somebody may have had too much caffeine today… my sentiments exactly.
don’t worry it’s hot chocolate.
Tag Archives: Los Angeles photographer
Happiness is a journey, not a destination – D’Souza
In my younger years (stop laughing), I often sought out the words of my predecessors to find inspiration. I had an insatiable hunger for quotes filled with knowledge of life, love and happiness. I guess I figured that those who had traveled the road prior to me, would have the answers. The right way to find happiness and reach the ultimate goal of bliss. Was it in finding the right man, settling in the perfect town, landing the most illustrious career. All the things I was taught would bring joy. But, as each goal was checked off I still felt empty and unfulfilled. Confused and feeling lost after crossing off each task, I sorta gave up.
It wasn’t until this past year, and even this past few months did I realize that it was my very path and each task or event that made up happiness. It wasn’t just the pride of graduating college, it’s the late night study sessions eating junk food. Nor is it the wedding day, but more the small moments of laughter and challenges you overcome to get to that point. Lately, I find myself just holding and rubbing Steve’s hand. Cherishing the fact that we are here together, today and able to hold hands. It is this that makes me happy. It is less the idea that maybe one day we may own a home (well this could be exciting) and more the reality of just being able to be together. The fact that today we can go out and enjoy a meal together, whereas he was unable to eat last week. It’s funny how these things bring you closer together. I’ve heard it before, but never truly understood it until we lived it.
I have learned, from my own life, the true meaning of the above quote. That life is full of obstacles to be overcome (hey they build self esteem) and this is the main part of happiness, the journey.
Amidst all the personal challenges since March, we did manage to take a journey to Tuscany’s Spannocchia to celebrate our good friends’ (yes plural we love the bride and groom) wedding. Originally, we were supposed to photograph and video the event, but we’ve had a sudden change of plans and had to bow out. Thankfully, we were given last minute clearance to go for one week. It was a much needed trip to be around loved ones before our next challenge began at home.
Our trip made us realize that life is definitely a series of happy events, rather than a journey to reach a single place of happiness. It is these small chunks of time with loved ones that empower us to face the not so “happy” times. Our friends, Kim and Gary, had one of the most spectacular wedding weeks. Yes week. They had pizza night, cooking classes, an attempted trip to wineries, a ‘hen’ party in Siena, pool days and on and on and on. All these events were amazing, but mostly it was the time spent sitting, talking and sharing that I will remember the most.
I leave you with a few pictures I snapped. And an excuse for not blogging in a long time…
I know i haven’t blogged in months. I could have made this post a long winded explanation about what I’ve been doing and how I’ve been working way to much at my day job here, here, and here - among other places. But, I’m not going to make long winded excuses. I’m going out now to enjoy Friday Dinner with Steve and our good friend, Patrick.
History is a race between education and catastrophe
-H. G. Wells
A confession. I am not a vicious reader. However, I may possibly be the most ferocious reader of book jackets and reviews. The evidence can be found in the three foot pile sitting next to my bed, composed of anything from fiction to biography to “bettering your business” to “how to color in the lines”.
Occasionally, I do fail at avoidance.
I actually pick up a book and read past the inside cover. Once the journey begins and I’ve been captured by my prey, I’ve been known to sit for hours and days straight until I finish an entire book. Yes really, one whole book. Recently, I finished Three Cups of Tea in 2 sittings. (If you haven’t read this, it’s a must). To some this is no incredible feat, but for me it’s unheard of to be able to sit still for more than 20 minutes without some type of electronic gadget or my phone in hand.
Until recently, I’ve been trying to find something to match this masterpiece. Something to avoid attacking my guilty pile of book jackets. I found it the other day and of course it’s by the same author Greg Mortenson.
Primary education is a requirement in the United States.
Primary education in some other countries is a luxury. It is something fought for. It is something that elderly men will give up their lives fighting for. Something that young women are destroyed for. Local men will hike with 90lb bags of cement, 18 miles upriver in order to create a foundation for educating their youth. It is that important to them. The thirst for knowledge. The thirst to read.
