I decided something recently, and I’m finally going to type it into words.

After thinking about the new year and evaluating how 2009 played out, it got me to thinking about my weekends. I know it’s something every wedding photographer faces, because most of the world has weekends as their “off days,” and we end up working most of those days. Yeah, I know, “you can take Monday off!” Okay, sure, and go bowling by myself, after a nice cup of lonely coffee and then go play a solo match of tennis? I kid I kid.

Let me clarify one thing. I AM NOT feeling sorry for myself one bit, because I am SO blessed that God has provided lovely couples who want me to capture their wedding day. That is a flat out honor and privilege. But here’s the thing, what is more important than being a photographer is being a wifey. One who is around when my hubby is off work. Not saying he needs me to be around, because I’m sure he’d be just fine playing Call of Duty all Saturday long (love you!), however, I want to be around. And when friends come and stay in our home for the weekends, I want to be able to cook them breakfast and catch up on each others lives, instead of peace out before they even wake up.

So, after thinking over these things, and praying and weighing pros and cons, I decided one simple thing.

With already 16 weddings booked for this year, I’m only taking five more weddings for 2010.

You can check out my calendar at www.brittanystrebeck.com to see my available weekends, or feel free to e-mail me for any questions.

In short, what does this mean for you? Well, girls with a ring on your finger, you best step it up and contact me!! And boys, ehem, men, who have not yet put said ring on finger, I suggest you do so :)

Now I’ve reached the point in my blog post where I should post a picture… Hmmm… OH! Here’s part of a Sample Album that I just finished up… Bright colors make me happy.

Brooke and Seth’s wedding was a perfect way to finish up my weddings of 2009.

For starters, they’re a precious couple. They chose to see each other beforehand, which means LOTS of fun pictures, and it was a be-e-a-uuuutiful day. I’m not sure why December has been so good to me and my camera, but I sure am glad :)

And another total bonus… Jennifer Bellah was in town for the wedding, and she assisted me throughout the day. She is one amazing woman, and having her by my side made my day a thousand times more enjoyable. Can’t thank her enough!

Anyhow, enjoy these highlights from their wedding this weekend.

Suspenders are just fantastic.

beautiful ladies!

sass + fun = awesome picture

the beautiful bride

Brooke and Seth’s first look

LOVE the way she’s looking at her man

Prettiest blue eyes ever

they made their own cake topper – so cute!

doing the bustle

The first thing I knew about Hilary was that she grew up in another country as a missionary, and the first thing I knew about Matt is that he had dreads. Sign me up for THAT wedding!!

When I first met these two, I instantly could see that there was something special about them. Not only that they love Jesus and all, but that every aspect of their lives reflects that, and reflects Christ. It was such a special wedding to be a part of. God-glorifying, simple, beautiful, and refreshing.

And another SWEET part of the wedding day… Casey Lampert from Aric Alan Photography came along for the ride! She was awesome, and we only got asked if we were twins like 239083 times. Huge compliment, people, HUGE.

And one last thing, I promise. Julia Gill from Design Unique completely transformed the room where the ceremony/reception took place. She worked her magic and created something so special, and so perfect for Hilary and Matt.

Anyhow, onto the good stuff.

the guys were so hardcore with their bare feet in alleys… they insisted!

so pretty!

really cool idea… a blessing tree… as people walked in, they wrote little notes and hung them on the branches.

after they were announced husband and wife, they turned around, got their guitars, and led their guests in worship. SO COOL.

YOWZA, you guys!

Just a little somethin somethin from last weekend.

Last weekend, Casey’s hubby was in Dallas, fulfilling the role of awesome groomsman for one of his good friend’s weddings. So I got to fill in and shoot with the lovely Casey Lampert of Aric Alan Photography! We had such a fun time and bonded over things like having to clean off our glasses in between shots, because we’re cool like that. Oh yeah, if anyone wants to give me Lasik for Christmas, that would be greeeeaaaat.

We got asked if we were twins/sisters every time we would come upon a new group of people. It made me flash back to last summer, when Casey helped me shoot Shari and Dane’s wedding in Dublin, Texas, and the guy at Dairy Queen making our delicious cherry limeades asked if we were twins. “Yes, yes we are,” I said. Apparently we aren’t very good liars :)

Anyhow, Paige and Scotty were wonderful and I loved playing a role in capturing their day.

yeah girl, you get that shot! :)

the lovely paige

Casey and I became a little bit obsessed with this room. How gorgeous is it though??

sweet Casey doin her thang.

