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Damon & Casey are Married....

2011-12-18T07:50:00.000-08:00

Damon and I have known each other since kindergarden so when he asked me to photograph his wedding I just about cried. Damon told me he thought Casey was the one he'd marry much earlier, of course and when I met her, I knew right away why he wanted to marry her. The one thing I love about Casey is her smile..its amazing! I had such a blast photographing this wedding for so many reasons but being friends with both bride and groom makes it all that much better. Congratulations you two.. Love you more than life:) xoxoxo

Ian & Jessica are Married!!

2011-12-09T23:03:00.000-08:00

Jessica came to me from one of my AMAZING brides, Jenn. You should remember Jenn from her and Kendal's country engagement session in front of the cows...Anyhow, Jessica's grey and yellow wedding was not only beautiful, but it was hand crafted and thrown at the families house. This group was SO MUCH FUN and I loved it! Jessica's bridesmaid dresses were so fab! Wait till you see these beauties! Congrats Jess & Ian! Many Blessings to you:)

The bride's parents summoning someone to the dance floor...i LOVE this!!

A spritz of this...a dash of that......this ones a tad personal;)

2011-12-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

Lately I havent felt like, well, ME...my editing has gotten a little "new"and im starting to venture...truth is, i kinda like it. (pardon the lack of capitalization..its late...girls kinda tired) I look back at where i started, where ive been, and where i've come to and am really satisfied. I feel like no one will understand where ive gotten to, but thats ok...as long as my amazing clients still love what i do, and what Im doing, truth is, thats all that matters...

I feel edgy these days. I feel like the textures and heavy saturation ive chosen fits where I am as an artist right now. I feel its fitting. I feel like sometimes you have to think "out of the box" and re-create who you are every now and then. To me, and this pertains to me and me alone, i feel as if i dont change things up sometimes i will get stagnant. I want to offer that "wow" factor when people look at what im doing. Truth is, i love being challenged.

There was a point and time where if someone brought an idea to me, id kind of question it (yes guys thats the truth, but YOU matter, YOUR images , YOUR happiness...)its never been about me, nor will it ever be. YOUR being satisfied and completely happy is ALL that matters to me, all that really ever mattered. But where I was going with that is this....when someone offers a suggestion to me, i use to get nervous..id have all these thoughts run through my mind like, "can i make this image what they expect?" "will it be what they are hoping for?" but now, i do the dang thing and tell you ahead of time, with honesty, that it is not going to be the photo they saw on the internet, and thats ONLY because that artist had one vision, i, have another. Im truly thankful for your suggestions...suggest on, suggesters:)

I really wish I could put into words what all of my clients mean to me. Ive enjoyed watching your little ones grow, looking back on your wedding days, having you all back year after year for holiday photos. EVEN MORE IVE LOVED YOUR REFERRALS! Guys, without your referrals, I wouldn't be photographing such amazing people...YOU!

I will always change...my work will constantly morph..Im always looking at new options for lighting, what works best for my "style" or lack thereof...I feel that I can offer an array, which makes me who I am , and i wouldnt change that. So thanks for growing with me!

Ive had a few clients back way when I started that ive photographed this season and when i was editing your images, I was smiling non stop at how we both have grown. Your families, my work, your lives, my styles...we make a pretty good pair...i love it...

Thanks so much guys, for supporting me...following my work..being with me on my journey:) You pretty much rock...jus sayin:)

Cheers, smiles, hugs, and THANKS! BIG thanks!

Happy Birthday Tyler!

2011-10-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Tyler made his entrance into the world safe and sound to the proud parents of AJ Davis and Marissa French. You may remember their maternity photos from the trespassing we were doing at my "secret location". I hope you love this lil guy..hes a charmer:)

Ben & Kristin are Married!!

2011-10-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

Kristin was a part of my competition cheerleading squad when we were teens and when she contacted me to photograph her wedding, I about flipped...literally. Shes such a beautiful girl and has such a fun personality I just love her..so, add Ben to that and you have one heck of a couple! When Ben is around, you laugh....hard..He's just as fun as Kristin. I see why they mesh..COMPLETELY FUN couple. I hope you enjoy these images, I laughed, cried, giggled all day photographing the pair of them! Congrats Goldbergs!!!!!

