Sweet School Days, Farewell: Gilbert/Chandler Arizona Photographer

I still cry at school.

And not just when I dream I went to school unprepared for the final exam or forgot to put my clothes on before walking into first hour English.

No, but I do cry twice a school year.

I cry on the first day of school because it is such a ritual, meeting the new teachers, making friends with new classmates, strangers really.  I drive by any school on that first day and remember those feelings.

But the last day of school, I can really turn on the water works.  It’s the last day of seeing those friends that were strangers just 9 months prior.  Remembering how special this class was to our teacher.  This class that she will never have again.  Oh she’ll have another class, but not like this one…warts and bloody noses and Halloween parties and Christmas cards, no not winter holiday cards, dang it, Christmas cards, homemade with love and undried glue. Valentine’s parties that made us kids express forced love on one another, we girls secretly loved that holiday.

But this week and next week mark that last days of this school year for my school age grand kids.

The last day.  If you are out at about the time the kids get off the bus this on last day you will see two kinds of kids.  I have observed this every year.  You’ve got the kind that cannot wait to get off the bus and run like mad to get home and wipe the school off of them, get it off so summer can invade their very souls.  And then you’ve got the other kind.  The kids that stay at the bus stop and talk to their group and talk and start to leave and come back and talk some more.  They know what they will be missing.  Ya, they are usually the older kids and they are learning WISDOM.  They know they will be ending something that they can never get back.  Only in their sweet memories.

Ya, so what, I can cry if I want to.  See ya next year comes to an end and that’s how the story goes.

Have a Great Summer, janet

Caleb & Emily Weddding: Gilbert/Chandler Wedding Photographer

I had not met Caleb and Emily before we had our pre-wed photography session last week.  But I needn’t have worried.  This darling couple met me at Freestone Park in Gilbert on that beautiful spring evening in all their gorgeousness.  She floated shyly with bridal grace and he, Caleb, was the quintessential groom, just being himself…faithful, loving and attentive to his sweet bride.  They were a photographers dream, just being themselves.  I followed them around, gave a few directions, which they promptly followed graciously.  They and their wedding party and families were just as gracious last Friday at the wedding.  It was just a lovely experience and I am grateful to Caleb and Emily for setting the example.

Thank you.  I wish all the happiness and love to the two of you as you begin your journey together.  And thank you for allowing me to document the beginning of your family.

With Love, janet

The gorgeous scarlet rose wedding bouquet was designed by Jodi at BloomingMill.  They did all the flowers for the wedding and reception which I will showcase later.







Sandra Jarvis - June 15, 2011 - 10:55 am

Beautiful%20bride%20and%20as%20always%2C%20beautiful%20photos!

Sandra Jarvis - June 15, 2011 - 10:55 am

Beautiful bride and as always, beautiful photos!

Vanessa - June 5, 2011 - 3:51 pm

I use to go to school with them. I love these picture

Angela - May 26, 2011 - 9:06 am

These are beautiful Janet! Great work!

Nancy Van Vleet - May 26, 2011 - 6:24 am

Beautiful!

Jodi - May 24, 2011 - 12:36 pm

I love these pictures! You capture the moment so wonderfully. And I have to say I love the flowers! xo

Katie Hughes/Vintage Rose Wraps: Gilbert, AZ Business Photographer

Katie.  What word images does that name conjure up?  Friend, kind, sweet or sister.  Everyone has a good friend named Katie.  Well this Katie fits all of these descriptions and more.  Last week I sat down with Katie in her comfortable country style home.  Around us were displays of nests, artichokes and chairs, not just the people sitting kind but little chairs on the tables and in window sills.  I asked her about them.  She said that each special touch of design was there for her family, placed there with purpose and meaning…a divine meaning.

Katie is a sharp and dare I say, a shrewd, business woman.  She grew up in a family that ran an in-home business, a family cottage industry.  All the family worked together to build it and then benefit from their labors.  And then, so it was, as a young bride, she created a “little business venture,” combining two of her loves, artichokes and ink, hence the name Artichoke Ink, a handwriting business.  As a friend I have received an occasional beautifully personalized card penned with her delicate artistic hand.  It makes me feel special and loved in such a unique sense.  i find myself keeping the envelop around, just to glance upon every now and then to brighten moments.  She is such a talent and intentionally uses her gift to bless others.

