Spread The Love Tour in San Diego

February 8, 2010 Posted in photography

There are certain things I can’t explain or even begin to describe. For example, if I had to describe my love for desserts to someone I would probably look like a fool. My words would get tangled and trip over my tongue and I would keep spitting out words such as um, like, best, delicious, amazing, uhhhhh. It would be a mess and I would eventually resort to forcing you to eat chocolate with me.

The same goes with Justin and Mary Marantz. If I even try to describe or explain how much Eddie and I enjoyed, no, loved them and everything they had to say during their stop in San Diego for their Spread the Love Tour, I’d probably just confuse you. My hands would start going all over the place trying to help organize my words. It would be painful so all I can say is that if you are a photographer or anyone in a service based industry, I might just have to force you to attend one of their workshops.

Eddie and I felt so encouraged, motivated and simply inspired after leaving the workshop. I think that Justin and Mary have lit something inside of us that we didn’t know existed. We have so many things to implement, change and begin to do with our business and personal lives that I’m going to need the darkest chocolate I can find to celebrate. And a cup of wine. And some strawberries. Yes, to celebrate before we begin to do anything. To celebrate the excitement we feel and the plans in the making, I think chocolate, strawberries and wine are the perfect fit.

There are still a few stops left in their tour, click here to see if they are heading to your city any time soon. Trust me, you do not want to miss this!

I was so focused and trying to take everything in that I completely forgot to take pictures of them during their presentation. Lame. So I guess these will have to do…

Justin, Mary and Julia,

If there existed another term bigger than THANK YOU, that’s the one we’d say to you. We are convinced that your workshop is going to, actually it already has, changed the way we work, approach and think about our business. The time and effort that it takes to do what you do is greatly appreciated. We hope to someday have the ability to also give back just as you have to so many in this industry. Your kindness and sincerity amazed and helped us feel at ease and with confidence and know that we are forever grateful. And if you’re ever in San Diego again, we shall celebrate with chocolate, wine and strawberries. And Starbucks of course :) Thank you for Spreading The Love.

-Eddie and Marissa Rodriguez

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amanda thiessen - i love J&M's photography!! so cool you got to go!!! you are on your way - your photos get better and better!!

Christine Pobke - sounds awesome, sweetie! so glad you and e had a great time! :)

KRISTINA - I took like 20 million pages of notes! I couldn't even keep my thoughts collected I was writing so fast! The people in my group were facinating and totally stepped up to the plate to share their fears and that we are all more alike than not. crazyness squared! Here's to pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and making magic in your business! XOXOXO

Tira J - Ditto 10,000 times over with dark chocolate and strawberries! I just wrote about my STL experience yesterday on my blog! I walked away crying because I was so happy I got to do this. Can't wait to see how this changes you and Eddie's business. Here's to MOMENTUM!!!!

s h e r r y - That sounds amazing! I know someone who went to the tour stop in LA and she also raved about it. I can't make any of their dates!! I thought about the Seattle date, but I have a midterm the next morning... </3 I'm SUPER glad you got a ton out of it! :):)

The Personal Stuff

February 3, 2010 Posted in personal

I wanted to have a post ready today… I wanted to share the photos that make me cry and smile every time I look at them. I had the words all figured out in my mind. I knew what I would write, what I would say. But when it came down to it, there was nothing. Actually, there was too much to say.

I don’t want to seem all dramatic about the photos I haven’t yet posted but I don’t think I’ve ever been so emotionally attached to the people in front of my camera or a group of photos since I started photography. If that makes any sense. I’m trying to be more of an open book here on this little blog of mine but gosh!, it’s hard to put a little piece of your heart on the Internet so that anyone and their mother can read. It just feels weird. But as awkward as it feels at times, I’m getting the hang of it and I know that years from now I’ll be glad I blogged not only about pretty weddings and gorgeous couples, but about certain things going on in my life.

And that is just another reason why I love what I do, or at least what I’m trying to do. Photography pushes me. It makes me dig deep. It helps me appreciate. It reminds me to cherish the moments that cannot be repeated. It allows me to tell stories that may have otherwise been forgotten. And it helps me remember.

So here is another little peak at the photos that I’ll be posting soon…

So, thank you. Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog and reading a little more about me and those in front of my camera. I hope you have a beautiful day!

