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Leann

Leann was my roommate earlier this year in Paris for a boudoir workshop we both attended, which is where I met this fabulous, hilarious young woman from Huntington Beach, California. I not only learned a lot from her while in Paris, but we had tons of fun together and shared many laughs. Leann is one of the most tenderhearted, fun girls I have ever met. Her spunky personality makes me all giddy inside every time I talk to her. She is also a photographer like myself and recently asked me to do a shoot of her for her upcoming brand new website and blog while I was in California. We decided to do the shoot at 6am in Laguna Beach when we knew the light would be gorgeous and the beach would be empty. (Except for a few beachaholics who apparently had too much fun the night before and decided to crash right on the beach!!) I truly heart this girl and was honored she asked me to photograph her. Here are a few of my favorites:

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Love this.

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Thank you Leann for not only hosting me while I was in Huntington Beach, but by flattering me by giving me this opportunity! I heart you and can’t wait to see you again soon!!

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LOVE ALL OF THESE!!!!

It’s going to be hard for her to pick a favorite!! They are all fantastic!

want a shoot in Chicago?

Michael and I will be in Chicago September 4-8th. We’re both super excited about this trip! Michael is particularly stoked about the LSU football game starting that weekend and getting to watch it from Chicago. Holllla! I’ve never been there before so I’m pumped to finally experience it! I’m also geeked to hang out with some of my great friends who live in the area and meet new people! Please let me know if you’re interested in doing a photo shoot while I’m there. My email is: courtney@dellafiora.com

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Come back to California!!!! I miss you already!

Kimber Smith

you will LOVE it!!

Christina & Jeff: Wedding in Virginia

They met each other several years ago in high school in Chemistry class and were never the same. Christina would check him out in class as Jeff likes to tell the story. But we all know the truth – he was the one who couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. Right Christina?? ; ) They both come from amazing families and share similar values on love and life. It’s completely obvious that they totally adore one another and were definitely always meant to be. Christina contacted me earlier this year about shooting her wedding in Reston, Virginia… I was thrilled. From the moment I spoke with her on the phone, I had already begun to adore her! She is full of energy and life. AND she LOVES shoes – a girl after my own heart! ; )

Their wedding ceremony was held at the Wakefield Chapel in Virginia and the reception took place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Ballroom. The following images are a few of my favorites from the day. Christina also decided to do a boudoir shoot for Jeff which will be posted on the boudoir blog soon. Boudoir is the perfect gift for your hubby to be. It’s so much fun and something you will both cherish forever.

Thank you so much Jeff and Christina for inviting me to share a part of your special day with you. I’m honored that I was able to play a small role in the event and I wish you both all the happiness in the world.

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As you begin to scroll through these images you’ll begin to fall more and more in love with Christina’s smile. I love it.

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Love this moment with her mother adjusting her necklace. You can tell how excited they both are that this day has finally arrived.

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Isn’t she absolutely stunning?? I love her veil.

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I love this as they exited the chapel as Mr. and Mrs. There is no doubt they are in love.

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This was one of my favorite moments of the day. Right after exiting and re-entering the back of the chapel, they started play fighting with each other about who was more nervous while reciting their own vows. It was so cute! I love how Jeff pulls Christina close at the end.

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My favorite shot of the day. How fun is this chapel exit with the confetti?

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I had the honor of riding to the reception in the limo with them and was able to capture some really special moments.

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Seriously, could they be any more fabulous!?

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The first dance.

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Thanks again Jeff & Christina! I had so much fun and look forward to seeing you again!

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Kimber Smith

Courtney these are fab!!
they are a precious couple too!

inspiration on a plane

I recently returned from California – where I attended a fabulous workshop. (I’ll blog about that later.) I made lots of new friends and had a GREAT time. I was also able to hang out and spend time with longtime Cali friends that I adore and mean so much to me. Overall I had a rockin’ time there and soaked up the AMAZINGLY perfect weather that I’m sooo envious of. As much as I feel like I am a California girl at heart, I’m so happy to be back home to my better half and my dog Mischa. Because they both told me that they were totally miserable without me. ; ) Yup, even Mischa.

