I LOVE PEOPLE!!!! I really do ...

... and I love it even more when people impress me!! So I have to give props out to not one . . but TWO local Santa Barbara photographers.

First, to my dear friend Janey (Mary Jane photography). She has decided to take her gift and give . . . she is starting a program through her photography business called "operation: i love you". She will be offering free photo shoots to any man or woman who is being deployed for 6 months or longer. It is such an awesome idea... what's the best thing to have when you miss someone... PHOTOS... I hope to be helping her with it in Santa Barbara as well as on Mackinac Island. So please checkout more information on her blog (www.maryjaneweddings.com/blog/). And if any of you know of people who might be interested in volunteering or wanting to take part send them the information.
... And the second photog I want to pay props to is Ricky Mia... a brand new friend. He is the epitome of joy for his job... I met up with him last night to talk about this great project he's working on. He is in the process of publishing an extensive magazine quality Wedding Guide that will be covering Santa Barbara County... surprisingly enough there isn't one here. I think it's awesome that he is pulling this together, it not only helps all of us vendors but our clients as well.

I just have to say that every week I am more and more impressed with the community of photographers located in Santa Barbara. They are the most welcoming, and generous group of professionals I've ever met... I feel truly blessed to be a part of this group... you guys all rock!!!

May you all find a group that supports, loves, and encourages you to chase after your passions!

Love,
A

Lives Transformed!!

Way to go Nancy, Li-At, and Grant . . . and Doug, Jesse, Stacey, and Marisa!!!! You all rock!!!

This past Sunday night I attended an amazing event at Tonic here in Santa Barbara. It was the culmination of a wonderful program called the Conditioning Specialists' Lifestyle Transformation Challenge and also a fundraiser to raise money for a local non profit battling childhood obesity called Partners for Fit Youth.

The Lifestyle Transformation Program was a 12 week program that roughly originated out of the "The Biggest Loser" . . only in the real world. These participants had to continue with their normal lives (eating out, working, daily tasks, etc). It was developed by the amazing trainers at Conditioning Specialists (who I personally have had my life transformed by in the past year... Marisa you're my angel too;).

From what I understand (check out the links for more info), it was not about weight loss alone it was about changing the way we think and live our lives (from body to mind) . This is the type of program that should be in every city. It is the type of program that could change the face of America. It proved how anyone and everyone can become the strongest and healthiest "them" with a little support and guidance (check out their blogs to see how they inspired each other and all those around them).

I'm not quite sure if I can explain in words how powerful this event was. At one point everyone was crying (well, at least I was) and the next laughter couldn't be contained. The event alone was inspirational and touched all those who attended. I can only imagine how Nancy, Li-At and Grant are feeling right now.

What made this evening so special was the way in which EVERYONE was inspired. It was tough to tell whose lives were transformed more... the participants, the trainers, or those who were simply witness to it all...

A huge thank you to all of you for your determination, hard work, and loving spirits.. you have all inspired me!!

Love,

A