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amanda thiessen - talk about reading minds! haha i couldnt have said it better myself! :)

Sean - I've been there so many times with the perfect thoughts, and perfect words playing in my mind and the key just wont translate them. It's the strangest thing. I love that you're wanting to open up a little on here, it's fun, and it's real :) Anxious for the photos!

Elisabeth Carol - Ok seriously, you are awesome. You always amaze me! And thank you so much for always leaving some love on my blog! I very much appreciate it. Always. :)

Heather Mulholland - I seriously oogle over your writing style.

Pam-PJ Photography - Can't go wrong when you photograph children!! What a cutie pie! Can't wait to photograph my Great Niece(or Nephew) :D :D :D

kathrine - omg. what a cute little boy. his lashes are sooo long. i'm jealous! who is he?? btw...i love your last paragraph. well said! :)

Cindy - i am smitten already. such a nice little preview! can't wait to see the rest.

ajira - oh how I can relate to what you're saying here! baby's protesting so gotta run but will comment properly later!

Dulce - So this is the little boy who stole your heart...very cute! I'll be waiting to see the rest because I know they will be great!

Christine Pobke - i seriously heart you. :) i can't wait to see more. xoxo

Tira J - Thank you for sharing your heart! can't wait to see and hear more!

Elizabeth Luna - Indeed you do have a good heart! thank you for sharing :)

Harmony Loves - You have a good heart and I love to read what's going on in your life.... keep it up :)

Monday Beginnings

February 1, 2010 Posted in personal

Yesterday evening was spent enjoying time with Eddie’s family…at a buffet. Need I say more? After a plate of delicious food, my gut and I kept rolling back to the dessert table. I think I should be forced to be on a permanent diet. The good thing is that Monday is forgiving and a day for a fresh start. And what a great combination to have; Monday PLUS the first day of a new month, two new beginnings in one day. So I guess its official, yesterdays binging doesn’t count. The scale and my thighs will never have to know.

Although I’ll be holding myself back on the whole dessert and sweets thing, I plan on pushing myself to take more pictures. Getting out and shooting more, just for me. I used to do this a lot but looking through my photos the other day I noticed that I’ve been slacking. Anyway, I hope everyone has a great day! And hopefully you’ll also be able to find the time to take a photo of something special or completely random today :)

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ajira - I was just noticing that lately when I'm not photographing clients, I'm photographing my son and not much else. So, made a conscious commitment to photograph more of the stuff around me. To aim to express certain feelings or moods through my images of still lifes. It's fun and it's challenging and I like the idea of keeping myself on my toes! That pineapple looks scrumptious! p.s. I had chocolate for lunch. Thought it was the only way to start the month off right! LOL.

Sean - Pretty sure dessert bars are the reason of my being ;)

s h e r r y - :):) It is pretty awesome that Monday is the start of a new month, eh! :):) Super motivation. You go, girl! Quick Q... How did you do the little website/blog/e-mail at the bottom of your post. Do you have it set as a signature? Or do you type it in every post... ? :D

Kathrina - "my gut and i.." haha! weekends are never ever EVER kind to the gut. maybe we'll be able to go out and shoot together! gtg shootout or what not!

Bad Hair Days

January 28, 2010 Posted in inspiration, personal

I chopped off more than twelve inches of my hair about two years ago. Just because. I was also going to dye it jet black but I chickened out. And after a few months of getting it cut, I went back to get it cut even shorter. Yes, I know. Sometimes I just can’t contain myself. I enjoyed my new hair style for quite a while until one day I decided I was ready to have my long hair again. All I can say is that I learned that when it comes to hair, I am not a patient person.

It wasn’t the fact that my hair was short that bothered me so much; it was during the stage when my hair was too long and yet too short to do anything with it. That’s what bothered me. It was when it wouldn’t quite reach my shoulders and the ends rested on my neck, right in the middle, tickling and poking me every day. I couldn’t put it up in a ponytail, I couldn’t leave it down. It was a mess. You couldn’t tell if I had bangs, layers or if I was just on a permanent bad hair day.  To say the least, waiting for it to get past that annoying point was quite the task. It was a process and I’ve discovered that sometimes processes drive me crazy.

