I love the way my family loves! We may not see each other every day, sometimes years may pass before our faces meet again, but there is no denying the love that flows freely when we are all together as was the case in the wedding of my brother and brand new awesome sister in love, James B. and Vanessa.
Family and friends on both sides travelled from near and far to celebrate their union, with a purpose and desire to be a blessing. As this couple embarked on their life journey together, we brought our ‘A’ game. We got our smiles and got our groove on!
And you would not believe what I had to resort to to get this shot!
All the events of the day conspired to manifest the romantic love inspired union of JB and V on Saturday November 1, 2014. After much anticipation, a host of witnesses gathered to participate and bless this couple. Family and friends transformed into a community honoring JB and V with their presence. They came from far, very far and near to bless this gorgeous couple and all received a blessing in return.
Oh and this happened too!
May your joy last always. May you always treat each other tenderly.
In 2011, My Fav and I and some AMAZING people set out to produce our very first 168 Film Project Short Film.
First our intended script writer, was underage which I was unaware of and we could not get permission from her parent… sigh. So I ended up writing the script and what was supposed to be a fantasy fairytale type of film, turned into a period drama about a couple of orphans!
Soooo after having securing costumes (THANK YOU DAISY’s on the BLVD, I hope you reopen soon!) and location permits fees… I find out we cannot use the cabin we initially wanted to use, as it was being rented for the week by a camp for a retreat. The owner was so sorry for the scheduling mix up, and allowed us to shoot on the exterior for a flat rate and use another cabin during the early morning hours. She was amazing!
Plan CDEF… lol! We could use a friends place for the interior spots. We had purchased some oak wood flooring for a personal home improvement project, not perfect but we can make due. THEN along came some unexpected help from some more AMAZING people who allowed us to use their home which had dark wood flooring already! AND the Jenkins Family had EVERY prop we could imagine needing ON HAND! SCORE!
Some of the actors would not be able to make it. I asked others to join, or refer and guess what? They DID! I LOVE YOU TAS and DS! You are my heroine’s.
Finally the day of shooting arrives. Sigh. Some of the actors and crew got lost not having printed out the directions we provided, some gave up and went home, one even ended up near Las Vegas! We had to scrap our whole shooting schedule and make one up on the fly. Then we began shooting, AND it began to snow.
Management warned us there was a weather warning and if we did not leave soon, we would be snowed in. I lost over half my actors. No worries. I sent our caterers to our second location (OK THAT WAS SOME AMAZING FOOD LET ME TELL YOU! A fabulous friend of mine catered for us at cost, out of love, and it was the HIGHLIGHT of the day. People STILL talk about the food lol!)
I know this is long thanks for hanging in there. I need you to know this before I post the film because otherwise I‘d NEVER post the film! LOL!
Now where was I. Everyone, and I mean everyone got parts! If you stood around you were IN the film, my sister, the boom mic operator, the production assistant, you get the idea. Let me say this. Our film was butchered BUT the experience of overcoming adversity AND turning in a completed project, though not perfect, taught me so much, making me a better story teller and really a better person.
I learned that I don’t have to depend on myself to get things done. That good people out of the good treasure of their hearts will pour out their gifts, time and talent ,if given the opportunity. I have hidden this film away all these years out of embarrassment, but today I am proud of it. Of what we all accomplished under some truly extenuating circumstances. I thank everyone who had a part in the making of it. You hold a special place in my heart (AND if you want your copy email me your address they are ready for you here on my desk.)
I have stalled enough. Here it is. If you read all this you deserve the viewing. Enjoy. OH And let me not be remiss! These images are courtesy of Yolanda Davis. My sister is also an amazing photographer!
Super Christian debuted at the 168 Film Festival with the support of most of its cast and crew. From left to right starting with the back row, we have Marvin Paige, The producer of our theme song Super Christian (fabulous job you made my lyrics come to life), The gorgeous talented Melody Paige our star and lead vocals for the song Super Christian, Marvin Jr. supporting vocals for Super Christian, Keith Davis guide, Paul Moran cinematographer, Crystal Dickerson Pen Girl and friend, LaChair Dickerson Homework Girl and friend, Yolanda Davis craft services and extra, Brianna Chatman Mercy Girl and friend, AJ Baltazar (he is just a cutie), Kaja Baltazar friend, LaShunda Smith (me), Kyla Baltazar extra and grip
After the showing the kids got to walk the red carpet and meet Nathan Kress Star of iCarly
Truly they are one of our favorite families. From a memorable Surprise Wedding to a backyard baby dedication, we have stopped trying to figure out what comes next! We were elated to celebrate along side them, their family, and friends, from near and far. In an intimate ceremony that all participated in, they made a commitment to God and their son to purposefully teach CD and raise him to know The Lord.
