One of the things I love most about what I do is meeting new people and going through the process of getting to know one another. But it’s an equally wonderful thing working with people I’ve worked with before. It’s like having coffee with an old friend – you pick up right where you left off, with old laughs, new stories, and a warm sense of comfort. So when Gabi contacted me to do another photoshoot, I was super excited to work with her again. This time she had a wonderful vision of creating shots with movement, images that really showcased her killer dance moves. We brainstormed locations and ended up shooting at UCLA, our joint alma mater, since it provided lots of opportunities for jumping, spinning, climbing (you know, all the normal things we Bruins used to do in between classes). I loved seeing locations on campus in a new light; little corners that I never gave a second thought to as I walked to finals with my head buried in my notes (I was one of those “cram-everything-in-30-seconds-before-the-test” type of “studiers.” Not necessarily always “effective.”)

Thanks Gabi for a wonderful session! I’m continuously amazed by your talents and wish you success in everything you do! :)

I love weddings more than I love chocolate, cute shoes, and ridiculous comedies (Harold & Kumar anyone?) combined, but engagement sessions definitely come in as a close second. There’s something about the process of growing comfortable in front of the camera that is so endearing. I love seeing couples open up as the session unfolds and seeing the unique pieces of their relationship emerge. He makes her laugh with a silly comment, she playfully touches his arm, they crinkle their noses and share a kiss – it’s always a little different and it’s always beautiful.

Elizabeth and Minho were no exception. They were fun, spontaneous, and so in love. We started at the amazing Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro and drove along the coast in search of the perfect backdrops for their relationship. I was so excited by all the fun places we found to shoot that this post ended up being little lengthy. Okay, a lot lengthy. If you make it to the end, you should definitely get some kind of shiny Blog-Olympics type medal.

A huge thank you to Elizabeth and Minho for such a fun engagement shoot. I absolutely cannot wait until your wedding later this month!

Starting off at the Friendship Bell… could her bouquet be anymore exquisite?

The view was spectacular! I am definitely making a trip back soon with a picnic basket in tow!

We drove up the coast a couple miles and they introduced me to this perfect little location!

A bit more north to Hermosa Beach and the Hermosa pier, where they etched their names in the sand:

The first month of this year represents a lot of things. A bright fresh start. A chance to reflect. The entrance into the 26th year of my life (really? how did this happen? I swear it was just yesterday when I was hanging out at the mall thinking it was the cool place to be, or stressing over college apps, or hoarding grilled cheese sandwiches at the dorm dining hall).

And now, it represents one year from when I decided to take my first steps into the wide world of wedding photography. Where I was staring out at a far off dream, such a teeny tiny speck on the horizon, with nothing but a camera and without the faintest idea of how to move forward. And although I still have miles to go, I feel miles and miles from where I was, and so so incredibly blessed by what the past 12 months have brought. I stand here a year later and feel full – full of opportunities, full of people who helped me along away, full of knowledge, full of hope (and a little bit full of Sprinkles birthday cupcakes, YUM).

I could not be more thankful for this past year. And I could not be more excited for 2009 and all the clients, photographers, blog-friends (that’s you!), and other amazing people I have yet to meet. Let’s make it the most spectacular year ever!

My warmest love and thanks,

Adrienne

P.S. Please click below to view my Year-In-Review slideshow of some of my favorite moments from 2008, full of all the wonderful people I’ve been so fortunate to meet this past year! I included a handful of never-before-seen shots and a few from December sessions that have yet to be blogged. Enjoy and thank you again for a fabulous year!