Jed and Mary's Engagement Story

We've been privileged to "meet" (ok..well through email), so many nice people and Mary Cozzie is definitely one of them. A while back, she had contacted us about capturing their August wedding in Oregon, but unfortunately it didn't work out. HOWEVER, they were so sweet and invited Damion and I to do a Honeymoon Session with them when they travel down to LA for their honeymoon. We have really enjoyed sharing this email relationship with them and we're really excited to meet them in person and be able to capture their love in real life!

Anyway, I wanted to include the link to their engagement story here. I was so impressed with how thoughtfully and carefully Jed planned out her engagement surprise. Way to go Jed!!!

Here's the link. We look forward to seeing you guys in August :)

Krystal and Eric's Wedding

These two Anaheim Angels fans met way back in 2001 at UC Irvine in a PALS meeting (Pan American Latino Society.) Over the last 7 years, they've had opportunity to travel together, entice their friends into many Poker games with Krystal's awesome cooking, and learn how to salsa dance seamlessly with each other! Their ideal wedding day was to party it up, dancing away the night with their family and friends to celebrate their first day as a married couple and they DID IT!

Krystal and Eric chose to meet before the ceremony for their photography session so that they would be free to enjoy their guests for the rest of the day! The first dance was the hottest we've ever seen! The Cuban food was delicious and once the band started up, everyone hit the dance floor to continue the party to the smooth sounds of Charanga Cubana, recently nominated for a Latin Grammy.

This was one of the most relaxed and laid back weddings that we've had the pleasure of capturing. Their friends and guests were so kind and welcoming to us. Thank you again Krystal and Eric for giving us the opportunity to get to know and enjoy each of you and for letting us be a part of your special day. It was truly a treat and a joy for us!!! We know that capturing the special moments was so important to you and we hope that you see this reflected in your images and slideshow below. Have fun re-living your beautiful day and we hope you are having a wonderful time in Costa Rica. Pura vida!!!































"To Have" and "To Hold"

Allison's Senior Portraits

Saturday I had a really fantastic time with two really incredible women. Allison and Eileen! Allison will be graduating from Upland Christian this year and her wonderful mother Eileen accompanied us during her relaxing senior portrait session!.

Allison being a cheerleader for Upland Christian, just had to include some our her tools and uniform during our session and not to mention her amazing errr...ummm..."texting" skills! :) It was so much fun!

What a natural beauty Allison and mom are!! I tell you, I don't think these women have an enemy in the world. They are just to darn funny, energetic, intelligent and not to mention just so relaxing to be around. I honestly couldn't tell if I was supposed to working or just hanging out with some friends. Fortunately, in this business..we get to do both!!

Allison, thank you so much for being so wonderful before the camera. Your natural beauty makes it so easy. Oh and tell that one guy.... what's his name?.....oh yeah "Erik" he wasn't bad either! :) (love ya man!).

Here are a few of my favs from our Session.
You can view Allison's slideshow if you scoll down just below my favorites!

Zimbabwe Food Drive Update

OK> Change that total to $6,780 dollars raised and 670 families and the children and orphans that they are caring for fed! Thank you so much!

We'll have some pictures up soon..spent a great day in San Deigo last weekend with Eddie and Kellye from Studio 512 and Ross and Lesya from Flosites! We also have senior pictures to post too, just trying to get caught up!.....One day.....

Amazing Zimabwe Food Drive Results!

I was truly shocked and amazed at the generosity that poured out after our plea for help to buy food for our friends and their families in Zimabwe. (Click here to read the post)

With donations still arriving (and not including our personal contribution) our friend's have donated an amazing $5, 680!!! Their generosity will feed approximately 560 families and the orphans that they care for, for one month!!!

Here’s how their gift will be carried out practically. Teams will travel to Botswana to purchase the food. Upon bringing the food into Zimbabwe, one representative from each family will come to receive it. These representatives are required to sign their names and register to receive the food (to prevent duplication). Then, they will pass through the line to receive essentials such as (1) 60 lb bag of solid kernel corn (to be ground into corn meal), beans, sugar, tea, and perhaps soap, candles, and matches if they are available.

We are truly humbled and so grateful to be able to give this gift on behalf of our friends who have opened their hearts to give so much.

Remember, if you want to change someone's life, it's not too late to help! Just contact me at julie@hiscreations.com or leave a comment and I will send you more info on how to make a tax-deductible donation, of which %100 will be given to the intended destination.

Also, please continue to check out www.wellsoflife.com as we are working on a program which, in the near future, will allow our friends to help feed and care for the orphaned children of Zimbabwe through a one-time donation or monthly donations.

