She was nothing less than light and energy on our trip through Thailand. She was fearless in trying spicy food, and was up for an adventure any time of the day or night. She let everyone else eat all the peanut butter for breakfast, and was never upset when there was only rice and vegetables to eat in the villages. She loves people relentlessly and, to this day, whenever I see the word “gentleness”, I think of her. I admire her ability to see the world through wonder-filled eyes and the science nerd in me loves that she always wants to know what plants are called and where they come from. Jasmin won my heart the second I met her and I was ECSTATIC when she emailed me saying she’s coming to visit. On this trip, she brought her fiance, Michael… who has pretty much won my heart over just as fast as she did. His humor is “hammer” (the bomb), his rock band style is SO COOL, and his love for Jasmin is enough for me to say, “awwwwwww.”  Together, they’re ADORABLE, and I had such a great day shooting their engagement photos with my partner in crime, Betsy Lackey. There are so many I wish to share with you, but here are just a handful of my favorites…

Michael and Jasmin, I feel so lucky to call you friends and I’m so grateful you made the long trek out here from Germany to visit. Your hearts for God inspire me and your fierce love for each other and for those around you challenge me to love differently. May he richly bless you and your upcoming marriage…  Ich liebe dich! <3

It finally felt like the weather had finally gotten the “flip the summer weather switch” memo and, even at the beach, it was HOT. I met up with Justin in Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, and immediately I noticed that his face was stuck in a smile almost as bright as it was outside. He gave me a huge hug and almost jumped up and down with anticipation when I asked if he was ready to start shooting. He was genuinely GIDDY with excitement because that day, he would be marrying his best friend.

The thing about Justin and Bryna’s love is it’s so tangibly real. And when they read their vows to each other (which they wrote themselves), I couldn’t help but smile inside at how truthful and genuine they were towards each other. I suppose when you date as long as they have, you come to realize the things that matter most in the other person…. and just the fact that they’re even more in love than they were when they first started, says a lot. I loved spending the evening with them and I felt so honored to be a part of their day. Here’s my favorite shots from the evening….

To the New Mr. and Mrs. Crandell,

Thank you so much for inviting me into your day and allowing me a glimpse of true love. Your friendship is inspiring, your dedication to each other makes me want to be a better person, and your love is beautiful. It was so fun and I wish you the best of the best as husband and wife!

Lately I’ve been pounded with the word “gratitude.” Not in the “you should be more grateful” kind of way, but in the still small voice that says, ” I love you; you’re my desire.” Living in a part of the world that screams “I want more” in every aspect of its lifestyle, it’s really difficult centering yourself on a different road than the one most traveled. But gratitude is worth the fight, I think…. and it’s only in that thankfulness and willingness to have a loose grip on the things I’ve been given that I find the peace and fullness I need. In the past few weeks my eyes have been opened to how He loves me… and in seeing his blessings unfold before me, I can’t help but feel overwhelmingly grateful. Those blessings have taken the form of some roses Chris picked and surprised me with in the middle of his work day, some Tulips that were given to him randomly… which he, in turn, gave to me. It’s also taken the form of abnormally spectacular Socal sunsets this January, and even in the “cozy hot chocolate and blankets while it’s pouring outside” kind of weather we’ve been having here the past week. They haven’t been monetary things, they’ve been simply beautiful…. it’s the simple things that get me sometimes. Just wanted to share my thoughts…

Here’s a sneak peek at a mini shoot I did for my parents recently in Laguna….

This first shoot of the year was a refreshing start to 2010. Sometimes I find running a photography business to be more business than actual shooting… and that can be hard. It’s like going to the gym for the first time in a month… you still have some muscle memory going on, but your body is lagging a bit and your reflexes are a little clumsier than normal. Sometimes the first workout can be painful and hard to get into…. other times it can be just the thing you needed to feel alive and refreshed. This shoot with my friend Kory Kraning was the latter…. just what the doctor ordered and it felt great breathing in the cool salt air, hearing the beautiful sounds of my Nikon snapping away, and kicking some sand around as we shot some sweet portraits for his new website that will be launching soon.

In many ways, Kory is somewhat of an inspiring character in my life. As long as I’ve known him, I’ve noticed the fervor with which he’s embraced the entrepreneurial spirit in starting his own businesses. He’s taken the gifts he’s been given and used them to help others in so many ways. Here’s some images from the shoot…

Him and his dog Leo….

One of the many businesses Kory runs is a Dog Training business. He’s REALLY good… so if you know of anyone that needs a good dog trainer… he’s your guy!

I love this picture of Leo because it shows his love for Kory. Wherever Kory goes… Leo watches longingly. (Leo also really likes making sand castles… hence the sandy face…)

I think this was one of my favorite’s from the morning…

I spliced together a little 24Hour-esque composites too…

And the morning would not be complete without a few stair runs…

I’m excited to see where Kory’s Personal Training will take him…. if you’re interested in connecting more with Kory, he’s currently accepting more clients. You can connect with him at his website, on Facebook or Twitter.