Today, she and her sister own and run another business that delights women everywhere, Vintage Rose Wraps.  Her creations of these fabric hair bands, (oh they are so much more than that description suggests,) are in boutiques all across the country which includes our own backyard, local boutiques like Designer Boulevard and Domestic Bliss proudly carry them .  They begin with Katie choosing the fabric, which is where she gleans her first inspirations, and before long they are crowning young woman everywhere.  Her unique touch comes from a love of all things vintage and the desire to create and beautify, which seems to come natural to her.

Visiting Katie in her home was a special treat for me as I am sure it is for everyone that visits her because one always come away inspired to be a better creator to refresh one’s own talents, to smile more and love our family’s with a better resolve.  That is Katie’s true talent, her home and her family. Today she is still creating her sweet little family which will increase by one later this year.

Thank you, Katie, for your inspiration in all things unique.  Vintage Rose Wraps is just one way you beautify the world.  Your generosity and genuine love benefits all of us, especially me.

~janet

Sandra Jarvis - May 20, 2011 - 7:15 am

Beautifully written and beautifully captured! You are both equally talented.

Suzi Kaminsky - May 19, 2011 - 7:49 pm

Katie is beautiful inside and out! You defiintely Katie’s captured her true spirit.

Melissa - May 19, 2011 - 3:09 pm

I love how you described Katie perfectly!

Laura - May 19, 2011 - 1:44 pm

What beautifully written words about an equally beautiful woman, heart and soul. You described Katie with such eloquence and truth. LOVE her! Thanks so much for sharing–the whole world should know how amazing she is! :) xoxo

Jodi - May 19, 2011 - 11:19 am

So sweet and so true! Katie is amazingly beautiful person, inside and out! Smart business woman, great Mom, and one of the kindest people around! Love Her!

Amie - May 19, 2011 - 9:30 am

Love this, so sweet and well written. Good job Jan! Kate you are a beautiful woman, inside and out!

Katie - May 19, 2011 - 6:52 am

Janet.

I think this is the sweetest thing anyone has ever written about me. Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtfulness.

I love you, friend!

Wedding Preview: Gilbert/Chandler Wedding Photographer

There is just nothing like a wedding to get me in the creative mood.  Like in last weekend’s pre-wedding session.  I am so exctied for this darling couple to see their pictures.  They have been turning out so beautiful.  I love it that the light is controlled by the time of day.  And a sweet location.  The trouble is…I don’t want the wedding guests to see these great pics and the bride and groom in full wedding regalia before their big day, this Friday the 20th.  So I will just give you all a sneak peek!

Then next Tuesday you can see a boat load of them.

Until then, happy Wednesday!

~janet


Still Here: Gilbert/Chandler, AZ Wedding Photographer

‘Lest you think I have checked out, check again.  Yes I have been down and out for a week but I have not gone too far down.  Just recovering and covering and recovering again.  Ice On/Ice Off as Mr.  Miyagi would say.  Ice on the knee and off every other hour.

So for your viewing pleasure as I rise to the computer for a moment. I present a bride and her gorgeous dress and face and smile.

~janet



Angela Salazar - April 25, 2011 - 8:40 pm

I hope you keep recovering and feeling better! And a beautiful bride indeed! =)

What Makes You Laugh?

I have told you before that I love to laugh.  Laughing, the best med and all that.  What makes you laugh?

Here are a couple of things that make me laugh…I Love Lucy.  Another?   Everybody Loves Raymond.  I can always get a big laugh out of at least one of this hilarious ensemble cast.  And a movie that I am always guaranteed to laugh out loud when watching…Hitch…Kevin James, such a funny man.

I am laying low for a couple of days but I can always use some old movie or TV show to put a twitch on my lips.

Got any Ideas?

~janet

natalie - April 6, 2011 - 8:28 pm

Well at one time I would tell you that Ace Ventura would make me laugh and Superstar. But having watched them recently I would have to say. Now that I have matured from a teenager they are NOT so funny anymore…Actually quite annoying actually!. But, I must say Now, now I would have to say Big Bang Theory Makes me laugh, “that 70′s show”, “the Mentalist”, and as for “movies” I would have to say “private eyes”, “Life as we Know it”, “cars”, and many more. :) anyway good luck on Recovering :)

Susan Munk - April 1, 2011 - 6:38 am

The Big Bang Theory

M o r e   i n f o