Joanna Garcia | Houston Wedding and Portrait Photography » Personal

Where did the ducks go?

Joanna — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:03:25 +0000

I’ve said it many times before, the blog is to show off my latest work with clients and also to blog personal things as they happen. I think this is a very personal blog post, but every chapter needs a story ending even if it’s not a happily ever after. There is no point to erase old post and try to pretend they didn’t happen because they are a part of me, of who I am.

Recently a difficult decision was made that utterly turned my world upside down that the ducks I thought were “in a row” are no where to be found.

After dating for seven years, my fiancée and I made a mutual decision to call the wedding off. Without going into an explanation, I have to believe that it is the best decision for both of us.

The possibilities are endless. I’m staying positive about the decision we made. I wish nothing but amazing things for him. He truly is a wonderful person.

With that said, here’s to the future and whatever it may hold for me. Everything happens for a reason and I have faith that something good will come out of this. God is amazing and will bless us both.

Alpha Kappa Camera memories

Joanna — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:23:29 +0000

Last year I went on a retreat to Charleston, S.C. with 8 other photographers from all over the U.S. It was inspiring to instantly click with women who came from different backgrounds and respected each other’s views on life. I never got around to posting about the trip. I know, horrible.

A few of the girls did blog about out trip. You can read Sam’s beautifully described account here and Cristi’s 3 blog post about our trip here.

Almost a year later, here are a couple of pics from the trip.

This year, our retreat will take place in Polson, Montana. I’ve never been to Montana so it should definitely be an adventure.

Remembering my grandma

Joanna — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:48:23 +0000

Eight years ago, my grandmother passed away. I miss her like crazy. She wasn’t sick and I’m pretty sure she would still be with us today if we hadn’t been in that car accident. We were on our way to Puerto Vallarta on our annual family vacation when another vehicle came into our lane and we hit them straight on. It’s still very painful to remember.

I dream of her often and know she is very close to me. I can hear her voice if I think very hard.

This is the last picture I took with her at my dance recital, one month before she passed away.

Te extraño Abuelita Lala.

#72 Check: Photo safari in Los Garza

Joanna — Thu, 20 May 2010 19:59:42 +0000

We spent New Years in at my dad’s town, Los Garza, Agualeguas, Nuevo Leon. I did a photo safari on the last day of 2009, walked around the town and captured a small town full of color. It was time to blog about these pictures and cross it off my 101 in 1001 days list.

One day at a time

Joanna — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:29:48 +0000

The days seem to go by so fast. I feel like it was just New Years and yet Easter was this past weekend. Where does the time go? My days consist of editing, returning emails and phone calls. I prepare blog post to show you my current work and at the same time so I can look back and remember what I was doing in my life.

The main purpose of this blog is to share with you my latest sessions, but at the same time it’s a personal blog as well. I know I can go back through the archives and remember what I was doing on that specific month. Sometimes I blog about personal things, vacations I’ve been on.

So as I think about how the remaining of the year will play out I am excited and anxious for it all to begin. I remember my mom always repeating a certain phrase to me as I grew up. “Todo a su tiempo, todo pasa a su debido tiempo” Which means, everything at it’s own time, not to rush into things. She was right, everything does happen when it needs to happen. Thanks for being so wise mom.

I want to be able to look back and remember how I was feeling today. I will live one day at a time and try to remember what really matters before the chaos of our crazy busy lives catches up to me.

And so I can remember how I looked at 25 years and 4 months, here is a self portrait.

Happy Tuesday!

Thankful

Joanna — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:52:41 +0000

This past holiday season was a bit bitter sweet for me. It was after all the last holidays I would fully celebrate with my family. To say that I cried and had a meltdown is an understatement. This year will be different and I’ll be celebrating and ringing in the new year with my new family.

A small tidbit about me: Pepe and I have never celebrated Christmas or New Years together in the past 6 years that we have been together. He is with his family and I’m with mine.

