Obsessive & Compulsive

Many of you may remember I lost my personal e-mail address a few weeks ago.  It was an accident!  I was making some changes to my comcast account settings and without knowing, I changed the wrong information.  

The next thing I knew, I couldn't go back to the original settings.  I even called someone on the phone.... "but they have rules" (annoyed voice).  Needless to say, I should NEVER be allowed to use a computer!  

OK, so maybe it's not such a big deal...  But, guess what?  I've had that e-mail address since e-mail was invented (not really, but it was my first email address)!  That e-mail address was part of me... it was like an appendage.  I guess you can say I have separation issues.

In a desperate moment, feeling as if no one would be able to reach me, I created a new e-mail address using the first thing that I could come up with.  Knowing I wasn't happy with this new address, I still sent everyone an announcement.  It's been driving me crazy ever since.

Being the obsessive and compulsive person that I am, I couldn't live with this new email address.  So I created a new one, AGAIN!  One that I feel comfortable with... one that could grow as a part of me... as another appendage. 

I will be sending out an announcement once again... with my new personal e-mail address.

I feel much better now :D

Now on to a photography related subject.... I thought I share a little something so can see what I've been up to lately.

My handsome boy (Picture day)

It's days like these, the ones when he looks so handsome and clean cut, those are the days when I can't help myself!  Besides the hugs and kisses, I'm also compelled to grab my camera and indulge in some photography.  He is my best and favorite subject.... and I love taking advantage.

Today is 'picture day' at school...  Even though as a photographer it's picture day almost every day! Here are some of the photos I was able to capture right before school.

Some FUN of my own

This past weekend I had the opportunity to do my first photo booth at my sister-in-law's baby shower.  I don't want to say too much yet, because I'll be sharing more about it later.

However, I discovered that photo booths are under-rated... Everyone should have one of these at every party.  They are sooo much fun!!!
I even got in front of the camera for a little FUN of my own.

My Favorite Niece & Our “Featherizing experience”

Have I ever mentioned Gaby is my favorite niece?  OK, she’s my only niece, but she’s still my favorite!  We both make it a point to make the three-hour-trip a few times a year to visit each other.  This time around my sis-in-law Debbie made the drive over and we spent a few fun-filled days together.  There was a lot of eating, playing, cake (courtesy of Debbie) and more eating... the usual activities of our gatherings.  Oh yeah, we went to watch the movie ‘the adventures of Tin Tin’, which was great!  Oh, how can I forget our little venture to the hair salon for a feathering experience.  Ever since I discovered these unique and exciting feather hair extensions, I’ve become somewhat obsessed with them (I say obsessed because I might have too many on my hair and every time I visit my hair dresser I am tempted to add more).  I knew from the beginning I needed to share this with my niece.  She chose a pink feather and even my sis-in-law couldn’t resist.

This time around we were fortunate enough to have a bit of time to squeeze in a photoshoot with Gaby.  I was able to capture some of her spunky personality she hides behind her shy porcelain doll face.  She surprised me how into it she was... she would strike poses like a pro-model.  We had a blast, and as you’ll see, even the pets got in the fun!

Three days flew by too quick!  We never seem to have enough time when we gather together.  I wish we would've had time for:  (we’ll do it the next time you guys are here)

1.  a day at the beach, and stay for the sunset

2.  photo walk- the three photogranerds together

3.  ‘girl’ shopping

Sneak Peak... (my niece Gaby)

Oh My Gee... I LOVE my job!  
Here is a sneak peak of what I'm working on.  Check back soon too see more ;)

I couldn't resist!... had to share this one too.

