Health Update: Part 3

Part 3? Geez. I never in my life would have thought I'd be posting health updates in my 20's. Such is life I guess. :-)

Everyone's been asking, so I figured I'd just post an update for everyone. My visit with my ENT went pretty good. He told me my allergies are severe (hey, this is FLORIDA! Who doesn't have allergies right?)I am supposed to start on allergy therapy this week which consists of these drops I have to take everyday for... FIVE YEARS! I couldn't believe it was going to be that long when he first told me. Hopefully it will help. He thinks that most of my dizziness is due directly from my allergies.

I have a physical therapy evaluation tomorrow for my ears at the dizziness and balance center at the hospital. They said to wear loose pants that can be rolled up and to have someone bring me because there is a strong possibility that I won't be able to drive afterwards. My mother quickly volunteered. :-) I love her.

Speaking of how much I love my mother (I know mom, I'm breaking your rule of no blogging about you. Hey, at least I don't have photos). Yesterday, I went to my mom's house. I hadn't seen her at all the entire holiday weekend. As soon as I got there she told me, "I have a surprise for you," and quickly left the room. Just as I was really starting to wonder what she was up to, much to my total utter shock and sheer excitement, my mom shows up smiling with an 8 pack of none other than.... COTTON CANDY! OMG! I cannot tell you how excited I was. I am a cotton candy FREAK! It is my secret (ok not so secret for those who know me well) guilty pleasure. It is pure sugar, pure calories, and pure love. I can eat tons of it in one sitting. Everytime I go to Publix, I always treat myself and buy some. I feel this hidden guilty satisfaction as I slowly sneak it into my cart as if the person in front of or behind me might notice my odd infactuation. It's an obsession I know. It just goes to prove, my mother really, really loves me!

On a business note, all emails have gone out. If you were expecting to hear from me, contact me. I've noticed I have not received a few emails from some Clients, specifically from gmail. If all else fails, use my contact form on my website. I always get those. Just be sure to fill out everything. Sometime people forget to add their contact information and then I have no way to contact them back. :-)

Once again, I love you guys! You are my daily strength. Well, besides the cotton candy of course. ha ha!

I took some photos a couple of weeks ago purely for me. We went to the wetlands and I got some great shots of all kinda of birds. If I ever get around to editing them, I will post them.

Health Update: Part 2

Well, I just got back from the neurologist today, and I've got GREAT news. He's gotten back the results to my MRI and they are completely normal! I have NO signs of any type of tumor!! Talk about relief! I can't tell you how worried I have been lately. Everyone's love and support has meant so much to me! There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't have someone calling, emailing, texting, or commenting about how they were praying for me. I have the best clients, friends, and family on earth! You guys really lifted my spirits through all of this.

I am still waiting on some of the test results to come back, but the scariest part is now over. I am meeting with the ENT next Wednesday to go over the results from my Hearing and Dizziness tests, and should be hearing from my primary care physician concerning the blood work soon. My neurologist is putting me into physical therapy; although, I am a little uncertain as to what this means as of right now. I've never heard of anyone going to physical therapy for their ears, so this should be interesting. ;-)

Now to the best part, since everything with my health seems to be mostly under control, I am now ready to start taking on new clients! Give me a few days to sort through my email, but I'll start contacting everyone as soon as possible to schedule meetings. I can't wait to talk to everyone concerning their wedding plans and have been eager to use my new studio for everyone wanting their portraits done as well! Christmas is just around the corner (scary right?), and its about time to start booking your sessions for your Christmas cards.

So overall, great news!! No brain tumor, and back open for business again. Thanks everyone for your love and support. That sounds so trite, but you really, really don't know how much you all mean to me!!

Health Update

Hey all! I just wanted to give you guys an update to what's going on with me. I can't tell you exactly as the doctors still don't know. So far, I have been to a ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat doctor) and a Neurologist as well as my primary care physician. Everyone seems to have different ideas of what may be going on. For the most part though, all the doctors agree that it probably has something to do with my ears. I have an ophthalmologist appointment this afternoon as my dizzy spells often blur my vision. I have a dizziness and hearing test tomorrow, go back to my primary care physician on Wednesday, am having blood work done on Thursday, and have an MRI scheduled for Friday. That's only the schedule for this week. I'm so tired of being poked and prodded (sometimes literally), that I can't stand it. And I've only just begun.