In the last 10 days I have spent a lot of time in the air – which is where I always do most of my thinking. I swear my brain runs a hundred miles an hour when I’m on a plane. Some of the most inspiring moments in my life have been while flying. I don’t know what it is about it – I just get inspired. On my flight home from California, I did a LOT of thinking… I thought about my business, my life and my love. I began to feel overwhelmed with happiness and gratefulness for the many blessings God has given me. I am constantly amazed at how lucky I am and as I thought about everything… I began to fight the tears. I’ve been through some really hard times in my life – things I thought I would never make it through. But I was determined that no matter what “life tornadoes” came my way, I was going to hold on for dear life, make the best of it and most importantly – never give up. There were times the winds were so strong, that I felt as though there was no way my strength could allow me to hold on anymore. But somehow, with God’s help, I managed to not give up and I truly believe it’s the reason I am so happy today.

2009 has been the best year of my life so far. I feel like everything I went through in the past was all leading up to now – like it was my training to make me the woman I am today. It has helped me be fearless and realize that I can do ANYTHING I set my mind and heart to. Life REALLY is what you make it.

I’m so excited about the future and what’s to come. I feel super inspired by everything around me. I’m pumped about my business, about the fun exciting things that are going on around me in my life, and mostly about the man I love.

If you’re going through a hard time, hold on- don’t give up. I believe the key is having a good attitude when times are rough. You’ll be amazed at much better life goes if you can be content in every circumstance. Maybe life isn’t always perfect, but we only get one and I want to make sure that I always strive my hardest to make it the best one that I possibly can.

Live. Your. Dream.

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The following photo is COMPLETELY random. But I don’t like writing posts without a picture so I thought I’d post one of something I love — SHOES!!!! My favorites are usually a cute pair of heels or wedges but yesterday I was sporting my chucks on the way to a shoot and thought I’d snap a shot:

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Coming tomorrow: Christina and Jeff’s Wedding!!

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wonderful post & very inspiring.

Vern & Melinda: Sneak Peak

Please don’t hate me, because I realize this is my third “sneak peak” in a row!! I’m currently in California with a super busy schedule but I definitely want to at least tease you all a little here and there until I get the chance to really blog some stuff. Today I am at a Jasmine Star workshop. She is one of my favorite wedding photographers, and someone who is inspiring to so many people in the world. She inspires me and I’m honored I get to hang out with her for the day. She had a couple who was married a year ago come over and hang out with us to do some shooting. Vern and Melinda looked absolutely amazing and I wanted to post one of my favorites from the shoot. I set up this particular pose because I feel like it’s my signature look and I absolutely love it. More to come!

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Love it! Can’t wait for the rest!

This gives me goosebumps!!

Love your signature shot. :) Very lovely.

Love this photo ! so intimate yet playful ! Can’t wait to see the rest of the images :)

Laura

I love her hair with the brooches for hairpins – stunning!

Rachel Russo

O.M.G! I am so jealous of you! I am obsessed with Jasmine Star’s work and I would love to ONE DAY attend one of her workshops! Have fun!

Happy Monday!

This past weekend starting Friday has been quite an eventful one. I’ve flown all over the country in just a few days. Here’s a quick recap:

-woke up at 3am to fly to Virginia from New Orleans
-landed and immediately shot a boudoir session
-shot an amazing wedding in Virginia (Can’t wait to blog it! See a sneak peak below!)
-shot a mini session of my friend’s Houri and Augusto in Washington, D.C.
-saw the White House for the first time
-flight got delayed to Atlanta
-had to RUN 30 gates in the Atlanta airport to make my connecting flight and I almost died.
-made the flight!! And so did my luggage! Whew.

And now I’m finally in Orange County, California. YAY! I’ll be here until Friday and I have a pretty busy schedule ahead of me so I won’t be able to blog much but here is a sneak peak from Augusto and Houri’s shoot:

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and the fabulous White House!!!

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