(Some of) My favorite un-blogged images from 2008.

I'll let you in on a little secret: blogging is hard for me. I know there are plenty of photographers out there who have no problem summarizing a wedding or coming up with pithy little captions for their photos, but I'm not one of them. I agonize over what I'm going to write: I'd hate to bore anyone. It's one of the reasons I only post about once a week. I love that there are folks out there who read Pixel Dust and nothing trips my trigger like getting comments (hint, hint), but it's a lot of pressure! Don't get me wrong -- I love the concept of the blog and it's cool that I can quickly get new stuff online. Somehow it always happens that blogging gets pushed to the bottom of the To-Do list. I promise to try to do better in 2009! Being a better blogger is the only New Year's resolution I'm going to make and I'm making it here, so I'll trust my loyal readers to hold me to my promise.

Since there's nothing like New Year's to bring out the list-maker in all of us, I thought I'd make a list of some of my favorite images from the year from weddings, bridals and engagement sessions that haven't made it on to the blog yet. These are images that resonate with me personally -- ones that I'm proud to say are Sweet Life photos. With any luck and some time, you'll see more where these came from in the coming weeks! So here, starting with some engagement photos and progressing through the wedding day are some of my favorite images of 2008.

It usually (but not always) starts with a ring.

Emily and Jonathan, if you only knew how long I've seen this shot in my head. Thanks for going into that cornfield for me!

Two shots from Erica and Allen's e:session made it onto the list. How awesome is the color of that wall they're standing in front of? 

This may be one of my favorite engagement session images ever. E-V-E-R.

I adore this shot of Siobhan's stylish wedges and Mario's Vans. It sums up their personalities...and how crazy they are about each other!


 Ya'll know how I feel about the shoes. There's some gorgeous bridal footwear out there and I'll admit, each time I slip on my clunky black go-shoot-a-wedding-on-my-feet-for-10-hours shoes, I'm jealous.

From simple to holey-moley gorgeous, the flowers this year were amazing. There've been a few times that I've tried to come up with a quick bouquet for a bridal portrait and the results were pretty sad -- so my hat is off to all those florists out there who, every weekend, come up with amazing, gorgeous floral creations like this one.

And this one:

All that getting ready stuff is worth it when you get results like this:

It started pouring rain about 30 minutes into Lindsey's bridal portrait session, so we made sure to get some fun shots on the wedding day. Here's one of my favorites.

 

Just imagine me singing: "Looooovvvvve IT!"

 

Gotta give up a little space for the guys:

 

I must admit: I'm so over the whole "don't see the bride before the wedding" thing. But I love this image and yep, you guessed it, it's the moment Jeremy caught sight of his bride Melissa for the first time on their wedding day. Curse you, Jeremy...there goes my plan to convince all my 2009 couples to see each other before the ceremony so that we have more time for photography!

 

 

Just a few of the wonderful couples we've been blessed to work with:

 

Large bridal parties are always a challenge to shoot creatively...here's one of my "scores" for the year.

I really like the angle of this first dance shot -- it lets you see those adorable white lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Plus, awesome light!

Andrea and her dad. Love, love, LOVE it. This is Frank's shot and I'm so jealous he got it and not me!

Yum...my favorite job perk: cake. Cupcakes were big this year. I love this shot of the cupcakes from Andrea and Nate's wedding. Isn't the color of that orchid amazing?

We got to go to some great parties this year. How lucky am I? I love the colors and motion in this shot from Patricia and Jeff's wedding in July. That's Patricia's dad dancing with her with that great smile on his face.

Sometimes it's the little things; here are a few of my favorite detail shots.

A few dance shots I love:

And then, before you know it, it's over...or just beginning, depending on your point of view.

I think I'm definitely going to have to do a "Favorite un-blogged images: 2008 Part TWO." If you didn't make it into this post, rest assured your day in the Pixel Dust spotlight is coming!

I'll wrap it up by saying how humbled we are to have worked with each and every one of the amazing, wonderful, crazy-in-love couples we've met over the past year, not to mention their families and friends. Not to get too mushy, but I'm so grateful I have the opportunity to witness so many happy celebrations of family, life and love. You have our thanks, love and best wishes. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Comments

[regina holder]

Absolutely fantastic images! You had some great 2008 clients. Can't wait to see what you do in 2009! Happy New Year, my friend! 44 days and counting to Vegas, baby!

[Steve Jackle]

Truly inspirational !!! Best of luck in 2009!!!

[Susan Solo]

Elizabeth, you are a much better blogger than you give yourself credit for! And I am just so overwhelmed by this post - you and Frank have such an amazing talent. Your work is beyond spectacular, and I'm so inspired by the quality and creativity. I hope I'll get to meet the two of you in person sometime!

[Renee Marquis]

You had an amazing year... all the best to you for yet another and beyond for 2009 wedding season!

[Kris Caison]

Elizabeth,
Thanks again to you and Frank. You two are the best! Your photography is amazing. We are so happy with all the beautiful wedding pictures. Hope you have a fantastic 2009.....just try not to work quite as much as you did in 2008.
Kris Caison
(Mother of the bride----Lindsey)

[Justin Marantz]

I LOVE that B&W shot of the girls looking out the window. Beautiful light!

[Cindy]

I totally have the same problem when it comes to blogging However, it appears you are doing much better than you believe. Happy New Year! Your work is beautiful, inspiring, playful and fun!

[John + Kimberly Sanderson]

Wow, you guys are totally rockin it!

[Eileen Broderick]

Wow. Love this whole series! I couldn't believe some of these hadn't been posted--they were spectacular! Makes me want to go back through the whole year to see everything!! Lots of great shots. I can't even begin to name them all. Beautiful...

[Jo]

I LOVE all your images! Beautiful! I'm excited to add your blog to my list of favorites. :)

[kellie]

LOVE your work! Want to trade, you can do my beach weddings!!