24

Go shawty, It's my birthday. I'm gonna party like its my birrrthhhhday. Yup, that just happened because heeeeeyyy I am a shorty. Booya!

Yes, today is my 24th birthday. I know what you're thinking. "24? Shut up. You look like your're 14." Well guess what, I really am 24 years old. Please don't ask me to whip out my id and tell me that it's fake because I don't look old enough. (YES, YOU Lady at the post office!)

I'm sitting here in our room at the Clift and I'm watching the most amazing sunrise. Chris told me that the sunrise is just for me. And because it's my birthday, Id like to believe that ;) But last night during birthday eve dinner, I looked at Chris and told him that I loved him. Told him that I'm so happy because I'm living the life that I want. I'm happy, I'm in love, and I'm doing what I love. That's all I need. It's the best present that I could ever ask for on this 24th birthday. I then proceeded to stuff my face with churros and ice cream for dessert to celebrate my happiness. You know, because I've been told that calories don't count if you celebrate your birthday 3 days in a row. Birthday eve. Birthday. Birthday after :) You better believe I'll be eating cupcakes this weekend.

So heres to a wonderful day. Not only because it's my birthday, but because everyday should be spent doing things that make you happy. And today, I'll do just that! You should too because...

"you don't have to have a crown to be the queen"- Anthony from Project Runway

Happy Birthday to others that were born today, and Happy Saturday!

JOIE

When I started my internship, I had a desk and drawer filled with goodies. Lots of post its in different colors, lots of pens, lots of pins, lots of pencils, lots of office goodies that made my heart skip a beat because I'm a nerd. There was also a stack of cards that stated the following...

WEAR AN OLD PAIR OF JEANS. TAKE A WALK ON THE BEACH. BUY SOME FRESH FLOWERS. TREAT YOURSELF TO SOMETHING SWEET. ENJOY THE SUNRISE. PAY THE BRIDGE TOLL FOR THE CAR BEHIND YOURS. GIVE UP YOUR SEAT ON THE BUS. TAKE A BUBBLE BATH. SMILE MORE. RIDE A CABLE CAR. CONTACT AN OLD FRIEND. TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH HE OR SHE MEANS TO YOU. CREATE JOY. - joy of life club, joie de vivre

I took one of these cards home and its currently on my desk. I read it every time. Every single time. Because it's the little things that make the world go round. And it's a good reminder to always create joy for ourselves, and to those around us. So go do it. Give Joy! Because lets face it, happiness is like a table covered with cupcakes. Who wouldn't want at least one bite? ;)

Photographs make me happy. Below is a sneak peak of the session I'm working on...

Enjoy!

Just a little love note

Chris has always written me love notes. Always. Ever since we started dating, they'd pop up out of nowhere on my pillow. Inside my macbook. In packages he puts in my suitcase whenever I travel alone. Our engagement. Always. He does them now, and I have no doubt in my mind that he'll write them until we're old and gray. Together.

Yesterday, as I walked out of my building to head home. There he was, standing there holding a note. A little love note that he wrote while he waited patiently for me at starbucks across the street. Lucky for me because I left my keys at home. And there he was, saving the day. With just a little love note. And keys.

I'm not really sure where I'm going with this post. But I do know how it feels to be loved. How it feels when someone tells you that they love you. How it feels to give and receive that same love back. So to those who read this very post today, tell someone you love them. Because sometimes, that's all they need to hear. Sometimes, it's all they need to put a smile on their face. Sometimes, it means a lot more than I'm sorry. Tell them because you love you them. Tell them because you mean it. Always.

Happy Friday!

Gnoss Field Session: Alisa and Sean

It was simple. Two people, myself, and a camera. That's all I wanted. But one night before bed, I started to think hard about what I really wanted. After all, this shoot was for myself. I wanted to make something beautiful. Step out of the box and get creative. But I thought too hard and I couldn't come up with anything. The next morning, I woke up and it hit me. I dreamt it. It happened in my head while I was sleeping. Two people. Airport. Airplane. And the rest is history...

I know the importance for us photographers to shoot for ourselves. I didn't put this together because I was asked to. I put it together because I wanted to. Being behind a camera brings me happiness, and I...I wanted to create something for me. I don't have the words to say how I felt that day. To see it come to life. It was incredible. And I'm happy and grateful that I had the chance to make it happen.

Complete coincidence, but this is my 100th blog post. I like to think that it was meant to be that way. Because to me, the 100th blog post should be special. And this shoot, it's my something special...

