I never know how to feel or what to think on New Years’ Eve as the clock strikes midnight. Do you ever have moments in your life when you have so many feelings and thoughts that they all seem to cancel each other out and leave you thinking absolutely nothing at all? Maybe not… but that’s really the only way I can explain what I felt this year when the clock struck midnight. 2009 was a huge year for me…. both in quantity, and in quality. There was so much to remember and learn. So many new experiences. So many trials, defeats… and many triumphs. So many new people I’ve met. So many new goals I have for this next year. How to even sum up what 2009 has been for me? Here’s just a few I pin-pointed.

*2009 was the first full year since my YWAM adventure that I’ve been home in Orange County with an income.

*I started off 2009 working at It’s a Grind, but 3 weeks into the year, it closed due to economic reasons and I was catapulted into full time self-employment… and it’s been a crazy journey.

*I never thought I would have shot so many weddings and portraits in my first full calendar year in business. God is GOOD.

*I had the opportunity to travel to four places I’d never been to before… Brentwood, Portland, North Carolina and Wyoming.

* I almost quit pursuing my dream of being a wedding photographer at least 3 times this year because I was so discouraged. But I didn’t. It’s because of His grace and strength I don’t possess.

*This is the first full calendar year Christopher and I have been dating… and I never want it to end. <3

*I’ve developed so much in my own style of photography, art, and personality… I’m not who I was last year… at all.

*This is what I blogged last year… click here.

This year will be exciting…. I just know it. I have no idea what adventures it will entail, but with all that happened in 2009, I can’t help but be anxiously waiting to see how God is going to move in mighty ways in 2010. I proceed with confidence because just as He provided all I needed last year to do great things, He will continue to be my source of security this year as well. Jesus, thanks for being God and thank you for teaching me (continuously) to see with your measure of beauty.

Without Further Adieu, My Favorite 9 (technically 13 because I couldn’t narrow it down to 9) of 2009….

Giggles filled the air as I walked through the door of the Huntington Beach Hyatt Suite. Winnie was beautifully backlit by the blue skies outside the balcony as she sat very still for her hair stylist. As I took some shots of all the beautiful details around me, I overheard her say so sadly… “I miss my honey!” It made me smile to hear the words of a young lover… so antsy to be with her groom after a long 14 hours of not seeing him. Their wedding was beautiful, traditionally modern, and full of smiles on that beautifully sunny day in Huntington Beach. I had the privilege of 2nd shooting with a friend, Brian Hamilton of Suite M Photography. You can view his blog here. Here are some of my favorites from the day…

Many thanks to Brian for inviting me to come play and shoot with you… and Congratulations to Craig and Winnie! May your marriage be long and blessed!

It was barely light outside as one eye opened to find my alarm. As my brain came to life after, what felt like, a short sleep… I remembered…. Today’s the day. Lance and Laurie are getting married today!!! From there, a flood of jitters and butterflies fell into my chest and the coffee I was sipping at the breakfast table only made them flap their wings faster. “Today’s the day my girl marries the love of her life.” “Today’s the day Lance has been waiting his whole life for.” I felt the beautiful tension of their love story burst through my nerves… and a flow of excitement and pure joy filled my heart. As I pulled into the driveway… I said a quick prayer, “This is your day God… can’t wait to see you move!”

Quick steps and a “Come on in!” placed me in the living room of the Kohlenberg house staring at this beauty….

Laurie’s a ridiculously beautiful girl even on a bad day… THIS day, however, there was an extra glow that made her absolutely stunning! I had to fight back tears because I was so proud/in awe/excited/nostalgic.

While I spent the morning with Laurie and the girls, Christopher hung out with Lance and the boys. Apparently it was quite the silent and peaceful morning for them… they went about their business and got ready for the big day…. Lance just couldn’t wait to see his bride!

Just look at this guy! I couldn’t help but think about how just grateful he was for this day and for his bride… there was nothing but happiness in his eyes all day.

This was one of my absolute favorite moments of the day. They wanted to be with each other SO BAD. I love how this shot just shows the excitement and anticipation Laurie had for when Lance saw her for the first time. This isn’t just a moment people… this is a moment we, as women, dream of our whole lives…. what our future husband’s reaction will be when he first sees us on our wedding day. It’s a day when we look and feel our best… a day we’ll remember the rest of our lives. And Laurie was GORGEOUS!

The day went without a hitch… and the love and support I felt from all angles definitely left me feeling full and inspired. Something that struck me during the ceremony was how the central importance of their entire event was God. Lance and Laurie’s life and love story is such a stark pointer to the gut-wrenchingly powerful love of their Savior. He is present and active. He is Good. He loves us.

I owe a big thank you to a few people who made my life easier, more beautiful, and basically fantastic! First of all, Laurie and Lance, you are clients to covet and irreplaceable friends… I’m completely humbled and honored that you think so highly of me and your support has been so encouraging! Thank you! Bob Botsford of Horizon Christian Fellowship–you ROCK! Also, Diane of Whimsey Florals was the genius behind all the beautiful flowers. I was IN LOVE with the bouquets she did and would recommend that EVERYONE use her! Lastly, I had two amazing shooters with me… first, Christopher outdid himself this wedding! Not only did he get quite a few Ah-Mazing shots, but I couldn’t have done everything I did without him. Mucho Thanks also go to Amanda Patrice, who battled traffic and a super early morning to come all the way down to San Diego to shoot with me! I had so much fun with you and basically… you’re amazing.

And now, without further adieu… the slideshow.

Click Here to View the Slideshow!!!

Today is Sunday… technically a day of rest. I’ve definitely rested some today after a long day yesterday… but I couldn’t sleep tonight without sharing just one shot from yesterday…. this is one of my favorites from Lance and Laurie’s day. There are a TON more to come… stay tuned and I’ll be working hard to have more show and tell from their wedding in the next few days! Now, goodnight…