So Vegas was educational and rewarding in so many ways. Kyu and I just returned from a week of seminars, tradeshows, networking with other photographers & catching up with old friends at the annual WPPI convention. We played our hands at the tables a few nights, coming home with cash in our pockets for once, and even did some "couple excursions" in the town - like watch "O", wine & dine ourselves, and celebrate St. Patrick's Day on the Strip. Fun times. I love being married :)
We agreed on no gifts this year. After all, we had each other and that was all that mattered.
Kyu knew me better though and surprised me during lunch with flowers and a singing card =)
Love this time of the year. Lucky red envelopes, dancing dragons and fun festivals around Chinatown. I'm supposed to cook Kyu a traditional dinner this weekend and ask the gods to bless us this year of the rat. But, we'll see.... I'm sure the gods will bless us if we go out too!
(photo courtesy of Susan Stripling)
Today I had the very AMAZING opportunity to photograph 30 kids at Our House, a child care and support center for homeless families. All of the images were finished in black & white and will be donated to the parents as a 5x7 desk print to have and keep forever. To many of the parents, this is the only formal portrait taken of their child, so I tried extra hard to capture each of their beautiful smiles and very charming personalities.
The last photo is the dedicated staff who are so passionate about kids, it makes me want to give each of them a great big hug!
It's hard to fathom that Kyu and I are where we are after only 2 years of business together. We can not thank our friends, families, and incredible clients enough for all of their encouragement, praise, and support as we launched our folio books in Atlanta/nationwide.
2007 was an unbelievable year. My top 5 favorites:
1. Of course - our wedding day. It was no surprise that the man who encouraged me to quit my job and pursue my passion and later formulated folios' business plan, would ask to be my partner in life too. Susan Stripling did an outstanding, no awe-inspiring, job documenting our day. And we are so very very happy everytime we look back at our photos.
Everything leading up to our wedding was so memorable too.
More engagement photos here.
2. Photographing and documenting the lives of 40+ new babies, 50+ new clients, and 20+ returning clients! I tell Kyu the best part of my day is driving to a client's home to photograph their children. I don't think I have to tell you why =)
3. Experiencing my first miracles in life - the birth of Avalana Oceane and Thomas Walter. Never do I look at the love between the mother and her child the same.
4. My first Christmas with my husband! They say celebrating Christmas with children is the happiest Christmases you'll have, but I might dare to debate that.....
“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” - Burton Hillis
I was so happy to see that this card won a Top 10 Creativity Award by the talented Garrett & Joy Nudd!
5. The anticipation of 2008! We are SO very excited to launch Alice Park Photography in 2008. We have a new look, a new website, a new blog, and a whole new line of products coming soon, so be on the look out!
As I look back in 2007 and recount all of the happy moments I had, I smile because I am doing something I truly love. The battle of the parents (mom = make straight A's, score high on your SATs and get a high-paying job vs. dad = do what you love) has a clear winner.
Life is sooooo very good. Happy New Year to All!
On September 15th, 2007, Alice married Kyu Park - the man of her dreams, her confidant & second self, her "Jason Bourne" & "Jack Bauer," the brains behind Folios, and the man she'd so proudly stand by, assume his last name, and follow wherever he may take them.
It was the most amazing day of Alice's life.
Thank you to all of our clients for all of your blessings, congratulations, gifts (Thank you for the beautiful frames, Cristy!), and patience with us as we've been gone for the past 2 weeks to La Casa Que Canta.
Our wedding was beautifully documented by famed photographer & friend, Susan Stripling.
More images will be posted soon. Here are some of Susan's favorites:
Karen has been studying very hard the past few years to enter the medical field as a Physician's Assistant. She is an inspiration to me because she is a genuine follower of Christ and strives to understand her trade as an effort to really help people. It's so cute when she comes to me and is frustrated with our nation's health care policy.
Our friendship has blossomed over the last 10 years, coincidentally following the storyline of one of our favorite movies, Beaches. I'm sure we'll continue our long distance relationship throughout our lifetime and grow closer to one another after every fight and every laugh.
I had the opportunity to hang out with my family this weekend (and newest family friends, the Ho family!) and was able to capture a few shots of my younger sister, Irene. This little sister has a heart the size of both of her older sisters combined, and takes all of that love and kindness into helping my parents care for our 11-year-old brother Michael in Valdosta. He really adores her.
Irene is known for her extraordinary ability to talk and talk and talk, to COOK mouth-watering Chinese/Italian meals, and watch Food Network all day long. She loves to bake for the people she loves, making them all plump and fat...then takes them to our middle school track to run several laps around with our gigantic great dane.
Irene would give you her car to drive if you didn't have one. Even if you wrecked hers. She's a great sister.
