—————————–JEFF NEWSOM—————————–

best.decision.ever. Thanks Jeff. I had a great time hanging out in your wonderful city and learning from you.

I learned a bunch of new things, meet some sweet folks, and refreshed my memory on a few things I forgot along the way… like how to be awesome. Check out my stills from the very short trip.

Of course there are many many others I’d like to thank for helping me through the past year! Brandi-Lee: your smile, embrace, and pizazz is enough to make me melt. Katrina George from Cattleya Chic: you are a very gifted young woman that should never stop what you’re doing! You are beyond the best florist and cookie baker in Red Deer Carson Pierce: your work on Mikes new site was kick ass, and so is your chili (bring it back?). Jenn and Jess: two words. Local Celebrities. Well merited, might I add. Pam: your passion for traveling has really inspired me! Can’t wait to check out a few more places because of you! Karin + Claude: Thanks for coming out to Alberta! It’s been a fun 6 months having you guys around. Mara: it seems as though 13 years apart couldn’t put a stop to our friendship. I am inspired and rejuvenated by your recent presence in Alberta. Thank you. To all my 2011 clients: you are truly amazing. I cannot thank you enough for the encouragement, support, love, and praise that I have received from you. You make it so worth it.

On that note, I would also like to thank my husband, Mike. I know it soooo obvious and cliche, but he is my rock. Every night when I go to sleep, I thank my lucky stars that he and I found each other that summer 10 short years ago. Of course it took him 2 years after we met to really appreciate my quirky ways and wild personality, but that’s a whole other story….for another day/blog post perhaps

I want to let everyone know that I am still here. There has been some discussion in the past few months of letting the business become casual (5 weddings per year) and starting up a whole new project (family friendly cafe which, if anyone wants to open one, there’s a huge market for It! I’ll be your most valuable customer).  But….. because I still love my job, I’ve decided to let go of the cafe project, and re-embrace photography once again as a full time career!

I’m sure you guys have noticed that I haven’t been very active and dedicated as of late. Maybe even bummed out at times… Part of me wants to blame the industry. With an insane surge of “photographers” lately it’s been hard to stay positive and focused in this market. Being labeled as a wedding photographer felt a little awkward a few months ago, when the majority of newcomers were mom-entrepreneurs looking for a fun job to try out. Not to take anything away from those photographers, but I just felt a little disenchanted because of the influx in the market. It would hurt to say the words “wedding photographer” because I knew people would label me as a “mom-with-a-hobby-job” despite the fact that I spent 4 grueling years at ACAD in Photography. This is not my hobby, or a quick way to stay at home and make some money. This is my career, my calling, my source of income. I hope this isn’t coming off too arrogant. I appreciate everyone in my market, new and old.

In the end, I can’t blame the market. Its not taking any business away from me. I am the one to blame. It’s because of self pity and a temporary loss of love for something I used to live for. Mike often helps me work out my business kinks, and tonight I was asking him how he manages to stay so positive with the overwhelming amount of realtors in Red Deer. He just said you either sink, because you give up treading amongst the chaos, or you paddle faster so they can’t keep up…and that’s what I’m going to do. I will stay afloat. I will stay positive. I will love this art again. My goal is to get back to basics. I want my clients to walk away happy, humbled, and delighted with their experience with me.

So in other words. I’m back bitches.

Here’s a cute photo collection of what we’ve been up to lately. There’s a lot of Mara in this set….Just so pumped that she came from Toronto to visit! Thanks Mars. ps. these photos are a mishmash from everyone’s cameras.

We had a great time hanging out locally. We got to explore some wicked spots in town… like “Cool Beans” down on Gaetz, and the industrial park on the South End of town.

Thanks Stacey + Jordin. We had a wonderful time hanging out with you!

Steph took this shot while I was shooting with the guys.

First look session! Love these. I wish more of my brides would do reveals before the ceremony. It was so beautiful and intimate, Steph and I were actually speechless.

My view.

Steph’s view.

Finally, onwards to the ceremony!

After our family formals, Steph and I grabbed a few more adorable shots.

This amazing wedding was shot in Calgary, Alberta with Stephanie Koo (http://www.stephaniekooblog.com/) …Steph is not only one of my favoritest people in Red Deer, she’s a frigging awesome photographer too. Enjoy the images!

I was trying to get the peacock feathers in focus, but got distracted by this cute looking shadow instead.

Natasha + Steve did a holding of the hands (feet) ceremony with their little man…

Mid-ceremony spit up!

Prairie chick? More like prairie hottie!

Such a hot still by Stephanie Koo!