Expecting Baby Tyler

2011-09-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

A photographer occasionally trespasses, right?? Come on, we arent hurting anything..We just want a "feel" to our sessions and if it means "borrowing" property momentarily, thats just what has to be done. I was driving down the street one day, looked over and saw this old, abandoned restraunt. Thats all she wrote. Proudly, I scheduled my session, including that they were going to think I'd lost my mind when I told them where to meet me. Luckily, they hadn't, trusting my envision. I HAD to photograph at my "secret location" and nothing was going to stop me. It was so rustic, textured, and colorful, a photog's dream! Until, the day of, I pull up before them and found they had begun demolition on my secret paradise. I did say nothing was going to stand in my way, and it hadnt. I hope you enjoy this less than average maternity session. Im in love with everything about it. Including the cute lil couple, of course:)

Baby Jordan is now 6 months old!:

2011-09-09T22:49:00.000-07:00

This is how you may remember the stunningly blue eyed Jordan:)

She's growing up so fast its really unbelieveable. This must be what its like when they say "don't blink". This family, like all of my families, are just so amazing! The feedback that I got from their last session was that "they belonged in a magazine" and I completely agree! I am already looking forward to Jordan's 9 month session and churning ideas. I cant wait to see her again! Lisa and Roman, she's amazing..there just aren't any other words..

Michelle & Josh are Married....Finally:)

2011-08-19T23:54:00.000-07:00

So, this is going to be a long blog..just for-warning you...Go grab your coffee and get cozy, this may take a while. Michelle is my little sister and life long best friend, so when she called me to ask if i'd be upset shooting her wedding and not being "in" it, I told her I'd be upset not shooting it and that I couldnt stand myself if someone else shot it and didnt do what i thought she deserved. (now im not the BEST at what I do, but I know I wouldnt let her down. ) Michelle and Josh have been back and forth with this wedding schtuff for quite some time and when she called to tell me, I was ecstatic! This is really it, I thought to myself. I will tell you one thing, Im glad I had a camera to hide behind because I spent most of the day sobbing like a baby behind Khloe (thats my cammy.) Michelle planned her wedding fairly quickly and did an amazing job. It was an amazing day, spent with the closest friends and family and it was very small, quaint, yet stunning day. I said this was going to be a long blog, but I didnt mean with the verbage. I wanted to blog a ton of photos for the friends and family that missed it, I hope you get a good feel of the day. Welcome to the family Josh. I love you.. and Michelle, Im biased, I know, but there isnt a more beautiful bride out there.. This is obviously the most special wedding I have ever shot, and probably will ever shoot but Im thrilled and wouldnt have had it any other way. I hope you enjoy her wedding.

Meet Our Family Contest Winner:) Daniela & her two angels

2011-08-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

So, I got a wild hair one day and thought.."hey why not give away sessions?" So thats JUST what I did..Got a few entries, posted them online, the families sent their links and asked friends and family to vote to help them win and we have a winner. Daniela was actually in stark last for a very good portion of the contest until her friends and family kicked it into high gear to pull off not only a win, but by a large margin. I had a blast with them and am thankful for my family fans and just fans in general:) Thanks for all your support guys:) You make me do what I do:)

There is no "I" in team.....

2011-07-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

Now, this is going to be a lengthy note..got tons of photos to share...

Heather came to me as a bride in 2010 and has quickly developed into one of the best friends a girl could as for. As it turns out, also with a love for photography. For Graduation, she was gifted a camera by her mother that we simply had no clue she'd outgrow within weeks! It was at that time, after lengthy discussion, that Heather would be joining me as a teammate of CV.Fuller Photography. Right now, she is apprenticing with me and assisting me but eventually, she will be on her own, building her own clientele, shooting all weddings with me as a permanent second shooter. I also, am very blessed to have a mother in law that has in the past assisted me and will also, be joining the CV.Fuller Photography team!!

So, since I have never had photos taken with my camera, as it only makes sense, Heather agreed to join me in my crazy idea and take photos of me, and vice versa for her. I thought..I want something vintage felt, a little abnormal with the clothing, in a not-so-typical location and dressed in my cream colored dress, matching pearl and floral headband, and my cowboy boots to create something fun and here's what we got....But before I show you the photos Heather did for me..Meet Heather....

And so...here I am with my crazy outfit..being quirky me..Heather did these..I edited them, but Heather took them..Good Job!!!!

Max: Blue eyes for miles....

2011-07-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

Max is the son of some dear friends of ours. He is so charming and full of happiness its just such a pleasure photographing him! His fun and playful personality allowed for some awesome shots and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do:)

Angelic Baby Devin: Clearwater Newborn Portrait Photographer

2011-06-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

Devin was SUCH a snuggly bug! He slept the whole time and handled outfit and accessory changes like a champ! Love newborns...all sleepy, the way newborn photography should be;) I hope you enjoy this little guy. I did! Congrats Krystal and Ryan!!

Kenny & Catherine are married!! Vero Beach Wedding Photography

2011-06-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Kenny & Catherine are one of the funnest couples ever! They were so much fun and I enjoyed myself SO SO much! Catherine has the MOST BEAUTIFUL eyes ever! As soon as you see them, you will remember them from their engagement session. The Kirkland's were married in Sebastian, Florida, with their reception at Captain Hirams in the Tiffany Room..Enjoy!!!

