Random Friday - Diary of a Photographer - New York City - Wedding Photographer

Its been busy week and I'm happy it was. So many task were completed and missions accomplished.

This past Sunday I found the dress of my dreams at David's Bridal. I'm honestly impressed with David's. I went in not expecting much - your white average prom looking wedding dress, something you can easily find at Macy's or just about anywhere else for that matter. To my pleasantly surprise David's Bridals offers a dynamic range of quality and style. They carry stunning gowns from amazingly affordable to moderately priced. Vera Wang dropped her gorgeous WHITE Wedding Collection in February, and I must say that David's Bridal has really brought their A-Game this season! I'm thrilled about finding my dress of course, but the experience is even more precious in my mind because my grandmother was able to participate in the experience. Her face lit up like a tree on Christmas when we found the dress .... those memories are the ones that make the "Getting Married" experience all the more Priceless. Oh, and Thursday, I found the Maid of Honor's dress!! My sister will look fab, and she's very happy with it too! That's two for two with David's! No, I didn't take pictures -- No photos untill the wedding day because its a secret! Yes. I'm cheesy like that.

On another note ... I've joined Weigh Watchers this week!  I told you I was going to get things moving! I've already seen drastic changes in only 7 days. Yay!! I have to say, I was skeptical about the whole program at first, but after one week on it, you  really can't go wrong. Let me put it this way -- on Wednesday, we had lots of rice, mashed potatoes, noodles and birthday cake (umm, 3 slices for me) for Aloysius' Mother (can you say carb loading?) and I still lost. Not like just one pound, but I lost five and wasn't able to get to the gym at all this week. It kinda makes you realize how terrible you're eating when you're not paying attention. Moving in with Aloysius this summer and getting all cozy at home did not make for a slim waist this winter. But the truth of the matter is, I knew I could turn it around when I was good a ready. WW is not a drastic program by any means. You really can eat what you want - I eat a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich every night as a treat and I'm still losing folks. As long as you stay accountable and true to yourself, you will see the results and won't feel deprived.

The Justin and Mary "Spread the Love" workshop I attended this Tuesday was Fantastical - not a real word, I know. Justin and Mary have such a passion for photography, people and an intense passion for love. Their energy is contagious and insanely inspirational. I'm fired up and ready to go with new ideas and a fresh way of thinking about things. They reccomended a few more books to read, and I'll be assisting on an Engagement shoot this weekend for a couple whose wedding I'll be second shooting next Saturday.

This week was great, but I know there's still so much to do this year!

Random Friday - Diary of a Photographer - New York City - Wedding Photography

Just a post to spew my rambling thoughts.  Random?  Yes.  But bear with me.

My brain is spirialing with so many things that must be done and we're nearing the end of another month!  My list of "TO DO's" is getting longer by the day. Everytime I check something off, I have to write two more down.

On a good note:  I got my taxes done last weekend! *raise the roof* -- The business tax thing was a huge worry for me, and its now one less thing looming over my head. So, I feel really good about that. Amen.

On an UBER good note: I've been working hard at getting an excellent team of Makeup Artist and Hairstylist together to work with me on a few Bridal shoots this Spring AND of course to make YOU (my future brides) look super fabulous on your bridal, engagment or GLAM session! What is a GLAM session you ask? More on that LATER.  We can't wait to work our magic together on YOU!

On an exciting note: I'll be attending the "Spread the Love" workshop next week with Justin and Mary Marantz!! I know the information they'll share with us will be PRICELESS and I can't wait to hear them speak again!!

On an UBER exciting note: Going into April - I'll be shooting my first wedding of the year - Yay! This is what I live for!

Oh, yeah and there's this one other little thing I'm trying to organize this year - My Wedding! It's so awful to say that, yes, sometimes I forget there is wedding stuff to be done. The big day is about 6 months away. 

Have I chosen a wedding color yet? Nope.

Have I gone shopping for the Dress yet? Nope.

Have I purchased the invitations yet ... you guessed it - Nope. And this list goes on.

What am I waiting for, you ask? Your guess is as good as mine! I never thought there would be so much detail to worry about -- a ba-zillion little things you never think about until its your turn to plan a wedding! *phew*

There are about a dozen other things I've procrastinated on as well - How about that visit to the eye doctor I've been putting off. I've pretty much been in a state of denial for quite some time, but I must face the reality - I need glasses. Squinting is not cool. Or my resolution to get in shape for the biggest day of my life. Still workin' on it!

I know, I know -- Its time to shake a leg!

Before the smoke starts to flow from my ears, let me share this dress I've been drooling over for the last few weeks. Its the most Perfect (with a capital P) wedding dress I've ever laid eyes on from Aria Dress - I mention them in a post I wrote especially for the Brides.

Stunning, Simple and Elegant ... I Die. This weekend WILL be productive - I know it.

