But first things first - who knows what today is?
It's ALE's 26th BIRTHDAY!!
Yep, my beautiful bride is year older, more stunning, and more stylish than ever (see below). Happy Birthday, sweetheart. I look forward to every step we'll take together and to watching you grow and mature in love and happiness. I love you!!! (Please don't hate me for posting this picture - just trying to keep it real!) :)
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| The very first Outfit Chronicles! Let's say her taste has matured a little since then! |
Now - back to the task at hand. I would love to tell you that Ale asked me to guest post for you guys, but that simply isn't true. Honestly, when she told me she was looking for guest bloggers, my hand shot up like the nerdy kid in school. Pick me! Pick me! Why was I so excited to write on her blog? Sure, it might be because she has a much larger following than I do; but shameless plugs aside, it really was because I wanted a chance to brag on her a little bit.
If you've been following Ale's work at all over the past year, I hope that you would agree that her work is incredible and that her style is becoming more clear and refined with each shoot. When I look at her work - it's evident; but as an insider, I get to see her process. I'm her sounding board (and occasional second shooter), and as such I see her creativity in action on a daily basis. As a result, I appreciate her work more and more each day; and I believe without a doubt that she will be so much more than just another creative. Not because of what she knows, but because of who she is, particularly the following four key traits:
1) Giving: So much of human interaction is about personality. What makes Ale's personality so attractive is her willingness to satisfy the other person. It welcomes people in and eases down their walls. It allows her to easily build trust, because the other person knows that she has their best interest at heart. This trust is evident in her work and it permits Ale to exhibit her client's inner beauty along side their outer beauty.
2) Visual Storyteller: All photos/videos tell a story, but few truly capture the essence of the moment. Photographers are a dime a dozen - but a photographer who knows exactly how to capture a series of moments is truly valuable. Ale does just that - her brain is like a web of connections that is capable of syncing words, imagery, and music with emotion. She visualizes the finished product as she works - allowing her to know exactly what she needs bring that vision to life.
3) Capable: I had previously written inspired instead of capable, but all photographers are inspired. Inspiration is nothing without capability. Ale is inspired by everything (don't believe me, check out her Pinterest!), but even more importantly she is capable of realizing her inspirations. She understands lighting, angles, motion, transitions, and most other technical details of her work. Furthermore, she has the aptitude to continue learning new techniques.
4) Dreamer: Last, but not least, Ale is not afraid to dream. She believes in herself. She knows she has the talent and charisma to be a world class photographer/videographer (although, she may be too modest to admit it). So she chases that goal; and while she may be afraid of failing, she is always willing to dust herself off and keep on moving. On top of it all, she trusts her success to God, knowing that he has her best interest in mind and will work all things for her good.
Those four traits are what, I believe, make Ale so good at what she does. More specifically, its her unique combination of those traits that make her the artist that she is and that attract her friends and clients. For those who know her, would you agree? Are there any I didn't mention? Let her know in the comments what you think! That would be the best birthday gift you could ever give her (and it would let her know that I didn't scare away all of her readers...gulp!). Seriously. Until next time, thank you for letting me brag on my wife a little, and I hope that it serves to motivate you to harness those traits that make you the best at what you do!
Sincerely,
Jose
If you've been following Ale's work at all over the past year, I hope that you would agree that her work is incredible and that her style is becoming more clear and refined with each shoot. When I look at her work - it's evident; but as an insider, I get to see her process. I'm her sounding board (and occasional second shooter), and as such I see her creativity in action on a daily basis. As a result, I appreciate her work more and more each day; and I believe without a doubt that she will be so much more than just another creative. Not because of what she knows, but because of who she is, particularly the following four key traits:
1) Giving: So much of human interaction is about personality. What makes Ale's personality so attractive is her willingness to satisfy the other person. It welcomes people in and eases down their walls. It allows her to easily build trust, because the other person knows that she has their best interest at heart. This trust is evident in her work and it permits Ale to exhibit her client's inner beauty along side their outer beauty.
2) Visual Storyteller: All photos/videos tell a story, but few truly capture the essence of the moment. Photographers are a dime a dozen - but a photographer who knows exactly how to capture a series of moments is truly valuable. Ale does just that - her brain is like a web of connections that is capable of syncing words, imagery, and music with emotion. She visualizes the finished product as she works - allowing her to know exactly what she needs bring that vision to life.
3) Capable: I had previously written inspired instead of capable, but all photographers are inspired. Inspiration is nothing without capability. Ale is inspired by everything (don't believe me, check out her Pinterest!), but even more importantly she is capable of realizing her inspirations. She understands lighting, angles, motion, transitions, and most other technical details of her work. Furthermore, she has the aptitude to continue learning new techniques.
4) Dreamer: Last, but not least, Ale is not afraid to dream. She believes in herself. She knows she has the talent and charisma to be a world class photographer/videographer (although, she may be too modest to admit it). So she chases that goal; and while she may be afraid of failing, she is always willing to dust herself off and keep on moving. On top of it all, she trusts her success to God, knowing that he has her best interest in mind and will work all things for her good.
Those four traits are what, I believe, make Ale so good at what she does. More specifically, its her unique combination of those traits that make her the artist that she is and that attract her friends and clients. For those who know her, would you agree? Are there any I didn't mention? Let her know in the comments what you think! That would be the best birthday gift you could ever give her (and it would let her know that I didn't scare away all of her readers...gulp!). Seriously. Until next time, thank you for letting me brag on my wife a little, and I hope that it serves to motivate you to harness those traits that make you the best at what you do!
