Weddings: Jasmine Star's Workshop. Extravaganza.

The first time I heard her speak, I was totally taken aback by her knowledge, confidence, and poise. She commanded the attention of the entire room and I swear you could hear a pin-drop. That is, in-between all the laughter that inevitably accompanies her! I think laughter itself follows her like a shadow. She's Funny. With a capital "F." But smart and ridiculously talented too. Oh, and not to mention pretty. It's almost just too much, but then again, I think that's how we all view the people we look up to, aspire to be like, and in a way, somewhat idolize. They have few flaws. At least that we see... And while there's all this good about her, there is just as much great. Jasmine Star is legit. And she's willing to share her how-tos and wealth...with just about anyone who wants to listen. 

Last week was somewhat of another dream-come-true for me. I feel like I have a lot of those. And more than one has involved this photography icon. I flew to California with 20 other photographers...er, shall I say,  J* groupies? I feel like there has to be some kind of nick-name for all of us who freakin' love her, but either way, this is truth: I was fortunate enough to spend a full day (and a few hours) with her and my new groupie friends. Jasmine's workshop was AWEsome. It was overwhelming and insightful and she has taught me so much that my to-do list might never end at this point. I have so much to learn still and much I will be changing. But it's her passion, dedication, and compassionate personality I want to emulate most. I won't ever be the "Jasmine Star" in my own group of friends, nor do I ever think someone will approach me with sweaty palms and ask me for a picture. But...if I can get even ONE person to appreciate or learn something from me the way I have with her, I think I'd smile all the way to China. That's huge. And not because I'm going there...it's because China is super far away. ;) 

Here are some images of my time with Jasmine and the rest of my talented, new friends. 

I may or may not have commented on how high-end the water was. Four times. Or the personalized notepads...

I knew our photo-shoot would have beauties in it, but Erin and Brandon were gorgeous. Newly married and so in love...it was pure eye candy. =) 

So pretty, we were all trying to "politely" get the same shots! =) 

Eeek! Gorgeous!! Love to Vivian Tran who rocked out Erin's entire look. Hair, make-up, magic! All her. =) 

So much gorgeousness to shoot. Just trying to sneak it on in there! 

Erin's bouquet was made by JL Designs. So, so beautiful! 

The following are my personal favorites. I love seeing the in-between. I didn't have a great first-person angle for these as I was tucked up against the wall of a tunnel. But what I could see was breathtaking. I wasn't close to either of them, but even from a distance, both of their eyes sparkled. 

Jasmine (& JD of course), you rock. Thank you THANK YOU for allowing me to peek at your life. I will never forget this day. I want to climb to the roof and just jump off! Okay, so I won't actually be doing that, but you catch my drift! Hugs to you both. And love, Shannon

Lifestyle Shoot: Whitney Schey

My husband, Jason, and I were sitting in an arena at our first WPPI convention...alongside those of us HUGE fans of Jasmine Star. We were among thousands, but somehow she stood out and I whispered to my husband, "I know her!" "Who?!," he asked me. "That girl down there. The gorgeous one with the awesome blunt bangs and short blond hair." He rolled his eyes, most likely thinking I was crazy and more likely hoping I wouldn't make a scene. And yet, I wasn't even sure how I knew her. I started rummaging my brain for how it was possible I couldn't place her. I sat in awe, listening to Jasmine (and other wonderful women photographers) talk about the industry and what they've learned. As the women were talking, though, it suddenly dawned on me. I'm such a Jasmine Star Blog-Stalker that I'd see this girl ON her blog! The realization of it made my neck hot with embarrassment, but I was sure that's where I'd see her. When our class ended, I approached her. And since I'm so awesome at first introductions, (cough), I touched her shoulder and said eloquently, "Hi, um, so this is really weird but..."

I am definitely not smooth, and usually come across as snobby and mean...at least that's what I've been told. Totally heartbreaking to be honest, but Whitney...well, she's a gem. I felt like I'd known her all my life and she wasn't even the least bit offended that I'd recognized her as a result of blog-stalking. Well...at least she was kind enough to convince me she wasn't! =)

Last month, Jason and I traveled to Cali for my BFF's wedding!! The second we landed, we drove to Laguna Beach for a shoot with Whitney! After seeing her in Jasmine's blog, I remember wishing it had been me who'd photographed that epic nautical shoot! I was green with envy and a song my husband has sang one too many times entitled "Jealousy" was ringing in my ears. Her style is everything in person I want my photography to be and I couldn't have been more stoked to see her through my viewfinder and, bonus!, realize she's just as beautiful on the inside. Lucky for me, Whitney is a fabulous photographer herself, so Jason and I got to model in all our pre-baby glory. And I'm hearing only one word at this point: Holllla! Oh, and Amen.

So I have this thing for owls now. I blame my friend Katie, who has an owl obsession! Earlier this year, I'd searched for owl-themed items that would be good thank-you gifts for her. Now I'm constantly seeing them around vintagy stores I go to. Maybe it's that they remind me of her and make me happy, but suddenly I want them all for myself! I'm thinking, then, it's probably no coincidence that this small affair I'm having with owls was suddenly laughable as Whitney had one tattooed on her foot! This...is just awesome. =)

And as for your other tattoo...Whitney, I love Jesus too. =)

Whitney, YOU ARE gorgeous!!