Many thanks to those who helped make my vision turn reality. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I truly, can't thank you enough.

Models: Alisa Grant and Sean Leon

Photography: Gladys Jem

Assistant: Chris Allen

Dress: Jenny Han

Stylist: Hannah Yanow and Gladys Jem

Bouquet: Lynn Allen

Bi-plane: Tom Ryan and Rich Gaines

Coordinator: Joe Allen

*after this shoot, we went to a field and shot some more. in different outfits of course :) will blog those soon!

Happy Saturday!

Something to get me through the week

I swear to you, the weekends fly by much faster than weekdays which is LAME. To even things out, weekends should be a full Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Not just get off at work late Friday and then Saturday and Sunday. That's just how I'd like it at least :)

Here is a sneak peak of what I did this Sunday. I can't wait to share it with you because this shoot had me squealing, shrieking, and just overall happy. And yes...I know how lucky I am to shoot with a beautiful bi-plane. Ok ok, Alisa and Sean too ;)

HAPPY MONDAY!

Wedding Wednesdays: Wedding Blogs

I love being engaged because I can relate to my brides. I too, am planning a wedding and I know how tough it is to make decisions about your big day. I mean hello! You are reading the blog of the girl who changed her wedding colors 3943947 times until her fiance finally said "We really need to stick with one because we need to set up a meeting with a florist soon!" Easy for him to say, he won't be holding a bouquet ;)

Let's be honest, planning a wedding isn't the easiest thing in the world. So many decisions to make, plenty of flowers to choose from, and we can't forget the most important part...what flavor will the cake be? ;) I know for me, the biggest challenge so far was picking out colors. I spent hours and hours online looking at inspiration boards on wedding blogs. I know for a fact that my sister spent hours and hours online looking at inspiration boards as well. I have proof if you'd like to see it. EMAILS galore! But besides having those close to you help, one tool that has helped me out a lot with planning and inspiration are wedding blogs.

I don't know if you remember, but a couple of posts ago I blogged about finally deciding on our colors. This happened one Sunday afternoon. Chris was taking a nap and I was going crazy on Style Me Pretty. I went through pages and pages until I stumbled upon a fall inspired affair by Custom Event Group. It hit me like a trolley car on California street and I knew just by looking at the photos what our color palette was going to be. Ever since then, I haven't gone crazy with colors in my head. (Thank you Style Me Pretty!)

Another favorite blog of mine is the Wedding Chicks. Here you'll find everything that is pretty. Pretty, DIY, and pretty DIY. I love love love this blog and I love the two ladies that run it even more. (Hi Jocey and Amy!) I did a workshop with them in January, and they are fabuloso! One DIY in particular that I love from the blog are the DJ request cards. For brides who don't want just a clipboard with a piece of paper for song requests, these cards are just for you. I know I love them. Plus they say "Hey Mr. DJ, Play a song for me!" Fabulous right?

Besides the two blogs I mentioned above, here are a couple more I love. I check these blogs daily to find inspiration for my wedding, or because I just love anything wedding related :) And to my brides reading my blog, if you haven't gone on these blogs...go now! Pretty please :)

Green Wedding Shoes

Ruffled Blog

Lolliblog

100 Layer Cake

P.S. Pictured above is the Modern Bride Survival Guide Book. LOVE it!

The Perfect Day

It happened. This weekend. My perfect day happened and it was everything I dreamed of and more. You see...I've had this vision of a perfect day. And this Sunday, I lived it...

The sun gleamed through the windows as the city started to rise. With the street noise as my alarm clock, I rose from bed and opened the blinds to let in more sunshine. It was one of those days in the city, when the sun shines brighter than usual. I gave Chris a kiss and wished him a good morning.

We rise and get ready for our weekend routine, morning walks to the ferry building. I grab the camera and head out the door. Hand in hand, we walk the empty morning sidewalks of California Street. Enjoying the sunshine, we walk. We talk, we laugh, I snap photos, and we watch the half empty trolley cars pass us by.

Overlooking the water, we eat eggs and talk about our passions for creating. Movies, photographs, you name it. We talk, we laugh, I snap photos. Afterwards, we head back inside and I spend some time deciding on what fragrant flowers to purchase for our apartment. This time, it's dried lavender. Perfect for our new place. We wander around some more until it's time to head back.

