Give Thanks

Confession of the day: I once was a tomboy.

I had my girlie tendencies but sports rocked my world. Therefore, I hung out with men more than women. Along came the life of the Army where the male figures come and go. When your certain someone is deployed, you learn to rely on the women in your life. I guess you could say I was forced to get along with women; however, it was not that way with the women that came into my life. God placed each and everyone of these women into my life for a reason. And for that, I give thanks. Never could I have imagined having so many amazing women in my life. Each and everyone of them click with me in their own unique way and hold a special place in my heart.

When it comes to the Army(which I am no longer attached to other than having amazing friends), people come and people go. Recently, they seem to be going more than coming. It saddens my heart because these people have touched my life in more ways than I could sit here and list.

One special girl is leaving me in 23 days. 23 DAYS! I'm not sure what I am going to do with myself. This girl has rocked my world from the beginning. She's sarcastic, completely inappropriate 99.9% of the time, awkward(in a good kind of way...I bet you didn't even know it existed), bluntly honest, funny, classy, a vault for sharing secrets, and a solid rock when I feel like I'm about to lose it.

She is my best friend.

I'm a ball of emotions as I think about her upcoming move. However, in all my sadness, I am grateful. I am grateful for all the memories we have created together. We have had a blast! I am grateful knowing that Missy and her husband, Chris, will be lifelong friends. Chris is just like a big brother...or sometimes even a dad.... weird, I know. If ever I screw up, you better believe he lets me know it. If there is a new man coming around, you better believe he is watching every move. Chris and Missy have been BEYOND amazing to me. I could not ask for better friends during this time of my life. I am going to miss them each and everyday. I might even think about packing up and moving to Kentucky. I'm sure there is pretty countryside that would make for some awesome pictures :) I love you guys.

Missy, you have changed my life, and for that, I am thankful. Always. ILY.

JUMP FOR JOY! DREW & CHAN ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!

Chan left a voicemail.

I called her back.

We talked for a while.

Hit it off immediately.

Then she informed me she had already booked her engagement session with someone else.

*BUMMER*

I hung up the phone disappointed, but had truly enjoyed our conversation.

Fast forward a few weeks later, Chan gives me a call. She said after our previous conversation, she went back to my website and realized who she truly wanted to shoot her engagement session. She had cancelled the other shoot and decided to go with me. Hello complete and total honor. I couldn't be happier. I hung up the phone smiling and ran to my best friend, Missy, to tell her the news. She looked at me like I was dumb. She does that... often.

During our shoot, Drew & Chan had me smiling the whole time. Chan is full of energy trying to keep Drew smiling, constantly expressing her love. Oh, it was precious. Then there is Drew...the timid, laid back soul. In someways, from my short time with them, I could tell they are complete opposites; yet, when they're together, they make such a gorgeous couple. Don't ever tell me opposites don't attract. Opposites make a beautiful couple.

SEEEEEEEE...

This picture definitely depicts their personalities.
Chan spent about a minute jumping up and down while Drew sat there bored out of his mind. He could hear us girls giggling but didn't have a clue what was going on behind his back. Chan continually said she couldn't do it. I was laughing my head off, and suddenly told her "Okay, I NEED you to get air". Drew turned around. Chan put a determined look on her face and literally took a running start. This was the result. LOVE IT! Told you that you got air, giiiiirl.

Drew, just like any of my other male clients, started the shoot out shy & not sure what to think of me. I always have to reassure the guys in the beginning that I'm not (that) crazy and I promise I'll make this as painless as possible. After Drew started getting into the groove of things, I could tell they wanted some serious pictures and some smiling pictures. They would be smiling and out of no where I would say "okay, serious". And Drew hit my mark faster than any other person who has been in front of my camera before. This couple knows how to woooooork it. And I LOVE it!

Found this treasure and changed the name :)

Drew and Chan, you two are so beautiful together. I had such a blast with you, and I'm glad you expressed you felt the same. I wish your wedding was closer but I know February 13th will be a GOOOORGEOUS, perfect day in Nevada! Wishing you many years of bliss!!!

Bois D'Arc

It sounds kinda sexy, but in all honesty, it's a tree that produces fruit. Beautifully, unique fruit. I was at a shoot Saturday when we discovered this little treasure. The vibrant color and awesome texture pulled me in. I suddenly told the couple to take off their rings. I had an idea. So we played, and grabbed some fun ring shots. I am pleased, and I am looking for a few wedding magazines to submit the photos to. I'll keep you updated. Until then, enjoy the colors and texture!! Hope everyone is getting into the Holiday Season! I know I can NOT wait to see all my family this week! YAY! HAPPPPPPY TURKEY WEEK!!!

Think Tank Tuesday

"Great is the man who has not lost his childlike heart"
Learn it. Live it.
I have been rejuvenated the past couple of days. I've stepped back from the chaos, and giggled as I've watched life pass me by. This doesn't necessarily mean I am going through life without action, because that is no where near the case. I am constantly on the go, but I have been reminded to just sit, breathe, smile, and play. Relax. Rejuvenate. Find the childlike heart and go have some fun. It makes life that much sweeter.
HAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPY TUESDAY!!!

