What Did YOU Celebrate On Memorial Day 2010? Ventura Pier, Ventura, California

What did YOU celebrate on our American Memorial Day?  Did you celebrate our freedom to be what ever you want to be and think about those who have and are making that possible for us?

I went to Ventura, California with my husband to find and photograph the true American Spirit.  I finally found HIM on the end of the Ventura Pier, where he has been fishing most every day for the past 40 years.  I would like to introduce you to Packy, a true American Spirit, who loves life and loves his freedom to be just what ever he wants to be.  We stayed with him for over an hour, visiting, fishing and becoming good friends.  His stories were as interesting as he was and there were 40 years of memories alone just in his hands.  I dedicate this blog post to him, Packy the Fisherman.

This shot reminded me of my Grandpa, Pappy.  He had a car like this and drove me around town in Alaska when I was a young kid.

What was your mode of transportation on our American Holiday?  A bike, motorcycle, car?

I love great architecture.

Did you go shopping, maybe at a second hand clothing store?

Watch street performers?

Eat outside?

Part of our lunch at the Savory Cafe in Ventura.

And I ATE the whole thing.  It was an amazing sandwich.

Ventura is a very Dog Friendly place, dogs everywhere.

Maybe you took your family biking for the Holiday.  This family were all on ONE.

There were a million daisies lining the pathway beside the beach.

Don't you think that we all cart TOO MUCH STUFF!

My favorite shot of the day.

Maybe you went fishing on this Holiday.

Introducing, Packy.

I asked him about his hat, his answer, it made him a true pioneer.

You could feel Packy's true love for fishing.  He said his favorite TV show was "The Deadliest Catch".

He truly was an American Spirit.

He wasn't more than 5 feet tall.  Actually I think shorter.

Packy's transportation.  Economical and definitely green. 

Dog Friendly.

This dog DIDN'T like me.

I came in for a closer look to see what this guy was so interested in.

Oh, bathing beauties!  Or so they think.

BFF's.

So glad to be an American and be what ever I want to be.

Introducing Jordan & Meagan Robbins! (Redlands Temple, Sierra LaVerne Golf Course) Wedding Photographer, Wedding Venues

Jordan and Meagan's Wedding was an absolutely beautiful day and the Redlands LDS Temple grounds were overflowing with family and friends. Jordan is the oldest of six, while Meagan is the middle child of three girls. I first met Meagan almost two years ago while working as a photographer for a tour group. I remember her telling me about her boyfriend who had just left for Brazil serving a mission for the LDS church. She informed me that he was the one for her and that she was patiently waiting. . . for his return. I remember thinking to myself, right you'll find someone new. Well. . . Meagan waited and proved me wrong, and the rest is history!

Jordan and Meagan go back a bit. They first met in High School and started dating when they were seniors. Both of their families are very close, you can see and feel it and my photographs show it. It was a real pleasure to spend this special day with them.

I think Meagan's mom is quite happy to have a son-in-law.

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Jordan Robbins.

Happy siblings.

One of my favorite shots of the day.

Meagan and Jordan's reception was at the Sierra LaVerne Country Club.

My favorite shot of the day.

Meagan and Jordan had the GREATEST DJ, Curtis Whipple. He really got all the people up and going.

Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day!