So I'm finally getting around to blogging and I have soo much to tell you all! This past wednesday night, I was at the famed St. Louis Photographers Shot Party with featured speaker Jasmine Star! I KNOW, right!? I was TERRIBLY late but made it just in time to meet some awesome new people and hear Jasmine speak at the end of the night. What an inspiration to anyone starting a new business, not just photographers. She's really made an impact in this industry and we were so lucky to have her come chat with us!

Here's a picture I snagged from Kelly's facebook page of Me, Kelly Park, Jasmine, and the hostess with the mostess - Kelly Manno. So stinkin' cute.

I've been back from WPPI for over a week now and I'm happy to report that the energy I felt from just being in that space still hasn't faded. I went having ZERO expectations and not much of a clue as to what really happens at a convention like this. I decided after I got there to go ahead and get registered for all the classes available and folks, I'm SO glad I did! I think my experience would be radically different had I just gone to the trade show as planned. How often would I get to see and hear such a variety of talented professionals in one place? Crazy girl, why didn't you think of this before? Armed with trusty, fun and bubbly Instax - we set out!

The first night we went to a party given by Becker. My roomies Jenny, Kelly, Von and me with Becker.

If you've been following me on Twitter or Facebook lately, its pretty obvious that my trip to WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) Conference in Vegas this year was nothing short of awesome. I met some incredible photographers from all over the country, heard some insightful and inspiring talks and classes and got to peruse a trade show FULL of the best the industry has to offer. A lucky girl, I am. I'll go into more details about all that along with some fun pictures later.

For now, more pressing (and way more lovely) matters are at hand! Namely, Kristin and Zac. The beautiful Kristin and I only ever chatted on the phone because she happens to live in LA. We were trying to schedule some engagements for when they'd be in STL over Memorial Day weekend when (only about a third joking) I mentioned that I would be in Las Vegas THAT WEEKEND and we could do them there. 'Yeah that sounds good!', she says. (blink blink) YAY!!! I forget that LA and Vegas are within driving distance so a few hastily made plans and  a couple more phone calls and texts and we're shooting in Sin City. Now, I know that I'm not the first outta-towner to shoot there and when there's 3000 other photographers in town, I'm sure NOT the last. But I gotta say that for my first time even BEING in Vegas, we had the best time and got some beautifulness from the strip. I'm down.

So happy these guys picked me to shoot their wedding and even more happy for spontaneity. Oh and that FABULOUS jacket and hat that Zac brought to wear. Swoon!  I know Kristin is jumping out of her skin to see these so here you go!

Its my first convention! I'm going to WPPI in VEGAS this weekend! Ok so most people don't get too excited about going to work conventions but this is probably THE coolest convention to go to if you're a photographer. Here's why: 1) its in Vegas. Now, I've never been to Las Vegas (i know, right?) but I hear its stimulation overload! I'm stoked to be experiencing all of this in the middle of such energy. 2) I'm staying at the Mandalay Bay, which I hear is lovely AND has an awesome pool. The downside to this is that its only supposed to be about 60 degrees and rainy all weekend. Desert FAIL. and 3) (and this one's a doozy) Its the biggest opportunity of the year to hear and see some of my favorite photographers in the country share all they know and have learned in their careers! Not only is there a TON of classes and seminars to see, there's also the Trade Show where I can see and sample and try out all the latest and greatest from the best product vendors out there. Double bonus.

Another bonus for me is that I get to shoot an engagement session for one of my stellar clients while I'm there! How cool is that!? So expect some love amazingness from Sin City when I get back. SO EXCITED! I'll be tweeting as much as I can from the convention and trade show, so if you haven't already, follow me on twitter here! I'll be checking email too, so if you need anything immediate over the next few days, you can get me there.

Dear 2009,

Well here we are at the start of a new year and I have to say that you and I had some great times and some not-so-great times. I mean, I had some amazing weddings and portraits to shoot, attended my first workshop, got a new nephew... all fabulous things! The un-awesome ones we won't get into, but I think we both know that its best to leave the past in the past. :)

I won't say I'm sad to see you go, 2009. I see a lot of people are going to miss you and if I'm not one of them, I think you'll be ok. But as for me, myself, personally... I'm looking forward. Looking forward to more balance, more creativity, joy and contentment. Looking forward to making this girl and her ideas better than ever. Onward to new adventures, new goals and a new vision of what this coming year could be for me.

Oh my... don't cry. Its not you, its me. I need to do this for both of us. It'll be hard at first, I'm sure. Lots of uphill battles and learning from them. But I'm so ready. So so so ready. And if you run into 2010 with a smug look on his face, don't be offended. We're just really clicking right now and its a good thing. I really think we'll go far.

Thanks for being a good year, 2009. I'm sure I'll never see you again, but I'll keep our fond memories on my backup hard drive. :) ♥

Love,
Stevie

P.S. and since posts without pictures are boring, I'll leave you with this CA-RAZY beautiful ring from a wedding coming up.. stay tuned for THAT full post!