Greatly blessed, Julie

Peterson Family Portraits

Aren't these some of the cutest kids you've ever seen? I can officially say that because they are our nephews, Elias and Luke, and our niece Gracie. (Not to mention their parents Daniel and Cindy--they're pretty cute too) We spent a great afternoon with them shooting in the COLD breeze..well, ok, it was probably only about 55 degrees. Not freezing, but cool by So Cal standards. Unfortunately, we don't get to see them nearly enough, so it was a great opportunity to catch up with everyone and share some dinner together. Here are a few more pictures to enjoy!

PS: I also have to tell you that Miranda, our 7 year old, selected these blog pictures on her own...they are her cousins after all.






















































































































And of course, for those of you who chase your kids around with cameras like we do...there's always bound to be about a hundred funny out-takes...

Quick Update on Harrison Daniel

Just got a call from Harrison's parents re: the growth on his spine. For more information on this little guy whom Damion had the privilege of capturing on camera at just one day old, click here.... Anyway, the MRI came back today and it was....clear. The MRI shows no growth, no tumor!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for your prayers!!

OK, Back to Krystal and Eric...

Meet Krystal and Eric

Have you ever met new friends that you just "click" with? You can talk, laugh, be yourself with and know that you could hang out for a really long time? That's the best way that I can describe Krystal and Eric to you. We have the privilege of capturing their wedding next month and it is going to be a par-ty! Their love for latin music is evident in the fact that they've hired a 12 piece band to entertain the crowd (they've recently been nominated for a Grammy Award--should be good!) And as we met for the first time, they resolved to introduce us to the sassy world of SALSA!!! Of course, we thought they were going to give us private lessons at our house, so we wouldn't have to be made a fool in front of bunch of people......but NO! They took us to a salsa club in Alhambra called The Granada. Damion and I weren't sure what to expect (Dancing with the Stars??) but we had such a great time! This place was classy, everyone that we ran into was friendly, and most of all, it was so cool to watch each couple dance in their unique style. Of course, Krystal and Eric can move it! They are seamless, like they've been dancing together forever (o.k. it's only been seven years)! They taught us a few whirls and turns, tried to break our arms, etc... just kidding. But seriously, now we want to go back and take our friends! Krystal and Eric, Thank you so much for letting us hang out with you and introducing us to something so fun! We had a great time and truly loved your friends. Can't wait to see you again in April!

Urgent need for food

I know this blog is supposed to be about photography, but there is something pressing on our hearts that we need to share here. Please read this email that we sent to our family and friends. Thanks for all your love and support (even when we're not talking about photography!)

Sent on Tuesday:

Hi guys,
As I sat in my living room yesterday interviewing our friend from Zimbabwe, Peter Sibanda, for a video on the Wells of Life blog (www.wellsoflife.com) , he stated that his family as well as the people of his 28 churches and the hundred orphans that they care for are eating meals only every 3 or 4 days. It broke my heart to hear that children are spending so much time hungry there and the thought of sending Peter back to eating every 3 – 4 days is very difficult.

He is leaving the US in one week to return to Zimbabwe and I would like to send him back with as much money as I can to buy food for his family and his people. The time restraints make it challenging, but I am endeavoring to gather funds from corporate as well as personal resources.

100% of any money donated will go straight to an account a neighboring country where the food will be purchased at a good rate and brought to Zim for distribution to the people. The economy is such in Zimbabwe currently that there is no food left in the stores. And the 1.5 acres where Peter used to grow vegetables to support and feed the many widowed and orphaned by the AIDS epidemic has withered because of the lack of electricity to pump the water from the well, which is 110 meters down. The government is such that it cannot afford to pay even the bills for it’s electricity, so it is nonexistent. The hospitals are closing because there is no medicine left in the country, they cannot operate without electricity and food, and the dr’s and nurses have gone to neighboring countries where they can get paid and feed their families.

Can you please pass this to anyone that you know of that might be interested in donated money to purchase food so that this precious man, his family, and those that he cares for will be able to eat more often that every 3 – 4 days? I wish that I had something to reward the generosity of those who desire to bless him in such a way, but the only compensation that I can offer is that they will be feeding the poor and filling bellies which would otherwise be empty.

Damion and I will personally attempt to match any donations given, thus doubling the effort.

If anyone is interested, please have them contact me at julie@hiscreations.com or (909) 986-8424. We can gladly process pay pal for credit cards, cash, or checks.

With love and hope,
Julie

Perfect day in Balboa!

Damion's dad came to visit us (read: the girls) last weekend. It was so nice to see him and of course, we had to take him to the beach while he was here! Monday was a crystal clear day with a nice breeze...hardly anybody at the beach. Could not have been more picture perfect! Here's a couple of photos: (I apologize in advance to anyone who's still in snowy conditions--you may want to avert your eyes...)

Livy fell asleep in her stroller like this....











Miranda and Poppy on Balboa Pier












Julie and Livy cruisin the beach. Look at the beautiful blues the 5D produces!..well, along with a clear blue sky!










