In the spirit of the season I am offering a FREE 5x5 hardcover brag book ( a $200 value) with any wedding package booked by January 1st... okay... we'll make it January 2nd so you can regroup after New Years Eve!!
Now there is ONE little request for this... I'd love to see a comment ANYWHERE on my blog... but that's it!!!
I hope you are all having a WONDERFUL December and holiday season so far... I'm just prepping myself for the cold weather... as in one week I will be heading back to the Midwest and east coast... oh, which reminds me... if anyone is interested in a photo session (portraits, engagement, boudoir... whatever) or... just want to meet up for tea... let me know. I'll be hitting basically the entire state of Michigan, northern Ohio, and the greater NYC area between Dec 20th and January 11th... would love to see any and all of you!
Happy holidays... thus far!
Love,
A
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In the spirit of the season... a little gift from me!
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I had SOOO much fun at Rachael & Jordan's wedding... not only was this couple ABSOLUTELY gorgeous outside... but inside too... truely... I cried not once not twice but FIVE times... I was so touched by the connection they had with their families (like when Rachael's mom was putting on her grandmother's earings)... to the connection then had with each other (like the looks they would constantly give each other)... to the connection they had with their amazing friends (you should have seen the slideshow their friends put together... awesome!!).
So for all the tearing up I did... there was just as much laughing (and dancing.. yes I couldn't help but dance a little while shooting pics on the dancefloor).. .EVERYONE was dancing...
and did I mention the OHIO loyalty in the room.. half the people at this wedding were from LA... lived in LA... worked in LA... but with an even louder representation was teh OHIO contingency!! They would hoot and holla' every time that little (but not quiet) state was mentioned!!
This wedding was the perfect match for me... a little bit Midwest, a little bit West Coast, a little bit of tears.. .and a whole lotta FUN!!!
Take a look at the slideshow and get a better feel for the day...
RACHAEL & JORDAN'S SLIDESHOW click here
Rachael & Jordan, you two are amazing... your amazing friends and family and the way they would speak of the two of you are truly reflections of your Warm hearts and shining souls! I truly feel blessed and honored to have been a part of your amazing day and for becoming one of the lucky ones to call you my friends! May your life together grow more and more joyous and may you conitnue to touch the hearts of all those around you!
Love,
A
I'm in a hurry... so Will add to this entry tomorrow.. paying props to all the vendors..
But first must thank Jim MInics of Kelly Segre Photography for assisting me on this... you rock and it was so much fun to have you there!!
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Rachael & Jordan are married!!!
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November 23, 2009 //
Andrejka Photography
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Destination Weddings
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Mackinac
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My Life
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Santa Barbara
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Travel
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Weddings
Last week I was so excited to meet up with three of my couples from years past who all happen to live in SF... (my favorite city!!... even more than New Orleans... but if NOLA were in Cali... it might be a toss up)
My weekend started Friday night with Amy & Michael... an incredible couple that lives in SF and Australia... but travels all the time in Asia... and had their wedding on Mackinac ... can you believe it. I was able to photograph their wedding in Fall of 2008... it is was so much fun to reconnect .. they've now convinced me I need to start shooting in Australia and China... sounds awesome!!
Then it was a Saturday lunch with Michelle & Jeff at the classic SF joint Tadich Grill... I met up with these two a year and a half ago at a coffee shop in SF... then months later I was photographing their touching wedding in Ventura... I had such a great time I could have sat and chatted with them forever (even if they are PC/Nikon users... I won't hold that against them)!!
Then it was on to an amazing dinner with Missy & Christian. I was honored to photograph this couple just a few months ago on Mackinac. We had so much fun chatting about the island... AND California... I just love it when my two worlds join together.
It was soo wonderful to be able to meet up with everyone... I can't wait to see them again. Man... I love that I can keep in touch and become friends with my couples... no matter where they live!
THEN on Sunday ... was all for me... a day of photography .. a day to be inspired by my favorite city... by the people... the food... the sounds... everything!! I even ended the day by catching the Richard Avedon exhibition at the SF MOMA.. he is amazing... it totally started me thinking about my own photography. If you are in the bay area this week check it out... it ends Sunday Nov. 29th.
Here are a few pics from my favorite places in SF... Chinatown (and my dim sum... yummy.. no I didn't eat it ALL... my eyes were a little bigger than my stomach)... then on to City Lights Bookstore and the Vesuvio (in North Beach).. home of the beatnik poets... Kerouac, Ginsberg... etc... now THESE guys are awesome... just being in the bookstore makes mind open up and reminds me how much I love 20th century literature... (yup, that literature degree comes in handy once in awhile)
I hope you all have a wonderful happy joyous Thanksgiving... I'm off to go pick up my mom from the airport... first time she's in Cali for Turkey day... then... your not going to belive this but her and I back up to my fav. city... SF yet again.. I just didn't get enough last time!