Given that I'm not sure how I will feel from day to day, I am still not taking on any new clients. I am lucky to have a break in my schedule (which I NEVER have had since my almost 3 years in business) and I am using it to rest. Some days I am great with limited dizziness, other days I can't even walk, let alone hop in the car and drive somewhere. Because of this, I will be taking some time off.

This is a very scary time for me right now, so I appreciate all your prayers and support. I think the scariest thing about all of this is not knowing. One minute I think that it must just be an oversensitivity in my ears to balance, and the next minute I'm freaking myself out thinking that there might be something growing in my head. Only time (and testing!) will tell. Again, thank you everyone for your love and support. Please keep the prayers coming my way. I'm sure I will be up and running again in no time.

Update: Why I've been MIA

Hey everyone! I know its been forever since my last post! A lot of things have gone on here in my world over the past several weeks. Things have been so heavy around here that I don't exactly know where to begin. I guess the best thing is just to delve right into it, so here goes nothing.

I have been having intense dizzy spells over the past several weeks. Now I've been experiencing vertigo since I was about 19, but the past week or so have been far worse than normal. I have been to the doctor and am awaiting visits to several different specialists to find out what is wrong. I am being told that there is a great possibility that it may just be an imbalance in the fluid in my ears. I am praying that this is all it is. If that's not the case it could be something far more serious.

I apologize to everyone out there who has emailed me. My response time is much lower than normal as I am not spending much time in the office lately due to my illness. I am holding off on all client meetings at this time due to the fact that I would like to not risk driving as much as possible.

So, the short of it is, I will be taking a few days off. I have another visit with the ENT on Tuesday and will provide everyone with an update. I am sure that before long I will be back up to my normally crazy self in no time. I want to issue a special thank you to everyone for their prayers they have sent my way! It has definitely not gone unnoticed!! I love you all!!!

Wedding: Melissa + Brian

I knew through all my conversations with Melissa that she was a very special person. She has this integrity about her that is apparent in your first contact with her. Not only did she hold a special place with me as my 2008 wedding photography contest winner, I felt like her and I could easily become friends. I knew that Brian must be a great guy to be with someone like Melissa.

Its not hard to tell that these two are crazy for one another. They are one of the few couples I've ever photographed that I didn't have to tell to kiss one another during the romantic portrait session. We had so much fun at their event and I have literally been sitting here for hours trying to pick out the best shots to show you guys. I finally narrowed it down to my top 27 images. :-)

Melissa's dress was gorgeous! I loved her shoes too!

My assistant Joshua Ott got to hang with the guys while they were getting ready. Brian doesn't even look nervous!

I LOVE the detail here! You can actually see the glitter dust on Melissa's eyes and cheeks!

The final touches. I thought when taking this photo (and still do) that Melissa looked like an angel. She was such a beautiful bride!

I asked mom and daughter to take a picture together and was almost responsible for ruining their makeup before the ceremony. The moment they looked at each other they started getting teary eyed.

The ceremony was at the Rusty Pelican overlooking the city of Miami.

I love the emotion here between Melissa and Brian as they say their vows.

Melissa and Brian wanted a group shot of all their guests!

*secret* there's a bridesmaid under that dress. ha ha. One of Melissa's bridesmaids was trying to bustle Melissa's dress and made Brian hold the train. I just couldn't resist the photo op!

he he he... this photo needs no commentary!

Now I must give a shout out here to my awesome assistant, Joshua Ott! This cake shot looks awesome with the sky and city in the background!! One of my favorite images of the night!

Melissa's sister wanted a picture of her and her boyfriend in front of the skyline at night. Aren't they just the cutest couple?

I must say I didn't see the actual "child bunting" in this photo take place (AKA holding on to mom's leg and not letting go). This series was taken by my assistant Josh. *Note: No child was harmed in the making of these images.*

Let the dancing begin!

Even mom was getting down!

I absolutely LOVE this!

Now this is what you call a happy accident. I was testing the lighting right before we started shooting Melissa and Brian' nighttime romantic portraits and I captured this. I told you these two loved each other!!! You can see it all over their faces!!