Sincerely,
Jose
Oooooh, somebody's gonna be in trouble for posting that picture ;) I guess it's just payback for all the ones she's posted of you! This was such a sweet post, you two are just too cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post, Jose! One of the greatest gifts in life is to have a supportive spouse who builds you up, knows you from the inside out, and is your biggest fan. I see how you work to be the best husband for your wife everyday and it’s inspiring. It’s men like you who step up and show us all what true love and marriage is all about. You help her become better in who she is and at what she does, as life goes on. You and Alejandra are two of my favorite people in the whole world. The power of you as a couple gives off an intensity of passion and joy that tells me you will change the world, no doubt.
ReplyDeleteThat to say, Ale has a light that emanates from inside of her. I don’t know how she contains it most days, but give her a chance to talk about what’s on her heart and mind, and it’s explosive. First of all, her deep love of God is evident in her walk and her talk. She desires the deepest connection she can get, spiritually. She hungers after it as much as she does her next great recipe and I can see that she doesn’t come away empty-handed. God’s talent is therefore channeled through her from a very special place, unfettered, to bring the world the amazing artistry they have the chance to witness. Her inward light is everywhere else too – the sparkle in her eyes, her contagious smile, and her emphatic sentences. She’s a fountain for the spring inside of her soul.
Alejandra’s compassion and softness is an extension of her heart, which is a reflection of the Jesus himself. These traits are woven through her personal life as evidence by her willingness to step out and be a light in the life of high schoolers at camp this week, having never done that before. In her work, she brings that soft edge to her photography being others’ focused. In her story telling, it’s not about the styling or the location, but about the spirit she sees inside of those she is photographing. She works to pull out that inward view and help you to see it in her work. She sees people- really sees them. If she is styling one of her bellas, it’s not to embellish their outward appearance, but to give expression to the everlasting spirit of a woman – her identity In their Creator’s eyes, her hopes, and her dreams, among others. As slight and non-imposing as Ale’s figure, she Is a dense collection of intertwined energies that she uses to serve and empower others and to create and to express beauty.
Jose, I stand with you in celebrating your wife today as a great woman of God, integral member of a (relatively) new power couple, and rising star in photography. Here’s to a great year of growth and fulfillment! My God richly bless you two in your new year of life and marriage!
Seth-- you are one of the most uplifting, compassionate, and wonderful people I know! Jose and I are MORE than blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you for entertaining my thoughts and simply listening. There are certain friends that God puts in our lives who we should never take for granted. You are absolutely one of them.
ReplyDeleteMeghan -- Awwww... thank you. It's ironic because this is something that I've always struggled with. God has given me a fire -- this ability to truly believe in myself... but I so easily crash sometimes. I doubt myself *many* times and even the smallest thing can shatter my confidence. However, God has given me this ability to TRULY and honestly believe in others' confidence. I desire to bring that out of them and help THEM see it. God broke me down at camp last week and made me learn a lot about my own fears and self-doubts. That's the post I want to share with everyone later this week. Thank you for building me up with your words and sharing these thoughts of me. You are SO sweet and considerate to do that and I love you girl! You and your heart are a beautiful thing my friend :)
What a wonderful post, Jose! One of the greatest gifts in life is to have a supportive spouse who builds you up, knows you from the inside out, and is your biggest fan. I see how you work to be the best husband for your wife everyday and it’s inspiring. It’s men like you who step up and show us all what true love and marriage is all about. You help her become better in who she is and at what she does, as life goes on. You and Alejandra are two of my favorite people in the whole world. The power of you as a couple gives off an intensity of passion and joy that tells me you will change the world, no doubt.
ReplyDeleteThat to say, Ale has a light that emanates from inside of her. I don’t know how she contains it most days, but give her a chance to talk about what’s on her heart and mind, and it’s explosive. First of all, her deep love of God is evident in her walk and her talk. She desires the deepest connection she can get, spiritually. She hungers after it as much as she does her next great recipe and I can see that she doesn’t come away empty-handed. God’s talent is therefore channeled through her from a very special place, unfettered, to bring the world the amazing artistry they have the chance to witness. Her inward light is everywhere else too – the sparkle in her eyes, her contagious smile, and her emphatic sentences. She’s a fountain for the spring inside of her soul.
Alejandra’s compassion and softness is an extension of her heart, which is a reflection of the Jesus himself. These traits are woven through her personal life as evidence by her willingness to step out and be a light in the life of high schoolers at camp this week, having never done that before. In her work, she brings that soft edge to her photography being others’ focused. In her story telling, it’s not about the styling or the location, but about the spirit she sees inside of those she is photographing. She works to pull out that inward view and help you to see it in her work. She sees people- really sees them. If she is styling one of her bellas, it’s not to embellish their outward appearance, but to give expression to the everlasting spirit of a woman – her identity In their Creator’s eyes, her hopes, and her dreams, among others. As slight and non-imposing as Ale’s figure, she Is a dense collection of intertwined energies that she uses to serve and empower others and to create and to express beauty.
Jose, I stand with you in celebrating your wife today as a great woman of God, integral member of a (relatively) new power couple, and rising star in photography. Here’s to a great year of growth and fulfillment! My God richly bless you two in your new year of life and marriage!