Beautiful Baby Jordan ( Tampa Newborn and Children photography)

2011-06-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

Talk about blue eyes!! Jordan is stunning, and when I first spoke with her mommy on the phone, she informed me of it, but when I saw her, I couldnt agree more!! I cant say enough good things about this family, I mean look at them, they are beautiful! Jordan is a part of our "Watch me grow" program, so you will be seeing her frequently. I hope you enjoy her...Caution, her eyes may mesmerize you !

Amazing Andersen sisters...Tarpon Springs childrens photography

2011-05-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

These two little angels have my heart!! I have been photographing them since little Arianna was in her mommy's tummy:)! I love watching them grow. Their smiles light the room and I just love them! This family is one of my best clients..so I NEVER get sick of photographing them...There's no way you can get sick of looking at them either being so beautiful:) ENJOY!

More Princesses...Ava, little angel. Tarpon Springs childrens photography

2011-05-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Personality! Ava is SUCH a doll! She is so animated and fun that I could photograph her all the time!!! Ava is daughter of my best friends, Heather's cousin...If you saw Ava's Mommy, you'd know where she gets her amazing looks:) Enjoy her, shes a DOLL!!

Meet Mariena...Tarpon Springs children photography

2011-05-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Mariena is one of my best friend's daughters. Alyssa and I have been friends since we were only 12 years old!! Mariena is very special to me and photographing her has been SO FUN! She's so full of life and energy and just rocked her session with me! She's a natural..what can I say?

The"D" Family is expecting:)

2011-05-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Andrea contacted me right before my last trip to Vero about doing a maternity session . Timing worked out perfectly and Im thrilled that I got to meet her, her husband and her incredibly handsome son!! (who is totally elated to be having a baby sister!) They were such a fun family. We talked quite a bit about everything from restaurants (her husband is a chef!) to Tampa, ironically where he use to be a chef, to the VNA, where Andrea is a nurse, with my best friend Christina. Needless to say, this family is fun, they are beautiful, and I am so honored to have been able to photograph them:)

The "M" Family:); Sunken Gardens Family Photography

2011-05-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

You may recognize this stunning pair, I shot their wedding last may, EXACTLY one year prior to this session, thats right, we shot on their anniversary! Kim was pregnant with their daughter Mia at her wedding! Below are some wedding images, ya know, just to refresh ya:)

This couple is so much fun! Kim has one of THE GREATEST smiles ever and Elbio is so fun to be around, he has the best sense of humor! I remember telling them on their wedding day that this is why I do photography, because of my clients and that I wanted to be photographing a couple's wedding , then their newborn, family, their kids, and so on. And so now I will tell you too, THIS is why I do what I do..because of amazing couples like this right here:) Enjoy little Miss Mia, she's so amazing:)

Shane & Tabitha are Married: Maitland Wedding photography

2011-05-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

Shane and Tabitha are SUCH an amazing couple! Shane is stationed in Japan and is in the Military, almost not making it back for his wedding. By the grace of God, he made it. (Literally! and THIS is why God is good:) Tabitha and Shane are so in love and it tells in everything they did! They were so fun, upbeat and lighthearted and I simply love them:) Tabitha and her amazing Mother Kim made almost everything for the wedding and did PHENOMENAL!!!!!!! I simply loved her wedding flowers! Enjoy!!!

Gather 'round..We are back together again:)!

2011-05-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

This is completely a personal post, but I just have to share. Meet my family! A family of girls, girls, and more girls..with a splash of Brenden and of course zach, Josh, and Pete. Zach, my husband and my sister Michelle's Boyfriend, Josh werent able to be here, but we got together quickly, threw some outfits together and here's what we got. Its been almost 5 years (sorry to some of you, i thought it was longer) since we were all together. Our last family photo only included my Niece Mikayla and Lia, but now we have Mikenna and Madalyn too:) I hope you enjoy our quirky family photos. My camera got passed around to others while I was in the photo, but I got to photograph most of them:) HUGS!!

Gary & Connie are Married! All the way from New Jersey. Clearwater Wedding Photography

2011-04-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

Connie & Gary contacted me from New Jersey for their destination wedding to be held in Sunny Florida. They are SO much fun. Connie put together one of the most beautiful weddings I have yet to see, all the way from New Jersey!!!! She is stunning, their family and friends are great and I am SO blessed to have been able to photograph this amazing beach wedding:)

Tabitha is graduating! Senior Portraits; Senior photography

2011-04-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

Tabitha came all the way to me from Valrico so we could meet a deadline to get her photos in! Im glad she did! She's AMAZINGLY beautiful, kind, and talented. She plays the saxophone among other instruments and was a cheerleader and her smile is absolutely contagious. Congrats Tabitha!

