Wedding Crashers...that's us!

Okay, okay...so we didn't ACTUALLY crash a wedding, but we did attend one! Noah and Amy are both members of my Life Group and tonight they finally tied the knot in front of over 125 guests in San Juan Capistrano. The night was beautiful, and it was so nice to just attend a wedding and be pampered instead of rushing around like a cracked-up mongoose in a snake pit! In addition to just having a great time with my small group, one positively unique aspect of the evening was the Kettle One vodka martini bar that they had in the corner!
Amy works for Kettle One in Aliso Viejo and a major perk of the job is having them come and take care of you on your wedding day. Normally this extremely expensive service is reserved for only the most chic parties in the state...and tonight was no exception! I've never seen such a setup, and it only just added to an already fun-filled evening. Did I mention it was an open bar? haha.

I fought my urge to treat tonight like I was the photographer, so we mainly took just fun and kooky pictures tonight! Here are a few of our favorites!

They pour it in the top...

...And it chills on the way down and is mixed into your glass waiting below!


Okay so I had to get a few shots of the details...haha. Loved the lighting.




They had a photobooth! Thanks to the people at Cheesyphotobooths.com

[b] Cool..Stay in School!

For the past several weeks we have been a part of a community that I have yet to see in any other profession. It's amazing! The [b] School launched at the beginning of this month and so far the response has been fantastic. 

What is the [b] School?

The [b] School is a community set up by [b]ecker exclusively for wedding photographers throughout the nation as a place where they can go and ask questions, make new friends, exchange calendars, give advice, and even refer one another business! It is Facebook meets Open Soure Photo forum for photographers. Already in less than a month members are having get togethers, requesting second shooters, posting pictures, and networking with people across the US. Both Erin and I are proud to be in on the ground floor of what is looking like an industry-changing school of thought whose motto is "A rising tide raises all ships."

For many of you who aren't photographers, but rather clients, this post need only encourage you that the photography professionals of the nation are constantly striving to be the best, shoot the best, and present to you the best possible experience on your wedding day. We can't wait to fully take advantage of all the [b] School has to offer!

Have a blessed day!

-Inspiration and Eel Sauce-

Yesterday I had the privilege of having lunch with a friend and a legend; Mike Colon. Mike and I met around two years ago. He was hosting one of his famous workshops and I was helping out by modeling for his students. At that point, I was just merely fascinated by photography, I never thought I'd go after it myself! It's amazing how God has a way of working in peoples hearts, and since then has changed mine. And thus, there I was...sitting at a sushi bar and munching down some spicy tuna with one of the greats. 

We talked about where we were now...and where I wanted to be 5 or 10 years from now. He looked over my goals and asked in detail how I planned to get there. We talked about the steps I'd need to take both now and in the months to come. Fighting his jet lag from the days previous, Mike encouraged me to just go after it! To not divide my time but rather focus on what I want to become and not settle for anything less! Starting out is always the hardest point. Your faith, confidence, and check book are all pushed beyond what you think is possible...but it shouldn't discourage. He can relate to my situation now, because he went through the exact things I'm facing now. The challenges, the reality, and the learning curve. But he encouraged me to take heart,

"It should light a fire! It should push you to be that much better, that much more determined to be an expert at what you do."

Phrases like these are what left me feeling full of determination (and shrimp tempura!). I can't wait to continue in this journey, striving to be the best at what I do. With help from such inspirational people like Mike, something tells me my education will be nothing short of amazing! 

Thank you, Mike, for your generosity, wisdom, and humble heart. I can't wait to attend your next workshop! I know where it's going to be...but not many others do just quite yet, so my lips are sealed! ;)  I can't wait!!