Every girl should be able to lay her head in the lap of the man she loves while he plays with her hair! :-)

These two were troupers! There we were in the middle of the restaurant with everyone staring at them, and they didn't even seem to notice! Melissa said one of the tourist even asked if they could have their picture taken with her!

Gotta have a right shot!

I love the unseen tension in this. It's right before the groom takes the garter off his bride!

The guests kept taunting him to go higher. She was playing along... at first! ha!

I can personally tell you, that cake was delicious!! Lily from Edible Creations did a great job!

Now THIS is a cake shot! *Note, I originally told them to stick their tongue out, and instead they kissed! Its the first wedding I've ever had to get onto the couple for PDA! And I'm a PDA kinda girl! Well.... maybe I should rephrase that...*

A little birdie told me that a couple of party girls stole some of the waiters and made them dance. ;-)

Everyone partied so hard that these little guys were worn out! We found them sleeping like logs! All the strobes going off didn't even wake them!

And they lived happily ever after! What a wonderful wedding!

I must say, I had so much fun! I absolutely love my job! I can't believe how blessed I am to be able to share in the happiest moments in your lives! My clients rock!

I must give a hats off to Leah Igel from Leah Beth Events. She did a great job coordinating the day! I can't wait until she gets her website up. I'll definitely have to update you guys with her info! She gets an A+!

And lastly to Melissa & Brian: Thank you so much for the honor of choosing me to be your wedding photographer! You two really do have a special place in my heart, and I do hope that despite living across the country, you'll keep in touch! I am so glad I got to photograph your wedding!

OK, OK, I just couldn't show you only 27 images from a wedding this fabulous! SOOOOOO.... I put together a quick slideshow for your viewing pleasure. :) Enjoy!

***Click here to go to the slideshow.***

Sneak Peek: Melissa & Brian

Wow. Just Wow. Melissa & Brian's wedding was SO much fun! What a great couple! As some of my blog stalkers may remember, Melissa & Brian were the couple that won the 2008 wedding photography contest which was blogged about here and here. So not only are they a great couple, they are also well loved by all the family and friends that tirelessly voted for them! :-)

Now I tell you, picking out a photo for a sneak peak of this wedding was tough! There are just so many great images! The bride and groom are going to have their work cut out for them picking their favorites!

This is one of mine. I love taking photos at night!

Look out for more totally awesome photos to come! I am super excited to show them to you later this week!!!

SALE! SALE! SALE! Get your canvas while its HOT!

I just love a good sale, don't you? My canvas company, the fabulous Pixal2Canvas, has just announced a sale on their most popular canvas sizes. Now, what kind of photographer would I be if I didn't pass those special saving on to you!?!?

For a limited time only, you can order these super cool canvases at the special discounted prices below. Order soon, because its unlikely that prices will get this low again in the near future!

8x10 - $70
11x14 - $90
16x20 - $160

Also, P2C is giving the option of a Matte finish (normally an upgrade over the Satin finish) for free!

Hurry now an order! All you have to do is send me a quick email to get your order started!

Key West is Super Fabulous!

Every year for the weekend of my birthday, I try to just take some time and get away from the world. This year, I headed to the Southern most point of the continental United States to Key West. I love the Keys! I don't think I could ever get enough of it.

Now of course being a photographer, I always have a camera handy. As most of you know, I've been trying to get more pictures of myself. Granted, these aren't the most flattering pictures, but what can I say? I'm goofy! ;-)


This is the standard picture for every photographer. Anytime I see a mirror, I always get a picture of myself in it. It shows off that new 17-55mm f2.8 lens nicely too!

Waiting for pizza. Nothing to do but make funny faces to the camera.

You see all kinda of stuff walking around Duval Street. I saw this guy sitting on the sidewalk. Every time he would start to play, his dog wold howl! I just had to take his picture.

Of course, you can't go to the beach without a hammock

This is the life!

I must have laid in that hammock for hours just reading a book and listening to the waves. It was SO relaxing.

We were waiting on the sun to set. Its not often you can see the sun rise and set over the water both in the same day.

