Jasmine Star was the last speaker at the Image Quest conference. She in a way, sparked my interest in this crazy business called photography. I had been following her amazing progress since about the beginning of 2006 and has inspired me in so many ways then I can count. When Adam proposed to me I knew instantly who I wanted as my wedding photographer - Jasmine Star. We contacted her and were seriously on the verge of booking her cause we both loved her and her photography so much - but we decided that we couldn't swing it and also fly her and her amazing husband JD up from Orange County.
So knowing that seeing her was within my grasp I said "okay!". Now you have to understand that this group of photographers all paid to be here, and I was a little unsure about slipping into the conference room without a lanyard around my neck. But when I arrived at the door no one was checking so I slipped in, my stomach twisting...worrying I'd get caught. Once I got in everyone was happy to see me there, so I didn't feel so bad. I was worried they'd hate me for not purchasing a ticket. For those of you that are hatters, I'm sorry - I just really wanted to see her! :)
And not only did I see her, I met her. In the bathroom of all places. LOL! I thought I would be all starstruck on her, but surprisingly, I wasn't. It was like talking to one of my best friends who I hadn't seen in a long time. Hugs all around with lots of laughing!
Her platform speech was amazing. Filled with inspiration and truth. I sat there writing pages of notes on my iPhone trying desperately to soak everything in. I sat in the conference room surrounded by amazing photographers and amazing business people and I was inspired, here I was, apart of this unbelievable group!
Image by the fabulous Andrea Blair
One more post left, it's fantastic! :P
They were worried that the weather would turn ugly with rain or snow, but the sun stayed out to warm our cold fingers and memorize us with a beautiful sunset over the north shore mountains.
Meet the glowing and beautiful Amber!
Can't wait to meet the new little one!
So beautiful! Love the belly/flower shots and the black dress...so elegant.
(03.30.10)What gorgeous photos!!!
(03.30.10)Oh how beautiful, cute, sweet etc!!! Your photographer caught you 2 so well!!! These pics suit you ohhhh so well!
(03.30.10)I love this picture of you guys at the beach. You guys looks so content. So excited for you two.
(03.30.10)Your pictures are amazing!!!! What a perfect day you guys had....all the pictures are very endearing.
(03.30.10)LOVE THE PICS!! The black dress, the outside on the beach, hands on belly etc. etc....We are so very excited for the both of you!!!
(03.30.10)Beautiful! We are so excited to meet our niece/nephew. Love you guys. xxoo
(03.30.10)Wow all the pictures are soo beautiful. love the one with u in the black dress, and the with both of u on the park bench. So happy for u guys!!!!!
(03.30.10)These are gorgeous pictures. I am so thrilled and excited for you both, I can't wait for the new baby to arrive
(03.30.10)LOVE THESE shots of the three of you!!! What a way to remember this time in your lives!!! love you all...the best is yet to come! xoxoxox
(03.30.10)Wow, look at you guys! Straight out of the pages of a magazine. The black dress shots are simply beautiful. Reid knows how much I love that sweater :) I think I yelped a little when I saw him in it. The park bench shots, to me, capture you guys perfectly. Lovin you!
(03.31.10)Sooooo beautiful!!!!!!!!!!
(03.31.10)Great pics talk to you soon
(03.31.10)amber is stunning! great shots....reid is not to shabby either!! i love the pic of the two of them on the park bench, honestly could be in a magazine.
(03.31.10)amber is a yummy mummy! nice pic's! you both look well rested....give it a few more weeks then i want to see the pic's of you two sleeping on that park bench!!
(03.31.10)You look so beautiful!!! I really love the pic of you lying on the park bench... definitely one that needs to be framed! xoxo
(04.01.10)My heart is swelling with pride....you three are stunning...beyond words! Love Mom & Bill xoxoxo
(04.01.10)Those are so great. I love the ones of you at the beach.
(04.01.10)Oh my goodness!! I love absolutely all of these pictures. I got particularly teary-eyed looking at the one with handsome "Daddy Reid" hugging stunningly beautiful "Mommy Amber's" bare tummy. So so very sweet.
