The new blog is alive!!!!!!

My new blog is live! You can see it by clicking here.

This blog will continue to hold all the images and entries I have entered, but I will no longer make any more entries.

If you have any questions, please e-mail me at info@natalylemus.com

The new blog address is www.natalylemusblog.com

New blog - coming soon!

I am so excited! I am getting a shiny brand new blog! The VERY talented Rodolfo Arpia is designing it and it's almost done. When he e-mailed me a link to the blog, I was blown away! It is so beautiful, colorful and completely me!

To all the photographers out there or even anyone else who just wants to customize their blog, you should contact Rudy! He is the best!

Stop...Breathe...GO!

I need to remind myself to stop and breathe once in a while! It has been a crazy summer so far and I love every minute of it! Wedding season has been awesome. I have met so many amazing people and befriended many of my couples.

My experiences this year are simply mind-blowing! I am taking it all in and enjoying every minute of it. When I decided that I wanted to become a wedding photographer, I had no idea where God would lead me. I am glad he has led me to where I am now, though! I have to admit that it has not been easy, especially when you have a couple of stones tossed at you on your way towards your goals. That has not put a dent in who I am, though. My Dad always says, "If God is for me, who can be against me?" He is so right! All I have to do is have faith and trust Him and it will all fall into place.

I have learned so much this past year. Here are the top 5 tips/advice given to me by other photographers, which have made a huge difference in my business. They are in no particular order, except for the first one, which I think is extremely important!

1. Network, network, network!

2. Wear comfortable shoes when you are shooting a wedding (preferably these Crocs for women)

3. Join WPJA (about 50% of the weddings I have booked for next year are referrals from WPJA and I JUST recently joined).

4. Don't forget to go out and photograph just because.

5. Blog, blog, blog!

Thank you so much to all the wonderful photographers who have helped me by giving me advice, allowing me to shoot with them, left me blog comments. All your help and friendship is a true blessing!

Okay, now I have to go to sleep. There are a few weddings and engagement sessions coming soon, plus some funny stories. By the way, today I had an engagement session with Marissa and Michael who were so adorable together! I had tons of fun with them.

Here is a photo I took of Art and myself today. Art kept posing thinking the photo was all about him. Little did he know I was trying to get my reflection on his sunglasses!

Amber & Michael's Wedding

Montebello, California

As I entered the room where Amber was getting ready, I immediately heard the voices of excited bridesmaids. My eyes searched the room full of beautiful ladies looking for the one we were all there for. As soon as Amber saw me come in she greeted me with a joyful hello.

I instantly saw how blessed Amber is. She had so many willing and happy ladies helping her. They were there for her even when some unexpected dilemma's "flourished."

When the moment of the I Do's came about, all the bridesmaids were in tears of joy! I was really touched when Michael said that he knew from the moment he met Amber that she would be his wife.

Here are some of my faves of the day!



Amber came to me and said, "Here, Nataly. I know how much you love cute shoes!" I smiled from ear to ear because that meant she reads my blog! ; )


Lucky lady! All her girls were willing to help with anything and everything!






Hiding from Michael!




Michael had so many facial expressions that I really wish I could show them all to you!




Like I said, all her bridesmaids were in tears (of joy, of course!).




They are sooooooooooooo cute!


I do not know what she was telling him, but he looks like he is in trouble! lol

Trash the Dress: OC Style!

Yesterday's Trash the Dress was such a success thanks to all the brides, couples and photographers who showed up! The OC Register even came out to cover the event. If you want to read the article they wrote click here. You can also see the video they got by clicking here. Do you recognize me in the video? I had no idea that I was so camera-shy, but yesterday I found out I am!

I want to thank all the brides/couples who showed up to the Trash the Dress Bash in Laguna Beach! You guys rocked! I loved how much fun everyone had!

A huge thanks to all my fellow colleagues! It was such an honor to meet you all! I admire you all and I am glad you all contributed in making this Trash the Dress Bash such a success. I can't wait to see all the images!

