A FEW THOUGHTS

Last week I held a contest for someone to win a free day of wedding photography.  I thought it would be a great opportunity to be able to get to know some new people and to shoot a fab wedding!  I'm really lacking on wedding photos for my portfolio so I thought this could be a great way to add to that and maybe get my name out there.  Little did I know that people weren't really into getting free wedding photography.  I was totally bummed this morning (the deadline) when I looked at my email and did not get even ONE entry.  Wow. Do I stink that bad that someone wouldn't want me to shoot their wedding for FREE?! I thought I was getting pretty decent, especially after being able to help a few awesome photogs and learning great things from them.  I tried not to get discouraged even though the deepest part of me wanted to fall apart and completely give up.  I decided to give it one more shot if even ONE person responded.  Thankfully, after a Facebook post, I received that extra push I needed, that little nudge to let me know it wasn't over.  The contest has been extended until Sunday, July 1st at midnight! I've had a few entries already and I'm so excited to see where this is all headed! If you're interested in FREE wedding photography, check out this post! I know this will be the beginning of some great things! 

On another note, I'm going under the knife tomorrow for sinus surgery so I will be out of commission for a few days. Hopefully I won't be so drugged up that I won't be able to read the submissions. Please, keep them coming! Prayers are also welcomed :) I hope to announce the winner early next week so stay tuned!

WIN A FREE DAY OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY!

The past couple of months I've had some wonderful opportunities to help a couple of awesome wedding photographers! Having these chances to be surrounded by wedding photography has really encouraged me to take a leap to shoot a wedding on my own! I have photographed a couple of weddings in the past but I basically went into those blind and unaware of the skills needed. Because I'm totally stoked by all things wedding photography, I've decided to hold a contest!

I will be giving away 8 hours of wedding day coverage for FREE! 

Here are the rules: Your wedding date must be on or before March 30th 2013 in Midland, Texas. Email me at marivelle@bokiephotography.com and tell me your love story. I want to know both of your names, how you met, how he proposed, why you love him so much and why I should choose you! Also include a recent photo of the two of you, your wedding date, location (ceremony and reception), and any other details you have of your special day. After you've submitted your entry, please leave a comment on this post so I can be sure your entry was received. Make sure your entry is one that will not be easily forgotten but please, keep them honest :) 

By submitting your entry, you agree to a First Look for you and your fiance if you win. What is a First Look? It's a special time between you and your future husband to see one another and to spend time alone before your wedding ceremony. We will document this emotional moment for you.  It is also a wonderful opportunity for the two of you to be away from the distractions of the day even if for a few minutes. The First Look also allows for more time for formal photos to relieve the stress of cramming all of the portraits immediately after the ceremony. 

You must submit your entry by 8am on Tuesday, June 26th. I will read all entries and select and announce a winner on Sunday, July 1st. If you know someone who will be getting married during this time frame and has not hired a photographer, please encourage them to enter the contest! The more, the merrier! Happy submitting :)

***Edited to add***

The contest has been extended! Please submit your entries by Midnight on Sunday, July 1st. 

REFLECTIONS: SHAME & REALIZATIONS

Today, I had the chance to meet my friend Jenna for lunch while in San Angelo for work.  We'd never had a good opportunity to really get to know one another so this was a joy for me.  During our conversation I got to learn more about Jenna but I also learned a few things about myself as well.  I learned how unappreciative I was as a child.  You see, my parents divorced when I was eight.  My mom, sisters and I had to move in with my grandparents because my mom couldn't afford a place of her own.  I grew up ashamed that my parents were divorced.  I was embarrassed that we had to live with my grandparents while all of my cousins and schoolmates had perfect homes and families. I was embarrassed that we lived in the "green house" on the "bad" side of town.  I was embarrassed that we had to use food stamps and medicaid. I was ashamed of my cheap clothing and my dad's squeaky car.  During fourth and fifth grade I made it into the gifted school.  It seemed like everyone at this school was rich and white. I remember having to do a group project at another girl's house and it was beautiful. And I was jealous.  I had to share one room with my two sisters and my mom.  Obviously, I never volunteered my home for group projects. 

Now that I reflect on those childish thoughts I had all those years ago, I am ashamed.  That small bedroom made the relationship between my sisters, mom and I so much stronger than any 4 bedroom home could ever had.  We were forced to get along because where else could we go?  I am thankful for that and for being able to grow a strong and loving relationship with my grandparents.  Our Spanish skills are better thanks to my grandparents too. 

I didn't have my own room until I moved to Lubbock for college when I was 20 years old.  That was such an exciting time for me.  I thought for once I'd have peace and quiet and be able to be alone when I wanted to.  After a couple weeks I missed all the noise and people I was so used to.  I didn't realize how much my family was embedded into my being.

I thank God for experiences and realizations like these.  I am that much more thankful for all I have now.  I'm thankful for my loving husband, my home, my dogs and especially for my mom, grandparents and sisters.  I'm thankful that I never allowed that shame and jealously to slow me down or stop me from getting where I am today.  It may not be very far to some, but I know it's one step closer to the place where God wants me to be.

ANNETTE+ISABELLA: MOMMY + ME

There's a special way they interact with one another. A beautiful mother-daughter relationship that anyone with a child should strive for. Annette and Isabella were a joy to photograph. They made each shot flow seamlessly, without much need for direction. Can you see the love?! I sure do see it! I've gotta be annoying now and say, "ADORBS!"