I think it's so wonderful that you will have these pictures to look back on ... and remember this special time together.
I am beyond excited as I look forward to the arrival of the little bundle.
BIG Love ... Mom / Nana xoxoxoxo
What beautiful pics you guys - you both look amazing! xoxo
(04.06.10)Wow such great photos!!! I love the ones on the park bench, a place to visit and get photos when baby is here. I can picture you there having a picnic together as a family!! How exciting! Congrats
(04.06.10)
Yesterday morning I received a text from my friend and very own wedding photographer, Jamie Delaine "Are you going to Image Quest today?!" I had missed the ball on purchasing a ticket but I wanted to go and see everyone. She suggested that I come out for lunch, so I did!
I arrived shy and feeling completely out of place. Here were a group of photographers who had just spent the past three days together learning, laughing, and being inspired and I just showed up expecting people to hang out with me. My stomach turned - would anyone hang out with me?! The doors burst open from Blue Olive's platform speech and I was greeted with smiles and giggles. You know that scene in Anne of Green Gables where Anne goes off to Queen's University and her elementary school friends squeal with happiness that they found her and pull her away for lunch. That was me yesterday, it was exactly that scene, but in modern day times! I felt loved and accepted!
A group of us grabbed a table and instantly fell into a wonderful conversation about life, passion, and business. My second wedding photographer Laura Hana is a jewel, and she introduced me to my newest friend Cathy Empey - her and I clicked, kinda like kindred spirits. We invited two wonderful ladies to sit with us, Peggy from Bliss Photography and her friend. We sat for 2 hours chatting about everything and coming up with some amazing ideas! As the bill arrived I was sad that I'd have to say good-bye to them and head back home. But their heads perked up and they told me "Come to see Jasmine...come!".
Image by Jessica ClaireI don't want to bore you too much, so the continuation of this day will be in another post, you know just to make you come back! :)
Oh! I so wanted to go!
So glad you got to go hang out. And you got to meet Jasmine?!
OK...Now I am curious....cant wait to hear what happened. :) PS, I love your blog while I am at work, I make deals with myself, I can only check it once I get through with a certain task. :)
(03.24.10)Can't wait to hear how the downtown journey went! :) It was great to see you again!
(03.25.10)
It was a beautiful newborn session, but you can never forget about the rest of the family!
Lesley, I absolutely love the picture of Alaina and Kyra and it's a great picture of Alaina by herself too. I'm so glad we had them done, and can't wait to see the rest1
(03.22.10)They're beautiful Lesley! You really have captured their spirits! Good job. BTW, how'd you do this slideshow? It's a fantastic idea.
(03.22.10)Hey Marissa
What beautiful pictures! You are very lucky to have been able to capture these moments with modern technology.
Enjoy :-)
Lori
What lovely pictures of your beautiful little girls! They will be a treasure in years to come.
Dianne
lesley -- you have outdone yourself --- of course your subjects were ideal ---- what beautiful pictures --- kudos to the photographer and thank you for wonderful family memories
(03.23.10)Lesley - I absolutely love the effect... the lighting, the softness of the photos.. and of course the beautiful little sisters! Precious!!
(03.23.10)What a beautiful introduction to the family overseas! The interaction of the two sisters and this picture of the whole family! Thanks and goodluck!
(03.25.10)
So while I'm waiting for things to roll faster, I thought I'd share a little sneak peek at this beautiful baby girl who was welcomed into this world just a few short weeks ago!
What beautiful girls. I can't wait to see them both again.
(03.22.10)Beautiful pics of your beautiful girls. Love the one of Kyra looking at Alaina's fingers.
(03.22.10)Totally unbiased opinion. 'beautiful girls!' Love Oma
(03.22.10)
Oh man! If I had known you were just slipping in I totally would've joined you!
(03.26.10)Looking forward to reading part thee!! ;D
(03.26.10)