We spend the rest of the day relaxing. Drives through the Marin headlands, and a home cooked meal with a movie to boot. More talking. More laughing. As the day comes to the end, I smile to myself and thank the Lord for the simplest day. A day with sunshine. With talking. With laughing. With snapping. With Chris.

p.s. can I be more in love with the light in our apartment? no. it's simpy divine :)

Bringing it back to life.

I don't fly like paper, or get high like planes. But I have been, MIA. It's not because I don't want to blog, or I banned myself from the internet (that's just crazy!) but my life has been ummm...how do I put this properly. "Well, I don't have one."

Chris and I moved last weekend to a fabulous apartment in Nob Hill. AT&T couldn't come and install the internet until Thursday. I cried about it. Fa real. When Chris told me, I said "But how am I suppose to blog?" AT&T doesn't care and couldn't give us an earlier appointment. Trust me internet, I shook my head and fist.

But besides not having internet, my life consists of: Getting up, going to work, going to the gym, going home to unpack, and going to sleep. It's been like that since Monday and I've never felt so dead in my entire life. That's until Thursday. I sat in my office with an hour to go and a headache that made me want to cry to my Mom. But I sat there feeling the need to be alive. So I went home, I picked up my camera, and I cardioed (I know thats not a word, but whatever) myself up and down and up some more of the hills surrounding our neighborhood with my camera. It was the only moment this week that I did something I truly wanted to do. Something that made me smile. It made my heart happy like a little dancing leprachaun. I finally felt alive.

Below are some of the snapshots I took of our new neighborhood.

This is one of the reasons I love our new place. Our view from the rooftop.

I love the next series.

Left: Our Lobby

Center: Grace Cathedral (Just up the block)

Right: My favorite Hotel on California St., The Mark Hopkins

And this...this is one of my favorite street photos I've ever taken. This is Chinatown.

We've still got a lot of unpacking to do, but once it's all done I'll post photos of our new place. We have these big bay windows in our bedroom and living room that pours in the most amazing light.

But until then, I promise I will blog more. I look forward to March because it's my birthday month, engagement sessions, and a special shoot next Sunday. Then April begins my wedding season for this year! So much to look forward to!

Happy Saturday!

143.

I opened the door, and to my surprise found a box along with sunflowers. You were nowhere to be found until you decided it was time to reveal yourself. I was shocked, excited, and most of all happy. Happy that you showed up unannounced. Happy that you brought sunflowers, and happier that the box contained cupcakes. We'd been only dating a couple of weeks. But it was then, at that moment, I knew I loved you.

I didn't tell you this at the time. But i'll tell you now, and for the rest of our lives. I love you.

Je t'aime. Mahal Kita. Wo ai Ni. I love you.

To many more laughs, moments, and love.

Happy Valentines day my love!

GJ

*Photo by Michelle Ocampo Photography

Wedding Wednesday: Venue

This one time, I promised that I wouldn't show anyone what my wedding dress looked like because I wanted everyone to be surprised. I swore this while I was in it. Then, this other time I ended up sending at least 12 people the picture of it. I officially suck at keeping promises to myself.

So tonight, when I was trying to decide what little portion of our big day to share, I realized that I don't want to share anymore details about our wedding because I want people to be surprised. But knowing me, in 2 weeks, i'll probably share with you what our favors will be, but it's not my fault that I'm so excited. So excited that I just have to share with the world ;)

Anyways, tonight I thought I'd share our venue. Our little gem of a venue located on a hill in Sonoma. I remember the first time Chris and I ever went, I headed straight for their wedding table set-up and I thought to myself "This would be an incredible place to get married" And I'm so happy to have that thought come true!

I took this photo during my first trip there :) But this is only a small part of the place. You should see the view, our reception area, the barrel room, and everything else about it. I love it, and I can't wait to get married there! Almost 9 months left to go!

Happy Wednesday!

Monday, Monday, Monday.

Cue Natasha Bedingfield's Unwritten...

SO today, I felt like Lauren Conrad. My life was an episode of the Hills except without the drama, Speidi (Thank God), crazy Kelly Cutrone demanding that I can only wear black, and an internship at Teen Vogue. What I did get was a beginning to a 12 week internship for the fabulous JdV Hospitality. I know it's not teen vogue, but whatevs. For 12 weeks, I'll be immersing myself in all things Operations, Sales, and Food and Beverage. Then in May, my parents will get just what every parent would like for their child, a college diploma.