Eric & Amy are Married...beach style

2011-04-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Amy came to me about a year prior to her wedding, instantly we made a connection. Since that day, we have become better and better friends. She is so amazing, I am so happy to have been able to photograph this wedding. Eric has so much in common with my husband, having a large interest in saltwater aquariums, and Amy shares a love for dogs like I do, that not many people understand. Kenlee is the most amazing little girl. She is full of smiles and life! Shes so energetic and has the cutest personality, I cant get enough of her, or her amazing family. Congrats Tomaskos! You are amazing people and Thank you for allowing me to photograph your special day!!! xoxo

I'll love you till the cows come home: Jen & Kendal are married! Lakeland Wedding Photographer

2011-03-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

You may recognize Jen & Kendal, they are my couple that photographed with the cows. Their country wedding was absolutely gorgeous and a good time to be had by all. I am completely and utterly smitten with this pair. They are such wholesome people and are down for a good time! I am so honored to have been able to photograph this couple's wedding day. Congrats to you both!!

My oh my, Mikayla

2011-03-01T16:13:00.000-08:00

Mikayla is my 14 year old niece. yes, 14. I tell myself all the time that I don't know what i'm going to do with her, but looking at these photos, really makes me realize that my sweet little girl is growing up...QUICKLY. She is Italian, Mexican, and Dutch. Im not exactly sure you see the Dutch in her, because I sure don't, but if you know her mother, you know EXACTLY where the Dutch comes in. Boy can Mikayla draw too. What an artist..for now, lets enjoy these brown eyes of hers...cant get enough:)

Drew & Stephanie's AMAZING wedding: Lange Farms Wedding Photography

2011-02-23T16:17:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be blogging this wedding for so many reasons than just one. I met Stephanie thanks to a past bride and groom and am so blessed to have them! Stephanie shared a story with me that I JUST HAVE to share with you. Drew & Stephanie went to high school together, so while grazing through who from her graduating class was new to facebook, she spotted in her words, "a super-hot guy in uniform" and clicked on the page because this gentleman says his name is Drew, instead of Andy, as she remembered. So, she sent the friend request to ask him if he was the same person and it was! (they knew each other through mutual friends) They began speaking more and more during the internet; facebook, skype, email, and even the phone, since Drew was in Iraq (THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICES!!!!). Drew was able to take leave in September 2009, where they were reunited face to face for the first time in 24 years!! Drew had to return to Iraq, still keeping in contact with Stephanie as he had previously, asking her to marry him via skype, December 2009. The rest was history and I hope you love this couple as much as I do!!!! Their story is amazing, touching, kind and I am SO VERY thankful to have them as a part of my photo family:) Here is their beautiful wedding day:)!

Bridals with a twist

2011-02-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

Heidi is a fellow photographer that jumped at the chance to do this type of session with me. She is not a bride, this isnt even her dress, truth be told. I got the idea to do bridals in ybor, in a not-so-typical fashion because not every bride wants the same thing. So, I made the bouquet and bride cage veil and she gathered the dress and heels and you have some bridals.:) We had to brave rats, the harsh sun in spots, and one way traffic, but I like the outcome:)

Thoughts, thoughts, and more thoughts

2011-02-11T10:19:00.000-08:00

Oh Happy Friday guys! Its chilly, cloudy, and just one of those days to be in your jammies, with some light music in the background, sipping a nice cup of hot vanilla coffee with creme brulee creamer, right? Sure, you'd think, but now add a huge stress to that.

Recently, I found a lump in my right breast, and I've been petrified since. I've gone to the Dr, the Radiologist and just awaiting the specialist. Let me just say for the record women, we have it pretty tough. I had my first mammogram today, and I am not at all excited to have another, although being a young woman, I will be facing the inevitable. My mother in law shared with me that my husbands grandmother recalls her mammogram "like a bowl being crushed into a saucer" and that couldn't be more true. OUCHIE!! So, I've had my ultrasound and mammogram and am awaiting the results to go see the specialist. Im sure its nothing, but being cautious is never a bad thing. I would much rather be safe than sorry. Going through this kind of stuff is nerve-wrecking and scary, but I often envision the family and friends I have and how they would feel if I didn't tend to this potential issue and had something tragic happen to me. So, guys, this is for you...

On a much lighter note, Its the start of the weekend guys! Saturday, for me, is going to be a mighty fine day. I'm shooting a wedding at an amazing venue (Lange Farms) and will be editing them for the first time on my new MAC:) My "transformer", as I call it, and I will be playing our Enya radio (ok secrets out) and editing away while my hubs, and his fellow Chimera-ians are in Orlando showing off their amazing car up for auction at Barrett-Jackson to benefit the Faine House Charity, hosted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Center, Jeff Faine. A charity that is near and dear to his heart. I have very high hopes for this car as its being backed by some great people, built by my husband and Chimera Customs (biased, I know) and going for an amazing cause. So where was I again, ah, editing.. Yes, I listen to Enya Radio on pandora while I edit..DONT LAUGH..it calms me down. I'm high strung, what can I say, its ME! Im passionate, quirky and WOUND TIGHT...Still workin on that:)

So, I just wanted to share briefly with you all whats going on in my life, say hello to you all as I LOVE SO MUCH the clients I have, MANY of which, becoming friends. I cherish what I do so much I just simply can not put into words! I know many of you have heard me say, "its not about the $, its about the joy on my clients faces when they see their photos". Its true..it really is.. Im a sucker for my clients. As long as I have you all, I will be rolling right along!