As tradition would have it, we spend Christmas in town at my aunt’s house and exchange gifts. A few days after Christmas we take off to celebrate New Years with my dad’s side of the family in a small town called Los Garza: Population 230ish. I think those numbers are just a bit off during the year, but once the kids are out of school for the holidays the town is rejuvenated. People walking down the street and having lunch out in the patio.

I looked forward to the trip to Los Garza, knowing that it would probably be the last time I would spend so many days there. I’m not say I won’t go back, but probably won’t be able to spend the whole week there. That’s what happens when you get married. You gain a whole new family and new traditions are started.

I took advantage of the time we had and simply documented what was truly special to me; my family, having lazy days where we just sat around and talked, played games and ate wonderful food.

Here are the people who love me unconditional and are always wanting me to succeed! I love you guys!

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Welcome 2010!

Joanna — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:57:11 +0000

Happy New Year internet world! It’s been 10 years since the Y2K craze and we are still here!! The end of 2009 was spent relaxing and spending some much needed quality time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to 2010 and all the wonderful things that will happen.

This is the year of change; changes with the business, changes in my personal life (I’m getting married this year, omg!)! I’m beyond excited about it all. Sure I admit I have the occasional meltdown thinking of all the changes, but it’s part of life and it is all happening in a matter of months. ekk!

So stick around for the incredible journey on the blog which serves as a journal for professional and personal life. This is going to be one heck of a year with amazing brides and grooms!! Congratulations to the newly engaged couples! Be sure to visit us at the Bridal Extravaganza this weekend. You can find all your vendors in one place.

I still have to blog about my last two weddings of 2009. I’ll also be recapping all of the best of the best in 2009. It is going to be hard to narrow it down.

Thank you for being so patient!!

Here is a gem from the last wedding of 2009, congratulations again to Adriane and Joel!

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Happy Holidays

Joanna — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:43:01 +0000

Hello Internet friends! I’m sorry for the abandonment this past month. The holidays hit and I was busy with work and getting as much family time as possible. Lots of pretty photos from the past two weddings coming soon.

Just wanted to let you know I will be on vacation until January 4!! I’m excited to visit with my dad’s side of the family and ringing in the new year in Los Garza. I will not have internet service or access to my phone. Please leave my a voice mail or send me an email. I will get back to work and answer all questions or concerns in the new year.

Next year is full of surprises and some wonderful weddings. I’m excited that I get to be a part of them. The second weekend of January I’ll be at the Bridal Extravaganza, be sure to buy your tickets online for discount tickets. Can’t wait to meet all the potential JTG brides.

Thank you to my past, present and future clients. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!! See you guys next year!

Let it snow

Joanna — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:28:39 +0000

For the second year in a row it has snowed in the great city of Houston. In some parts more then others and this year we were lucky to be in the part where it snowed more. Since we don’t see snow very often it makes everything feel magical and more Christmas like. The downside is everyone starts panicking, starts saying things like stay in your home and people drive worse then all the other days.

Whatever these Scrooge type people have against snow is beyond me. I had fun taking photos of the magical snow and my fur ball playing in it.

Colt loved playing in the snow and chasing after the snowflakes. He always makes me smile.

Back in the game

Joanna — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:11:52 +0000

There is no excuse for my sudden disappearing act, well maybe there is. Last week I declared myself died-almost. I was in bed for an entire week. I couldn’t move. My mother brought me my medicine every morning and every night, that’s how bad it was. Yes, I still live at home and I love it-just thought I would clarify that. I mean, I tried to be a good wife-to-be and take care of my sick fiancee and he in return just passed on whatever it was that he had. That small peck good bye was the death of me for an entire week, but I couldn’t resist.

Now all that is behind me and I am determined to show you everything that was not blogged in a timely manner. Please don’t be mad internet world.

I promise I have lots to share. There’s baby O portrait session and let’s not forget the much anticipated engagement session of Sory and Oscar. So I ask that you be patient with me as we will be returning to our daily program soon.

Also in the upcoming weeks I will be shooting a beautiful wedding for Toni and Steven. It’s going to be a killer. I just know it.

So I guess what I am saying with all this rambling is—- THANK YOU—-for sticking around and checking back to see if there was anything new!!

Warm regards!!