I wish I could have been able to capture some images as well (I did get a couple), but I wanted to make sure I kept track of who was photographing who. I did manage to get a lot of images of some of the photographers hard at work! Art did get a couple of shots of the brides, though!

Here are some of the images I caught of the photographers:

Greg Bumatay was not shy about getting soaked! I can't tell you how many times he got washed up by the waves! He even risked his camera!


Do you recognize the guy with my yellow camera bag? That's Art (my hubby). Miguel Pola is the one photographing the couple. He was so awesome and all over the place - he has tons of energy!


The beautiful and talented Shyla was amazing! She is definitely one of the sweetest people I have met!


Here is Greg Bumatay again and Jan Garcia. I learned so much just by watching these two VERY amazing and talented photographers!


Can you tell they were having fun?



Here are some of the images Art, my partner in crime, got:

Sick as a dog!

I do not know what hit me, but these past two days I was down and out for the count! Fortunately I started to feel better today, but I really wished I would have been okay this past weekend since it's the last weekend I have free in about 2 months!

I did, however, get to shoot a beautiful engagement session last Friday. More photos of that soon!

Here's a photo Art got of me shooting the engagment session with my new and beautiful shootsac!

Patricia and Casey's Wedding

Gardena/Carson, California

As I walked into Patricia's mom's home, I could feel the excitement moving from room to room. Patricia greeted me with a big hug and an even bigger smile! Patricia was the epitome of calmness. It was obvious that what mattered the most to her was that she was getting married to her soul mate, Casey.

Time and time again their family members commented on how Patricia and Casey compliment each other and how they are meant to be. I wholeheartedly agree. Patricia and Casey met when Casey came down to California to stay with his sister after going through hard times dealing with their mother's death. Casey's brother-in-law asked him to go with him to play poker at a nearby casino and so he did. Little did he know he was going to meet his future wife there! Somehow when they crossed each other's path they started a conversation. He gave her his phone number. When he got home he told his sister all about her and she immediately asked, "did you get her number?" A few days after Patricia called Casey, but got his voicemail, somehow, she forgot to leave her phone number in the message. Days went by and she never got a call back. She thought he was not interested and left it at that.

On a trip to Georgia to visit a friend, Patricia (where Casey lives) ran into Casey and the rest is history! Coincidence? I think not! It was meant to be. They are meant to be.

The reception was very touching, especially the speeches. When Casey's sisters when up to give their speech, I think everyone was touched. One of Casey's sisters talked about what a blessing it was for Patricia to come into Casey's life and how she helped him deal with his mother's death. It was obvious that Casey and his sisters wanted and needed their mother to be at the wedding, but, the way I saw it, she was there. They talked so beautifully about her that it felt like she was amongst us.

It was a pleasure to photograph their wedding and share in on such a special day! Thank you for choosing me, Patricia and Casey!

Every bride needs an ear piece!

The bride's beautiful sister and Maid-of-Honor.

Putting on her veil before walking down the aisle.

Does one these guys look familiar?

How cute is this ring bearer??? He was so cute trying to hide from me!

I love all the little details!

Patricia's father/daughter dance was so sweet. She could not contain her tears of happiness!

WPJA!!!!!!

I am so EXCITED! I found out about two days ago that I was accepted to the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), but I did not want to post until I was added to their website - I thought it was a dream!!! This is a great honor as only about 5% of photographers that apply are accepted. Many of the photographers who I most admire are a part of WPJA.

Here’s what the WPJA has to say about their organization:
"The Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) is a professional organization composed of photojournalists and wedding photographers from around the world. What sets our members apart in the industry is their candid, documentary approach – a distinctly artistic vision toward wedding photography.

The Wedding Photojournalist Association grants membership to the most talented professional wedding photographers in the industry--photographers who focus solely on using their photography skills in documenting weddings."

If you want to learn more about WPJA or want to see some of the awesome photographers who are members, click here.

Liz & Ariel's Wedding

Simi Valley, California
Blessed. That’s what I am! I am so grateful for the many blessings God has showered me with. There are not enough words to describe how happy I am with the place I am at in life at the moment. Thankfully, my business is very fruitful and I owe it, first of all, to God and secondly to my clients who trust me and love my work.