After a fun filled awesomely exhausting and inspiring time at the 168 Film Festival, we were all set for a relaxing day at the Los Angeles Green festival. I had a plan. Go directly after church and slowly peruse each and every aisle learning about new and existing companies that cater to our lifestyle. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were unaware that we do in fact live a pretty green life, though I guess we are not your stereotypical green people. However, we are vegan, into sustainable architecture, grow a lot of our own food, embrace recycling believing in reducing, reusing, and love alternative energy sources. Sounds pretty green to me, lol!
So back to my plans… so we um woke up late, and praised God for streaming Church Services, and rested a bit. But in that we already purchased our tickets, we got ourselves together and headed there. We made it with exactly two hours to see everything. Did you know that I have a Type A personality? no? My new game plan went into effect. We would focus on those companies we were curious about, do some taste testing on foods we may want to purchase, and gather information from everyone else. Well my plan did not call for this company. I have a weakness for tea and absolutely LOVE Sencha! And this tea even though it has coconut in it, grumble grumble and I am slightly allergic to coconut, is amazing!
One hour in and we were still on the first aisle! We had to swivel and not stop as we passed company after company with amazing products that suited even my gluten-free lifestyle. I just started snapping pictures as we walked by if I thought we would be interested. That is until my battery died…sigh grumble grumble.
We made it! And, came away with some products we absolutely love. Making better plans for next year!
The temperature dropped about ten degrees. The wind blew gently over the lake. The crowds on this holiday weekend were beautifully non existent, and this beautiful peace filled couple, made for a truly awesome time as we meandered around in our fair city of Lancaster, CA.
Of all that happened to create what turned out to be a pretty perfect engagement session, the laughter shared by all during their Intimacy Portraits was my favorite.
May you continually be a source of joy one for another. May love be the first rule in your home. May laughing out loud be a daily event for your family.
With all the details carefully considered, family and friends flocked to celebrate the union of Mr. and Mrs. C.
Time has only strengthened the bond between this beautiful bride and handsome groom. A childhood friendship blossomed into love.
We pray your days are filled with peace as you walk together, that your love remains fresh and ever present, and that you will be friends forever. Congratulations. You have been teased.
The halls of El Camino College’s Performing Arts Center, hosted Life Coach A.T. and the Dream Team’s Shift & Shake Conference. Those in attendance were motivated and challenged, to evaluate their lives, to walk boldly in their dreams, and to dream again. Courses on overcoming obstacles, financial planning, debt management, networking, along with practical exercises on pitching your dreams, confidence builders, and goal setting, filled this two day conference. We count it an honor to have been in attendance.
If you are in the Atlanta area, we highly recommend you check out their next conference. You will not be disappointed.
This is our second time producing a film for the 168 Film Project, and we are excited to announce and bring it to you. Our short film will be screening at 10:00am on Saturday September 13, 2014 at the Aratani Theater in the Japanese-American Cultural and Community Center 244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA, during the 168KIDS Event.
September 13, 2014- 10:00am-12:00pm Aratani Japanese Theater 244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA
10:00am-11:00am– KidVids Short Films Screening; Fun for your kids and the kid in you!
11:00am-12:00pm– Kids Red Carpet Star Treatment, a Screen Test, Games, Face Painting and Food with Nickelodeon stars: Nathan Kress (iCarly) and Carmina Garay (React To That).
11:45am-12:15 – “Your Child and Hollywood” – Experts Discuss the World of Young Actors.
The 168 Film Festival runs Friday September 12 @ 3pm – 9pm through Saturday September 13 – 10am – 9pm with the Awards Show on Saturday Evening. And I must say that if you do decide to attend the entire festival, you will be in for a treat. There are truly some amazing films that were submitted this year. View Trailers Here
If you were a part of our film and would like to attend contact me directly (You know how) so I can arrange to get your ticket to you. Have a beautiful.