Livy and Poppa hangin out!











Proof that Damion actually was there, digging in the sand.










Lastly, of course Dad always needs a picture of his baby--Natalie (Wood, that is)

Meeting Our Tender Mercies daughter--Solome

Last time we were there, Christine (read two posts previous to find out more) took Damion and a few other people to the outlying villages to check on children who are too far away to get to the school each day. They came to a house with five children playing outside. The oldest girl, about 12, came to greet them with a beautiful smile. Damion asked who this child's sponsor was, Christine looked it up and said "the Hamilton family". I think it took everyone a few minutes to catch on that it was OUR Hamilton family! As it was explained to her, she grabbed Damion's hand and bowed down on her knees to show gratefulness and respect. From what I hear, they had a joyous and very emotional reunion where many tears were shed. From Solome a chance to meet her parents, as she calls us, and from Damion in actually seeing with his own eyes and meeting the one that we've been feeding and clothing for several years in real life! Damion gave her a picture of our family to keep and she immediately snatched up the picture and walked straight to the house to hide it, staring at it and smiling all the way.

Funny thing is that two years later, my friend Roxanne, who had just been to Africa, called me and said "You'll never guess what happened! We were way out in the jungle among the villages and saw this old woman by a house. She didn't have any clothes on, but saw us and excitedly ran to get a blanket to wrap herself in. She was so excited to see us and came running out clutching something in her hand to show us. When she opened her hand, it was a picture of you guys!" Roxanne was so excited and told her that she knew us and that we were very good friends! It's funny how something that delicate as a picture, can be saved and kept as a treasure for so long (in such a difficult and dirty environment!)

Anyway, that's the story! Now, we are writing letters to Solome and her siblings to send back with Christine next week. We hope that they are blessed and can find someone who reads English!

Our impressions of Africa

Is this one of the cutest faces you've ever seen?

"Julie (Juuleeee).....you're looking so fat!"
That was my reception upon our return to Africa last time. Shocked, I muttered something about eating at alot of restaurants lately.....After the third time someone said that to me, I finally figured out that there must be something to it. I asked my friends and found out that there, "looking fat" is a great thing and a compliment. It means that you look prosperous, happy, and blessed! (just as a side note, last week I asked our friend Bob Kaira if I was still looking fat...he refused to answer....smart man!)

Think our traffic is bad here? Imagine a traffic jam moving at 15 mph. Now imagine that those white stripes (lanes) don't exist. Cars are bumper to bumper weaving in and out of traffic constantly. Throw in a couple hundred motorcycle taxis (boda-bodas--pictured here) weaving in and out with driver and passengers on the back, including mom's with a baby strapped to their back and a two year old in front. And THEN, add hundreds of pedestrians stepping between the cars. The first night we were there, our driver actually bumped into a person with the car. I screamed and it scared the person outside of the car more than being hit by the car!!

Getting used to lizards on the ceiling in the kitchen was a little weird--but they are good, they eat the insects! The armed guard and attack dogs at the conference center where we stayed were very nice during the day, but would eat you at night (ok, just the dogs.)

I was surprised when I saw a teacher sharpening the pencils....with a knife. I tried to help, but it was dangerous! We bought many pencil sharpeners for them after that!

Lastly, I was struck that the people there work so hard. In construction, they formed the bricks by hand, cut the wood with a long saw. I tried to help the ladies mop and sweep the floor of the church sanctuary with their little branches, but it killed my back. No running water means that you have to carry many "jerry cans" back from the river to do all of your chores. Due to small amounts of unreliable electricity and hardly any modern appliances, everything must be done by hand...washing clothes, washing dishes, cooking, cleaning. They work so hard!!!!

So many things flood my mind that it's difficult to decide what to share (and try to do so accurately.) Next post, I'll share about Damion meeting our sponsored child, Solome. I'm trying to hurry and wrap this up because we have lots of exciting things coming up to share with you!

Here's a few pictures from our trip for you to enjoy.

Some of the students from Tender Mercies












OK. This is the sanctuary I tried to help sweep with branches. See what I mean? But, more importantly, here's Damion with a listening ear











Julie teaching at a local high school!












These next two photos are of kids from surrounding villages. Most of them don't have shoes and don't attend school. Do you see the difference between these and the young lady featured at the top?








That "table" in the middle is called jackfruit. Texture = rubbery jalapeno pepper
Taste = sweet melon











What do you see in these eyes?

Impressions of America Part 2

There are many people in Uganda that Damion and I adore and feel very connected too. However, we are so excited to have Pastors Michael and Christine Kyazze (Cha-zay) here with us in the U.S. right now. Not only are they exceptional people overall, but greatly inspire me personally to proceed with great vision and continue taking small steps to achieve a great goal.


