Sara Willis Photography

       Yesterday, Brian and I had our engagement session with Ms Sara Willis and her wonderful assistant/ best friend Kelsey. It was pretty fun and laid back. I can't even express how excited I am to see the outcome of it!

Kelsey and Sara

       We originally planned on starting at 10 am but Brian's laundry was still in the dryer and I still had to pluck  my eyebrows. So, we moved it to 11 and even then I don't think we started until it was 12 because Sara and Kelsey were cool enough to help Brian and I pick our outfits for the session.

       Weather- wise, it was a gloomy day. Mr. Sunshine hid behind the thick gray clouds and the Rainy Tracy decided not to pour either but eventually I actually liking the overcast weather.

        So, we decided to hit up St Augustine beach first. And because of the weather, it was pretty empty compared to the usual jam-packed sunny, tanning, surfing, swimming people at the beach. The wind was strong but nothing was going to stop us from doing the session anymore not even the rain! haha

Castillo de San Marcos

      Anyway, we're going to have to wait for when the photos are done so I can actually talk about the pictures. But pretty much I believe we did about 800 or so photos just at the beach then about 200 more when we stopped by Mango Mango's, Stir it Up, and St Augustine downtown.

The Love Tree

       Before we went d-town, Brian took us all for lunch at Pizzalleys. And because of the weather (and spring break), everyone was at St Augustine d-town. There were so many people that we got to seat upstairs and it felt like we were on a road trip. It was pretty sweet.

       At downtown, since there were so many people, we didn't stay there for that long. We headed towards the Castillo de San Marco. I love my town! It has so much history and I think it's romantic minus the tourist. We showed them the infamous Love tree as well. Then we went to ride the carousel and took a couple of pictures playing in the playground.
       We were planning to do a paint fight but because I've neglected to buy paint and we we're running out of time, we decided to call it a day.
    Overall, it was fun (at least for me). We probably exhausted Sara and Kelsey but they were definitely a good sport. I couldn't have asked for a better photographer and assistant. Thank you so much for your patience and help as we move forward towards the big day. I would highly recommend Sara to anyone.
     Please check out http://sarawillisphotograhy.blogspot.com/ to see some of her work.

I'm not sure if Sara knows this but we actually had this photo published on a wooden photo panel. I used it as a gift to Brian when he was still in Oregon. It has definitely helped us through some tough times. 

Once again,

Salamat

Mockingjay

       Blogging is pretty much a necessity tonight as I lay here in bed trying to get some sleep. Tomorrow morning, I will be working for our CEO so, I definitely will have to be up and going bright and early. 

I have FINALLY finished the Hunger Games trilogy!

       The third and last book, the Mockingjay was rather depressing yet captivating. It has kept me up all night because it was either too sad/ gory and I didn't dare go to sleep and have it be part of my dreams- more like nightmares, or it was way too good to put down. Either way, there is definitely a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of sadness and rejoice as well. I have read a book! It's been sooo long since I have actually read a book page to page. I literally have taken that book every where I went (as in everywhere, you name it). 

So, by finishing the book-----a book, I feel pretty sweet. With that note, I do feel a little bit sad knowing that that was the last book. Now, I am left assuming and making up the rest of the story in my head and have to move on to another plot and characters. However, I do like how the end was happy. I would tell you about it but then I would've just spoiled the story. But, I just can't help and feel sad. Maybe it's because of the ending too. I don't know. Anyway, so now I am released from that trilogy and I can focus on finishing my next book--- The Book of Mormon

You've got the Power

My little sissy just created her own blog. Woohooo!
She is also coming home for Spring break on the 8th and I am way way estatic about it. I suppose she can spend the night in my room if she wants to.

        This will just be a short blog. 

        In times of doubts, confusion, and discouragement ( along with other negative, miserable things Satan wants us to feel). It is really hard to see the bigger picture nor your capability to alter your perspective towards hope.  

        Sometimes, I feel it's okay to feel down. Otherwise we'll never know how good it feels to feel content and happy. We must strive... YOU must strive to get out of that blackhole IMMEDIATELY! Start counting your blessings and think about the good things in your life. 

           Turn to your Father in heaven and trust him with all your might, mind, and strength. READ your scriptures. I know these are primary answers but I seriously cannot stretch and emphasize enough how true and real the power of prayer and scriptures are in words. I have recently challenged myself to read the Book of Mormon and I honestly feel I have FINALLY commence my point of return towards our Heavenly Father. It has given me purpose in life and motivation to reach my highest potential as a daughter of God. 

Don't worry. Be happy.

Rain or Shine E-Session

      I received a message from Sara saying that it might rain on Tuesday, which is when we have re-re-rescheduled our engagement session.

      Brian is my dreamy surfer stud (you can throw up a little, I understand) and so, he frequently checks the weather for surf reports. He says that most forecast are not necessarily trustworthy. He especially thinks it's bogus when they forecast a 50% chance of rain- it's like saying "So, we're not sure if it's going to rain or not, so we'll just put 50% just to be safe." haha

      So, I thought this would be a pretty sweet opportunity to do my research once again. Brian and I agreed to keep our scheduled session. If it rains, then we'll make the best out of it. I almost wish it would rain- it'll be a fun experience I think. Like Sara said, "Hello cute umbrella pictures" Once again, I am stoke!