I’ve noticed that the process of re-branding is having a lot of similarities to growing out my hair. I am enjoying the searching and creating that comes along with re-branding but I’m ready to keep going. The only problem is that I can’t make up my mind about certain things. I’m in that stage where something is poking and pushing me to move forward but just as my hair took a while to stop resting its ends on my neck, I’m taking my sweet time. Sometimes it feels like a permanent bad hair day.

Fortunately, my hair eventually got past that annoying little stage and now it reaches my shoulders with ease and hopefully soon I can also decide and and organize my branding wants and ideas. Anyway, these next three photos have nothing to do with hair and re-branding but I love how I feel when I look at them. Sometimes I take a break from fighting with my hair and confusing ideas and I step out to my back yard, climb up a plastic slide and this is what I see…

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!

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amanda thiessen - i feel you on re-branding - going through the same thing but i have finally found what i want! you will too for sure - its frustrating but it takes time!! your work is amazing and your re-branding will be just as amazing!!!

Cindy - maybe i'll grow out my hair.... if i can capture these views! (O:

s h e r r y - Good luck with your re-branding! And the clouds look FAB!

{15:51} photography - I'm jealous that you have a slide in your backyard ;)

Pam-PJ Photography - Wish I could see sunsets from my house too....love the plane flying in your last shot!! :D

ajira - Wonderful shots. I love how the same view can look so different. Can't wait to see the new branding!

Christine Pobke - Beautiful shots hon! :) And I know what you mean about the in-between phase... ugh! OOh and i wanna see the new branding! :)

Brianna Phelan - 1. You will do it. You will rock it. You will look back on this post and wonder why you ever doubted yourself. 2. The first shot is amazing. Incredible. Truly. 3. You will do it!

Judie Zevack - These images are amazing girl!! What a beautiful view. And, Just like your hair took its time to fall right into place, so will your re-branding. Follow your gut and take that chance, everything else will ease into place after that!

Kathrine

January 26, 2010 Posted in portraits

We moved a lot and I was sick of it. Every time I made a friend it seemed as if it was time to pack again and say good bye and even at ten years old I wanted some stability in my life although I probably didn’t know what that meant. So when my family got a little settled, I was convinced that I would finally find a best friend. Everyone would always talk about one so I wanted one and I wanted to be one. I even remember asking a classmate during recess if she would be my best friend and she said no. I don’t know what was more lame, the fact that I asked or the fact that she said no! Anyway, moving on before I get side tracked describing my dorkiness…

I walked into my new classroom and sat in a desk across from Kathrine. Perfect posture, smart, organized and beautiful. I was convinced that sitting near her my entire fifth grade year would be painful. Every day she came into class and placed her purple Pochacco pencil box on her desk complete with Pochacco pencils and erasers. And I took out my No.2 pencil and reminded myself to beg my parents again to take me to Sanrio. She was so perfect and I, well, c’mon I was asking people if they wanted to be my best friend. Exactly.

I hate that I don’t remember the details of when or how it happened but before I knew it, my little prayers were answered and I never again had to ask anyone else if they wanted to be my friend. I didn’t need to. I had the best friend in the world.

My childhood and teenage years are filled with memories of Kathrine and I learning, laughing and growing together. From fifth grade to our high school graduation, the poor girl put up with me practically every single day. And I’m sure that Eddie can attest to the fact that it’s no easy task. After high school, we went to different colleges and now live in different cities but I’m convinced that she had an incredible amount to do with helping me find the person I am today. I don’t believe there are enough words to describe my appreciation for such an amazing person. Even as an adult, because of her, I still believe in best friends.

Although we don’t get to see each other as much as I’m sure we both would like to, while Kathrine visited San Diego a few weeks ago, she supported and encouraged me even during the most inconvenient of days. I made her stand in the rain during a crazy cold day for a quick photo shoot…I guess she’s still putting up with me till’ this day.

Enjoy!

Absolutely perfect.

:)

By the way Kathrine, even though you don’t have the Pochacco pencil box by your side anymore, I’m still completely jealous. You are incredibly beautiful…and you’re not allowed to roll your eyes at that :)

I forgot to mention her ridiculous sense of style!…

My all time favorites.

Kathrine,

I love you :) You are an amazing person and I mean it when I say that there are no words to describe my appreciation for you. Thank you for putting up with me even when I was confused and trying to ‘find myself.’ Thank you for all of the good times. Thank you for believing in me.