I'm excited for all of the things that I'll be learning within the upcoming weeks. At one point in my life, this was what I wanted to do. It was my dream. Be a business woman in downtown San Francisco. Sit behind a desk and sell hotel rooms/plan events. But today, when I sat in my big leather chair, in my cubicle, hearing only the sounds of people typing and phones ringing, all I wanted to do was connect. Connect with my clients. Connect with my camera. Connect with those that love.

Don't get me wrong. Though one was a dream of my past, at 23 years old, I am grateful to be able to say that I've experienced \do my dream jobs. It's truly something that I am grateful for.

In other news, I met with my fabulous graphic designer Shelley Szudera. She's been working on my branding and sent me some mock-ups last week. I knew she was great, but i LOVED what she created for me. Tonight, we met to talk about making last minute edits to my logo and my brand in general. I love Shelley because she knows just what I want, and delivers that and more. I am so excited for it all to come together, and even more excited to show you the final product. I'm working on a new blog, and a new website so please stay tuned for that.

Hope you have a fabulous week!

Follow your heart

I've been looking at my old blog a lot lately. A blog that contains entries from last year. Entries from the open book that was my heart, filled with chapters of passion, love, and a zest for life. An open declaration of my life at the time of realizing what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and what I wanted my life to be...

This weekend, I sat in a cafe with that same heart. Except this time it was with more passion, more love, and extra zest. I left feeling like I made the best decision in the world, because in reality I did. Though I'm still at the beginning of my journey, I can look back with no regrets. I know that I've made the right turns, even with the bumps that I've encountered, and the many more I'm sure I'll come across. But when your heart knows where to go, and you don't give up, you'll get to the destination just fine.

To the many dreamers out there just like myself...a dream is just the beginning. And eventually one day, it will all be reality. When your heart speaks to you with intensity, don't ignore it. When the little spark inside of you feels like it's going to burn out, light it again. Trust in what you are, believe in what others believe you can do, and most of all, follow your heart.

I love him.

Blog world, I have a secret crush. Which clearly won't be so secret anymore because I'm blogging about it. DUH! But yes, he's handsome, he's smart, he's a blood splatter analyst, and a serial killer. His name is Dexter Morgan, and I lurrve him. To pieces. Get it?

I'm obsessed. SO obsessed. I'll be the first one to tell you that my roommates used to watch it and I'd be all "No way, I'm gonna go to my room" But because its typical Gladys to really like something 10 years after everyone else, it doesn't surprise me that I'm hooked on it. Chris and I just finished Season 1, and now on to Season 2. It only gets better and better and better.

I wish I had all the time in the world to sit in front of the TV and do nothing but be completely engrossed in Dexter Morgan's world.

Dexter, I love you.

Happy Sunday!

Wedding Wednesday - Colors

Shame on me. Actually, Double shame. I'm sorry that I didn't blog last Wednesday. I'm even sorrier that I didn't blog for an entire week. Gasp! Trust me, I'm punishing myself for my lack of blogging. I'm cereal! I've decided that I'll only eat one cupcake every two months. Or maybe one cupcake a month. Whatever I choose to do, just know that it's truly a punishment. Not for my body because that's actually a blessing, but for me.

And moving on to our scheduled program...this week on wedding wednesday, colors! That's right, colors. I've decided to blog this today instead of introducing who's in my bridal party because I changed my mind about colors way too many times. I figured if I blogged about it, I won't change it because it's in writing. Or typing. But for real, I am in love with what I ended up choosing and I wouldn't trade our final colors for anything in the world.

Through endless search for inspiration, I found a little fall themed gem on Style Me Pretty. And oh my my, it is pretty! If you click on this link, you'll see just what I'm talking about. Creams, Chocolate Browns, Bronze, and Greens. Absolutely to die for, and so beautiful that I could cry.

You see, Chris and I originally wanted to have a barn wedding. A countrified wedding outdoors, with reception in a barn, and photos with cows. Ok totally made the cow thing up, but it sounds cool. Anyhow, we didn't find the perfect outdoor venue with a barn so we chose a gorgeous winery nestled on a hill in Sonoma. It's perfect, and I absolutely love our venue. But because I love country, outdoors, live cows, and fall, I wanted to bring just that to our wedding with our colors. I wish I could take a picture of the vision in my head to show you what our wedding will look like, but you'll just have to wait :)

What I do have is a picture of myself in a green shirt with my future hubby. I figured that will work since green is one of our colors ;)

Happy Happy Wednesday!

The Style Lab!