Hugs guys! Goin to pour another cup of coffee (oh I got a lens mug!! YAY! )

Kenny & Catherine: Vero Beach Engagement Photography

2011-02-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

Meet Catherine & Kenny..Two of the most fun, energetic, kind spirited people I have had the pleasure of working with!! Catherine has THE MOST AMAZING eyes..After being rained out and having to re-schedule, I am pleased we did.. Hope you love these, Cant wait to shoot their wedding in May:)

And the award goes to...

2011-01-26T05:43:00.000-08:00

Holiday, Florida – Janurary 25, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce CV.Fuller Photography has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Photography!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

CV.Fuller Photography stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud CV.Fuller Photography for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that CV.Fuller Photography is among the very best Wedding Photography within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/cv-fuller-photography-holiday/be1397ac3006aa45.html

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Amy & Eric sittin in the tree......

2011-01-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful to have the best brides in the world..I'd put them up against any other brides any day! Amy and I are both dog lovers so when she told me she had her puppy painted on a wall in a tiny community in which she lives, I was all for it! It was one of our Florida winter days and looking through the photos you would never know that the wind was whipping like mad! (Thats just cuz Amy & Eric are THAT good:) I am so looking forward to shooting their wedding in March!

new Blog

2011-01-12T14:57:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!!

Welcome to the new blog. hope you like it:)

kelly moore bag...if you dont own one (like me) you need to!

2010-11-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

So, a few fellow photographers lately have been posting photos of their KELLY MOORE BAG and so, like many others, i decided to check them out at http://www.kellymoorebag.com/ .After falling in love with their keen, stylish, look, I watched Kelly's video tutorial and decided THIS IS THE BAG FOR ME! I have used several other photography bags and havent been fully satisfied but with the front pockets (b-hobo, ive got my eye on you!) and back pocket, I can fit things like my memory cards, extra batteries, etc and not skip a beat.

I do not yet own a KELLY MOORE BAG so I will be placing my order ASAP!

I am totally sold, hook, line , and sinker and cant wait to order my bag!

xoxo Carly!

Stella Marin, our little star | Vero Beach Newborn photography

2010-02-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

Stella is a miracle in every aspect of the word. She was the blessing to my best friend and her family. These photos are very special to me as I was very lucky to be the one to capture her in her first few hours! These photos were shot when Stella was only 3 days old! Her name means star is she is truly nothing less than a shining star! I love her as I know you will too!.

Girls Just wanna have fun | Children Photography Vero Beach, Florida

2010-02-09T14:15:00.000-08:00

This shoot: FUN! Please meet my nieces Lia and Mikenna! Lia is the blondie and Mikennas the lil munchkin! My dear friend, Erin, with TUTUS TO TIARAS was generous enough to allow my photography of her tutus and I couldnt think of any better models! The girls had so much fun and I was ecstatic to see the finished product! Hope these photos make you smile like they do me!

Cabelo Hair Salon..

2009-10-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of doing headshots for a BEAUTIFUL salon in Trinity! They are a GREAT crew and I had a blast shooting for them. I loved it. You will need to check them out! www.cabelosalontrinity.com
What a beautiful crew!

The Virgin Island Madness

2009-10-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

THIS IS NOT A PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG: Its a personal story from an adventure to the Virgin Islands:

What comes to mind when you think of the Virgin Islands? I see, long powdery white sand beaches with the bluest waters around. Some light island music in the background and an amazing vacation. Well, thats kind-of how it happened for me.

Heres my story:

I was announced on a conference call that the latest sales contest, I WON! I was literally screaming. I was driving out of town to visit my stores in Ocala and kept checking my phone to make sure I was on mute and that the entire call wasnt listening to my celebritory screaming! It was pretty stinkin joyous. Afterall, who gets to win a trip to the virgin islands from work??

I spent the next couple of days trying to come off of the high I was on. I was feeling pretty stellar! A few days traveling in my secondary market out of town, brought me down to earth but I still had a bit of excitement in my blood. Monday morning came, I literally woke right up from my 4:00 am alarm and was ready to go. (if you know me well, you know that i set my alarm an hour in advance because I am not getting up unless snooze is hit 400,000 times. I swear the 5 minutes in-between is forever!)