Hopefully we get to visit each other more this year, Eddie doesn’t know it yet, but we are so going to San Francisco to visit you :) I remember we used to call each other “sisters” when we would write our little letters to each other, so know that I still consider you my sister. You will always be one of my favorite people, no matter what.

your sis’,

-Marissa

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Chatti - Awww...this is nicely written and so sweet. I am glad that katherine has a great friend in you and it looks like you captured her so well. I love the rain! and i love the photos of her in the rain with the cute umbrella.

ayres photography - Stunning portraits, Marissa! I love the umbrella...so fun! ♥

Stacey Malleck - Love the ones of her laughing on the stairs! Perfect.

Megan Beth - Marissa, I love these! And that last shot of her with the umbrella, sitting on the wall on the left, wow, definitely my favorite.

Katelyn James - girl, you are getting so gooooood!!! I mean, you were already awesome but I've seen you grow so much and it's so great!!!:) yay for you!!!!:)

ajira - Such a sweet session in terms of the gorgeous images as well as the relationship you two share. Really adorable. Kathrine you're gorgeous!

kelly beane - Marissa, what an awesome post! The images are fabulous and you have such a way with your words. It is apparent you and Katharine are amazing, sweet souls. Blessings!

Cathy Crawley - What a beautiful session! I love the umbrella shots!

Pam-PJ Photography - Awww! Not everyone is lucky enough to still have a BFF like yours!! Beautiful post! I can totally see you two playing as young girls, or should I say younger...you are both still young and beautiful!!!

Christine Pobke - Love this session M... Love the relationship you guys share, and love that you did this session for her. You guys are beautiful!! :) xoxo

Marissa Rodriguez - OMG Kathrine! HOW could I forget tether ball!? Haha! And thanks for making me cry! I forgot to mention that I'm the cry baby of the two :)

Lauren Castello - Marissa, the pictures look amazing. Everything about them is captivating and interesting. You truly are talented. KL, you are beautiful!! Don't argue. You look like a complete natural in front of the camera. Love you both <3

s h e r r y - These are stunning! :) She's gorgeous, and you captured her SO well.

Rebecca - She is so beautiful! And I just may want to steal that kick-ass umbrella. :D

kathrine - marissa - two words TETHER BALL! you were always the more athletic one. AWESOME at tether ball, swam like a dolphin, could actually do a pull up/those tricks on the parallel bars. i was the nerd with ZERO athletic ability. but the tether ball courts...well they brought us together. and i think the moment that i realized that we were meant to be BFFs/sisters was when i found out we were born only a day apart! so thank you times a million for being the sister i never had (but always wanted) and for being such a huge part of my childhood. besides being more athletic, you were also the stronger, more assertive of the two of us. you always stood up for me and believed in me when i didn't have the courage to stand up for myself. and i'll never forget it. i'm incredibly grateful and lucky to have you in my life. always, k

Heather Mulholland - You have definitely grown since the summer in your photos and writing, so proud! *hugs*

Alexis Anderson - aside from being wonderful photos, and a gorgeous girl...this post was beautiful.

Christine - OMG, these are SOOOO amazing! Kathrine is absolutely stunning and your photography really showcases that. I love all of these photos so I can't really pick a favorite :)

Harmony Loves - I love LOVE LOVE this session! And she is gorgeous! You are gorgeous Kathrine! Great job Marissa :)

KathrinA - I blinked twice because I almost thought it was my name. Then the purple Sanrio goodies...totally me too. A little creepy ;) SWEET SWEET post. You always need someone like Kathrine in your life. Beautiful images of her.

Katie and Theo

January 20, 2010 Posted in weddings

He just smiles and nods every time I say it. I can read vibes… I really can! And Eddie’s response is always the same, I believe you. I really do. The problem is that I don’t believe him when he says that he believes me. Reading vibes, intuition, gut reaction, whatever you want to call it, I keep trying to convince him that everyone has “it,” the only difference is that I’m really good at it. At least that’s what I tell myself. So when I received an email from Katie, I was convinced that she was nothing short of wonderful. Of course I held back from getting too detailed with Eddie because I know he would have said something like you can read vibes through email too!? As a matter of fact, I probably can.

