Renee & Steven - COTO

I just got back from Coto de Caza the wedding of Renee and Steven. So, so, so glad that Steven was okay from his bike accident on Friday. We didn't know if he was going to make it today, so lots of prayers and hope went into this day; and was so stoked that he'd made it.

The sun was about to set on this beautiful scenery backdrop. This country club sits where the golf club is, and was so beautiful and intimate. Right where they did their vow is a beautiful waterfall. So symbolic of their love, fluid, strong and effortless. I was really blessed to be a part of their day.







I've been to a lot of weddings, hear all the good DJ's, Wedding singers, band, and instrumentalist. However, tonight was such a treat. This is Pete Goslow, an all around cool dude and guitar genius. His guitar playing style is phenomenal. His repertoire was from Bach to John Mayer. If you love good music, you need to check him out, and his new CD just came out.

3rd & Fairfax

This is how i see it.....

Dane Drop Bombs....(in a good way)

I love hanging out with Dane Sanders of Fast Track Photographer. Seems that we have been friends and colleagues for years on end but, the funny thing is that we just met this year. There is true inspiration in Dane Sanders, the passion that drives him, the motivation that demonstrates, the depth and clarity that is truly noteworthy. I can assure you that this is not a man crush (I am comfortable with that I think) nor a mad cult leader with his PR talking, but a relational peer to peer appreciation. Any who, we met with a great group of guys and gal (Vu Bui, David from SDOhana, John Loyola, Lisa from ElleGPhoto, and Gavin Wade ) tonight over some cuban food in Orange. The plan was to get together for a photo shoot but turned into the hour of power....

All I have to say is, WPPI (Wedding & Portraits Photographers International) will be the place to be next year at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas February 14-19 2009. I witness a passion from Dane tonight that can fuel all of traffic lights in Las Vegas, Nevada and all of Orange County combined. His plan with Vu Bui is innovative and inviting. I think it will take the wedding and portraits photography world in to another level....please hang loose for more information on that later......

I can't wait....

persona |pərˈsōnə|

persona |pərˈsōnə| the aspect of someone's character that is presented to or perceived by others.

December is here, and I can't believe it's cold. Orange County's December is not the same as East Coast December (not that I know any better, never been to the East Coast yet....but I've heard that it's cold there?) must keep warm...that's what I says. I find my self reflecting, couldn't help it because the weather is the cause of my deepness....any who, I was just thinking about the word persona. As you can see and read from the above definition.....what it means to me is, what I "put out" and what others "put in". The two "Ps" me = presented and you = perceived. Now let's look at these four pictures of my daughter presented. I wonder if she thinks of what you are thinking now? does it matter of how she is being perceived as you scroll down this page and as your thoughts flutters, words flies, emotions?




Just being her cute little self is....presented, perceived. In her little 13 months old mind, she is, and that's it.

Thanks.

Something about the rain that brings the raw emotions, the introspective out of me. Or maybe that I can't go anywhere so the meditative is more pensive than ever. Anywho, I feel and know that I am totally BLESSED. This is not the "rain" talking and no, there is no funny stuff in my diet Mountain Dew. I really do know that I am blessed and am thankful. There is lots of stuff that could really get me down right now, but why think about that? When I am surrounded with blessings and people who are a blessing. Sure, there are those folks who are not such a blessing, but there will be the reminder of how I appreciate my friends and family who are a blessings. Even the trials and the hard time, they also remind me of the good times and the joy.

warmth...

Leaves fallen as the air diminished
my feet are above ground from this coldness
these hands are like bullet, firing away...at nothing
but a gentle breeze resides as you come along to whisper
that the coldness is nice and that; heat rises
as it get colder but so does the warmth, if we stay together.

i am thankful...

(c) jackratana 2008

Today with her aunty Cheryl from Australia...