The future!

A little more...

A quick blog post...

Lost & Found

One of the things in life that I think everyone experiences at least once or twice or daily :) is losing something of value, and then crawling around on your hands and knees both physically and mentally searching with a fine-toothed comb for it. "It" can be a set of keys, your wallet, purse, $100 bill, a checkbook, glasses, a special note, a phone number, your iphone, or something that's worth so much more. For the last 3 weeks mine has been my Vmoda Headphones. I know, it sounds so silly to blog about this. But since Spirit West Coast I have not been able to find these expensive headphones, and I hate to lose things. I mean, overall, with all of the little gadgets I have and all of the busy-ness going on with that event, and the post production I'm in the middle of with weddings, etc, I've done pretty well with not losing anything. But it still stinks when I let one fall through the cracks. It just happens, ya know?

Well, anyways, (figure out yet why my blog is called "Tangents"?), I tore apart both my car and truck multiple times, determined to find these bad boys. At least if they fell out of my pocket, I was hoping that someone who found them would actually be able to use them and enjoy them. Maybe someone who needed them more than me? (Oh my...Mike, they're headphones!) The point I'm desperately trying to get to here is that the utter and complete satisfaction of finding something you search for so long is overwhelming! Yes, I found them! Yayayay! On the floorboard of my truck almost under the pedals.They're in a small black pouch, okay? geesh!)

So, not to completely disappoint you with wasting your time about headphones, there really is a moral to this entry. It's found in the parable of the lost coin in that crazy great book called the bible. It affirms a fact that is so much more important than some stupid earphones...it's that Life is so much more than getting caught up in the little things in life, and that there is a fulfilling life to be lived (once people stop and think about it a little). The short but powerful verses: "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Uh oh! That repent word. Relax my friends, all it means is to stop, turn and go the other way. I'm not gonna say much more than this: It is a wonderful thing to know that God cares for me that he'd come to find what was "lost". Remember that joy you have when you find something that was lost, and amplifly that by a "ka-gillian" times and then some...and that's what happens in heaven when we trust God. Cool beans, eh? I hope that's encouraging to you, and wish you a fantastic night!!!

George & JJ - New Slideshow!

Hey everyone, thanks for checking in. The perpetual wheels of life are cruzin' along here at MSP, and I'm finally able to post a slideshow from one of my favorite weddings. Here it is - George and JJ's wedding from North Hollywood. (YES! I travel :) Both George and J.J. are such awesome people! I am honored to have been their photographer and share in their special day. The ceremony was held at First Christian Church in North Hollywood, and the reception was held at Anoush Ojakh. A beautiful ceremony, followed by a quick squeeze of some romantic images at the park, and off to the reception banquet...it was such a blast!! Wow, there was so much dancing, it was terrific. George & J.J. were announced and went directly into a first dance that embraced his Sirian heritage, that lasted for at least 20 minutes. It was truly a fantastic celebration, and I could feel the excitement, family support, and love. There's always a moment that I come away with from every wedding, and each one is different. This one was when the two were dancing alone later in the evening to "Everything" by Lifehouse (slideshow song). My heart was checked as I watched them get lost in each other. I guess I'm a sap, eh? :) Watch this thing twice...there's so many details involved! Oh, and the colors...wow!

The entire bridal party were a blast...I hope to see you all again soon. Thank you George and J.J.! Congratulations again...It was my honor.

Getting so big!!

Hey all, I'm back in the studio office again after a long weekend and a couple of busy crazy days...running with the train! I have a new blog post with pictures :) coming in the next few days...so stay tuned! Happy Thursday evening to you!

SWC Monterey

Hi everyone. I'll be at Spirit West Coast for the next 5 days to keep tradition and visit my photographic roots. We'll have a booth at the Main Tent, and I'll probably be popping around the corners with my camera. :) If you're planning on attending, please, please stop by our setup and say hi. I'd love to see you! Otherwise, the studio line is still open and we'll be sure to take care of you. For those that don't know, a few years ago I started an inspirational ministry-based photography business called ScriPics. Be sure to check out the "early stages" website here. FYI, we'll be launching a new site in the coming months as well. I was doing nature photography full time, until I completely fell in love with wedding photography! Now I'm in the constant growth of refining my skills, always looking forward to the next challenge. I definitely shoot more weddings than anything else and have found a passion for it indeed, but still like to have the other stuff in the same car I'm riding in. Life is too short...be sure to stop and soak it up. Take Care!