Here is a little self-portrait of Christine and I, like-minded hearts. You see, twelve years ago, Christine is the one that began the Tender Mercies International program, which we have been supporting for almost 10 years now! In the past, Uganda ranked #1 in AIDS related deaths (Now it is Zimbabwe) and because of poverty, civil war, etc, there are many, many orphans. Twelve years ago, Christine was caring for 16 orphans in her own home and asked our organization , RIM, for help in providing care for them. Fast forward twelve years and there are almost 300 orphans being cared for at the Primary School that we've been privileged to help build, both in financial support and in carrying bricks! Each sponsor is asked to donate $25 per month, per child to provide them with an opportunity to attend school (not free in Uganda), and receive clothing and one hot meal per day (the only meal for most). Thanks to Christine's wisdom, she is able to stretch the $25 a month to bless more than just one child. For instance, our little one named Solome lives with her four brothers and sisters who are provided for to some extent as well.

Just as Christine has begun a great work with 16 orphans and now expanded to almost 300, my dream is to bring relief to many impoverished children around the world through providing food, clean water, blankets, clothes...whatever will make their lives richer. There are so many who need our help and once you see those little faces looking up at you, you just can't get them out of your head or heart.

This is Christine's first trip to America as well and she says that everything is beautiful...the houses are beautiful, the buildings are beautiful, the town is beautiful....and the food.....she said that now she knows why Pastor Michael comes home from America with a few extra pounds and looking like he was bathed in milk :)

Also, check out my gorgeous necklace that Christine brought for me. It's awesome!!! Believe it or not, it's a carved shell and it has beautifully colored layers that create a great design! I love it!!!! I gotta run, but I'll share more impressions with you next time and maybe even about the time that Christine took Damion to meet Solome, the young lady that we sponsor AND what happened two years later!

Impressions of America Part 1

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend!
Here is something that you might not know about us...we are half African. Well, OK, not literally, but we do love the people of Africa. Having been there twice and invested ourselves there for many years, it gets into your head and heart! You'll see this reflected in two places on our websites: 1) on the home page of our portfolio, there's an african drum which is actually a link to our "Personal Projects" including a slideshow from our last trip there and 2) our blog is linked to our new project called Wells of Life, which is set up to raise money to dig wells for our dear friends who are suffering in Zimbabwe (you'll have to read the WOL blog to find out more.)

Anyhow, we are so excited because several of our friends from Africa are actually visiting for a month, some for their first time in America! It's been so fun and enlightening to see our country from a different perspective, actually very humbling. I got to spend a whole day with our friend Bob Kaira, taking him shopping, to the mall, etc... on his second day in America. Here's a bit of his perspective :)

Re: riding the roller coaster at Santa Monica: "It will drive the fear out of anyone."

Re: driving down the streets: "Every place around here is so beautiful." He was amazed at the landscaping surrounding the sidewalks and center islands!

Re: our entry to a clothing store: "It's a whole world of clothes!"

Re: Sam Ash music store: Bob had never seen a store with so many instruments and almost had to touch almost each one, was amazed at cables, microphones, speakers "Everything I ever wanted!"

Re: seeing a police car: "Wow! It is just like the movies!"

Re: seeing a cab: "Wow! A yellow cab--just like the movies!"

Re: chinese food: He liked it, especially the sweet and sour pork "because they have that at home" but found the pepper chicken to be too spicy! He also enjoyed eating shrimp, crab, oysters at Gladstone's and an apple covered with caramel, white chocolate, and coconut from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory! I don't think he had ever tried Granny Smith apples before..they were a shock.

Lastly, I asked him what his impressions were of America before coming. Most of what the world knows of America is only from the movies, so he was sure that "guns would laying on tables, in cars, and someone could just pick up their gun and I could get shot at any time!" and that "Americans don't care about families...but when I was at Gladstone's, I saw many people coming in with their families and thought--I don't think this is true!"

Next time, I'll tell you more about Mama Christine, one of my inspirations and some of my impressions of Africa!

Rodriguez Family Party

Here's the recipe for a great party...take one heaping dose of fabulous food, add one part live mariachi music, throw in a dash of family and friends who love you, and most importantly, secretly fly in all of your mom's siblings from all over the nation to have a surprise birthday celebration. Now THAT is how the Rodriguez's throw a bash!

Of course, you'll notice in the first picture, we HAD to feature little Giana, who just celebrated her 2-week old birthday :) (Be sure to click HERE to see her arrival into the world...it's tasteful, beautiful, and will make you cry :)

Rodriguez family, we hope that these images provide you with many years of great memories of this celebration. It is very easy to see that your family has a lot of love for each other! Here are a few of our favorite images, but be sure to check out the slideshow at the bottom to see everything! Happy Birthday Mom!

Mariachi Music provided by Epifario Nolasco (626) 337-2645
























































One of my personal favorites....

























Damion had a little help...just in case :)






































Here is your Slideshow!!