Jodi and Matt: Jasmine Star Workshop

I sat in a room with 19 photographers eagerly taking in all that our leader had to say. Most are at a very similar place in their careers- just starting out or within the first year of business so you can imagine how happy we were to take in all that this lady had to say.

Although I could have felt intimated or out of place because I don't have everything together yet, I amazingly felt completely at home amongst this group. I feel myself changing from a girl fresh out of college and recently married with nothing but a dream of becoming a successful wedding photographer to a confident woman eager and prepared to become not only a great photographer but a savvy business woman as well. My approach is changing from just wanting to take pictures to wanting to create a sustainable and profitable businesses. I kinda feel like I'm living the American dream: chasing dreams, growing in business and finding success and fulfillment in my life.

And I must say I feel like I'm going about it the right way. Seeking the advice of those who clearly know more than me, proceeding with caution, acting deliberately, and above all confidently moving forward toward long term goals rather than being stuck in the silliness of temporary feats.

Many people have influenced this change in me but Jasmine Star certainly deserves a whole lot of credit. I've had some bad experiences with successful photographers making me feel small and stupid but Jasmine has done just the opposite. Her confidence radiates a room as soon as she walks in, not in an intimidating "hey look at me" way but in an inspiring, "that girl has got it going on and I want to be her" way.

I learned so much at this workshop about the business, about photography, about creating a life that I want to lead. God has given me a gift and I intend to hone my skills, thoughtfully move forward and ultimately serve people through photography.

Doesn't that just sound like the best job on earth? I want to be a part of people's weddings, and families, and events in their life that all are an expression of love and care.

At the workshop I got a chance to do just that with a couple that modeled for our shoot, Jodi and Matt. A real life couple, very in love and full of the joy of life! What an honor it was to take your picture Jodi and Matt. I hope you feel your love in these images.

Jodi is an up and coming model and she did a beautiful job paying homage to my favorite woman of all time, Audrey Hepburn. Thanks to All Made Up for accentuate her already gorgeous face.

I love it when men look at their woman with love and admiration. It gets me every time.

These next two pay respects to my dad and uncle who would always take pictures sideways with little respect for the horizon line. Truth be told there were 20 photographers in about an 8 foot space so I had to strech to get any shot so some turned out lopsided. But you know, some mishaps are really just works of divine intervention because I adore these two and I think my dad will too.

Really lovely

Jodi's exceptional dress is from the talented Joan Shum

The man looks dashing, the woman looks deeply in love. Basically everything I love in a photograph.

Everything about this shoot was interesting and unique especially the gorgeous flowers by The Treasured Petal

I love shooting beautiful people in a beautiful place. Sounds simple but you don't always get so lucky to have parks like these

so sweet and tender

One of the countless things Jasmine preached while shooting was to get our signature shot. A shot that spoke to our brand and who we are as a photographer. The next three are my signature shots. Romantic, intimate, loving and tender.

And finally some beauty shots of just Jodi because well... she is breathtakingly beautiful!

Thanks to Noaki Jewelry for this gorgeous pearl piece. Pearls are my all time, hands down favorite accessory. I would die for this piece. It is exactly what I wanted for my wedding day. Absolutely stunning

I'm so grateful to have had the chance to be a part of such a gorgeous shoot. Thank you again Jasmine and JD for your warm hospitality and wisdom. I really feel like I'm on my way!