I met Amanda back in the summer 1999, when she was a stud of a hitter on the volleyball court and blossoming into a stud of a human off the courts. She was driven, determined and got things done. Now, 16 years later, she still drives forward with passion and perseverance and that stud of a human has become quite the lovely lady.

Amanda met Mark in the summer of 2009 and she watched the tall drink of water walk off those same volleyball courts and into her heart. The focused and tenacious man set his sights on the captivating and complex woman and said to himself, Challenge accepted. Neither looked back and since they’ve become quite the team.

Their wedding last weekend at the Madonna Della Strada on Loyola University’s campus was stunning. Of course the church and the campus provided a spectacular backdrop for the affair, but it was the love of Amanda and Mark that was the most beautiful to see. She was a gorgeous bride and he, a striking groom and the way they looked at one another, laughed, held hands, held hearts…Rembrandt couldn’t have painted it more perfect. And I just love getting to document the beauty of life like that. It makes me feel all warm and awesome inside, especially when it’s for a good friend.

And Amanda and Mark are some of the good ones. All who know them, know. How lucky we are to know them! Congrats you two! May God grant you many years together!

 

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Wedding Photography Images | Santa Cruz wedding photos

 

Megan and Stephen got married last summer on an epically awesome Sunday afternoon in the mountains above Santa Cruz. Their Orthodox wedding was just lovely and I was stoked be able to capture the special moments for them. Wahoo!

They decided to get themselves an album this year and I’m stoked again to deliver such a special book to highlight their ‘awesometastic, splendiferous, whirlwind’ of memories! Check out the layouts below. Wahootie hoo!

 

 

 

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Fun Senior Photos – Peter’s Canyon

Shanna ROCKED her senior photos a few weeks back just in time to celebrate her high school graduation. Yea Shanna!

Check out her rad style all over Peter’s Canyon in these fun senior photos!

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So last night I had a meltdown. This is an unusual statement for Jackie Lovato. I like to cry and not being afraid to do so, welcome its happening from time to time. Tears feel good. Release feels good. But last night was more than tears, it was more than a release, it was a full on meltdown where the sobbing wouldn’t stop and its reasonings were swirling about my head so fast I couldn’t keep them straight.

To keep things straight for you dear readers, it should be known that the term ‘busy’ doesn’t come close to what’s been going on in my life. Life lately has been intense, challenging, rewarding, productive*, progressive and 125% nonstop. It has been one thing after the next, overlapping the next even, and it’s been so crazy I woke up one day recently realizing I hadn’t spent any quality time with my best friend (who also happens to share a wall with me as my roommate) in months. Kind of sad if you ask me.

Which could be part of the sadness that overwhelmed me last night. I’ve been committed to living a balanced life these last few years and that includes taking time off and taking time to sit and listen to friends and help, hold, release and everything that’s good for my soul between. I believe this recent lack of balance is what tipped me over the ugly melting edge last night and this is my public affirmation that I am going to be more focused on that personal element starting like, now.

This is also a public admission that I too, fall. I too, mess up and have to work my way through the muck. I get a lot of great feedback that ‘you’re always so positive,’ and ‘everything always sounds like you’re doing so well.’ Well, my mother always said if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all. So hey guys, fyi, it’s not always gravy. I’m never pretending or falsifying, I’m just not preaching the negative. And let’s face it, we all get wrapped up in that lousy n-word too often. But if you focus on the Good, the bad goes away ridiculously quickly.

So here I sit. On a plane to catch a train to ride a boat over a moat to grandmothers house I go (more details on my current travels soon). My eyes are still a little puffy from all the tears, my heart’s still a little heavy and my head is absolutely still swirling. But I’m reflecting. Realizing. And making a choice that I will always continue to rise up from the ashes and I will always work hard to maintain my inner peace so I can put my best foot forward. For you kind of, because You are way too good to me. But mostly for me. Because I always want to be the best me I can be. For you, and for me.

 

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*exploring options on hiring a remote assistant. welcoming applicants.

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  • August 2, 2015 - 1:12 pm

    Abbie - I’m always here for you in those moments my friend, as you’ve always been for me ☺️ Love you.

Isn’t it so awesome when your friend gets engaged? But you know what’s even more awesome? When you get to know his fiance and FALL IN LOVE with her and have 100% confidence that she is THE ONE for him. #sigh

That’s exactly what happened with Curry. He’s one of the Good ones, you know, so, when he got engaged to his rad girlfriend Hayleigh, obviously I was beyond estatic. I had met the little lady and liked her and all that jazz, so it was all good. But THEN, I got some qt with the two of them during their uber fun engagement photo sesh two weeks ago while in Chicago. I was swooning by the end of the night because Hayleigh is THAT delightful and THAT perfect for Curry.

I mean, her laugh. Her unharnessed joy and fire for life. Her eyes. Her soul that shines so bright beside her love, Curry. And Curry himself lights up next to her. He walks a little taller and laughs a little freer with this wonderful woman by his side. And I couldn’t be happier for the two of them.

Okay maybe if they end up having me shoot their wedding, THEN I’d be happier. 😉

 

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