Their Day Finally Came! (Kenia & Osiel's Wedding)

The past few weeks have been hectic around here! Besides shooting and editing, I’ve been consumed with house remodeling projects (I finally got around to re-doing the laundry room), I also had family visiting, some more editing... and life! Sometimes things end up in the back burner... like blogging. I didn’t forget, I just haven’t been able to sit and think for a minute. I haven’t even watched TV.... and I love me some TV at night. Anyhow, I’ve been anxious to show you these images from the latest wedding I shot. You might remember Kenia & Osiel... their day finally came! Let me just say how rapidly it came! After the ceremony we headed to the Garden of Hope and Courage in Naples for some alone time with the couple and my lens. Here are my favorite picks from that day. Enjoy!

Growing Old Together (10th Wedding Anniversary)

When you think of the future, you tend to envision things that you would like to see happen.  Weather it’s a goal or a dream... You hope for the best and work towards your objective.  Sometimes you forget where you left off, but you move on and build new dreams.  I had no idea what it would feel to get here, but I knew this is where I wanted to be.

Today marks my 10th wedding anniversary... I feel happy and joyous... and proud!  Marriage takes a lot of work and patience.  Like a plant, it needs water, sun, and nourishment.... OK, bad analogy... I can never keep a real plant alive!!!.  But, you know what I mean.  In the end, the love that you build with someone else blooms into a beautiful flower.... OK, I should really stop with the analogies right now!!!  I’m just super happy we’ve come this far.  It went by so quick, but you know what they say... time flies when you’re having fun!

Just the other day I noticed Renzo’s (my husband) newly sprouted gray hair, I can’t help it but to feel gratified because I know we are growing old ‘together’.  (Sorry Hun, I just told everyone about your gray hairs!)

Happy anniversary babe, I look forward to the next 10, and much more.  I love you sooo much!

Photo above:  Our last-minute trip to Disney turned into a celebration of our anniversary, which was perfect because we spent our honeymoon there!   We received these “happy anniversary” pins when we picked up our tickets.  For the next three days all we heard was "happy anniversary", literally hundreds of times... from the greeters at the park entrance, to the lady taking our lunch order, to the guy at the entrance of a ride... even people who were guests at the park... It was awesome!

Swept Away by Prince Charming & A Decade of Love (Osiel & Kenia)

Every girl wants to be swept away by prince charming.  The idea of romance, love, and passion...it’s pure bliss for a girl.  This is Osiel & Kenia and their story starts with “once upon a time” and ends with “and they lived happily ever after”.  When they're together the whole world doesn’t exist, it’s like they’re in a fairytale.  Kenia tells me Osiel is all romance and love... from the smooth talk, to the roses, and surprises.  I can see why she’s head over heals over him.  They are soon to be married, and I couldn’t be happier to be documenting their story.

Their love reminds me so much to my own “happily ever after”.  As my 10th wedding anniversary approaches, I can’t help to think about my engagement and how I felt about my prince charming a decade ago.  After all these years I never thought I would still feel so in love like I did back then.

A Love That's Inevitably Visible (Michael & Arlene)

Capturing the love between two people is one of my favorite things to photograph.  Every couple is different, wouldn’t you agree?.  I am not only referring to the physical appearance, but also in terms of personality, style, and story that define and make each couple unique.   Although couples differ from one to another, in the end the love that joins them together is always displayed in similar ways; like a kiss, laughter, a deep stare into each others eyes, holding hands...  that type of interaction is what I love to capture through the lens.  This is Michael and Arlene, and they share a love that's inevitably visible. 

A Connection Like No Other (Chris & Rachel's Intimate Beach Wedding)

I’ve never met a couple that was so easy going and laid-back!  Meet Chris & Rachel.  They initially met through mutual friends.  Rachel instantly admits she spotted Chris first, and Chris doesn’t deny it.  These two lovebirds have a connection like no other.  They know exactly how to make each other laugh...they are true friends and soul mates. 

We gathered on a bright sunny afternoon along with some friends and family for a casual intimate picnic wedding.  Friends brought their own picnic blankets and waited for the couple to wed.  Shortly after the ceremony we took some time to have a little fun in front of the camera.