This Blog Has Moved!

Please visit the new VALLENTYNE WEDDINGS BLOG HERE!

2009, a hopeful and happy year beginning & A NEW BLOG!

The New Year of 2009 is here and I can feel that it is going to be a great one! There are so many new beginnings on the horizon and I just love the anticipation of great things. I have many wonderful new wedding clients who I can't wait to work with. The same goes for all the talented Coordinators, DJ's, Caterers, Officiants, and Venues who make up amazing work teams whenever we do weddings together. I am also happy to announce that Vallentyne Photography is truly becoming a family business this year! My husband (and best friend:) is joining me in the capacity of a full time graphic and album designer. We have lots of great things in store for all out clients and I can't thank you all enough for making our dreams in this business come true.

Speaking of new beginnings.... I am so excited to announce the launch of THE NEW VALLENTYNE WEDDINGS BLOG! This will be my last post on my trusty old blog so from now on, please check us out/ bookmark us/ subscribe to the feed (you get the point!)
Here:

http://vallentynephotography.net/

2008, a symbolic year end : a memorial to a wonderful mother

Today when I looked at my blog (honestly, a little guiltily) I was not surprised to see that the date of my last blog entry was on November 25th 2008. I stared at that date for a bit and got the feeling that I have been swimming underwater for the last month and am just breaking through the surface to the fresh air.

I have been out of touch in the end of 2008 because on Thanksgiving, November 28th 2008, my mom passed away after a long battle with lung disease. My mom was an amazing and loving person who brought joy and laughter to a countless number of people who were lucky enough to know her. It was a life that touched so many people's hearts and blessed them with her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and the way she persevered when she had all odds against her. She constantly surprised and inspired us with her strength, determination, and resiliency. She was a dedicated and supportive mother and our relationship was very strong. She wasn't just a mom, she was a best friend to me.

Being her only daughter, I was often spoiled by her attention. The irony was that being spoiled by her love made me a more grateful and down to earth human being in every facet of my life. My mom’s devotion to me has been unwavering, and her unconditional love has been my greatest source of strength. Her honesty and integrity have been my moral compass along this journey and she has made everything I do possible.

I debated for a while about sharing all this information. After all the sweet and concerned emails and phone calls I have received, I realized that every one of us will go through these major ends and beginnings in our lives. Sharing with each other is truly part of the human experience. Even though this event symbolizes the end of many things, it is also the beginning of many others and I know my mom will still be with me through it all.



“Life isn’t about learning to survive the storm but it’s about learning to dance in the rain”

From 2nd Corinthians 4:8: We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit.

From Eastern Scripture: “Our soul never dies; only the physical body dies. We neither fear death nor look forward to it, but revere it as a most exalted experience. Life, death and the afterlife are all part of our path to perfect oneness with God.”

{getting in shape for the big day!}

I think that one of the universal things that every bride goes through, myself included, is when it is time to get in shape for the wedding day! When I got engaged I hired a personal trainer, cut out all alcohol and deserts, and got super serious about looking fabulous in the dress! Now, I have adopted a habit and lifestyle of fitness thanks to getting into a long-term routine. I really have my wonderful trainer to thank for this and wanted to share her info and services with any local bride, mom, or just person wanting to get in shape..... maybe lose 10 pounds over the holidays rather than gain it!!! Her name is Heather Cameron of Cameron Fitness and her classes and bootcamps are fun, inspirational, and challenging, I love them! Check out this super cool clip of her in action!

{a new blog!}

I am so excited to finally be in the process of designing my new blog, along with several other brand identity projects! All year long I write ideas down in my notebook and now is the time of year I can finally make them reality. There has been fewer posts on this blog lately, because I want them all to go on the new blog! So stay tuned, there are great things coming soon!

{featured} The Bride and Bloom

I just LOVE this magazine, and I'm so excited that one of my weddings is being feaured in the new Winter 08 issue. Congratulations to Stephanie & Kevin who's wedding is featured!

venue: The Lodge at Torrey Pines

coordination: Kiley Walker Events

It was also such a nice surprise that in the same issue, they featured 6 full pages of my bouquet photos! My background in commercial and editorial photography means I love shooting still life and all the details that go into making a wedding unique. It is awesome to see that published here!

{amie and sean}

I knew Amie and Sean were going to have a fun wedding as soon as they booked me and my prediction was right! With a big bridal party that loves a good party you can't go wrong! And even more surprising (or maybe not!) was that most of this crowd were lawyers! The happy couple got married at The Prado in Balboa Park, which I have to say has some of the best dinner options I have ever tried. Everything was so beautiful thanks to Diane Kern who is a fabulous coordinator and always a pleasure to work with:) Here are a few pics of the day!
venue: The Prado, Balboa Park
coordination: Diane Kern, Exclusive Designs & Events
flowers: Paul Adams
cupcakes: Flour Power