What a Weekend!!

you have not heard from me in a while because i have been super busy this weekend at trina and patricks wedding. it was so much fun!! i fortunately had met most everyone on thursday night at the bachelor party, then the rehearsal dinner was friday night, the wedding on saturday and the brunch on sunday. i was invited to the wedding, which was an honor anyway, i had met trina and patrick over christmas. i offered my photographic services to them (in lieu of being at a wedding and not really knowing anyone) and they accepted. i was to be the reception candid photographer. friday was fun, we got there around 4 at this beautiful house in simi valley (45 minute drive from LA) and hung out, then practiced the wedding and hung out more. saturday was the big day...the wedding. Trina was absolutely stunning...ill post a pic later, after i go through them. she looks like marilyn monroe or grace kelly, timeless and classic. the wedding was short and sweet and funny, definately not formal, but very casual and laid back. then the reception...lots of fun dancing and then broken up because we were in someones back yard.
now the photography....candid? reception? no...the "real" photographer didnt know to show up at 3 for family pics...so i took charge. do you know how hard it is to get 10 divas and a bride to hold still in one place at the same time? but good...sandy and i took some pictures. we organized them and shot...no time!! we didnt get to start with pics till almost 4...wedding was at 5....i felt so rushed!! but it was good...lots of good pics. the other photographer did show up, and he was really cool...super nice guy!! i was ordained the reception photographer from the get-go so i was there...supposed to be taking the bulk of the most important pics (i didnt realize i would be the only one) and then right before the first dance, my battery ran out!!! OH NO!!! first dance, father/daughter dance, cake cutting, flower toss, garder toss...none would be documented. dont worry, i handled it...got sandy to cover me for about 20 minutes while my battery recharged, and didnt miss anything but the father/daughter dance, but she got it on film.
i have almost 1000 pics from friday, and saturday...i didnt want to screw any up so i took a bunch just to make sure. I AM SO COOL!!!
after the wedding was the after wedding party at the hotel, lets just say i have never been to a party quite like it. dont worry, i didnt drink or do drugs or have random sex with strangers...but i did have fun. who needs drugs? or alcohol?
i met a lot of really cool people...jason (NY) jen (LA) zac!!! (DC) belton family (IN) becky and duke (IN) Kelly (LA) Vanessa (LA, originally from IL) Stacey!!! (IL) there are more, but those are the ones with the blog mention...most everyone i hung out with were people from the midwest. some live in LA, but most left on sunday or monday to go back home. there is a distinct difference from people that live in LA and those that dont, but everyone was very cool and friendly, warm and welcoming. it was definately a great time to come and meet everyone.
so far i am well liked...not that i had too much to worry about...i am likable.
i kind of have a job. i met Kristin, tiffs friend/boss, and 20 minutes from meeting me she looks at me and says "youre hired." apparently tiff talked me up, and kristin agreed...i didnt do anything to try to impress her except be myself...and i guess that was enough. there is really no work right now, but i am working on a commercial on thursday (my first PA job)...not a lot of money, but something at least. tomorrow i am going to see if i can find a serving job, and hopefully find a job for Joe.
there has been so much going on this weekend, i am sure i have not touched on everything, but that is the jist anyway. i am sure there will be more to come.
love you all and miss ya a little...
c.ALIce