Personal Goal #1 - New York, NY Lifestyle Wedding Photographer

Things are getting a little bit busy these days with the ongoing wedding planning, upcomming weddings I'll be shooting this year and the organization and implementation of my business plan for 2011, I'm burning the candle at both ends it seems. Although I'm tired and stressed most days, I don't forget to count my blessings. I'm making the time to persue my passion, grow my business and I'm getting married this year - (can't believe only 6 months to go!) - These are all great things in progress. Even with  all this important stuff going on, there are some personal things (little things) I'd like to work on and get done this year too! So, I'll take the time to post them here and share with you. I'm hoping that "putting it out there" will help me to be more accountable in achieving these little task.

So, here it is - Personal Goal #1

I'd like to be able to drive a stick shift by the end of 2011! Depending on the person this may be an odd personal goal, or maybe it isn't. You see, I used to have a car, a great one! I loved my fully automatic 1996 Mazda 626 . We logged lots of lovely mileage and got lots done together.  And then one day she over heated on me and burned out - right on Queens Blvd! Can you imagine a smoking car on Queens Blvd blocking 2 lanes of traffic for almost 2 hours? Thats how long it took the tow truck to arrive at the crime scene. I swear stuff like that happens only to me! =P

Anyway ...  I've been car-less since 2009. Being without a car quite frankly, stinks. Now, I do have a car - actually WE do,  but I don't know how to drive it. Aloysius drives a Honda stick.  Its such a dude thing. I love the car and all the places its taken me, but why couldn't he have gotten a standard automatic like everyone else? Sheesh! I've been meaning for sometime to get him to give me a few lessons, but of course we never get around to it. Aloysius is completley happy schelpping me around when public transportation just won't do, but I can't let that keep me from learning. There've been days I needed a car to get around and our's was sitting right out front, but no Aloysius in sight. I've been spolied and I need to be super pro-active this year. The weather is getting much nicer and with daylights savings in full effect, we have an extra hour of daylight to play with! One thing I am worried about is my foot-hand coordination - important when driving a manual. *Note to Aloysius* - I hope I don't to grind too many gears and  I'm sorry in advance if I do, Babe!  

Wish me luck folks ... I mean with THREE FOOT PEDALS I'm definitley going to need it.

Showing Love to My Love - New York, NY Photographer

I have a lot ot be thankful for. My terrific boyfriend. My cute little apartment exactly where I want to live. My awesome cat (with the personality of a dog) Jenny. I've been a plus model for the last 5 years, lost over 80 lbs, and now I've ventured into one of the most creative outlets ever - photography.

But, I'd like to post this special thank you to my boyfriend and best friend. We are partners in life, and now in business.  Aloysius has literally been my backbone through so many things over the years. When I decided I wanted to try my luck as a plus size model, guess who accompanied me on my visits to each modeling agency. When I decided I wanted to to lose over 50 lbs, guess who automatically transformed into the perfect gym buddy and ate salad with me every night for dinner. And when I decided I wanted to go ahead and be a photographer, guess who spent hours online researching the best camera I could afford. He truly believes in each of my goals, and gives himself entirely to make it work for us.  Now, when I watch photography tutorials online, guess who’s watching with me.  When I’m shooting portraits for a client, guess who’s holding the reflector or blocking light from the subjects eyes. When I’m experimenting with a new lighting setup, guess who my model mannequin is. And when I’m frustrated, lacking confidence, and having a meltdown because “I suck”, guess who recomposes me and believes I can do anything. Yup, Aloysius.  We work together on everything. He’s there through it all.  Knowing I can trust in him to back me up through the day on shoots and keep me in control when I start freaking out is the most comforting feeling of all.

So, Thanks Babe!

And now I should probably get ready for bed since we've agreed to start our 5:00 am winter workout plan tomorrow ... eeeK!

The Great Jack-O-Latern Blaze!! - Long Island, NY Photographer

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! 

Yesterday Aloysius and I took a trip out to Hudson Valley, NY for The Great Jack-O-Latern Blaze . We walked a trail for one hour and saw more than 4,000 individually hand-carved, pumpkins! We even bought the hand made Pumpkin Butter (which we ate for breakfast on our pancakes this morning and its totally DELISH!).  This is definitely an experience for those who are into fall festivities. There are still tickets left for November, so don't miss out!

Introducing Jenny the Kitty ...

I'd like to introduce to you our new kitten Jenny!!  At only 9 weeks old, she's the cutest thing ever - a pure bundle of love. We brought her home from North Shore Animal League America. There were dozens of adorable puppies and kittens for the taking, but when I saw THIS little kitty, I knew I had to have her. She even matches our furniture!!

Her first weekend home, she was very quiet and shy ... I wasn't even sure she knew how to use her litter box.There were definitely a few "poopy" accidents behind the TV. Now, one week later, Jenny is so sweet and full of personality. She has all kinds of toys, string, stuffed miced and cat-nip. She's in kitty heaven.  Zooming all around, back and forward, purring, meowing, and eating .. Boyyyy can she eat. She's gained a few pounds in only one weeks time. I have a feeling she's going to be a "fatt-y". Well, I've always wanted a 20lb cat ... Maybe Jenny will be it. :)

Since she's new to the family, I had to go ahead and take her first kitty portrait. How else am I going to remember how tiny she used to be once she hits the 20lb mark!?