A Broshot birthday celebration followed by a Broshot reflection.  Yes, I turned 26 a few days ago.  I’m over the hump to 30 and past the quarter-century life crisis!  Yes!

This summer also marks the ten-year anniversary of photography in my life.  The photo above is 15 going on 16 summer of 2000, the first time I picked up a camera with intention of making something for myself.

I’ve heard a few adjectives from friends describing this photo, among them, stonewashed (jeans), high-and-tight (hair)  and yes my buddy Nick wearing jean shorts and Vans.

Aside from being highly comical, that photo marks a summer that was a turning point in my life.

Among the thing things that came to me that summer:  people like me for who I am, I’m funny, I’m good at things, I’m talented, I’m athletic, girls like me…  That summer was a big self-esteem booster, going from super-awkward teenager with no confidence, to a slightly less-awkward teenager with a whole lot more confidence, a trend that has continued toward the less-awkward and more-confident with each passing year.

Now ten years out, I always reflect on that summer of my life as a major turning point, and probably the most pivotal to date.  Everything changed.  I lost old friends (all of them) and made new ones, I discovered I’m different and celebrate that.  My life and my work has become a celebration of my own unique perspective.

So while you might see an awkward and poorly-dressed teenager (which I completely agree with), I also see a life in transition, and for the better.

What an amazing feeling to look back on that summer and to think about who I’d be without it.

A quick sneak peak of A+L’s photos on Sauvie Island, north of Portland.  It was a beautiful ceremony held on a rustic farm that made for some awesome backdrops.  Here are just a few of those : )

Every once in a while my primary contact with a couple is the groom-to-be.  You know, not to say it’s the traditional role of the bride to handle the photo arrangements but 98% of the time, it’s the bride.

I told Craig this, but through his emails, I had a totally different impression of him than once I met him.  I thought for sure he was going to be a TOTAL nerd!  Not that there’s anything wrong with that!  I mean, I’m a complete nerd and I’m awesome, so how bad could that be?

Turns out Craig is a likeable and outgoing Canadian super-jock, ex-University of Michigan hockey star and one time NHLer.  This is why you don’t prejudge people, I totally blew it!

You know the kind of person that attract people around them because of their personality, that’s Craig.  C+N’s whole group of friends was that way, outgoing and fun to match C+N’s personalities.

The wedding venue was Las Caletas and the wedding planning was done by Kelley of Adventure Weddings.

(24 Photos Total)

Just finished this guy up and felt it worthy of it’s own post!  Amelia and Herman chose an antique hearse for their sweet wedding-day wheels.  Shots to come of the actual wedding and, of course, Amelia and Herman.  ”Hermelia” were as cool as the hearse they rode in on, eh yo!

I couldn’t sleep last night.  So I took these photos.

(4 Photos Total)