So before walking into the beautiful US Grant Hotel for Katie and Theos wedding, I calmed my nerves by reminding myself  how wonderful I already knew Katie was, the email vibes remember. But I was only partially correct. I was right about Katie and how fun and lighthearted I thought she would be, but I had no idea that together, Katie and Theo, would exude the most beautiful combination of love, wittiness and laughter. It was amazing and I realized that my “vibe reading” fell a little short.

I don’t know whether it was the fact that they decided to get ready together, give us more than an hour for their portraits, completely trust any suggestion we had for photos or if it was the fact that they were not the least bit worried about fitting any criteria of a traditional wedding that made me want to reach out and give them random hugs throughout the day. Fortunately, I held back on the hug part which allowed me to notice that Katie and Theos only focus was simply to be married and that obliged everything else to take second place. This made it so that from the moment we set foot in their hotel room to the time we left for the evening from their intimate ceremony in La Jolla, I smiled the whole time. I can almost guarantee that.

So please excuse my previously sore cheeks and enjoy some of my favorites…This was a destination wedding for Katie and Theo, you might remember them from this blog post.

A big thank you to Emilie from Making Faces for the fabulous job she did on Katies hair and makeup! You can click here to view more of her work.

Enjoy!

A gorgeous dress, purple shoes and amazing light combined with an awesome wall is perfect!

Such a beautiful moment while getting ready together…

Oh Katie. I don’t even have any more words for you….just beautiful.

As soon as they were done getting ready, they were all ours to begin their portraits. I’m telling you, it was perfect! We started in the room, went down to the lobby for a couple shots and did the main portion of the photos at a stunning place! You’ll see…

See!?…

Theo, enjoy the palm trees! :)

This was Eddies first wedding…and I’m not kidding or trying to make him feel all special when I say this, but he did an amazing job! Maybe even worthy of a raise, but we’ll see :)

This is one of his many shots that I absolutely loved…

Such an intimate, peaceful and beautiful ceremony set up…

The reaction of the groom while the bride is walking down the aisle, even if they’ve seen each other beforehand, is my favorite part of the ceremony. My favorite!

*Click HERE for Katie and Theos slide show*

Katie and Theo,

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for being so honest and open with us! We cannot express to you how much we absolutely loved your “unconventional” ways :) The day was tailored to fit perfectly around what was important to the both of you and that’s what matters. I’m so happy for the Internet world otherwise I don’t know how we would have been able to meet, and I’m not even a little bit kidding when I said that your guys’ vibe as individuals and together is so fun and just overall wonderful! Thank you for allowing us to be part of such a special day in your lives, we felt so welcomed and comfortable with you both and with your sweet families. We sincerely cannot hope but only the best for you and your growing family! You guys are awesome!

-With love,

Marissa and Eddie Rodriguez

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kelly beane - Beautiful! I love all their portraits, and what an awesome ceremony site! Keep sharing...

Harmony Loves - so so so so gorgeous! I love the purple shoes, them looking at each other, and the location. Seriously just beautiful Marissa!

Chanique - LOVE the shot of them at the tree's roots! Gorgeous!

ajira - Beautiful job you two. Yay Eddie, and yay for Marissa's vibe reading abilities. You go girl, own your skills!! Love the second shoe shot, so sweet. The colours are divine in your images. Anytime you want a 3rd shooter, hit me up too! I'd love it. Okay, I'll admit it... I just want to hang out with you guys 'cos you're so cool!! ;)

Wendy - Marissa and Eddie, WOW the photos are amazing. Seriously first wedding on your own? Who would have known?!? I love the shots with the Palm Trees - seriously its not like us Canadians get to see Palm Trees on a day to day basis! Sending you lots more internet vibes Marissa! Seriously you are an insipiration!

Abbey - Marissa I've been following your blog for the past few weeks. I found you on Jamie Delaine's site. Your work is amazing and only great things are in store for you and Eddie! I am just starting out in photography and you really inspire me. I'm definitely bookmarking your site! Great pictures by the way!

Alyssa - Fantastic photos! Seriously, I'm in love with this set. They absolutely are gorgeous, and I'm totally jealous of that dress shot! Perfect!

Rebecca - so unbelievable! You did such an amazing job - gorgeous!

Katie (the bride) - Marissa and Eddie were so fantastic in every way. We changed the venue and photo wishes on them the night before the wedding and they completely just went with the flow (just like us!). They made us feel so great on the day of and my whole family can't say enough good things about the pair of them. The pictures are stunning and we're so grateful!

