Friday, September 07, 2007

Saying Goodbye

Though I already informed Essence Photo & Video of my future plans, I am making my official announcement that I will be parting ways with the studio to pursue my own business exclusively. I am already enjoying being my own boss, and having the additional creative freedom that running my own business brings.

I have already arranged to honor all the contracts which have been assigned to me by Essence, which numbers to only 4 (including tomorrow).

Many thanks to everyone over at Essence who helped me with my career's journey.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Jamaica, Here I Come!!!

I am extremely excited! Yesterday, I was given the official thumbs up to be the photographer for a destination wedding to Jamaica!!! I just have to get some paperwork in order for my assistant slash boyfriend to come along and help shoot with me, and everything will be all set!

Nena and John, I'm extremely excited and honored to be able to do this with/for you! I cannot wait to begin this whole process with your engagement session in a month!

Monday, September 03, 2007

Dana & Scott

Yesterday's wedding was a bit of a surprise. I was booked through Essence Photo and Video for another wedding shoot. The couple, as it turns out, ended up being childhood friends of sorts from the church I went to! Without further adieu, here is a quick memory of my day with Dana and Scott :)

I started off at Dana's home where she and her family have divided the house into two separate flats. We ended up taking some very lovely photos, and turned it into a very short bridal session. Dana was already dressed and ready to go by the time I arrived at her home, but she was glowing and very beautiful :)




Dana's bridesmaids arrived, and I must say that every one of them looked absolutely stunning! Dana did a fantastic job in choosing the perfect bridesmaid gown that flattered each of her girls.




I made my way over to the Cuneo Museum in Prospect Heights, IL for the wedding ceremony. The men were already on site and making final preparations when I arrived. Scott was a little bit nervous, and really wanted to make everything as perfect as possible. We took some pictures of Scott alone first, and then added the guys... AND snuck in some family shots here and there :)








The ceremony was beautiful and lovely. Dana's mother and family sang a lovely Romanian song, her father spoke a scripture in Romanian, and one of the grandmother's (I believe it was Scott's) told a very animated story to the couple (that was my favorite part). Time ran out, and so the minister skipped the communion portion of the ceremony. Dana and Scott were now newlyweds :)








After the ceremony, we had a limited amount of time to take family pictures and such. I had to crack down somewhat, and even say no to Dana's mother (I'm still SO sorry for having to do that!) in order to ensure that Dana and Scott were able to take all the pictures they really wanted on the grounds of the Museum.






Dana and Scott chose to have their reception at Maggiano's in Schaumburg, IL. The rest of the night was filled with laughter, great food, good company, and above all, a happily newly married couple.






Congratulations, Dana and Scott! I wish you the best of luck and many blessings in your years to come. Together, you two make a fantastic and beautiful couple :)