Courtney and Adam Married!

Courtney and Adam were married back in July and I just realized I never gave it a proper post, and it definitely deserves one. I am not a wedding photographer and I now have an even greater respect for those who are. It is not easy. Seriously ( understatement of the year). My heart still beats faster when I think about it.

The wedding was absolutely lovely and Courtney and ADam could not have looked happier. Everyone there seemed to be so genuinely happy for these two and I was too. There were quite a few tears while I was editing, mostly because I felt like I got to be part of such an special experience and some pretty intimate moments before the ceremony. It was an honor and a privilege. Also, probably my last wedding. Amen.

Courtney and Adam, your love is beautiful. I hope married life is everything you hoped it would be.

As Good as My Ambitions

I was reading one of my favorite photo blogs, Justin and Mary and they had posted a link to this video. It struck me as exactly where I am in my life, and my photography, and one thing is for sure. I'm not giving up, and I'm not going to stop. I want my work to be as good as I imagine it can be one day. I will get there someday. If I don't, at least I can say I gave it my all.

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

It spoke to me and encouraged me so I just had to share. I have a long weekend full of hugging babies, sleeping in, watching the construction going on in my back yard and editing pictures.

Happy Friday!

Love,
Shea

Renwick Family- Chloe 18 months!

Nothing makes me feel as good as when past clients ask me to come back. It's a warm and fuzzy feeling, and a confidence booster to boot! To be fair, Colleen may be a bit biased because she is a friend of mine and the cousin of my BFF Alisa. That's okay by me! I'll take it. :)

Frank and Colleen are a beautiful couple( seriously, BEAUTIFUL) with am amazing, spunky little girl named Chloe. I had the honor to capture some very special moments at her first birthday party. Since she's growing so quickly and changing from a baby into an adorable little girl, her mama wanted some family photos. I was happy to oblige.

Chloe is very determined, and that sometimes results in a more serious looking face. She's a very happy, sweet little girl, but it can be difficult to capture her sweet smile.  I had to be nimble, but it worked. We got it!

Flowers made her smile the largest ( a girl after my own heart), and she loved observing other children. Oh, and we can't forget her Dad doing jumping jacks in the middle of the park to make her giggle. That's pure love right there!

Chloe is really something special, and I can't wait to watch her grow into a little lady. Colleen and Frank love her to pieces and it shows in their smile, and their patience. They are doing awesome ( spoken from the expert with no children). It doesn't take an expert to see love though. It's beautiful.

Chloe, keep on growing and exploring and learning. Be nice to those sweet parents of yours and please stop making me look bad with that awesome wardrobe of yours! I think I was 23 years old before I got my first pair of designer jeans! ;)

Love,

Shea

Life is About the Journey....Right????

It seems I am extremely far behind in the blogging world. I honestly don't know how some people do it? I can barely write a few posts a month! There has been a lot of shooting this month, and less time on the computer as I try to balance both jobs and try to make sure Jeff still remembers who that girl is that keeps drooling in his bed sitting next to him on the couch at the end of the night. Thankfully he is supportive and understanding and one of my biggest fans. He thinks I am capable of more than I think I am 9 so do my parents). The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. To be honest though, it has been extremely challenging, but also extremely fun. I have really enjoyed shooting, and continuing to learn. Mistakes have been made, and lessons have been learned, and I hope those lessons will carry me far through my photography journey.

I shot my first wedding at the beginning of July. Those pictures are coming along slowly, but surely as I try to remind myself that not every shot has to be perfection. There are moments where I become overwhelmed with emotion looking at them and reliving the moments of one of the most special days in two peoples lives. Other times I want to hide under the covers at the thought of editing all of these pictures! Still, there is a question in my mind about why they chose ME, but I am grateful and honored at the same time. I pretty much feel that way when anyone asks me to photograph them. I do it. Not perfectly, but I do.

I am overwhelmed, and I am extremely grateful.

That is all.

Happy Tuesday!

Love,
Shea

Alisa and Jonathan- 4 years and The Sweet Life in Wine Country

Chico, California is where our friendship began. She lived in the apartment below me and we have been best friends pretty much since the day we met. Some of my fondest memories are speed walking on hot summer nights with our hot pink, slightly geriatric 2lb arm weights that we would hide behind or backs when we walked past the fraternity houses. We shopped at Wet Seal (seriously) , and carefully planned what we would wear to Joe's Bar. I helped her celebrate her 21st birthday, a rite of passage in a college town.  We spent 9-11  together glued to the TV, watching in horror and we were driving through the pineapple fields in Hawaii celebrating our college graduation when my Dad called and told us the USA declared war on Iraq. I will remember those moments forever.

 There is something about that time in my life that is magical. If you can call having no money and making incredibly poor choices in men magical.... We did it though. We lived it up. I have no regrets ( okay maybe a few, but let's just pretend okay). There were times we could finish each others sentences, and even today when we Instant Message there are at least a couple times a day when we type the exact same thing at the same time. I could probably go my whole life and not find another friend like her. I wish everyone had an "Alisa". I am so lucky to have her. She knows who I am, with all of my faults....and loves me anyway. No judging, just a kind ear and an open heart.

She is beautiful. Inside and out, upside down and inside out. See for yourself.

It feels like just yesterday she was planning her wedding. Wine cork place cards, green hydrangeas, white peonies, fresh lemons. It was perfect, romantic, and everything she dreamed of. Standing beside her as her Maid of Honor, there was no place I would have rather been.  Jonathan completed her story, and opened the chapter to the next part of her life. My only requirement for her husband was that he makes her happy, and he sure does. There's nothing more I could wish for her than this. Happy 4 year Anniversary!

Alisa and Jonathan recently moved to wine country. There house is on a vineyard and it suits them perfectly. They even have chickens!!!! It's pretty much a photographers dream. Thankfully they were kind enough to indulge in my vineyard photo shoot fantasy. Thanks for indulging me. These photos make me so happy.

I know I'm going to hear about this post tomorrow. You see, Alisa doesn't always recognize  just how beautiful she really is. There WILL be at least eight pictures she doesn't like (it's probably not her "good side"),  but I see it. She's stunning, and she's got a wonderful husband who loves her more than anything. What could be more beautiful than that? Plus, don't worry Alisa, the only people who read this blog are you and my Mom anyway. Hi Mom!! :)

Wishing you two many, many more years of love and happiness. I love being a part of your life together.

Love ,

Shea

p.s. Jonathan can really COOK!! This is his bruschetta on his homemade bread. Yeah, I know..... awesome.

Courtney & Adam.....7-9-11

Courtney and Adam are one of the sweetest couples I have ever photographed. From the first time I met Courtney, I knew she was one of those deep down to the core sweethearts, and I was right. She and Adam met while working at Home Depot. Different departments, but I'm sure they managed to run into one another on a regular basis. SO cute...I can just picture them in their orange aprons.

In three days, Courtney will walk down the aisle at their family ranch to become Mrs. Alcoser. I can not wait to see her glow in that white dress, because I know she will rock it OUT! My hopes are to capture the day in a way that genuinely represents their love and their home. Until then, I will leave you with a few pictures.....

May they always walk hand-in hand.....in love.

Love,
Shea