Stacee Lianna - Marissa, these are beautiful! You did an outstanding job!

Tira J - Gorgeous work and story Marissa!

Jackie Ellis - Marissa! I'm so proud of you! The huge tree is everyone's favorite. I LOVE the wall in the hotel room too! So chic! Great colors in all of your photos. You are so talented! I hope to work with you and will pass your info on to any brides I run into this wedding season.

Otto Rascon - Wow, that portrait on that gigantic tree is AMAZING. All of these photos are so beautiful and clean. It looked like great wedding and you captured it wonderfully. Rock on!!!

Kathrina - You had me with the purple shoes ;) That location is beautiful! Go Eddie Go Eddie! Awesome shots you guys!

Judie Zevack - Marissa, these are stunning!!! You did an amazing job girl!! You and Eddie are a power team. Keep up the awesomeness :-)

ayres photography - Hi Marissa and Eddie! So glad we stumbled onto your blog! This is an awesome set...LOVE them! Your detail shots are especially stunning. :) Keep up the great work!

Pam-PJ Photography - MARISSA!!! Wow! You knocked it out of the park and it was a home run! Beautiful job on your first wedding on your own! I'm SO proud of you and Eddie! I'm speachless!!

s h e r r y - Cuute! You did an AWESOME job. I love the giant tree!!! Makes them look super teeny! :)

Elisabeth Carol - I so totally love this!!! You seriously did an awesome job!!! Ahh Can't wait to see more weddings from you! You should seriously be so proud of yourself!

Christine Pobke - Awwww Marissa! These are beautiful! You can totally tell you were just so happy to be there - the emotions you captured are truly stunning. :) I'm so happy for you, my friend! And tell Eddie that you have one friend in Australia who totally believes you have The Gift For Reading Vibes. Even Via Email. :) xoxo

Lizzie Kimball - Beautiful photos! Love them :)

Heather Mulholland - Wow gorgeous photos, way to go Eddie!

Katie Neal Photo - I'm SOOOO in love with these images girl! You knocked it outta the park!!! Next time you want someone to tag along as a 3rd shooter, I wanna come! :)

Yosemite Getaway, Part II

January 18, 2010 Posted in inspiration, personal

There was war this morning between my warm sheets and my new morning running routine. It almost didn’t happen. I lay in bed trying to convince myself that sleeping in for fifteen more minutes would be ok…

But you always do that and then fifteen minutes turns into an hour. Yeah but it’s so cold. It doesn’t matter, if you don’t get up NOW then you’ll start the week completely wrong. Why did I decide to start running so early? I don’t know, maybe because if it’s not the first thing you do in the morning then you won’t do it!? And why do I have to run in the first place? Remember all those dresses you tried on yesterday that didn’t fit!? That’s why….silence…UGH! It’s the weathers’ fault! If it wasn’t so cold and gloomy this would be much easier. I hate this weather and the weather for the whole week! Whatever, just get up and stop complaining…

The weathers’ fault. Right. By the time I finished my run, ate breakfast and showered I had a change of heart. When I pulled out one of my jackets that I wore to Yosemite a few weeks ago, I decided that I loved the weather. It took me back to our little weekend getaway and after feeling a little embarrassed with myself because of the random conversation this morning, I smiled and reminded myself not to hate the weather tomorrow morning.

So with that in mind, I decided to post Part II of our little trip to Yosemite National Park…Enjoy!

There was so much beautiful scenery, but I always get distracted with random little details!

Snow shoe walking!

Have a fabulous Monday!

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alicia - well, I wonder why I relate with all this pictures? I really want to go back to Yosemite, a beautiful place! all these pictures are wonderful, we don't see this in the city. One thing I learned is to have a lot of patience with a photographer! They like small details, love it! Have a beautiful day, mom

Judie Zevack - Yay for you not giving up on your running!! These photos are breath taking girl!! I love them!!

Harmony Loves - yea! I'm happy you're still running :) it's finally starting to get a little easier for me... finally. Gorgeous images as always Marissa, you are seriously amazing :)

ajira - Marissa- please take a run for me too? Oy! :) Gorgeous photographs of Yosemite. Such an amazing place... never been there in the winter but can't wait!

