Me & dirt aren’t the best of friends. We really never have been, but I suppose getting dirty camping makes up for the icky-ness of DIRT!!! We are off to camp for a few days!!!! Love to make those childhood memories with the kids! There is nothing quite like the smell of a campfire, the crisp twinkle of the stars that look so close to you as you gaze up, s-mores, eggs & bacon…. and then after all the fun, coming home to a HOT shower!!!!!! AHHHH I cannot wait!!! LOL!

…and a little sneak peek from Jessica & Matthew’s wedding! OHHH how excited I am to blog this wedding!!!!! It’s just not right to leave you without a post!!! Happy Summer!!!

A few weeks ago as I was eating at this fantastic new restaurant, KOBE,  & the thought of getting as many photographers here in the area together to come dine in this fantastic new restaurant because they can seat 20 around two of their grills, which means an awesome night off, TOGETHER, crossed my mind!!!!!! This Wednesday night SIXTEEN photographers & ONE videographer united! We talked shop, caught flying egg in our mouths– praise the lord no one had to administer the heimlich!, ate, met new friends, got re-aquainted with a few, & most of all built connection!!! It was the greatest!!! I have such a deep respect for each of the photographers here in Redding, for their art, & for who they are & what they carry! I am continually inspired by each of them & hope to get to know them more!!!

Be sure to check out all of the AMAZING Redding photographers!!! & the AMAZING videographer–Tyler Fairies !!!! If my blog were like facebook I would tag them all, so since it’s not, you’ll have to check out all of their sites & figure out whose site goes with who!! Thank you Joe Love for taking the group shots! You rocked it!!!

Sarah Wilson, Kara Stewart, Tammy Love, Myriah Grubbs, Kelly Koolhoven, Anne DeCamp, Jesse & Lyn Rosten, Hannah Howell, Bret Christensen, Tracey Hedge, Katie Luther, Nathan Morgan,  & Taylor McCutchan,

and because we all LOVE to be photographed a group photo! again, thanks joe love!!!!

It’s a brand new day! It’s a new era in history! Stepping outside of the box!

I have to say, from my wedding, thirteen years ago, to now, weddings are 100% completely & totally different!!! The creativity is beyond ahhmazing!!! Bringing me to the topic of my blog— and that’s “breaking tradition!” When I meet with my wedding clients I give them two time-line breakdowns… What it would look like seeing each other before the wedding, and what it would look like not seeing each other before the wedding!!!!

I was reading www.lindyegallowayblog.com, and was soooo excited about the “Suddenly Inspired” video that she & Aimee showcased today!!! They just made my life, as a photographer, just get easier.. NO, sometimes, as a photographer, it’s hard to explain “just why” it’ll be just as special as seeing each other before the ceremony, than for the first time at the ceremony!!  I love setting up an intimate moment for each of my couple’s who chose to see each other before the wedding!!! To really take-in the moment, take-in each other, and capture not only one, but two glimpses of excitement as the bride & groom lock eyes as they see each other not only once, but twice for the first time!!!!!

Enjoy Lindye & Aimee’s video, and be sure to check out their websites!!!!!

Suddenly Inspired | First Look from Lindye Galloway on Vimeo.

Credits are:

Lindye Galloway: www.lindyegalloway.com

Aimee Grover: www.troygrover.com (they are a husband & wife team)

Give me a six month old baby ANYDAY to take photos of!! AHHH! The smiley goodness!!! The chubby cheeks!!  The coos & bubbles!!  Makes me want another one!!!!!

My Watch Me Grow packages are so much for, for me, as I get to continually watch the changes of each baby! I photographed Reese & her sister when Reese was about one month, so it was so fun to see a little bit of her personality coming through, and all of the amazing cuteness that she is!!!! Looking forward to seeing you in four months, Reese!!!

“Within your heart, keep one still, secret spot where dreams may go.”  ~Louise Driscoll~