Meanwhile, my 3 foot stack remains untouched, unread. My guilt can often creep in and hypocrisy strikes. In one moment I neglect the education at my fingertips, in the next I advocate those who fight for growth.
I was thinking of the little girls I’ve photograph and how they are protected and nurtured. Parents treasuring their innocence wanting to capture every little moment. Amazed by their first words, the first time they put letters together and read a word. Learning at such a young age to read, paint, communicate, color, dress up, explore and laugh freely. Able to roam freely. Able to experience an education. Able to dream.
We live in such an incredible country. And cheesy as it may be, I’m proud to be American. And I’m so fortunate to be able to see the next generation grow and discover.
Equally so, I am proud of people like Greg Mortenson who share that freedom and spread it across country lines. One day I hope I can pay my education forward. For now I will attempt to race over to that gigantic pile of books and get past the front cover before a ‘catastrophe’ happens and the pile falls on me whilst sleeping.
Mountains can never reach each other, despite their bigness. But humans can.
-afghan proverb
Just thinking today about how much I love the rain. Call me crazy.
It hasn’t rained since Steve was diagnosed.
It felt clean. A fresh start.
With the turning of the seasons, comes the turning of the minds. A revitalization.
I saw this. I’d say it’s straight to the point. AKA poignant. And, although it puts a negative spin on rain, you get the point.
“the way i see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain” – dolly parton
And a picture because lulu always brightens our day when she comes to visit. Even of it’s raining outside and she can’t play. She’ll soon forgot the ‘pain’ once the rainbow comes out.
Sometimes I wonder how I got here. Here, next to encouraging creative people. Here, next to people who are making a promise that last a lifetime. Here, next to Love. I am amazed by the generosity of photographers that allow lil ‘ol me to ‘compliment’ (used with hesitation & lightly) their professional work (built from lots of dedication and innate talent). Equally so, I am unequivocally impressed with bride & grooms that, without a blink of an eye, allow us into one of their more intimate and treasured journeys in life.
As a second shooter, duties most often involve assisting a main wedding photographer (no need to elaborate Jasmine Star sorts it all out here). Often there is little or no contact with the bride and groom, especially prior to the big day. The main shooter has built the relationship and most often we are there to help cover the many festivities, fluff a dress, catch a stray hair or carry a bag. So, when a bride & groom are kind, amidst their hectic day, and take a moment to recognize the photographers (and especially the lowly 2nd shooter) it is really something (yes i’m corny). Anne and Edgar were so kind and gracious. Instantly welcoming. Instantly fun. (I know I wasn’t so calm and friendly moments before my wedding). Thank you for having us. Thank you for being so kind. Thank you for beautiful a evening.
You let me share in your story and I hope I’ve done it justice.
Photographer: Jenny Liu
Hotel/Getting Ready: O Hotel
Venue: Union Station – Downtown L.A.
Bride & Groom: Anne & Edgar
The Dress: Nicole Miller
The Planner: Kelly Demaray
These photos: ME
There are the details
There is the dress, go Nicole Miller
There are the socks
There are the little moments of solitude and perfection
There is the getting ready and deep thought
There are the plans and the time
There are the moments of calm simple happiness
There are those that mean so much
There is the first look
There are the stylish fashionable awesome bridal portraits crafted by Jenny Liu
(look closely and see her in action)
There is the place
There are the special friends who share in the moment and speak volumes
There are proud moments
There is the excitement shared by the ones that know you oh so well
There is the leaving of childhood and entering of a new chapter of life
There are the intimate words that mean so much more shared with each other
There are the tears of joy
There are symbols
There are the smiles of joy
There are the looks
Finally, there is the man and wife
We have little touches…
…and grandiose love
We have the fruit of much hard work and planning (via the bride & groom and Kelly Demaray)
We have light
The first as man and wife
There is respect
There are words spoken that had been saved a lifetime
With Cheers…
and more cheers
and finally we have celebration (& plan ‘ol fancy moves)
Last but never least, Jenny. Who has been nothing but nurturing and encouraging to all… brides/grooms/guests and lil ol me
See what i mean….