So, I get my butt to the airport, wait to be boarded, sleep the entire three hour flight, and San Jaun here I come! I get off the plane to the harsh reality that I am going to be sitting in this piping hot airport for a few hours. I was wearing workout pants, long lollypop printed socks, tennis shoes, a tank top, long sleeve shirt, and a black hoodie..Lets just say I was San Juan's newest entertainer. I was ripping off layers as If i was set on fire. So I mosey around the miniture terminal in hopes of finding a quaint place to catch a bite to eat, but unless you are eating a grab and go dominos pizza, there was no luck. So, disappointed, I decide to just throw in the towel at the possibility and head to my gate. Along the way, I find a sports bar, or what San Juan considers one, anyway. I order a philly cheesesteak and fries with a diet coke. Along comes my dry sandwich with literally a slab of the tiniest amount of meat a girl could find. The most over-done fries, and luckily my diet coke was delish. Oh so what I sucked it down like thanksgiving turkey and called it a day. Now, heres where things get good.

Im not exactly sure what the scurry was at the service desk, which happened to be literally right next to our gate, but there was an enormous line to it with every last customer tapping their feet, carrying on among themselves, and ready to eat the guy behind the counter for lunch. To my understanding, and it happens sometimes, a flight departed late,causing a good portion of the passengers to miss their connecting flights. There were several disgruntled passengers but this one guy, he takes the psychotic cake. He was screaming and yelling at them from about 12 passengers back to tell them "something". He also began to insult the airline, calling its employees everything an angry passenger will and got customer care on the phone. He was screaming like an idiot that he was going to get a refund whether they liked it or not and he must have shown them because he told them he was getting a refund and slammed his flip phone shut, throwing it to the ground. I mean, thats exactly how i'd go about getting a refund as Im sure you would do the very same right? So finally he gets up to the counter, he begins to ball his fist and spit at the care agent. The agent walked away and the guy follows, they began screaming at one another about to exchange blows at any second. The guy's wife pulled him away and that waas that...for then. About 20 minutes later, the "gentleman" and his wife walk by as he screams in front of everyone "thanks for giving us separate seats asshole" and flips him the bird. The guy behind the counter screams back " you're welcome, asshole". Now this is very obviously the way that things happen in a foreign country because that guy would own the airline if it happened here. It was amusing though..Thanks for the show dude.

So its literally 5 minutes till boarding and after calling about 10 different times for volunteer to exit this flight for another due to weight and balance restrictions on our puddle jumper plane that sat 4 people per row with no overhead storage. This stirs almost all the passengers up. They begin conversing with one another about who should give up their seats and how we arent all gonna have seats on the plane, blah blah blah. Well another announcement surfaces, this time informing us that we are being moved to another gate. Its a mini terminal as I previously pointed out so it was like 30 steps to the new gate, but again, the passengers became irratic, pushing and shoving each other out of the way before boarding... A spectical.. Thats really all I can describe it as.

So we get on and off our puddle jumping plane before we know it to land on what a typical person believes is heaven on earth or "paradise" as so many passengers were calling it. We gave to walk off our plane, grab our luggage from the luggage cart and heel-toe it towards their even more mini airport. Inside, lol well, what they consider inside, consisted of two baggage claim belts, three rental car booths and a bar. Im trying to keep up my spirits, so I bop over to the Avis counter where im sure I have a top-notch car awaiting me. Just as suspected, Im given the keys to a chevy cobalt, and am pointed across the street and up three flights of outdoor steps to the chainlink , barbed-wire fenced in area where my car is to be retrieved. Upon retrieving my rental, I inform the agent that I will need a GPS. She immediately informs me back that there are no GPS units for rent as they dont use them, as she hands me a map of the island and tells me "oh you CANT get lost here." I shake my head and head to my car. Im merely run over by two passing cars and make my way to the car that looked as if it was rear ended and side-swiped and thought to myself...oh boy here goes nothing. Please keep in mind that no one during this entire endevor has managed to inform me that here in "paradise" they drive on the opposite side of the street, so as you can imagine, as Im leaving the oh so secure car area, im almost smashed into due to looking the wrong way. THIS, is going to be interesting.

So, im driving...and driving...and driving...and driving to my resort. Assuring myself that "i cant get lost here" I continue doing at this point what I do best, drive. I stop after about an hour and 15 minutes of driving for directions. The local informs me that Im really not in the best part of time, go figure, and points me in the right direction. Furiously, I gas it out of the parking lot, managing to swing a u-y, smashing into the drain drudge that some parking lots have. I seriously thought right there, was the front end to my rolls royce, in a strange country, all alone. At this point, Im ready to kill someone... any takers?

