarah, I love them all!! I can't wait to see the rest =)

Wedding Pictures!

2010-03-05T17:58:00.007-05:00

I simply couldn't wait for my professional wedding pictures =) So I gathered pictures from family and friends so I could share them with you... I can't believe how quickly it came and went... it was the most amazing day! I feel incredibly blessed...

enjoy a glimpse from the sweetest night of our lives...

I didn't want the night end... more to come =) xo
[photo credit: (mom in law) Suzette's camera (various photographers) & bestie Kindra]

preserving my bouquet...

2010-03-03T21:44:00.009-05:00

here's me preserving my wedding bouquet with my camera... how quickly it came & went...I want to remember every last detail, Dave's (tearful) smile as I walked down the aisle (me=practically sobbing), every guests face, the joy, the tears, the laughter... I want to remember it all... what a truly joyous celebration it was...

can't wait to share more pictures =) love, ~Mrs. Newcomer~

my hot, bridal shoes =)

2010-02-18T15:23:00.007-05:00

So with only 9 days to go before my big day --- I really shouldn't be blogging, as there are a million other wedding stuff that I really need to be working on... Ok, not a million --- but enough to keep me a bit stressed... there's just not enough time in the day!

I have been dying to share wedding details with you... but of course, I have to wait to reveal all until after the wedding... on Monday, I stopped mid-cleaning to take some detail shots of my bridal shoes... the light coming through the french doors was very alluring, and I just had to stop cleaning-- and capture something with this beautiful lighting... so, I did... and I really wanted to share it with you!

Here are my wedding shoes that I absolutely love... they're elegant, sexy, comfortable, and affordable! I found these on zappos.com, and got a really great deal! It was free shipping... & if I needed to return them, they pay for the shipping... can't beat that =)

can't wait to rock these out next week when we say I do =)

My Valentine's Weekend...

2010-02-15T13:34:00.006-05:00

One reason I love Dave, is his way of surprising me... when it comes to gift giving (which he is incredibly good at) --- I never know what he's up to... this Valentine's & our engagement anniversary, he brought me to tears with his gifts... on top of taking me on a weekend getaway to Loews Royal Pacific Resort to relive our trip to Universal Studios last year when he proposed to me...

he also gifted me some of my favorite things =)

tulips, Riesling, Godiva chocolate, and Tiffany's =) I cried...

this necklace especially touched me... Dave gifted me this exact same necklace on our one year anniversary... but last year when our house was broken into, this was one of the items stolen... it was very sad that so many memories and priceless items were stolen away from us... but here's to new memories... and to new beginnings...

there's something about Tulips... how delicate, dainty, and simple they are... that make me love them so much... almost as much as I love Dave...

I can't believe it was a year ago that Dave gifted me this ring... his love... his promise to be my loving, husband... to marry me...

how time flies... in 12 short days... we'll be husband & wife =)

thank you, Dave, for loving me and spoiling me the way you do... I feel incredibly lucky to be with you... with love... always... ~me

16 Days Away...

2010-02-11T21:00:00.004-05:00

from matrimonial bliss =) this weekend, the 13th of February will be our engagement anniversary [exactly 2 weeks away until our wedding]... to celebrate, Dave just told me we're going to do the same thing we did last year when he proposed... head up to our favorite amusement park -- Universal Studios! Weeeeeee!

Dave proposed to me Friday the 13th last year... which I love, because now I have no fear or qualms about Friday the 13th =) Now it's deemed as a happy day... he popped the question right before we left for Orlando to spend Valentine's weekend at Universal... with all the excitement and tears --- I completely forgot to grab the camera... so I told Dave we needed to buy one of the ride pictures to commemorate a very special weekend... so, we got one from one of our favorite rides: The Incredible Hulk! I flashed my ring just for the camera =)

and one year and two weeks later, on February 27th... these will be the rings we don =)

can't wait to share more wedding details... until next time, I hope you have a delightfully, lovely Valentine's weekend... filled with hugs, kisses, and chocolates... and all things love =) xo