It rained. A lot. But this didn't stop us from heading outside and shooting. That's until the 90 MPH winds, tornado warnings, and a whole lotta side ways rain decided to show up. But because it's the OC, the beautiful sun decided to grace us with it's presence after all, and that is when we rocked it out some more.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Chenin Boutwell's Style Lab. Along with the Wedding Chicks, and Totally Rad Actions, Chenin hosted her first workshop in 2 years. Rain or shine, Chenin, Jocey, Amy, and Doug shared their knowledge. And because these are some of the top professionals in the wedding industry, us attendees soaked it all up. All up until the last drop. I learned everything from how to figure out my style, what photos I want to achieve, my brand, how to shoot details, how to get published, post processing, and how to bring pretty back. That's right, how to bring pretty back.

What I love about workshops is being able to see and learn from others. Whether it be Chenin, or the Wedding Chicks, Doug or other attendees. Information was shared that helped me find what it is that I want to achieve. Defining my style, figuring out my brand, etc. We as attendees were encouraged to be our best. To be the best photographer to others, to our clients, and to ourselves. And that to me, is truly important.

Chenin, Jocey, Amy, and Doug: Thank you for a fabulous workshop! I am so lucky to have won that giveaway. I walked away with so much information. More information that I could have ever asked for. I highly recommend it to everyone, rain or shine! You guys are awesome! xo

And to the wonderful and incredibly talented vendors: Thank you for an amazing set up! It was incredible, even in the rain :)

And here are the photos...

"My Love" Amanda Rae and her hubby Mike. You guys are wonderful! So glad I got to know both of you. You both are such sweet people. Thanks for being fabulous models.

Founders Of Style Lab

Boutwell Studios

The Wedding Chicks

Totally Rad Actions

Vendors Involved With Style Lab

Venue: Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

Styled By: Angel Swanson of Events of Love & Spendor

Stationary: Wiley Valentine

Floral Design: The Treasured Petal

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Dress Designer: Joan Shum

Makeup & Hair: All Made Up Team

Deserts & Goodies: Vanilla Bakeshop

Monday Musings

This morning wasn't a typical Monday. I didn't get up angry at the world because I had to be at the gym by 9:00. I woke up extremely excited. Excited for the day/days ahead. Excited for all of the things I'll be learning in the next two days. And, excited to be at SFO, well because, I love airports.

Though my flight was delayed, I made it to Orange County safe and sound. I'll be here for the next two days, immersing myself in everything photography. Thanks to a huge give-a-way that I won last month. Remember? I won a free seat to Chenin Boutwell's Style Lab. Yep, HUGE! Stay tuned for my style lab experience ;)

But, oh my heck! One of the best things about workshops is the cool people that I get to meet. New friends that share my passion. New friends that love being behind the camera and capturing moments that we all live for. You know, happiness and love :) My day in the OC started with just that, new friends. Plus lots and lots of rain, umbrella flipping, and shedding a couple of tears because I miss Chris a lot. But that's just another story. ha!

But fa real. Today, I had lunch with Kristine Atienza, and Emily Steffen. Two amazing ladies that share my love for photography. It was then, at lunch, I felt absolute happiness. The same feeling I had two months ago when I was in Laguna Beach with a bunch of ladies that completely inspired me beyond words. Over orange chicken, miso salmon, and iced teas, we talked about photography. Photographers. And more photography. It was perfect, and I wouldn't have it any other way. These two ladies are only the beginning, and tomorrow I get to meet more. More people to inspire me beyond belief. Especially Chenin, The Wedding Chicks, and Doug Boutwell.

I'm so excited. SO excited like Jesse Spano on caffeine pills.

Happy Monday!

Wedding Wednesdays: Bridal Party Dresses

I love my bridal party. A ton. They are my girls for life. Times eternity. Next week, I'll introduce them to you for my next Wedding Wednesday. But for now, I thought I'd share with you what they'll be wearing.

I thought long and hard about this. It was either choose ugly dresses to make myself look better ;) or choose fabulous dresses for them to work it in. And of course, since I'm such a little angel, I chose fabulous dresses! They're so excited about it, and so am I!

My gorgeous bridal party will be wearing Two Birds Bridesmaids Dresses.

Two Birds Bridesmaid Dresses are chic, classic, and oh so lovely! The thing is, it's only one dress. But it's one dress that bridesmaids can wrap 15 different ways so that it looks like a different dress. Ariane Goldman is a genius for designing such a fabulous dress. It's one size fits all, so everyone looks and feels beautiful. Perfection!

I know my ladies are going to love their dresses. The best part is that they can shorten it and wear it again ;)