When I meet couples like Liz and Ariel, it reminds me of why I love photographing weddings! Liz and Ariel were one of the most humble and carefree bride and groom that I have ever met. Their carefree attitude made their wedding spectacular, in my eyes.

When I walked up the road toward the wedding area, I never imagined it would look so amazing. All the small details were great and really added personality to the wedding.

Everything was laid-back, warm and simply beautiful. The ceremony took place at the edge of a hilltop and, in my opinion, it was perfect. They looked like they were on top of the world and that is definitely how they were acting and, I am sure, that is how they felt.

Liz had a BIG smile from the moment she got there up to when I left. I am sure she kept smiling all night. She did not have to say a word for everyone to know how in love she is with Ariel. Ariel looked at her lovingly every time he caught even the slightest glimpse of her and at times they would both get lost in each others eyes. That's my favorite part of weddings, when the couple forgets anyone else is there and for that moment in time it's just them or at least that's how they feel.

Liz & Ariel: Thank you so much for making Art and I feel so welcome. You guys were awesome. I could not ask for more! I honestly think you are meant for one another. Liz, you were the perfect bride. You were completely down to earth and humble and that is why I feel your wedding was so perfect. From what I saw, you guys enjoyed everything about your wedding and were not even worried about a single detail. I think that is why you, your family and friends executed such a joyous and perfect wedding. A wedding does not have to be a huge affair nor does it have to be stressful to be beautiful. Your wedding is proof of that!
Congrats, you guys!

It was a nice, hot summer day!

We all waited patiently for Liz to get there.

This little one loved the camera. In one of the million times I was photographing her, I tilted my head to get a different angle and she mimicked my every move to make sure I was catching her with the camera. She was soooooooo cute!!!



When it was all said and done, Liz raised her arm in triumph!

They did a lot of dancing...

...and kissing

...and some more dancing...

...and more kissing :P

7/7/07 is almost here!

I can't believe the extremely famous 7/7/07 is finally here! I had so many inquiries for this date, it was unbelievable!

I can't wait to photograph my wonderful couple!!! For the rest of the 7/7/07 couples, I wish you the best on your wedding day! Enjoy every minute of your wedding and take every thing in! It will definitely be a great day!

Congrats to everyone!

What a weekend!

Wow! It has been a very busy weekend! First off, I got to photograph two unexpected weddings! I have never been hired with just a few days notice. It was so surprising to get not one, but TWO weddings on the same weekend with just a couple of days until the big day, but I am so glad I was available because I got to photograph two awesome weddings! Usually I limit myself to only two weddings per month, but this was definitely an exception I am glad I made!

When I got to Jennifer and James' wedding, I was greeted by Jennifer. She immediately made me feel like we had known each other for years! She was finishing the last details for the wedding, but she kept a close eye to see when the groom arrived. I could tell she could not wait to walk down the aisle.

There was also someone else Jennifer was waiting for anxiously and that was her beautiful daughter. When she saw her baby girl walk in she beamed her beautiful smile. Jennifer's daughter is gorgeous and soooo charismatic! As soon as she got there, I could not help but photograph her and photograph her AND photograph her! She loved every minute of it! She told me, "I can twirl for you, if you want." Once we went outside she said, "I am ready to party all night!" She made Art and I laugh so hard!

I am so glad Jennifer and James asked me to photograph their wedding. It was a true pleasure. By the way, they had a wonderful Best Man who took very good care of them!

Congrats, Jennifer and James!




Jennifer waited patiently for James.



She loved the camera and the camera loved her!


Looking at mommy getting married. I love this one!

Amazing sunset, don't you agree?

I'm an m&m!!!

I thought it would be cool to share this with you :P

Another fellow photographer friend, Bobbi (who I happen to admire tons!) posted this link on her blog in which you can make an m&m and I thought it would be funny to make one of myself!

Here it is:


It does not look too much like me, but I think she's cute!

