Life as a Suzal

A few weekends ago, we made the long treck up to Oregon to go to our good friends, Jeremy and Jessica’s wedding! It was my first time in OR which was very fun and exciting. But along with the feelings of excitement and happiness, a deep sinking feeling dwelt in the pit of my stomach. You see, this was to be my first wedding shooting by myself.

Lukas was a groomsman in the outfield, so I was up to bat. After praying and praying my nerves would calm down, and I would be able to think quickly to get my settings, the big day came. God was so kind and everything went great! I didn’t trip over the bride and groom, I didn’t sneeze loudly in the middle of the vows, and I didn’t drop my camera up on stage.  Whew!

It was one of the funnest weddings ever!!!

Be sure to check out Lukas’ site for more pictures, and the Slideshow!

I can’t believe that almost one month ago Lukas and I were up shooting Michael and Ashley’s wedding in Carmel. I have been out of town alot since then, but had to post a few of my favorites! Ashley is one of the most laid-back and fun brides I have hung out with. As I rode with her in the back of a pickup truck on the way to the ceremony at the beach, we laughed and chatted as if we were old friends.

The one thing I thought was absolutely adorable about Ashley and Michael is that they have been dating since they were teens, childhood sweethearts! Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Peric!!!

Last Saturday I had the privilege of shooting Jeremy and Jessica’s wedding. I have shot over 15 weddings with Lukas, and helped out with even more, but last weekend was my first wedding shooting by myself! “Why?” You may ask… because instead of behind the lens shooting the wedding, my handsome husband was in it! Here is a little preview and I can’t wait to finish the rest!

Driving home from San Francisco from Matthew and Jessica’s wedding, I looked at Lukas and said, “that wedding was absolutely full of love. Love, love, love.” From the deep love of the couple for eachother, to the love shown in Jessica’s wedding details honoring her friends, to the teary eyed toasts from brothers and sisters and the joy of each family incorporating a new member in, their wedding was beautiful in all senses of the word. Congratulations!!

I know I just posted Nate & Allison’s esession, but we did the engagement photos the day before the wedding since it was out of state. Nate and Alison, I already mentioned in my wedding preview how beautiful, genuine, and full of joy you both are. It was such fun being a part of your wedding! Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Beach!

Today I woke up early. I woke up slowly, cuddling my kitty. I walked into the kitchen for some hot tea. I looked out the window, roses, roses everywhere in my backyard. The sun was bright. The morning was quiet. I was so glad to be home.

But a few weeks ago, I was so glad to be in San Francisco with Lukas shooting Andrew and Rebecca’s wedding. Two beautiful people! One beautiful wedding! It was the first time I had ever experienced a Chinese tea ceremony (and I love tea!); I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed watching. Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs!!!

Well, today marks the end of mine and Lukas’ crazy-shooting-traveling adventures that we have had the past three weeks. It was a little strange that we had so many out of town shoots right in a row, but I have to say that it was ALOT of fun and not as stressful as I had predicted, thanks to a lot of prayer for good health, endurance and sanity. God is so kind!

Lukas and I had been looking forward to Alison & Nate’s wedding for quite a few months: we always love opportunities to shoot in settings very different than the options in SoCal. That being said, we found an awesome barn and I got one of my favorite pictures that I have ever taken! I know many people say this, but Alison truly was a gorgeous bride inside and out; her love for God, people, and especially Nate just shone around her. Nate reminded me of some of my highschool guy friends; he seemed really serious until you started talking to him and you saw how genuine and laid-back he was.. It was adorable how Nate couldn’t take his eyes off of his bride. He had the most groomsmen I have seen yet: 15 (and that’s with two not being able to!). Alison had the nicest , fun bridesmaids that I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with. I could go on and on, but I should just end with CONGRATULATIONS and you two are awesome!

I have finally finished post-processing Portraits for Missions! CDs burned, organized, addresses written, envelopes sealed, and in the mail! I am sooo excited about our Missions trip this summer, and to those of you who came to PFM, thank you! It’s amazing how a whole week has flown by in the busyness of life. I am excited to actually post something pretty on my blog again! Sorry Suzal.com, I know you have felt neglected.

Today Lukas and I shot Ashley and Joe’s wedding. And Ashley was such a gorgeous bride, I couldn’t help staying up a little late to post a sneak peak!

For the past six months or so, I have been second shooting weddings with Lukas. We’ve worked together since 2007, but since I finished school I have had way more time to go with him on weekends. It has been a blast learning new things with the camera and experimenting, and I feel like I am getting better at shooting exactly what I want. One great thing about this blog is that it motivates me to excel in my skills as a photographer so that I can share it with the world! So expect to see more weddings and shoots =) (I mean, I am a VanDyke now…)

This past weekend was my sister Larissa’s birthday, a very special birthday we didn’t want to miss. It just so happened that our friend Brian from church was getting married in Atlanta the same weekend, so it was a perfect combination! Lukas and I had a blast celebrating with family Friday, and then shooting Brian and Emily’s wedding the next day, with a return flight Monday morning. I am so excited Brian is bringing Emily to the West coast! =)

Here are some of my favorite shots from the day…

It was freezing the whole day, but everyone was a trooper. Love this shot. (Yes that’s ice in the background)

Emily has this bubbly energy that is contagious. She just sparkles at everyone around her, regardless of whether they are paying attention. In this case, Emily was peaking at Brian who had his back turned…

The first look!

I LOVE Atlanta skyscrapers, so much more visually aesthetic than L.A.

Ok, don’t tell anyone, but my favorite thing to do while second shooting a wedding is stalk my husband with my camera…

At the end of the day somehow my card is full of photos with Lukas in them! I mean, isn’t he just so suave in action?

Couldn’t help snapping this one around these cool buildings as the bridal party drove away

; )

And finally, a picture with my amazing sister, my cousin Christine, and my mom. Yaya you are such an inspiration to me and I praise God for all these years of your life! Beauty surrounds you. May I see you more frequently and attempt to make up forall your taking care of me the past 23+ years. I love you!