May you all find gratitude in the smallest of things... and through that find joy in the world around you!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
A
My weekend started Friday night with Amy & Michael... an incredible couple that lives in SF and Australia... but travels all the time in Asia... and had their wedding on Mackinac ... can you believe it. I was able to photograph their wedding in Fall of 2008... it is was so much fun to reconnect .. they've now convinced me I need to start shooting in Australia and China... sounds awesome!!
Then it was a Saturday lunch with Michelle & Jeff at the classic SF joint Tadich Grill... I met up with these two a year and a half ago at a coffee shop in SF... then months later I was photographing their touching wedding in Ventura... I had such a great time I could have sat and chatted with them forever (even if they are PC/Nikon users... I won't hold that against them)!!
Then it was on to an amazing dinner with Missy & Christian. I was honored to photograph this couple just a few months ago on Mackinac. We had so much fun chatting about the island... AND California... I just love it when my two worlds join together.
It was soo wonderful to be able to meet up with everyone... I can't wait to see them again. Man... I love that I can keep in touch and become friends with my couples... no matter where they live!
THEN on Sunday ... was all for me... a day of photography .. a day to be inspired by my favorite city... by the people... the food... the sounds... everything!! I even ended the day by catching the Richard Avedon exhibition at the SF MOMA.. he is amazing... it totally started me thinking about my own photography. If you are in the bay area this week check it out... it ends Sunday Nov. 29th.
Here are a few pics from my favorite places in SF... Chinatown (and my dim sum... yummy.. no I didn't eat it ALL... my eyes were a little bigger than my stomach)... then on to City Lights Bookstore and the Vesuvio (in North Beach).. home of the beatnik poets... Kerouac, Ginsberg... etc... now THESE guys are awesome... just being in the bookstore makes mind open up and reminds me how much I love 20th century literature... (yup, that literature degree comes in handy once in awhile)
I hope you all have a wonderful happy joyous Thanksgiving... I'm off to go pick up my mom from the airport... first time she's in Cali for Turkey day... then... your not going to belive this but her and I back up to my fav. city... SF yet again.. I just didn't get enough last time!
May you all find gratitude in the smallest of things... and through that find joy in the world around you!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
A
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I love my San Francisco. .the people, the food, the art... and my couples!!
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So this blog is a little late... as it is the end of November and these weddings were back in October... but.. better late than never!!
First we have Heather & Chris... these two have been very close friends of mine for years and to see the two of them marry warmed my heart... it was like watching everything right in the world come together. As I stood in the church watching people arrive I have NEVER felt such pure excitement from everyone waiting for Heather & Chris. Words can't explain the feeling in this church... and it was 100% for this amazing couple. It got me excited too... I loved it... and then, AFTER the ceremony, we went on a carriage ride only this time... instead of chasing them on my bike (as is the norm) Chris & Heather wanted me riding up front with Bobby Roach (our carriage driver.. love that guy!!)... needless to say the pics were so fun from that angle.. .and the day was magical. From there, was an afternoon reception at The Iroquois Hotel (Becki and the staff did an impeccable and gorgeous job as ALWAYS... I highly recommend this place)...
Heather & Chris... I can't put into words what a pure joy it was to be a part of your wedding. I thought I knew the two of you before hand... but witnessing this magical day I love you guys even more, you two are an example by which many people should look to, and I am proud to say I am your friend!!
Love,
A
Here's CHRIS & HEATHER's slideshow (click here)
And now... couple number 2.. Stephanie & Adam... they have re-inspired me.. .and reminded me again why I love what I do... I first met this couple... two days before their wedding... in a TORRENTIAL STORM... I mean it was raining sideways... and it was FREEZING... I could tell they were a little concerned about their upcoming outdoor ceremony and carriage ride... (and to be honest.. so was I... but I didn't tell them that (sorry S & A... now the truth comes out... I really was a little concerned)... well the sun broke through by noon and stayed all day. I think one of the coolest things about this couple was that their wedding was all about THEM and who THEY were... for example on the carriage ride... we stopped at Starbucks (yes there's a Starbucks on the island... but its owned by a local so its okay ;-)... obviously these two (well, Stephanie) LOVES their Starbucks... this was just one example of how they made their day so unique and touching!
