Monday, June 3, 2013

Brendan & Amanda // Destination Wedding // Moon Dance Cliffs, Jamaica

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I sit writing this a 4am. I'm a wee bit excited about this one! 
Trying to find the perfect words to describe these two. Rather I keep coming back to one word.

They're day was full.

full in all the best kinds of ways where you feel like your heart will burst.

love
commitment
friendship
laughter
joy


But really, their day was just a reflection of them and who they are together.
These are the kind of souls they are.

Full of life, adventure, and generosity.

And by adventure, I mean they chose Jamaica. And if I've learned anything it's that Jamaica sure knows how to throw one hell of a party :)



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Order Prints and See More HERE.
And check out their slideshow HERE.


KILLER venue: Moon Dance Cliffs in Nigril, Jamaica


Sunday, May 19, 2013

Leaving Home



In two weeks, we are leaving our home in Davis, spending some time in the Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest, and then hopefully this fall traveling outside of the states. 

Why? 

I've been trying to figure out the words for why. To culminate all the events that have lead up to this decision would be impossible for a blog post (plus I'm not very good with words). But I keep coming back to this passage from a book Richie Norton wrote that seems to resonate with everything Bryan and I are feeling. 

"There is nothing like the death of someone [or something] you love to strip away the frivolities of life and magnify those things that are vitally important. When your entire life is suddenly staring you down, and you realize how very little of it makes any real sense, starting something stupid is suddenly the very smartest thing you want to do."

From here Richie describes how he took his family on a three month traveling and healing adventure. 

"When we returned home, I stopped pursuing any project that wasn't directly aligned with the overarching goals of my life. I spent the next few years focused only on the things that mattered the most to me. It wasn't an easy decision to make--people thought I was out of my mind, or completely bereft (or likely both)... However, as I faced the fears associated with actually making the leap and actively pursuing meaningful success--on my own terms--I entered what has proven to be the most deeply satisfying, and successful, era of my life so far. " 


If anything this past year has taught us, it is that this life is short and it's easy to forget about pursuing meaningful success. After long talks, prayer, and trusting the voice inside our heads, we are excited to take some time to take a step back and regroup. Pour more into our crafts. Love deeply. See the beauty of creation. Do some things we've always wanted to do. And to be.

Hopefully, this can be a place where our plans can unfold here as they happen.



Sunday, May 12, 2013

I'm listening to the waves crash along the cliffs and the beautiful sight of stars over the dark ocean. It's my second to last night here in Jamaica and I definitely don't want to go home just yet. Bryan and I have a lot coming when we get home. Some pretty big decisions to make and thoughts about our future. 

But until then I get to reflect on how just last night these two best friends married each other. How today is their first full day as husband and wife. How much two people in love can bring so many people together. And how reflecting on one couple's love can make you be more present and thankful in your own. 







Thursday, May 9, 2013

Emma // Senior Portraits



Kind-hearted.
Loves deeply.
This is Emma. 

When I asked Emma where she wanted to do senior portraits, she said, "The beach or with horses."
I think both those choices are so fitting for Emma. The beauty and depth of the sea reflect her so well. And the kind-hearted spirit that horses carry with them likens to Emma. 

So we did both. 

And it was a great day. 
Like that day that happens every spring, where you realize that summer 
is around the corner and life is so good. 
Windows down, music on, sunshine, beach, and horses.
Does it get any better?








Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Headed to Jamaica!



Hey friends!
I'm headed for Jamaica for the week to shoot Amanda and Brendan's wedding! If you need me, I'll have email. But with all travel, email can lag, so I'll get back to you as soon as I can!
xoxo,
Sam