What would we do if we could not find inspiration? What if one day we woke up and thought, “I am the best at everything I do. I have mastered my art. There is nobody better than me and I am amazing.” Sounds like arrogance at first, but after a second’s thought, just really tragic and sad. What if there were no muse? What if we stopped learning?? This is the topic on my mind tonight, after stalking a few blogs and needing two wiskeys to dull my jealousy to a point of being able to function….

And Here is my epiphany: I’d be stunted without inspiration. I don’t think I’d be able to make it to some weddings without looking at somebody like Sean Flanigan for a glimmer of hope that a cake shot can actually transcend wedding photography. So why do I wallow in my envy, instead of doing what I used to love to do—look at, and be inspired by, Art….   Because the day we have “arrived” and are the “best around”, is the day that we have died as an artist. We can no longer grow at that point. The world does not stop moving for artists who have become the best—there is always a better on the horizon.
So I thought I’d share with you a few people who are spicing it up, blowing my mind and who I’m losing sleep over—

Check out:

Nadav Kander: http://www.nadavkander.com

Cass Bird: http://www.cassbird.com/

Amy Stein: http://www.amysteinphoto.com

Kristen and Steve had the most romantic ceremony, straight out of Robin Hood or some other whimsical fairytale. The ceremony took place in the woods at 11am on a Sunday morning.  There was singing, communion and beautiful, heartbreaking vows….  There was even a bagpiper!  I couldn’t have dreamed up a better wedding for Kristi—it was simply perfect.

Kristi’s gown and hair was like a woodland fairy….  a little bohemian, and a little whimsical.

Kristen and Steve chose to see each other before the ceremony.  I think this is such a lovely and intimate way for a bride and groom to “decompress” and prepare for the rest of the days events.  It also makes for the most beautiful and emotional imagery.

I loved this moment between Steve and his mother.

I’m pretty sure that this kiss takes the cake for the most passionate of ceremony kisses!

I’m not really sure what was going on here, but I have a new picture for the “outtakes”!  Everybody’s expression in the image is priceless…  I’ll have to get the info on this one later!

So much of a “successful shoot” has to do with the enthusiasm of my subjects. Ashley was amazing! She is thrilled about being pregnant and was super excited to capture this time in her life. And it doesn’t hurt that she is drop dead gorgeous—seriously! If I knew that I would look this good as a pregnant woman, I would want to be having babies today…

But really—I had a blast with Matt and Ashley making these images because this couple was everything that I could have hoped they would be—in love, excited about their future, and simply glowing! I can’t wait until our next session with their newborn…

Will you look at this gigormous bowl of ice cream?? Ashley swears by CostCo’s brand vanilla ice cream with Hershey’s chocolate syrup. She makes it look pretty good!