And this last one is just for fun. As a person who wears many hats, I thought this would be too fun! We had a rule that every time we saw a hat, I had to put it on and get my picture taken. Too fun! The middle picture is me with all my coupons I took from the hotel. Each card had a coupon for a free drink on Duval Street. I kept joking that we could drink all night and not have to pay a dime! Too bad I don't really drink! ;-)

More posts to come! Expect blog posts from my weekend in Orlando for my niece's birthday, the tag from Shores Photography, my weekend in Jacksonville for my cousin's graduation, and my long weekend in Buffalo!

Wedding: Jodi + Roland

Roland was the perfect picture of calm. He was hanging around the guys, laughing, smiling, cracking jokes. From the first glance, you almost wouldn't realize that he was getting married today if it weren't for the tuxes.

I am always amazed when two people can get ready to make one of the biggest decisions of their lives with such calm and elegance. It just shows me how convicted they are in their decision to love, honor, and cherish one person for the rest of their lives. Roland and Jodi both showed this confidence on their wedding day.

I shot this event back in April with Abby Liga. Abby is a super fabulous photographer out of Orlando, Florida, and it was an honor to get to work with her. Here are a few of my favorites from the day!































































Roland and Jodi, thank you so much for the honor of sharing the joy of your love for one another! Another big thanks to Abby Liga for bringing me along as a second photographer to help capture the event!

O.M.G.

Wow. Its been forever since my last post! I've really left all my blog stalkers out there hanging! :-(

Its been a crazy couple of weeks. The day after my last post, I was packing up boxes and moving to my new apartment in Deerfield Beach! The best part? My new place has room for a studio! I will be able to set up a full time studio just like I did back in Atlanta. Its been over a year since I've been able to set my studio up due to space. I am THRILLED! :-) I still have a lot to do until the studio space is completely set up, but I am expecting for it to be up and running by the end of this month!

Secondly, I was sick... again. I ended up with full blown strep. I was on doctors orders not to work for two whole days. Despite my 104 fever, I hated laying in bed all day! There's nothing worse than having to stay home and do nothing all day long. I feel like I lose so much productivity! But the rest was well needed, and I am on my way to being 100% better again!

Between the move, the unpacking, and the sickness, I have been to Orlando, Jacksonville, and now Buffalo. I've got photos from all locations along the way and can't wait to share everything with you guys!

I know I still have promised several other posts to you guys! Tonight, I promise, I will post up my favorite photos from the wedding I shot back at the end of April. You guys are going to LOVE them! :-)

Sorry to keep you guys hanging for so long! Its good to be back!

An Emergency Second Shoot with Elizabeth Antunes

One thing I think that most people don't know about the photographic community is we are very tight knit. I am very proud to say that I am good friends with most of my "competitors". I love this about photography! It's great that we can all be confident enough in our art to share secrets (and referrals) with our colleagues. I have always been one to help out both those just starting out and my fellow veterans in the community.

So when Elizabeth Antunes called me on Good Friday back in March frantic because her second shooter had bailed on her last second, I was more than happy to fill in for her. The amazing thing is, I was supposed to be out of town that weekend, but had been hired on last minute by the church for some promotional work, so I happened to have a few hours available Saturday evening to squeeze in a wedding.

This wedding was at Deerfield Estate down in Miami. The surroundings were absolutely beautiful...
Can you believe they just had orchids growing like this all around the property? I just had to grab a shot or two!

Unfortunately it rained almost all day! Fortunately for the Bride & Groom, superstition says that this is supposed to be good luck! :-)

One of the things I love about second shooting is I get to hang out with the guys for a change!

Not that I don't LOVE hanging out with the bride, sometimes the guy are... well... interesting!!
See, I told you the guys knew how to cut lose!

Granted, that drink in John's hand may be part of the reason too. I don't recall that being water. ;-)

Because of the rain, they had to make a last minute change and have the ceremony in the reception hall.

It didn't matter. Look at how beautifully decorated everything was!

It all looked so elegant!

The bride was stunning! She radiated happiness as she walked down the aisle!

:-)

After they said their "I do's", I think they were oblivious to everyone around them. These two were obviously in love!

I love this shot! Right before the kiss! I strategically used the videographer's light as a hair light. See the nice glow around their faces!

Such a happy bride!

And her dress was just gorgeous!

The one bad thing about the rain is we didn't get to take as many pictures outside as we had hoped for. I caught a quick shot of the bride glancing out the window to see if the rain had stopped.