I started tearing up at this point. I mean, he was cuhh-ry-ing. SO sweet!

well hello pretty, golden light!

a duke ice sculpture?? are you kidding me!! so cool.

I’m so glad I finally get to share this special, unique, awesome wedding. Yes, all those things wrapped in one.

Not only was the location special, along with the details and theme and everyone who got to share in the day. But also because my husband was my assistant :) Usually, shooting weddings means I’m doing my wedding thing, and Jordan is doing his Saturday thing. But not this time! It was so much fun to share that experience with him. What a guy :)

Anyhow, be prepared for one of the longest posts ever!

girls always have fun getting ready

such a sweet expression. i think one of her friends had just walked in the room.

Brie and Kiwi did all of their pictures beforehand, which is totally awesome. Her dad still walked her down the aisle before, and this was Kiwi’s expression. SO SWEET!

gorgeous Brie!!

Yes, they both have awesome smiles, but check out this FIERCENESS!

aaaand time for the wedding

Brie is wearing her great-grandmother’s mantilla. Very pretty light, too :)

some fun details from the reception

Jordan took this shot. Uhh wow. JUST when I thought my love for him couldn’t grow any deeper!!  :)

some sweet first dance action

Kiwi and his mom

Brie and her dad

TONS of fun was had by all

a sweet moment between Brie and her mom, right before they left

congratulations!!

Brie’s family lived in Clovis (where Jordan is from) back in the day, and they moved to Arizona when Brie and Jordan were in junior high (right?) It’s early… I might be getting this story wrong :)

Anyhow, let’s fast forward a couple years. Say, 2007. Jordan and I got married in July, and you could say we had a little trouble getting to our honeymoon destination. For starters, we got stuck in the Phoenix airport because yours truly somehow lost her passport. So, after many phonecalls and tears, and TINY chuckles here and there, Brie’s brother, Jerrod, came to rescue us. He picked us up from the airport – probably not what he had in mind for his day… Haha.

Then it gets good. You see, our new and improved plan consisted of riding a bus from Phoenix into Mexico. So we spent the afternoon with Brie and her family, and then she took us to our chariot later that day so we could right off into the night to Mexico. I REALLY wish we would have taken a picture with sweet Brie, but she did take a picture of us as we were boarding our bus. For good times sake…

Ahh, sweet memories. There’s some history for ya. Now, to the REALLY good stuff. Here’s one of Brie and Kiwi… Briwi if you will :)

We didn’t so much trash the dress, just got it a little messy :)

Blog world, meet my sister and my brother-in-law. They got married back in April, and came to Lubbock this past weekend to visit us and go to the game (which we WILL NOT discuss). But other than the whole game thing, we had a great time, and those two are pretty fun in front of a camera, I must say.

And really, it’s just fun seeing your sister in love. I think that’s what I enjoyed most about this little session we did. It brings me so much joy that these two are so darn happy.

i love love love this sequence

rawwwr!!

this sequence is pretty sweet too

Funny story.

Jordan and I went to a Young Life fundraiser about two weeks ago, and there were a couple of high school students that got up to share how Young Life has affected them. Well, one young fellow said something about how “…when I met Jeremy Smith, I didn’t know my life would never be the same…” (In a positive way, of course :)

I turned to Jordan and I said, “that’s the name of my groom for next week’s wedding… I wonder if it’s the same guy!” Turns out it is, in fact, the same Jeremy Smith. Small world I tell ya.

So, needless to say, Jeremy and Kerbi are both amazing people who have clearly affected lives around them. It was a joy to be a part of their special, beautiful day!

their decorations were dancing in the sunlight :)

a pretty cool aisle to walk down.. dontcha think?

first dance

cheers!

It’s basically killing me that I have had a wedding and engagement session and I haven’t shared ANYTHING yet! I’m not used to being out of town for so long.

Anyhow, just a couple more days of being gone, but here are a couple of photos to share.

One from Kerbi + Jeremy’s GORGEOUS wedding Sunday.

And one from Bevin + Brandon’s super fun engagement session Monday. Here’s some FIERCENESS for your Wednesday :)