Anniversary time!

Art and I are only 4 months away from our wedding anniversary and we still have not decided where we will be going. Although, we have narrowed it down to either Hawaii, Bahamas or Australia, we still have not made the final decision. Where do you think we should go? Wherever we decide, we have to hurry up and book our vacation!

For our honeymoon we went to Tahiti and we thought it would be nice to go back to Tahiti and visit some of the islands, but at the same time we feel like we should go somewhere new. Regardless of where we go, what matters is that we will be celebrating our anniversary!

I can’t wait to just relax, if even for just a week. I have been super busy lately and it’s just beginning. In July and August I will be even more busy than these past few months so I will definitely need some relax time by November!

One of my bride’s is almost convincing me to go to Hawaii since they will be there the weekend we will be on our vacation. That would be so much fun!

We’ll see where the Lemus’ end up going!

Model Shoot Part 2

Okay, so I FINALLY got a chance to post part 2! I still need to post part three.

I can't express enough how fun this shoot was! The models were great and up for anything, which, like I always say, makes for awesome photos!

In the upcoming days I will be posting photos of a few weddings and, of course, some engagement sessions.

Enjoy!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DADDY!

To all the Dad's out there, I hope you had a wonderful Father's Day!

Today means a lot to me because I get to dedicate the whole day to my Dad. My Dad, Sister and I know that no plans should be made on Father's day other than us being together!

Since my Mom passed, my Dad has played the role of father AND mother. I don't know how he did it, but he has done such a great job! I can only imagine how hard it was for him to all of a sudden have to raise a 2 year old and a 12 year old all on his own.

He has always been an involved father. Back when I was a teenager, I did not understand why he had to know how I was doing in school or why he needed to know where I was when not at home. Now that I am older I know that it was because he cared and he continues to care. I am glad he was so involved. I don't think I would be where I am now if it were not for him. He has instilled great values in me and has shown me to respect myself as well as others.

There is no way I can ever repay him for all that he has done. I do, however, give him all the affection a daughter can give her father! I thank God each day for blessing me with such an honorable, respectful, caring, involved and affectionate father! I could really go on and on about how wonderful my Dad is, but I would never end. I wish there were a way my dad could know how grateful I am for having him in my life, but there are not enough words that could describe how I feel.

He has always respected my decisions, goals and opinion. He has protected me and cared for me. He has provided a loving and caring home for me. He has supported me in every way possible.

I still have the little dresses that he would make for me when I was a baby (Yes, he actually would sow them!). I love to look through the albums and see the many photos of us. In each photo you can see how proud he was of me even when I was only days old!

My Dad is a cheerful man who loves to crack jokes and one of the few people who is not scared to tease me! I love his sense of humor and the way he tells jokes, I wish I were as good! However, even as happy and funny as he is, there are times when I see his eyes and I see sorrow and I know it's because he misses my Mother. It hurts that I can't take that pain away from him. At times, I feel hopeless. It's amazing how after so many years his eyes still get watery while talking about my Mom. Though, when he tells us funny stories of when they were young he smiles as he reminisces about old times. I think he will always be in love with her.

It feels good to be able to give back to my Dad after all that he has given us. I don't mean material things, but love, affection, respect and appreciation! It feels good to be able to show him how grateful I am for the days he would stay up when I was sick, for taking me to school every day, for cheering me up when I was down, for talking to me about my Mom, for taking me to Church, for teaching me to respect others, for trusting me, for cherishing me, for putting my Sister and I before work and even himself...for EVERYTHING. It feels good to be able to show him that all he did was not for nothing, that I am who I am now because of him.

I spent the whole day with my Dad today. Art and I went to my Dad's house and had a bar-b-q. I ate and ate and ate and ate! I also brought some of my Simpsons DVD's (I am a huge fan!) but my Dad is not one of their biggest fans so we watched soccer instead. Of course I had a gift for my daddy! I was so happy to see his green eyes open wide with excitement as he opened his gift and realized that I had got him what he has been wanting for a while! He had no idea that I knew that he wanted a surround sound for the living room, but I have my insider who tells me everything (my little Sister)! Material gifts are not all that there is to it, though. Like he said, what matters is that we are all together and I agree.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, PAPI!