I do, manage to get to my resort, and into the room and find that its falling apart. I went down to the pool to try to relax but all I could think about was the nasty , falling apart room, they have placed me in, so I get up, approach the registration desk for my new keys to my room. This room is better, but still not what Id expected. So, i decide i want to shower, the shower knob falls into the tub making the most god-awful thud known to mankind, nakedly, i bend over and try to screw it back on the at least make it through my shower. I manage. Phew. After the shower of my life and 3 excederine later, I decide I'd better order dinner. Based on the horror of a day i've experienced already, I decide room service is the way to go. I order my food, wait an hour for it, and to my surprise its YUMMY. Relieved, I scarf it down as if I was a rabid lion trying to eat before another came along. At 8 pm, my head hit the bed, I was OUT. I awoke at 10:00 pm to my hubby calling, So I skype with him, the worst thing I could have ever done. I then get the bright idea to switch my flight and book ASAP tomorrow!! I call the airline, no luck, they inform me that the flight that will work best for my schedule departs at 4:00pm and I can not switch to a confirmed flight change until 12 hours prior to departure. So, determind, I set my alarm, awake and make the switch. The best $50 I ever spent!

8 am came around, I get up, get packed, and begin to "try" to make my day better than before. I successfully find all of my stores, met the cutest, most friendly, happy people ever. I so badly wanted to change them for the employees in some of my stores!!!! Needless to say, I get done at about 12:30, leaving a large gap between then and my departure time. So, feeling all proud of myself, now that im not completely lost in this country, I head back to the hotel. Im driving, listening to the island music on the radio and all the sudden I THINK I see something out of the corner of my "ba-boom" I look in my rear view, I hit a damn Iguana!!! The thing was the size of a small dog!!! It was squriming around and flopping like crazy. I had the most shocked, suprised, WTF face and bolted!!! You can get fined for hitting one of those things there! I wasnt sticking around to get fined for hitting the damned thing! I still, right this minute chuckle because I cant believe I HIT AN IGUANA?!?!!! The car coming the other way stopped for it, began tending to it and I got outta dodge. So, Still in shock, I pull into the hotel, where I layout for an hour and a half. I jump in the shower, head to the airport, Catch my flight and await the last leg of my trip in the Miami Airport, where Im writing this now. I go into the bathroom, and look in the mirror to see the newest member of the Tomato family looking back at me in the mirror. Yea forgot the sunscreen. DOH!!!

I hope you enjoyed my story...I still cant believe I hit an iguana..WHO hits an iguana? They were all over the place!! So, Im at my gate, Its 8:42, I will be boarding in 45 minutes.

Smiles to you and yours:) Thanks for reading. Keep your eyes peeled for a few new blogs, 4 more coming soon!

blessings,
Carly

The bond between a Mother and her son....

2009-05-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

Jenn is one of my very best friends and her son Xander, well, he's pretty much my nephew.. We went and had fun, and here is the proof. Xander was born very early, and since pre-mature birth is near and dear to my heart, I had the pleasure of walking in the march of dimes in not only his honor but for my sister and my best friend Christina. Enjoy!

Lambeau Field, The Legend, and Legacy

2008-12-22T14:46:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I just finished editing the photos I shot from the Green Bay/ Carolina Game..and before you cast your opinion, please just let me share a feeling, an emotion..its not about winning or losing. Its about the feeling you get when you sit in the stands as a Green Bay Packer fan!

Let me start by sharing that I was layered to the gills! I came well equipt with the finest three pairs of socks, spandex pants, long johns, jeans, tank, t-shirt, sweater, hoodie, jacket, scarf, gloves (two pair) and hat a Florida girl could wear. I'd do it again right this minute again given the chance! It was almost Euphoric. The stands roared, they cheered, they supported...even though we (the pack) lost..

Theres simply something that can be said when the entire stadium roared with positive cheering and one man, (Aaron Rodgers) signs for us to hush and immediately, 70,000+ fans silenced. Theres something to be said when EVERY last fan is dressed to the gills in the finest Green and Gold that can be found. It wasnt about one man, one quarterback, one receiver, one defenseman...but about the entire team. There were jerseys, hats, gloves, you name it, geared towards each and every player. I saw jerseys from Aaron Rodgers to Johnny Jolly. Many of you ask who Johnny Jolly is...but as a Packer, they will tell you. He's Number 97 and hes one big son of a gun!

I invite you, if only once in your lifetime, attend a game at Lambeau. It was breath-taking to be only 13 rows back on the 40 yd line watching a team backed and owned by the PEOPLE..not a person or an organization. The very same team where Reggie White and Bart Starr graced that very field...Where Vince Lombardi became a legend in not only football but in philosophy. Stating: "Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile." and "Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect."