Song Pick O'da Week

Okay folks, it's back...the song of the week this week is "Washed By The Water" by a killer group called NEEDTOBREATHE. They have a southern rock vibe that gets you in the gut. (Another hit that's soon to be on the pick-o'da-week is "Signature of Divine"...but I'll save it for another date). Be sure to check them out! They were also on the soundtrack for that chick-flick "P.S. I Love You", and will be on the stage at Spirit West Coast next Thursday at 1:00pm. (BTW, we'll be there at the main exhibitor's tent sharing our ScriPics photography, so I'll have to go check these guys out.) Enjoy!

The Beautiful Wedding of Andy & Ashley!

Okay one of my all time favorite weddings, Andy & Ashley were an absolute blast to photograph. These two have such a beautiful love for each other! Both my wife and I were deeply touched just by watching them interact and am so honored to have been a part of their special day. I met Ashley and her family last year at Spirit West Coast here in Monterey, and looked forward for almost a year to shoot their wedding. They've known each other since high school, and what a love story to behold...
The handsome groom...All of the fun was held at the beautiful and dignified Sesnon House in Aptos. Two hours before this shot there was an incredible Lightning and Thunderstorm that was simply wicked, dark, and wet...only to unveil an incredibly beautiful day with blue skies and sunshine. Note the cool white clouds to add depth. It's amazing how the Lord hears our prayers! I think more than a few people were praying for sure...

Behold the gown...simple and elegant, yet made gorgeous by Ashley. And speaking of Ashley...here she is ~ The stunning bride.

More stunningness... :)

A fun shot! The parents actually got vinyl stickers to customize the steps and grounds. Looked great!I so love shooting the "First Look" hours before the actual ceremony because it provides an environment where both the bride and groom can take time to reflect, get away from distractions and appreciate just the two of them, enjoy each other, and soak it up ! Here's Ashley coming from behind to present herself to her groom...Heart warming emotions included happiness, JOY!, excitement, fulfillment, bliss, & so much more that words just simply cannot describe. Yep, it's true...a picture is worth a thousand words! One of my ultimate favorite images of all time. This my friend, is what LOVE is about. My wife had to turn around behind me because this moment was sooo special and real, and almost made her cry. Ashley is overwhelmed with the joy of the moment, and Andy cannot believe his eyes! "Yes Andy, this is your bride." :) A special embrace...this is your moment.Coolness defined, and a moment cherished. Here she comes!!!!!!!Authentic. Genuine. Passionate. Real. CONGRATULATIONS!A quick night shot during the reception...And a glimpse into the night's events.

Andy and Ashley, thank you again so very much for the opportunity to share in your special day. It was a true honor, and you are awesome clients and friends. May God bless your marriage with a lifetime of joy and love!

Hey everyone, I'm out of the studio today but wanted to say a BIG
thank you to all of you who regularly read & check up on my blog,
despite the irregular postings. :) I hope you're having a terrific
Tuesday!

Where'd the week go?

Hey all, thanks for your patience with my bad blogging habits, or lack thereof. We just shot Natalie and Gavin's wedding at Quail Lodge, and had a blast! I'll be posting images to catch up this coming week...really, I will. :) I hope your weekend is going GREAT!

Happy 4th of July!!

I wish you all a very relaxing and fantastic time with your family and friends this 4th of July! Thank God for our freedom. We are so blessed indeed. Enjoy!

Song Pick o'da Week

Paul Alan - To Bring You Back
From the album Drive It Home

Are you thirsty
Standing in the rain?
Not sure where you are
Or how you lost your way?
Are you drowning
In some bar outside of town?
Searching for something given not found?
A crowd of people
But totally alone?
At the front door
But worlds away from home?

Light up the nights last regret and
Burn your only safety net
Step to the edge
It's such a long way down

Chorus:
I left the ninety-nine to find the one
And you're the one
I walked a thousand miles
In this desert sun
Only to bring you back
Only to bring you back

Are you tired
Of chasing the wind under water?
Do you aspire to breath again?
Are you dying?
Is that the best that you can do?
Cause you can't find your place
In a world that wasn't meant for you?

Chorus:

Hello it's Me
I couldn't sleep
I was just counting sheep
And I'm missing you,
Hello it's Me
I couldn't sleep
I was just counting sheep.


Rockin' baseline that jams! I hope you like it.

Girl Lee in Historic Monterey!

Hey all, just finished a killer ad for Girl Lee Boutique in downtown Monterey. They have such a great selection of beautiful wedding gowns, and more. Be sure to swing by the store when you are in town, or if you're looking for a gown. Kendra will definitely treat you like a princess! :) Let me know what you think about the ad...we just threw it together this evening for a last minute publication. I hope your week is going great!