Noi and Kyle’s Wedding at the Sunrise Amphitheater
I only took on 6 weddings this season. And Noi and Kyle’s wedding was exactly the type of wedding that I love to photograph–Simple, natural, and to the point (which of course is the marriage itself). In my humble opinion, after doing weddings for 12 years, a wedding should be the union and celebration of love between two people amongst their dearest friends and family. The details are icing on the cake–quite literally. If the love is there, if the couple is more excited to see their significant other at the end of the alter more than the alter pieces, then the alter pieces aren’t necessary. The emotion and energy outshines the most opulent embellishments.  Congratulations, Noi and Kyle—It was a spectacular wedding!
Katy and Orlando’s Dream Wedding on Necker Island
For many guests, Katy and Orlando’s wedding was a dream vacation–a once in a lifetime trip to far away, rarely visited tropical islands. Not only was the wedding on the exclusive Necker Island (Sir Richard Branson’s private island near Virgin Gorda), but the week was packed full of parties and activities that made the wedding feel more like a week long party. Katy and Orlando opened the celebration with a welcome dinner on Necker Island (unfortunately, we didn’t make it to that one because we were being “detained” in the airport due to a mix up on my work permit). The following night they held a Moroccan beach party alongside Branson’s beautiful, famous flamingos, with hooka pipes, a bonfire, an incredible Moroccan dinner, custom cocktails, and a view of one of the most beautiful places in the world. The third night, Katy and Orlando hosted their rehearsal dinner as a “White Cuban Casino Night”. There was gambling, an amazing Cuban band from Puerto Rico, the best mojitos I’ve ever tasted, Cuban cigars, some lemurs (yes, lemurs), and of course some very heartfelt toasts by friends and family. Every guest was invited to every party. It was really fun for me to get to know some of Katy and Orlando’s friends and family as we partied and boated together from our resort Island to Necker.
The wedding itself was held at the temple house on Necker Island which basically overlooks the entire island and is surrounded by the turquoise sea. Unfortunately, along with the logistics of the layout (no aisles, 4 videographers, pillars and an enormous swimming pool that I couldn’t work around), the flowers were so fabulous are extravagant that even from the other side of the pool I wasn’t able to get any wide shots from a distance. So, I guess you just had to be there to truly witness the grandeur of the ceremony. It was spectacular.
The reception to follow was also another grand party with a live 80’s band, 4 different cakes, incredible food, desserts, drinks, decor, and major celebrating. I imagine that I will never again have the opportunity to photograph a wedding quite like Katy and Orlando’s. It truly was a once in a lifetime vacation for many and for me, a highlight of my career. Thank you, Katy and Orlando–I am so, so honored that you flew me across the world to photograph your spectacular event.
And many, many thanks to Caroline Treadway, who assisted me at this wedding and devoted 6 days of her life to tagging alongside this preggo. I couldn’t have done it without her and am constantly blown away by her talent.
Maria and Michael at the Westin in Beaver Creek
Maria and Mike’s wedding in Beaver Creek was simply delightful. It was classy, elegant, and most importantly, a REALLY good time. These two know how to throw a party! But seriously, Maria’s elegant taste paired with Stacy Pisani’s impeccable style, this wedding was stunning. And Mike brought the house down with his moves and of course his devilishly handsome grin.
A Bittersweet Farewell
I should be packing right now. The movers are coming at 6pm and it’s 4:30. I’m drinking a beer, listening to Waylon Jennings on vinyl and typing on this computer for probably the last time ever in this beautiful space. My little baby is with my mom and has been with her everyday for almost a week, just so I can get things done. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I’ve been working 70 hours a week. That’s shoots plus post production plus premieres plus meetings plus album designs, mailings, customer service, etc. I’m drowning this time every year, but this year it’s different because I have a baby. And up until the last couple of weeks, I have also been a full time mom. You do the math. As Clinton says, it’s “arithmetic’. There has been no time for me. And I can do that… for awhile. But after 9 months of trying to make all of this work, I am finally throwing up the white flag and letting go.
I will always be a photographer. I wouldn’t be Ramona’s mother if I weren’t. It’s who I AM. My identity is completely wrapped up in my work and will always be. But starting December 1st I am simplifying. I’m simplifying my packages, I’m simplifying my work space, I’m even simplifying my wardrobe. And as hard as it is sitting here with tears streaming down my face saying goodbye to a chapter of my life, I’m ready for the next. I’m ready for some land. I’m ready for some peace. I’m ready for 20 weddings instead of 30 and I’m ready to have a semblance of my personal life back. I can’t wait to take long walks with Ramona, take her to the library, or to the pool just because. I’m ready for the spa—-ahhhhh the spa, which I haven’t visited since my little bean was born. I’m ready to TRAVEL!!!!
Jesse and I bought this incredible space just 3 1/2 years ago knowing that it was an investment property and that it might make more financial sense for us to lease it one day. And it’s come down to that. We can own this amazing space and make a tiny profit from it now. And I can bring everything home to confine my life into one working space. I’m actually really looking forward to it.
Let me reiterate. For any of you who are thinking that I am quitting or am going out of business, I am absolutely not. I am still and will probably always be a full time wedding and portrait photographer. I just won’t be working like a mad woman. I’ve made some of the best work of my life this season simply because I realized that my work is ME. As much as my family is ME, my work is ME and seeing two worlds collide this season, actually extracted some of my finest creative juices. I was in an “alpha-state”, if you will. I’ve posted a few images that I’m quite proud of below, just because. And believe me, now that I’ll be working from home there will be much more blogging and much more clarity in my “voice” as an artist. I hope you will all follow me down this new path and will be able to see the new spirit in my work. I’m very excited. But until I feel the freedom, I’ll let these tears flow and feel the loss of surrendering my home away from home. Good bye 2405 W 32nd Ave. You were a dream come true. Literally.
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Val and David’s wedding in Denver
Val and David, albeit rock star party animals, were one of my sweetest couples to work with. Ever. They deserved the perfect weather, the elegant oxford backdrop, the most scrumptious of cakes, and the love that was lavished on them from their family and friends on their wedding day. It was a pleasure working with them and I hope they have babies soon so I can continue to photograph the love…
Congratulations, you two! You truly make the perfect couple. xo
Jenny and Matt’s Boulderado Wedding
I had the pleasure of photographing Jenny and Matt’s gorgeous wedding last Saturday at the Hotel Boulderado. Jenny and Matt live in my neighborhood and I fell in love with them the minute they walked into my studio. They make their own wine and brought me a bottle, even though I was pregnant at the time. So thoughtful, and unassuming! We did their engagement session last fall with their two sweet doggies and got to know each other even more, and I’d been looking forward to their wedding ever since, knowing that it would be one of my favorites of the season. Saturday was HOT like hell, but luckily these two choose to have their ceremony on the staircase of the Boulderado. It was original, and perfect. I had a great day with them and am sincerely hoping that this will be just the beginning of our relationship… Congratulations, Jenny and Matt–you two are perfect like peas and carrots. It was an honor working with you. xoxo
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