It’s true….I’m in love with LA. Even when it pours down rain for five consecutive days…I can’t get enough. The oceans, the mountains, the creative energy…I have an insatiable appetite for exploring all of its nooks and crannies. In the last year, I’ve found myself making every excuse possible to end up in the city, camera in tow.
This trip was a real treat. Not only did i get to be in the audience of the Ellen Show and explore the city in new ways (and meet some amazing souls), but was also very honored to photograph the amazingly talented Jill Duzan Jewelry. Her daughter Brie recently took on a major roll in expanding her fabulous work around the world. We had the privilege of working together with the fabulous model Celine to capture Jill’s stunning work. A big thank you to my friend Ron for telling us about the fabulous location…and Ryan for being such a wonderful pandora/bag boy. Thankfully five days of rain produced one very lovely day, full of blue skies and sexy california sun. Words just can’t express how delightful this day was. I was in heaven. I will share more about my LA adventure soon, as for now, enjoy the shoot.
You see a lot of polished, final images on our blog. However, behind each image is a process, a reflection of some kind of inspiration. This inspiration comes in many forms…sometimes when I’m looking for it, but often it just sneaks up and surprises me. It’s not until I look back and reflect do I realize what inspired me. Lately, I’ve been trying to be very aware of what these things are, so that i don’t take them for granted. I’m trying to make time to allow my creative soul to breath. In turn, I will be a better person, friend and photographer. From time to time, I thought it would be nice to share some of these things with you.
While sitting in coffee shop last week, hunkering down from a rare CA monsoon, I found myself lost in observation. I was well equipped with a fabulous book and my journal…yet neither could keep my attention. It was the people around me that intrigued me most. I watched as each person scurried to and fro, running in and out of the cafe like soaked little puppy dogs. Some were even brave enough to purposely frolic in the huge pool sized puddle out front, like little kids on a playground. My heart smiled…and I almost joined them. Then there was this adorable couple next to me, playing cards. Simple but profound, just enjoying life and each other’s company. We had a great conversation, and I made new friends. What inspired me most about this moment in time, was that I had no agenda. I was free to observe, to soak in the moment, to engage with the people around me…I had no place to be, no list to check off…just free to be. I felt so alive. Even now as I think back to that moment, I can almost taste and smell it because I was so present. It was a true moment of inspiration!
Enjoy some random shots that inspired my soul…
Nothing like a true double wedding! Mariela and Vikal’s first wedding was all Indian and absolutely bursting with color. The very next day they did it all over again, Dominican style! The laughter, the music, the dancing, it was all incredible. Check it out:
Oh my!!
What an incredible setting in which to shoot this beautiful couple.
Did we happen to mention they were fun?
The home of Mariela’s uncle provided the perfect setting for the nighttime ceremony
This was in the courtyard INSIDE the house!!
The Dominican dancers were a perfect match for the reception.
The party was definitely that!
Not sure who this was but he definitely knows how to chose a camera 
I’ll admit I don’t get out all that often but this was hands down the best Billy Jean I’ve ever seen!
“If I fall a thousand times, I will rise a thousand and one. Life is not a measurement of the depths to which we fall, or even the heights to which we rise, but the movement that exists in both, and the way it brings us to a blooming we can’t find any other way.” Jesh de Rox
The seasons remind me that life has cycles. That we are human, imperfect creatures. Yet so full of love and beauty. I’m not one for making new years resolutions…I do want to learn to live in each season as it passes, and breathe each breath as if it were my last. I have been so blessed to share life with so many amazing people along this journey. And so as we turn the page from one year to the next, I’m most thankful for all of you. Friends. Family. Clients. You have all touched my heart and watered my garden. For your friendship, your love, your inspiration, and your beauty….thank you from the depths of my heart. Here’s to a new year and new blooms.
With that…enjoy this view of my grandma’s back yard.
much love,
amanda
Life has a mysterious way of bringing people into our lives in unique ways. While headed to a wedding in the Bahamas last January, I leaned over to Nate in the airport and said, “I’d love to photograph that girl, she’s so beautiful.” Come to find out, she was a bridesmaid in the wedding we were about to capture. Less than a year later, I had the pleasure of photographing her brother’s wedding in the DR. Sometimes the world just feels so small.
Mariela and Vikal live in NY, but decided to get married in her homeland. What was so neat about this wedding, was that it was actually two weddings in one. They wanted to celebrate both of their cultures and therefore had an Indian wedding the first day, and a Dominican wedding the next. I’ll first share with you the amazing Indian wedding. The ceremony wasn’t until dark, so we started off with some pics of the beautiful bride and groom. As you will see, the weather cooperated most wonderfully. And what’s not to love about these lovely souls…..
Love the tropical colors!!
the turmeric ceremony….. vikal loves this tradition.
Pure joy as they see each other for the first time
You are so beautiful Mariela!!
Breathtaking view, breathtaking couple…
We don’t take all of the shots….
AYKM….FAVORITE
The poor horse was scared of music, dancing and flashes…thank goodness for street lights
How romantic is this setting…
Please stop by again to see the gorgeous Dominican ceremony….
by natanda
6 comments
add your comment...... (we love to hear from you) link to this post