So I have to share with you a few emails... and why they have reminded me how I love what I do . ..and I love when others are happy!!
I finished their slideshow late last night... and this is the email I woke up to this morning (needless to say it was an amazing way to start the day)
Hi,
Oh, Andrejka! We just had a good cry watching the slideshow! It is absolutely amazing! It is way better than any expectations I had. We both just said how thankful we were that you were our photographer! We know our families will love it too! Thank you so much! We can't wait to see the rest! You truly do have a gift!
Thanks again!!
Adam and Stephanie
So, I of course wanted to share this with you all... and I wrote back...
Oh my goodness!! You are so nice... I am soo glad you love your pics... would you mind if I used this email on my blog? It is just so touching.. and reminds me why I love shooting weddings!
AND then... another amazing email.. by now I HAD tears in my eyes ...
You definitely can use the email. I would recommend you to everyone! :-) Our families did see the slideshow and our moms both cried! Jami loves the picture of Benjamin and Natalie hugging! Everyone has a favorite...well, many favorites! :-) I love how you captured so many special moments throughout the day! I guess that's why you call it photojournalistic! And, the starbucks pictures are so cool! :-) My co-workers love them! They say it's so me! I am going to have a hard time choosing which ones to frame! :-) I have a feeling we will be looking at these pictures everyday for a very LONG time! :-)
Thanks again!
Stephanie
HERE'S Stephanie & Adam's SLIDESHOW (click here)
I couldn't make these up if I tried...
Thank you so much S&A.. I so appreciate from the bottom of my heart all of your kind words. It truly was such a pleasure to meet you and share in your day. It is so clear to see the love you two have for each other and the joy in your eyes when your with each other. Thank YOU... I wish you both years and years of true joy and happiness.
Love,
A
First we have Heather & Chris... these two have been very close friends of mine for years and to see the two of them marry warmed my heart... it was like watching everything right in the world come together. As I stood in the church watching people arrive I have NEVER felt such pure excitement from everyone waiting for Heather & Chris. Words can't explain the feeling in this church... and it was 100% for this amazing couple. It got me excited too... I loved it... and then, AFTER the ceremony, we went on a carriage ride only this time... instead of chasing them on my bike (as is the norm) Chris & Heather wanted me riding up front with Bobby Roach (our carriage driver.. love that guy!!)... needless to say the pics were so fun from that angle.. .and the day was magical. From there, was an afternoon reception at The Iroquois Hotel (Becki and the staff did an impeccable and gorgeous job as ALWAYS... I highly recommend this place)...
Heather & Chris... I can't put into words what a pure joy it was to be a part of your wedding. I thought I knew the two of you before hand... but witnessing this magical day I love you guys even more, you two are an example by which many people should look to, and I am proud to say I am your friend!!
Love,
A
Here's CHRIS & HEATHER's slideshow (click here)
And now... couple number 2.. Stephanie & Adam... they have re-inspired me.. .and reminded me again why I love what I do... I first met this couple... two days before their wedding... in a TORRENTIAL STORM... I mean it was raining sideways... and it was FREEZING... I could tell they were a little concerned about their upcoming outdoor ceremony and carriage ride... (and to be honest.. so was I... but I didn't tell them that (sorry S & A... now the truth comes out... I really was a little concerned)... well the sun broke through by noon and stayed all day. I think one of the coolest things about this couple was that their wedding was all about THEM and who THEY were... for example on the carriage ride... we stopped at Starbucks (yes there's a Starbucks on the island... but its owned by a local so its okay ;-)... obviously these two (well, Stephanie) LOVES their Starbucks... this was just one example of how they made their day so unique and touching!
So I have to share with you a few emails... and why they have reminded me how I love what I do . ..and I love when others are happy!!
I finished their slideshow late last night... and this is the email I woke up to this morning (needless to say it was an amazing way to start the day)
Hi,
Oh, Andrejka! We just had a good cry watching the slideshow! It is absolutely amazing! It is way better than any expectations I had. We both just said how thankful we were that you were our photographer! We know our families will love it too! Thank you so much! We can't wait to see the rest! You truly do have a gift!
Thanks again!!
Adam and Stephanie
So, I of course wanted to share this with you all... and I wrote back...
Oh my goodness!! You are so nice... I am soo glad you love your pics... would you mind if I used this email on my blog? It is just so touching.. and reminds me why I love shooting weddings!
AND then... another amazing email.. by now I HAD tears in my eyes ...