• First stop, I love this musical.

• I fell in love with this session. http://claytonaustinlovestories.com/blog/2009/10/marisa-trey-engagement/

• Here is another couple from http://www.kenkienow.com/2011/03/emily-and-bobbys-rainy-day-engagement-session/

• I am a fan of how rain and umbrella can bring couples together. http://www.modernphotographers.net/tag/engagement-portraits-in-the-rain/

• I personally adore their umbrellas. http://notableinspiration.blogspot.com/2010/04/notables-april-showers.html

• Sophistication in the rain. http://chelseanicoleblog.com/tag/new-york-engagement-session/

• Don't they make you want to play in the rain as well? http://www.iheartfaces.com/2010/07/interview-with-photographer-alison-conklin/

• I actually found these on Weddingbee.com http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/post-your-favorite-in-the-rain-engagement-session-photos

• With the help of some lights, romance settles in this simple e-session. http://prettychicky.com/2307/engagement/simple-engagement-session-in-the-rain

• I couldn't make this list without The Notebook, of course.

• Also, here's a scene from High School Musical 3: Dancing in the Rain http://www.reelmovienews.com/gallery/dancing-in-the-rain/

• Hotness.

http://fart-in-a-jar.blogspot.com/2009/08/rain-rain-come-again.html

• Just a couple more of engagement ideas

Great Gatsby

• Instead we can use Brian's truck for this one.

A Lot Like Love

Is this creative or what?

•  This will probably be Brian's reaction after all these wedding stuff he has to do.

http://suigenerisevents2009.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/rain-on-your-wedding-day/

Engagement Session Brainstorming

Brian and I are blessed to have the opportunity to work with Sara Willis on the 29th of March, we are FINALLY doing our engagement session. Yay! I'm super stoke. Not only do I adore her, the whole session just tickles my fancy. As I was trying to gather up ideas, I figured I might as well blog about it. So here it goes....

Beach: St Augustine Beach

Mango Mango's Restaurant

Stir It Up Restaurant

Etsy.com: Papercutsbyjoe

• We  love St Augustine Beach, specifically A Street. It's a pretty chill place. We have definitely spent our summer days bumming around here when we can. 
• I'm thinking we could bring a bike and cruise around a bit.
• I love these vintage shots from http://ruffledblog.com/vintage-beach-engagement-session/ 

• Even have a lovely picnic at the beach. http://www.chicagoillinoisweddingphotography.com/2010/06/22/chicago-beach-engagement-photos-pictures-images/

•  OH NO!!!! I was working on the blog and all of a sudden everything I did was erased and I don't have the list of my sources. Dang it! So, I'm sorry if I'm unable to refer to your site if the photos are from you.
• I LOVE LOVE LOVE these far away shots from http://www.carolinetran.net/blog/2010/09/nautical-theme-engagement-photos-caitlin-simon/

• We love flying kites! 

• Oh YES please!!! I definitely want a shot like this one Sara! :)

This is HOT

Park: Treaty Park/ Anastasia Park

• Picnic at beach or at the park? What do you think?

•  Brian and I are Scrabble Maniacs!

• We can play tennis at the park too. http://www.artessen.com/posts/135088/b871.html

• We like to play hoops too sometimes.

Carousel

• We have a carousel downtown by the public library. I've always wanted to ride it and just take pictures. Bucketlist I suppose. haha

Music

• Brian and I love to sing. Although I think he's much better than I am. I do treasure the songs he made/ serenade for me. 

•  However for us, we would probably put something like "It's time to make music" (inside joke) http://www.mywedding.com/blog/real-couples/real-engagements/travis-amandas-diy-picnic-engagement-shoot/

• I've always pictured Brian and I singing a duet. It still has yet to come. http://greenweddingshoes.com/an-engagement-shoot-inspired-by-music-butterflies/

Tent

•  We also have this thing I've entitles, TRT which stands for Tent Reading Time. It's one of our new favorite hobbies :)
• http://kayshaweiner.com/blog/2010/08/26/will-brandi-lake-arrowhead-engagement-shoot/

• http://weddingsparrow.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/engagement-shoot-themes/

• http://greenweddingshoes.com/an-engagement-session-with-a-tent-a-swing/

•  http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/2010/03/simply-bloom-photography/

Water Balloon Fight

• I am ABSOLUTELY thrilled about this part! The FINALE. I want to do something messy and fun. No poses whatsoever. Just pure candid shots. http://ruffledblog.com/water-balloon-engagement-session/

Paint Fight

• Yay more mess! I'm torn between the two. Which one should we do? http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/paint-your-love-red-and-white-engagement-photos-7.jpg

• http://www.mypersonalartist.com/blog/2010/09/27/paint-fight-engagement-photo-shoot/

• This is my favorite paint fight couple so far. They just seem like they really enjoyed each other's company. http://hellomydearblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/paint-splatter-engagement.html

And alas! Those are my findings. I had fun looking through these ideas. I can't wait for our turn. Woohoo! If you have anymore suggestions. Please feel free to comment/ suggest.