Here It Is..... Custom Designed Holiday Photo Cards

Ladies & Gents, I present to you the very first Holiday Photo Card of the 2009 season!!!! The customers are happy; therefore, I am VERY happy!!

SOOOOOO.... if you like what you see, get to it... send me an email at rebeccacrocker@yahoo.com Let's set up a photo shoot and design your very own Custom Holiday Photo Card ASAP. I have a special package running right now, so be sure to inquire about it.

Also, if you don't live in the area, I can still design a card for you!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

Precious

I have anxiously been awaiting Olivia's arrival. I attended her Momma's baby shower a few months ago, and presented her with a gift certificate for Olivia's first pictures. I know it may seem cheesy, but I truly wanted to give the family a gift that they could always treasure.
Olivia just turned 5 weeks old, and we FINALLY had our first meeting.

Olivia is precious. There is no better word that comes to mind. She may only be a few weeks old, but her personality is starting to shine through. She has attitude, I promise. And if she isn't happy, she gets to quivering that bottom lip, and it just makes you want to make her world perfect. I know she will be a Daddy's girl, even if Roberto won't admit it.

Daniel, the big brother, is nothing short of amazing. He was so gentle and sweet to his baby sister. As always, Daniel is so well behaved, saying "yes maam", "no maam", "excuse me", and calling me Auntie Becca. It always makes my day to hear his wonderful manners, and I can just pray my kids are half as good as him one day, even if my mother curses me with brats(she says just as I was... pshh). Thanks Mom!

It had been a while since Candace had a newborn around the house. At the shower, she expressed the nerves and doubts she had. However, if you could see her now.... She and Roberto are absolutely amazing parents. I love seeing their little family together. The shoot was nothing extravagant. We just hung out in their backyard. However, for their family, it was perfect. The guys played baseball while the girls hung out in a lawn chair. It was a moment to cherish, and I hope these pictures are just for that...cherishing moments that will no longer exist, but having the photos to capture the memories forever.
I love you guys, and I hope you enjoy this sneek peak!!

Sassy Christmas Cards

Please, no one take offense, but ladies and gents, this IS my favorite family. You've seen them appear a million and five times on my blog, website, and portfolio. You know why? THEY BRING IT. Helllllllllo....Check out the attitude in this pic. mmhhmmmmm.

Misty and I are meeting up for lunch to design her Christmas Card. This involves choosing a photo from their recent shoot. There's quite a bit to choose from; however, I am partial to my new fave....THIS ONE. If she doesn't choose it, she better order it on a beautiful canvas. Just saying...... :)

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Ridiculous

She's a high school teacher.

He's a U.S. soldier.


They work.

And by work, I mean they are ridiculously good looking, ridiculously in love, and ridiculously perfect together. Yes, that ridiculous.




When you are around John and Erica, you can tell they are just meant to be together. They are best of friends and would not want to spend their days with anyone else on this earth laughing, acting goofy, or talking about anything & everything.




While waiting on my second shooter, Lindsey, to get her camera ready, I "interrogated" John and Erica. I simply said "Alright guys, let's hear it. What's your story? How did you meet? All that mooshy gooshy stuff." Erica didn't skip a beat. She smiled and started into the story, then realized she would rather hear John spill the details. She flashed him a smile, and he started the story by explaining they had met online. They talked for a couple of weeks then decided to meet while John was visiting home. He proudly shared that Erica had driven a few hours just to see him. You could tell he was very grateful for her efforts. Long story short, they met, spent a couple of days together, and knew it was meant to be. It definitely reminded me of a lovey dovey Nicholas Sparks novel. mmmmm, my favorite. I loved hearing John share their story as Erica threw in her two cents, which included many smiles. This, my friends, is why I love my job. I am in love with love far too much not to enjoy capturing these kind of love stories on my camera.

They had some rockin' shoes that I had to share. It's all about the details.

Precious. That is exactly what they are.

John strikes his GQ pose while Erica admires her man.

Lindsey is designing their Save the Date cards. I saw this sign at the old CC theater and had to capture it just in case they wanted to use it for their Save the Dates.

John makes Erica laugh constantly. I have so many images of Erica cracking up, and all I can do is smile.

Before the shoot, Erica & I emailed quite a bit. Erica shared that she thought she & John weren't photogenic (are you kidding me?!?!) ,and how they just wanted to have fun. I can do fun. Anytime, anyday. So, Lindsey and I took them in an alley. They jokingly started fighting, and I encouraged them to continue the fun while I captured it on camera.

I was very pleased the next day when I received the sweetest text from Erica thanking me for such a wonderful time. She and John had a blast. YAY!

Goofy. My kind of people. :)

After the brawl, they kissed and made up.

And lived happily ever after.

Told you, they are ridiculously perfect.