You definitely can use the email. I would recommend you to everyone! :-) Our families did see the slideshow and our moms both cried! Jami loves the picture of Benjamin and Natalie hugging! Everyone has a favorite...well, many favorites! :-) I love how you captured so many special moments throughout the day! I guess that's why you call it photojournalistic! And, the starbucks pictures are so cool! :-) My co-workers love them! They say it's so me! I am going to have a hard time choosing which ones to frame! :-) I have a feeling we will be looking at these pictures everyday for a very LONG time! :-)
Thanks again!
Stephanie
HERE'S Stephanie & Adam's SLIDESHOW (click here)
I couldn't make these up if I tried...
Thank you so much S&A.. I so appreciate from the bottom of my heart all of your kind words. It truly was such a pleasure to meet you and share in your day. It is so clear to see the love you two have for each other and the joy in your eyes when your with each other. Thank YOU... I wish you both years and years of true joy and happiness.
Love,
A
Missy:
I LOVE the picture of the coffee cups.....especially since it says caution: very hot.
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My last two weddings on Mackinac... and why I love my job!!
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So I promise this will be the last time I babble on about New Orleans (especially because this weekend I am off to my favorite city.. well prior to being in NOLA.. San Francisco... the jury is out and will let you know next week . . will it be NOLA or SF!!).
Well... along with a life changing 30 hour car ride... amazing photo shoot... inspiring photo conference.. NOLA was also sooo much fun because I got the chance to see .. not 1.. not 2... but THREE very dear friends I hadn't seen in years that all live in NOLA... I was so stoked to hang out these peeps in their city and each one had different things to show me... I LOVED IT!! I had FRESH deep fried Cajun shrimp one night at 3 in the morning from a tiny little grocery store... I watched the Saints break a record while listening to live jazz in the background... I saw a group of peeps jitterbug like crazy... and I even saw an extremely raunchy 80 year old Jazz Singer flirt with the crowd while singing and dancing his heart out (at 2 in the morning)... just to reiterate again... I LOVE THIS CITY!!
Well.. .the very last photo shoot I did... was especially cool... my friend Joe (who I grew up with in our tiny little cow town in the middle of a corn field) let me capture a window into his New Orleans life... Joe in the privacy of his home... with his books and notes strewn all over (he's a writer... as you might be able to tell from the pics)... imagine NOLA meets the Sun Also Rises...
I absolutely LOVE doing lifestyle shoots... no posing... no thinking... no purpose .. just me capturing someones everyday life ... in the place where they can be most comfortable... their home... I really hope to do more of these... what a fun way to capture a chapter in one's life!
Hey Buddy... thank you again so much for letting me see a glimpse of your life.. .and capture it!! This city has definitely adopted you... and you it!
Okay... bye bye New Orleans ... until next time!
May you all discover new places of joy... be it in your back yard... or half way across the world!
Love,
A
Well... along with a life changing 30 hour car ride... amazing photo shoot... inspiring photo conference.. NOLA was also sooo much fun because I got the chance to see .. not 1.. not 2... but THREE very dear friends I hadn't seen in years that all live in NOLA... I was so stoked to hang out these peeps in their city and each one had different things to show me... I LOVED IT!! I had FRESH deep fried Cajun shrimp one night at 3 in the morning from a tiny little grocery store... I watched the Saints break a record while listening to live jazz in the background... I saw a group of peeps jitterbug like crazy... and I even saw an extremely raunchy 80 year old Jazz Singer flirt with the crowd while singing and dancing his heart out (at 2 in the morning)... just to reiterate again... I LOVE THIS CITY!!
Well.. .the very last photo shoot I did... was especially cool... my friend Joe (who I grew up with in our tiny little cow town in the middle of a corn field) let me capture a window into his New Orleans life... Joe in the privacy of his home... with his books and notes strewn all over (he's a writer... as you might be able to tell from the pics)... imagine NOLA meets the Sun Also Rises...
I absolutely LOVE doing lifestyle shoots... no posing... no thinking... no purpose .. just me capturing someones everyday life ... in the place where they can be most comfortable... their home... I really hope to do more of these... what a fun way to capture a chapter in one's life!
Hey Buddy... thank you again so much for letting me see a glimpse of your life.. .and capture it!! This city has definitely adopted you... and you it!
Okay... bye bye New Orleans ... until next time!
May you all discover new places of joy... be it in your back yard... or half way across the world!
Love,
A
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New Orleans.. Part THREE... the final entry... I promise!
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our brag book is going to be awesome! we already know :) thanks A
(12.16.09 @ 09:37 AM)