Pam-PJ Photography - Hi Marissa! Gorgeous photos! LOVE the moss on the trees! So beautiful! oh, can you run for me too while your are at it....??? ha!

Christine - I have that little chat with myself in the morning but I always win. Well most of the time. That is the me that wants to stay in bed :) I think once the sun starts to come up early I'll start again. I hate running in the dark in the morning, it's depressing. Gorgeous photos! They make me really want to go exploring in the wilderness :)

s h e r r y - You go girl! I need some of your will power. Ah, I struggle to wake up to go to class every morning... If only I could squeeze in some exercise time before that :/

Yosemite Getaway, Part I

January 14, 2010 Posted in inspiration, personal

Barking dogs, crying children, dirty air, rude people, drama, car troubles, feeling crappy, house cleaning, schedules, work, more rude people, bills, traffic…sometimes it’s nice to get away from it all and hit an imaginary reset button. So when Eddie and I planned taking my parents to a four day getaway to Yosemite National Park for their anniversary we knew it would be a blast and they would love it but we didn’t realize how much we would enjoy it or how much we needed it. It was by far one of the best little getaways we’ve ever taken. So much time to relax, reflect, enjoy nature and just be together; a perfect way to end the year and begin a new one.

Here is Part I of my favorites from our trip…Enjoy!

I was so jealous that Eddie got so close to the waterfall! I so would have gotten further but I didn’t want to drop and break my camera. :)

Lots more snow, especially clean snow coming up in Part II!

I always seem to take a shoe/foot shot when I’m shooting for myself…

*sigh*

Have a wonderful day everyone and be sure to keep checking back, lots of good stuff coming up! :)

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Jeff - Beautiful images :) Yosemite is one of my favorite places ever - looks like you guys had a fun time!

Cathy Crawley - Absolutely beautiful, I wish I could see Yosemite in winter!

alicia - We want to thank you, Eddie and you for the trip to Yosemite, we had a great time, it was a beautiful trip, great moments,I will like to make an album from all those wonderful pictures you and Eddie have, thank you so much, love Mom & Dad

Daisy - We loved the photos of Yosemite!!!!!! My mom,Melissa,and I saw them.

maria - Beautiful Marissa! What a great way to start 2010.

Sightseer - Great Photos! It sure looks like you had a great time in Yosemite!

Pam-PJ Photography - Hi Marissa! What an adventure with fabulous photos to boot!! Once again...great job!!

Brianna Phelan - Marissa, truly beautiful. I love the shot of the dirty snow and the light in these is amazing. You rock girl!

Christine Pobke - Fabulous!! I'm so jealous, I've never been to Yosemite and it is definitely in my top list of places to travel to!! :)

Judie Zevack - Mija, these are absolutely breath taking!!! I love them!

s h e r r y - Love the leaf shot! :) And snow in California! How rare, haha. Oh, and I just recently learned that it's not pronounced "yo-sa-might", but "yo-se-ma-tee". Hahaha. Faux-pas?

Angela - Gorgeous photos!! The last shot is amazing!! Can't wait to see part 2!

Harmony Loves - gorgeous. I'm in love with the last shot. you should print it :) or use for your computer background :)

Kathrina - Oooo-weee! Beautiful! I haven't been to Yosemite since I was about 8, makes me want to go back asap!

Katie Neal Photo - LOVE EM! So gorgeous!!!!

I Heart Faces: Best Face Photo

January 12, 2010 Posted in photography

After compromising with me for a few moments and posing with his parents for a few shots, Caleb let me know he needed a break. He wrapped his arms around both of his parents, brought their foreheads together and formed an almost protective huddle. I was completely excluded from their tiny circle but I smiled at the fact that I had the privilege to witness such an intimate moment. After a few seconds Caleb decided to peak through and look straight at me and I was able to capture his beautiful expression.

This week, i heart faces, “a photography site focused on the art of capturing faces and their various emotions,” is celebrating their one year anniversary! The theme for this week is “Best Face Photo,” so I decided I would contribute with entering this photo of Caleb that I took last month. I simply cannot get enough of his adorable little face!

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Harmony Loves - i am in love with this picture!

a home far away - Your photos are stunning! Have a great day Hugs Gunilla in Singapore

Wendy - That picture is soo beautiful! Good luck with the contest!

fidget - what a nice moment youve captured

Brianna Phelan - Awh, very sweet. Great moment captured :)

Judie Zevack - Adorable!

