Wednesday, August 24, 2011

SARAH + CAIN : WEDDING

One of my favorite aunts, Sarah, was married in June and I brought my camera along to snap a few photos. This wasn't my first wedding to shoot but BOY, was it a learning experience for me. Although I didn't do everything right, I'm thankful that my aunt and uncle appreciate that I tried :) After all, it's always humbling to photograph photographers! Here are a few of my favorites!












Tuesday, August 23, 2011

FAREWELL SATURDAYS...AT LEAST FOR A WHILE

It's that time again! Oh, you know, that fun time when you spend every Saturday for months toasting in the hot sun! Yes, you got it! SOCCER TIME! We just started practices for both Joshua and Jordan and I think they will have a blast this year! I thought I'd show some of my excitement by posting some photos of last season. Joshua was too young to play then so I'll have some photos of him in his soccer swag in a month or so. Until then, please enjoy a few photos of our time at the soccer fields!


This is my beautiful little sister Naomi...all of us family know her as Yvette.

Right above you will see my wonderful mom aka my bff! This guy down here is Joshua, staying hydrated!



Break time! They know how to stay cool (notice their make-shift tent made out of the chair baggy things.

I love when all the kids chase after the ball in a group...it reminds me of The Big Green!

Stig and daddy came by to enjoy the heat :)

Jordan, leading the pack!

Let's not forget my awesome big sister, Lorina. She is currently enjoying the cool weather in Alaska! We miss you!
Bring on the new season!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

LIFE IS WORTH LIVING

A few weeks ago I was feeling really down. I felt like nothing I did was good enough and everything I tried doing turned out suckish. I'll admit, I am my own worst enemy. I doubted my abilities (an everyday struggle for me) and doubted where my life was headed. I don't consider myself a negative person but David would beg to differ. In the midst of my sulking I received a phone call from my sister. Joshua wanted to spend the night and I was up for a fun sleepover. I needed it. Once he was here, my selfish feelings of inadequacy quickly dissipated. We stayed up watching cartoons, coloring, playing with superheros and hanging out with the dogs. He reminds me that life IS really good.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Coming up with a business name is so important. When David told me it was time for me to come up with a name I cringed. I'm not very good with words, they don't come naturally. Even now  I'm trying to think of ways to make this more interesting to read...no luck yet. Anyways, (I like using 'anyways' as a transition) I wanted something different and easy for people to remember. I didn't want to use my name because it's way too long and somewhat difficult to remember for people who've just met me. After several stinky ideas (Happy Photography, Simple Studios, ICantthinkofaname Portraits) David told me I was over-thinking it. So, we sat down and he gave me his ideas (which were super boring!) then we decided to make the name more personal.

When we were married I brought my two dogs, Lokie and Brownie, into our family. David (with his brilliant mind) decided to put their names together and go with Brokie...but that sounded funny so we stuck with Bokie :) What a great story, huh? David got with his graphic designer and had my logo made...A YEAR AGO! Yes, I've had my logo for a year and I've just decided to use it. I guess I didn't want to show it off unless I knew this photography thing would work out. Well, there's only one way for things to work out and that's by actually WORKING on them. So, that's what I'll continue to do. I'll work on this, one step at a time, and expect only the best.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

SHAWNEEQUA + CHARLES : MOTHER & SON

It's always hard to say goodbye...it's even harder to say goodbye to your own son. Charles is going off to Wayland Baptist University in 5 days so Shawneequa wanted to capture a glimpse of the strong bond she's shared with her only son. Thank you, Shawneequa, for allowing me to capture the wonderful love of a mother and son. Charles, have fun, kick butt and don't forget to study hard!!













Thursday, August 11, 2011

CELEBRATION : MELISSA'S KARAOKE BIRTHDAY!

She didn't like me and I didn't like her and we both admitted it to each others face. She thought I was conceited and I admitted I thought the same about her-especially when she'd walk through the halls laughing and talking as she walked with her many friends.  Our senior year in high school we had 2 classes together and we learned who the other truly was-we became best friends. She'd invite me to lunch with all her friends and soon enough, I was able to be as happy as she was when I saw her walking down those halls. We went off to college together, got married in the same year and have shared every birthday together since our senior year.


Melissa, I am so thankful that you have helped me come out of my shell. You've shown me true friendship and I love you for that! Thank you for always listening when I need to vent and thank you for comforting me in my darkest moments.


Although we don't see one another as much as we'd like, Abby, Pam, Melissa, Jazmin, Karina and I always make it a priority to get together for our birthdays. Melissa asked that we get together for karaoke to celebrate her 24th birthday. The only place we could think to go was super busy so we were only able to sing one song but we sure did blow up Katy Perry's Firework! The following night we had dinner, cupcakes and games at my house!

I borrowed this picture from Abby Gonzalez Facebook page :) Thanks, Abby!
 From left to right: Me, Pam, Karina, Melissa, Abby, Jazmin
Karina made some beautiful and delicious tres leches cupcakes! Normally, I'm not a fan of the semi-soggy cake but I sure couldn't stop eating these! They were da baum, yo'!

 Yes, Melissa, you are FABULOUS!





Friday, August 5, 2011

NOTE TO SELF : GOD IS GOOD

Some days, I have to keep reminding myself that God makes all things work together for my good. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to get one step closer to my dreams each day. 

Thursday, August 4, 2011

MEET IRMA : SENIOR 2012

What can I say about Irma? She's just so....wonderful! She works really hard in all that she does but she is also so fun to be around. She loves music, facebook and being unique. It was such a pleasure to work with her on her senior photos and she looked so lovely! Thank you for being such a beautiful and great model for me, Irma! Enjoy!