SIMPLY SMITH
I CAN’T WAIT TO TELL YOUR STORY
LATEST
WORK
Sharing all the latest sessions and whatever else is happening over here. I started blogging when I first ever began this journey, and now that the boys are grown I am feeling such a pull to get back into it. Thank you so much for being here!
xo- Amber
Kaylyn Joy
I had the privilege of shooting Kaylyn many times for photoshoots we had scheduled with The Alley x Mercantile in Kingsburg, Ca. These were not her senior photos… just some fun things we got to do together! She’s absolutely stunning!
Wedding Retirement
Yes, you read that right. After 13 years in the wedding industry, I’ve decided it’s time for new ventures. It is something I’ve wanted to do for the last year or two, but literally could not do it because I had contracted events scheduled over a year out! All the time!
I believe everything happens for a reason, and this last year or two was supposed to either set my soul on fire (again) or leave me desperate to hang my strap up. When Covid hit, I thought it would give me a reason to take a break and refresh. I thought I would completely reset and want more. Sadly, it did the opposite. The time spent home with my family has felt so right. I am still working full-time, and thankfully my lifestyle sessions keep my calendar just as full as I would love for it to be. I am also hoping this gives me time to mentor, teach, and help new photographers who would love to learn more about what it takes to be a full-time wedding vendor. It is so much more than a 12-hour day. And I would really love to share my knowledge and expertise, as I have learned so much through trial and error.
The last 13 years have been the best years of my life. Being a fly on the wall at all of these most special days truly helped me grow as a woman.. wife.. and mother. To witness not only couples on the happiest days of their life, but the relationship with their parents, siblings, and closest friends too. A wedding day connects people, and exemplifies a persons true life story, and I feel so grateful that I have been able to witness every single one. It was honestly better than therapy for this young wife and mama! haha Not to mention, weddings are just stunning events as it is! Who wouldn’t want to photograph all that beauty?
Some would say I’m crazy to hang my hat in a time where I still feel very busy, but I truly feel Gods calling. There is so much to do in my life, and in this world, and I know there will always be a wedding or two to fill my cup back up in the years ahead if I need to.
I had no idea that this journey would unfold as wonderfully as it has.
And most importantly, THANK YOU. Thank you to all who have read this post. Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me all of these years. Thank you to each of you who have referred me to a friend or family member. Thank you to every bride who trusted me, even in the very beginning. Actually, ESPECIALLY from the very beginning. From the bottom of my heart, I am so so grateful.
Thank you to Monique Guzman for all of these “behind the scenes” and headshot photos!
Christian and Nicole: Historic Seven Sycamores
It feels so good to slowly refresh this space with new content. By new, I mean last spring, but I will totally get all caught up soon! One of my favorite things about this wedding.. easily.. was Nicoles laced gown. It just hugged her petite frame so effortlessly! Now on top of all that this couple just doesn't take a bad photo. Striking smiles and lots of laughing..a photographers dream!Also, if you haven't checked out Seven Sycamores here in Visalia (technically Ivanhoe) do so now! It is the cutest venue here in the valley, not just for weddings but for anything!! Theyre even renting it out for all types of photoshoots.If you follow my blog, you might have also noticed they have a gorgeous glass barn. Nicole and Christian only used one side of the venue, which is their garden area.. so you won't really see the glass barn here, but this post is the perfect example for just how beautiful your wedding day could be at Seven Sycamores with just their garden venue!