I’ve known Randa for about 7 years now.  We used to work together back in the day and needless to say, we didn’t care for eachother much.  But, (there is always that but), when she transferred to another branch, we somehow managed to brush our squabbles aside and became friends. Randa and I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly, yet we manage to remain friends which I think is awesome.

When Randa told me she had found the love of her life, John, I was so happy. It was so fun being able to see her get married and start a new path. A few months later, she was overjoyed to learn she was pregnant and we both couldn’t wait for her tummy to start showing so we could take her maternity pictures. Spending time with John and Randa and seeing the glow that mommyhood has brought her is the coolest thing ever.

I can’t wait to see your little boy, October 24th is just around the corner

When we are planning out our life, we obviously make decisions.  There is the everyday decision of something simple like- what should I eat for breakfast and should I rent a movie or read a book instead?  Then there are the decisions that require a little more thought such as-should I really buy those $300 pair of jeans that look great on me?  The decisions we make then become a little bit more difficult when we start looking at things in the long run or in the future, like should I really move out of state and accept that great job offer or can I really afford that house on the ridge? 

Whatever it happens to be, we make choices to better our life.  When I decided to start searching for a new car, I had some tough choices to make as well.  I had to come up with what kind of car I wanted, new or used, how much was I willing to shell out, color, etc.  After some strenuos shopping in the summer heat, I found my car.  I traded in my Cayenne and got a mini van.  Just kidding.

However, I did get a Honda Accord and I love it!  The mens at Hardin Honda in Anaheim were great, and they totally worked with what I wanted.  Thank you to my dear friend Wiley who knows how to wheel and deal, at car dealerships, Nordstroms, and even 7-11 (lol).

Who: A couple who has an interesting story or has overcome great odds and deserves free photography for their wedding.
What: free wedding photography! Yes, that’s right. The winner will receive 7 hours of wedding coverage by me, a DVD with all images, and an album. There are absolutely no hidden fees or strings attached.
Where: Anywhere in the U.S.
When: Anytime within the next 365 days
Why: Because it’s better to give than receive  
How: Please submit your story (or a friends story) as to why you deserve free wedding photography, date and location of your wedding,  along with a recent picture of you and your fiance to rgb@reneebroughton.com.  I will submit the winner on my blog August 07, 2009.

It’s July 11, 2009, it was so hot you could use your car as an oven.  I think the temperature was up to 101 degrees.  Lucky me,  Bryan and Cindy choose to have their ceremony and reception indoors where the air conditioning was flowing.
  
The tears were flowing at the ceremony and everyone was kicking off their heels to dance at the reception.  From beginning to end, the wedding was gorgeous, the day couldn’t have been more perfect. 

Cindy and Brian, have a great honeymoon in the Mediterranean!

 
I love the detail of her dress

Bryan’s first look of his bride coming down the elevator 

The new Mr. and Mrs. 

 
Getting some alone time

I love the simplicity of this shot.  Yes, her eyes are really that blue!

Cindy’s  family is from the Netherlands.  It is tradition for guests to lock in the bride & groom with Serpentine.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July weekend. 

I was able to celebrate and enjoy the 105 degree heat poolside at the Mandalay Bay in Vegas.  Aside from losing $$, I had a blast.  Yesterday on the way home, we decided to take a side tour of what outside of Vegas has to offer.  Other than dirt, weeds, and rock there wasn’t much.  We did visit Red Rock Canyon, and got a few cool shots, but it was way too hot to hike and explore.  

A few shots from yestereday’s adventure.

So, I just finished uploading Minh and Monica’s album and I must say their wedding was so much fun.  They were married at La Venta Inn, in Palos Verdes.  The day and the location was beautiful, the bride and groom looked amazing and so relaxed, and the entire day just flowed without a hitch.  They chose to see eachother before the ceremony which is always the coolest.  It allows more time for pictures, and in my opinion, less stress for the couple as they don’t feel rushed after the ceremony.  Essentially, this was the perfect wedding. 

Photographing weddings is fun, I love it; but, creating the album is equally fun- if not better.  It puts my imagination to work, kinda like scrapbooking.  Here are a few of my favorite album pages from Monica and Minh’s wedding from last August.

I’ve been counting down the days for this masterpiece to finally be ready to share, and after much anticipation, the new blog has finally arrived.  Woohoo!!  At first I was somewhat sketchy with turning my blog colors into blue and grey as I am a huge fan of my original color, pink and black,  but, I must say that I couldn’t be happier with the way it all turned out.  My old blog is still up and can be viewed here.

No post is fun without a picture, so here one is.  Last weekend I went camping and I took this shot around nine in the morning.  I was slightly bummed I only had my point and shoot camera to capture this beautiful image but it still turned out pretty cool.