P.S. You see, I told you I could go on forever!

TTD.com

Check out http://trashthedress.com to see my latest post! Leave a comment, while you're there!

I am sorry I have not been posting as much, but I have been extremely busy! Like I said in my prior post, being busy is a good thing!

Take care, my beautiful people!

June 2, 2007 Wedding!

This past Saturday I had the pleasure to photograph an amazing wedding. I could tell right away how much the Groom and Bride love each other.

The bride was able to catch a peak of the groom and her eyes automatically gave out a twinkle as she whispered to her Maid of Honor that he looked "hot." I am sure once he saw her walk down the aisle next to her father he thought the same thing about her. Just look at the images below and you can see how gorgeous she looked!

The most touching moment of the day for me was when the Father of the Groom got teary eye while watching the slide show. You could tell how happy he was and how proud he was of his Son and his new Daughter-in-Law.

It's confirmed, I am a cry baby! So far I have shed a tear or two in most of the weddings I have photographed! I can't help it!

I am so blessed to be able to be a part of such an important day. I have also been blessed with amazing clients who turn into friends after the wedding.

Don't mind me, I have been very sentimental lately. I guess it's the many things going on in my life that have me this way!

Here are a few of my favorite images:

This one is my favorite! I love it!

Sorry I had not posted in a while, but I have been extremely busy, which is a good thing!

I have many more photos to share with you. Hopefully I will post them on Wednesday.

We Trashed Jenn's Dress!

Today was soooo fun, well, since it's after 12:00 a.m., I mean yesterday was sooooo fun! I met up with Jenn to purposely trash her wedding dress. She told me she was up for anything and, of course, those are the words any photographer wants to hear from their victim, I mean the person they are going to photograph!

I could not wait to trash Jenn's dress, not only because she is such an awesome person, but also because she is my friend. Now I can say that I trashed my friend's wedding dress. Without knowing the true meaning to that, it sounds pretty harsh!

I loved every minute of it. Jenn was really up for anything. From changing shoes and accessories to submerging herself in the very cold Malibu ocean! She was not shy AT ALL! She jumped, skipped, twirled, laughed, ran, I could really go on and on... There was nothing I asked her to do that she did not do! Thanks to her openness to try anything she got some amazing photos.

I hope you like the images J-Dub! lol You have a ton of them coming your way soon!

I will be posting some more of Jenn's images soon.

















And to think this is how we started off!







Jenn constantly tells me that I rock and here I caught her while she was telling me just that! Jenn, one of these days I am actually going to believe it :-p


Jenn, you rock!!! You made the photo shoot an amazing experience. Thank you so much for trying so many of my crazy ideas and putting some of your own in the mix! The photos would not look this amazing if you would not have been so open to trying everything and anything. You are truly a photographer's dream!

And the winner is...

Congrats JENNA & DAVID!!!! You guys won the trash the dress session Jenna wanted!!!

It was a close one and I had to count and count again and again. I even brought in Art just in case...

Once again, congrats you guys and I can't wait to trash your dress, Jenna!

Thanks to Marisa and Ruben for entering. Your story was very touching and a lot of people agree since you guys WERE only behind by just 1 vote!!! I have something special for you guys as well!

Marie & Jay: Thanks for entering, I'll e-mail you with what you guys will get!

Since this is my first contest, I can't let anyone go empty handed!!!

For everyone else, I will be having another contest soon and this one will be for everyone. Whether you're a client or not, you will be able to enter. I hope you keep checking back!

Now it's time to go type up the trash the dress Photographer of the Week and then I am off to bed!

Model Shoot Part 1

Like I said in my previous entry, this past Sunday I got together with some photographers and we photographed some volunteered models.

Here are some of the images I got of the last couple:











EDIT: IF THE COLORS LOOK OFF, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! THANKS! (I Edited the photos on my laptop sp the colors might be off)