WPPI 2011 February 26, 2011

When I was little my mom used to describe nap time as an opportunity to recharge our batteries.  Well Vegas certainly can’t be described as nap time (why does sleep seem so hard to come by in that crazy town?), but it definitely was a chance to re-charge our batteries. I felt rejuvenated being able to learn and grow from all the amazing photographers who inspire me in this business. Plus, it’s always fun to walk around the trade show and see what’s fresh and upcoming in the wedding industry.

To be completely honest, I wasn’t even sure if I was going to make it this year. Of course I was dying to go, but the logistics of it had kept me on the fence. It was only after my husband’s encouragement and insistence that it was absolutely essential to my over-all well being that I attend, did I make the decision to go. He knew (as he usually does) exactly what I needed. It’s so amazing to take a little time to be inspired, encouraged, and refreshed. WPPI did all of these things and more. It reminded me exactly why I’m in love with this wonderful, crazy, sometimes stressful, but always rewarding business. I know that might sound a little bit like I was burnt out or something, which is FAR from the truth…I guess it’s just really hard for me to find the words to explain it. I love what I do and I feel so blessed to be able to do it! I’m in love with photography and people and photographing people. It’s going to be an exciting year! Keep Smiling, Summer

 

I know these aren’t the best photos but here are some of those people who inspire me immensely (this is not a complete list by any means):

Jerry Ghionis

 

Nigel Barker

 

Jasmine Star

 

Mike Larson

 

Jose Villa, Mike Colon (hidden in this photo but he is totally on my list of inspiring photographers), Summer Watkins, Amanda from 100layercake, Heather from Style Unveiled and Jesh de Rox

 

On this trip we were also on a mission to put our KISS sticker in creative places. Give us a challenge and we are on it!

 

 

 

 

We had a little time before catching our flight so of course we did what we pretty much always do when we have some free time, took photos of anything and everything!

 

 

 

 

What can I say? I’m easily amused.

 

 

A look back at 2010 February 10, 2011

Wow! What a year it was. I know we have said it before but we really do feel so lucky to get to work with so many amazing people. We so appreciate you letting us into your lives and allowing us to capture your special moments. Here are some of our favorite moments from 2010 (the song is pretty short so there wasn’t time to add in everything and everyone who made 2010 so great but we did our best). Keep Smiling, Summer

Gracefully Girly February 8, 2011

It was like a walk in the park with friends. Well, a walk in the park in beautiful dresses, accessorized perfectly with gorgeous girly things, cameras following us around, and people giving us a full range of stares. This shoot could have been a bit of a disaster with four girls who usually make their mark behind the camera stepping in front of it to model. But, as it turns out, it was this very knowledge and expertise they have making other people camera ready that was priceless for our shoot. Hannah acted as our amazing make-up artist/model while Jen and Ashleigh were our professional hair-stylists/models. Without them we could not have accomplished this shoot so I really want to thank them for being so all around fabulous. And I know that word is totally overplayed but in this one instance, I think it completely applies. Kimberlee, your accessories are beautiful. It makes me wish I could be a bride all over again thinking about all the adorable things I should have had at my wedding!! And Karin, it’s probably a bit silly to say it on our blog, but your photography blows me away. Keep Smiling, Summer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gracefully Girly Sneak Peek February 4, 2011

I can’t wait to post the Gracefully Girly shoot in a couple days but in the meantime, I just couldn’t help myself from posting a little sneak peek. And I need to thank my beautiful friends who acted as models for this fun shoot. What can I say? You are honestly amazing!! Keep Smiling, Summer