We didn't let a little rain stop us from getting some killer shots!

Another thing I love about being a second photographer... I get to take all the fun artsy shots! I am in love with this shot of the cake!!!

The party was rocking! Everyone was having a great time! I'm loving the little bit of "flash flavor" the off camera lighting adds to this shot!

And most importantly the bride & groom were happily married!! :-)

Again I say, don't you just love love??

*le sigh* I love my job!

My Clients Friggin Rock!!!

I was out of town this weekend in Orlando (more on that later), and was surprised by the sweetest email from Nackia about her wedding photos. She told me it was OK to share with everyone...

Melissa,

Again, thank you! The pics are awesome. There are soooo many too. Thank you, thank you, thank you. As I said, you exceeded our expectations. You have a true talent. I am happy we are getting it next week. We leave the following week.

I am happy I chose you. We almost did not hire a professional photographer but one of our bible class members encouraged me to do it because we would never have this moment again.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Nackia

I am so touched by her kind words! I am so happy Nackia and Keron made the last minute decision to hire a photographer for their special day. Photography is one of the few things you get to keep from the event. People often don't realize until after the day is over how important it is to have a professional there to capture all the happenings and emotions of the day. I feel so honored that Nackia and Keron chose me to be the one to do just that!

Yeah, as I've said before, I have the best clients in the world!

Vow Renewal: Keron + Nackia

As he sat alone quietly waiting for his bride, I quickly snapped a few frames from the window. He had a faint smile on his face as he reflected on the day. Moments alone don't come often on your wedding day, even if you and your bride have already been married a couple years. Keron looks up and sees me taking his picture. His smile widens as he laughs. I go out to greet him.

As I'm standing next to him, I start composing my shots. I make small talk. "So why did you decide to renew your vows?" I had asked him.

He looks down at the veil he's holding for his bride, smiles, and looks up at me, his eyes full of love and says, "Because I wanted to give her the dream wedding she's always wanted."

My heart melts. Don't you just love love?

Keron and Nackia have definitely been blessed with lots of it. Btween their love for each other, their love for their son, their love from their family, and their love from their Church, they are surrounded by it. They are the kind of couple that give you that warm calm when you are around them. They are so comfortable with who they are. They are truly a joy to be around. This is evident upon first meeting them.

When I first got to the ceremony site, the first thing I saw was Keron and a few of his friends waiting on the last few guests to arrive.

Everyone was dressed in their finest, ready to see the commitment of love to take place.


Every detail was taken care of.


And the cake was beautiful!


As the guests arrived, they signed a mat framing a photo of the couple.

The anticipation was evident. Everyone was very excited.

The bride was beautiful. My assistant Josh took this rocking picture of her!

Family and friends gathered, and the ceremony started.

I love the look on Keron's face right before he read his vows.

Pastor Scott from Church by the Glades performed the ceremony.

Just look at the love on his face. I love this moment!

Exchanging of the rings.

I love the symbolysim of the two colors of sand becoming one that cannot separate.

woo hoo!! Look at the happy couple!

I love shadows!!

This was a FUN wedding party!

I told the ladies to give me some attitude! :-)

Keron is a self confessed "Momma's boy" so we had to get a picture of the three of them!

Portraits would not have been complete without a crazy picture of the couple with their Bible Study friends!

When you're little, its hard to stay focused for pictures. Nackia gave Josh her flowers and he started using them as a sword. Boys will be boys I suppose! My assistant Josh did a great job capturing this!

Josh wouldn't smile for anything!

I absolutely LOVE this!

OK, couldn't resist! Another picture of the beautiful bride!

A shot of me working. Sometimes I wish I was just a little bit taller!

I love this series! I told Keron to kiss Nackia on the neck and the look on her face as she started laughing was just priceless!

It was VERY windy, and Nackia's veil kept blowing all over the place!

FINALLY! We got Josh to smile! :-) Such a cute picture with his dad!

This was the initmate moment Keron had alone. The joy just radiates from his face!

The handsome groom!

I caught Josh eating cookies!


The happy couple! Nackia and Keron, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day! I am so glad I got to share in all the joy and love you have for one another! God truly has blessed your lives!