Kelly Young - Don't you just love those perfect photo opps? I love this photo! very original

Eating, Talking and More Eating

January 11, 2010 Posted in personal, photography

After I posted my little review about 2009 last week, I got a text from Eddie saying that we had to go out for dinner to celebrate and I was tempted to plop down and force myself to sleep just so the time would go faster and dinner time would come quicker. He didn’t have to ask where I wanted to go, I pick the same place every time and wonder why I can’t be that simple when it comes to other aspects of my life. By the end of the night I wasn’t sure whether we had talked or eaten more. I can do a lot of both. I talked about my goals and dreams relating to my business, ate, and then talked some more. We left the restaurant feeling a little heavier in size but even more excited and motivated emotionally. While we were there, one of the topics that obviously came up was the SOAR scholarship and how excited I was to see the results…

So last Friday, while on a wonderful weekend getaway with Eddies family to Big Bear Mountain, I found myself taking a break from all of the delicious food and sneaking downstairs a couple of times  to check the results. Actually, lets be real, I was checking about every five minutes. Finally I decided I would only check one last time so I asked Eddie to go downstairs with me. The results were posted and I found I was not chosen as one of the recipients for the scholarship. I didn’t say anything and Eddie held me close as I held back my tears…

But please don’t think that I was holding back tears because I felt lost and worried as to what I would do without all of the amazing prizes and help that the scholarship offered or because I felt that what I want in my business would not be a reality as a result of not being chosen. I held back tears simply because it sucked to realize I didn’t get chosen. I’m positive that the other 260 women that applied also felt a well that sucks type of feeling right? But it’s ok, it’s normal and it’s like getting a wedding inquiry. It’s totally a bummer if you don’t get hired especially since that wedding surely holds some amazing opportunities but  it is definitely not the only wedding that can help get to where you want to go. So after the first few seconds of letting that settle I watched the video announcing the winners with excitement and complete joy for Linda, Jennifer and Lindsay. From the bottom of my heart, CONGRATULATIONS ladies!!! And to Me Ra, THANK YOU! Thank you for putting such an awesome thing together for so many women to benefit from! You are doing amazing things and helping so many people reach their dreams, so the people sending you the mean and hurtful emails are just hatin’! :)

A few moments after we watched the video, Eddie reminded me about our little celebration at my favorite restaurant days before and I realized that I felt the exact same way…a little heavier in size but even more excited and motivated. We went back up stairs and spent the rest of the night trying to catch our breath in between all of the laughter created while playing games and reminiscing about old times…

_MG_9324And as I sit on my desk typing this way too late at night, I know that nothing has changed for me. I still want to fly, soar, climb or whatever you want to call it, so I’ll continue working hard and planning while sharing my journey and experiences with you here on my blog. So thank you for being here with me!

And to the wonderful photographers who have emailed me lately, THANK YOU so much for your incredibly kind words! I realize I’ve been totally lame for not getting back to you yet, but know that I will k!? :)

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ajira - That's right girl- you are going to soar for sure!! You are talented and sweet. Your clients are lucky to have you.

nancy m. - Right back at ya! I am ready to SOAR, fly, climb or whatever you call it! Best of luck Marissa!

{15:51} photography - Scholarship or no scholarship...you still totally rock! And better yet, you'll be the one offering up a scholarship of your own one day!

Harmony Loves - you are a great photographer and more importantly an amazing person! I too was disappointed but I didn't cry this time, cause normally I cry at everything, I knew in my heart that I was not chosen this time. God just has bigger plans for us!

Alexandra - Awww, I'm glad to see that you're still going to soar :) Keep it up!

Judie Zevack - Awwwe Marissa, Your words are so humbling. 2010 is going to be your year girl. Look at how much you have accomplished already, many of us have only reached 1/8 of what you have accomplished so that is something to definitely be proud of. I am so grateful to have stumbled upon your blog mija, you are just a true inspiration to me and I am sure many of the people who religiously read your blog feel the same way. Keep it up girl, you rock!!

Stacee Lianna - WOW! you're up late young lady! ;] i think you're amazing, and i can't wait to see what's in store for you in the next year.