There's some pride in being a true Green Bay Packer Fan. I wouldn't change anything about my experience at Lambeau other than the fact that I'd like to go more often.Photographing the team was an experience I will cherish my whole life. Its given me an aspiration to become a photographer FOR them..instead of shooting only when I get to Wisconsin. I think its been the most emotional shoot I've done yet, and given the chance again, I'd take it in a flash. Its my HONOR to have been given this experience, to have captured the photos I did, and being a Green Bay Packer by both birth and choice.

So as Vince stated, Practice Perfection and expect excellence.

And To my amazing God Parents, Tom and Marianne Mainhardt:

THANK YOU SO MUCH for allowing me the seats to the game. For always being so wonderful and warm to our family. You are so much a part of our family and its just a shame we arent family by blood. God gave you to us and Its a total honor to even know you, much less love the pair of you the way I do! Your kind acts have never gone un-appreciated nor will they ever! THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOU ARE! Here's to more memories!!!

Smiles and Blessings to each of you:)

Adriana...pure blessing

2008-12-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

Adriana is one of my girlfriend's lil girl. She was over at the house and I couldnt resist her. Shes got the most amazing blue eyes. At only six months, she's very strong, very alert. I love having her around. I hope you enjoy these few photos. To see the rest, visit www.myspace.com/broxolindustries.

SMILES!

Boy oh Boy(s)

2008-12-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

Meet the Bridwells! They were SO much fun! We shot this session down by the river and I could have shot all night with them! The boys are so sweet, well behaved and mom, Shes the grace in the family of all boys! I had the pleasure of meeting this family through my "soul" sister, Robyn. They are a great family, I am so pleased to have been given the pleasure of shooting for them. Here are a few of the my faves from the session! (we got 20+ pics)

Enjoy:)

SMILES!!

Blonde + Blue= Pretty much beauty!

2008-12-12T19:46:00.000-08:00

Meet Courtney and her AMAZINGLY handsome little guy, Michael. I have been friends with Courtney since high school and her lil guy stole my heart the minute I met him. (wasnt this session.) She shines with strength, grace, and love. Michael was a little wiggle worm, to say the least during this session, but I caught him!! Him and I have a great relationship UNTIL I pull out Ryka (my camera). He and Ryka can never see eye to eye, no pun intended. I LOVE shooting for Court and Michael because she is such an amazing mother and it makes for great photography. Please enjoy the photos!

SMILES!!!

Strength in Numbers...

2008-11-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

Its not common these days for a family to be large like this one, but boy I sure do wish it was! I couldnt have asked for a better family! Two proud parents, one of which I also went to High School with, and their family of five children...well six counting the pup:) We shot at Sebastian's world renouned inlet, and as luck would have it, there was a surf competition that day. Luckily it ended just as we began shooting. This family was so awesome! Talk about a group of well-behaved children! Abby chose a beautiful color scheme and together, we made these shots:)

Hope you enjoy them:)

SMILES!

And Here's the Backbone to the family:)

Keppel= LOVE

2008-11-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

I have known Luke and Nicole since high school! Good ol' Sebastian River days! They were always so darn cute then and now, they just have an amazingly beautiful daughter, Zoe in addition! They were soo cute! It was the day after Florida got one of its twice a year cold fronts and so needless to say, it wasnt exactly warm, however we all did warm up towards the end.You can see poor Zoe as cold as ever in some of the pics:( But, It was such a pleasure and an honor to shoot for this family and I really hope they get a new shirt sometime soon! I love them and was so happy to have gained new friends from the fun shoot:)

ENJOY:)

Is it just me or does she not look sooo safe in these big arms?

Its all about Zoe...talk about CUUUUTE right?!

My Little Helper!!

The bond between Man and Wife:)

Thank Heaven for Little girls

2008-10-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to have been able to do this shoot! Micaela is expecting her first child, a little girl and I was honored to have been able to shoot these photos for her. It was down at the beach and at this particular beach, I think it was the busiest I've personally ever seen it! There were people EVERYWHERE...

I hope you enjoy the photos:)
smiles!!!

The fast and the furious or aged and timeless?

2008-10-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

I am super late publishing this post, seeing as I shot these photos about two weeks ago, but what can I say life happens! I was VERY fortunate to be able to attend this event, which was super fun. These are only a few of the cars that were there! There were lamborghinis, ferraris, mercedes, audis, bugattis, you name it!!! Im not in with the spelling of these HIGH END cars, so forgive the spelling.. It was a BLAST!! I hope you enjoy these cars..i did:)

SMILES!!!!

Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida

2008-10-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

HI ALL:)!! Its been a while, i know but wedding planning and full time work keeps me busy! Luckily, I live in the Tampa Bay area and have the capability to go to Busch Gardens virtually whenever I want. This past Sunday, I decided to head out that way and take a few shots of some animals. It was a nice day, mostly overcast, so it wasnt too hot. My friend and I went on the safari's and went through almost all of the exhibits. I hope you are pleased with the photos. I really had fun coming so close to the animals:)

smiles!!