Wedding Wednesday: Jodie & Rob

I have long been a fan of the blog, Love24fps, and it was during a recent marathon of watching wedding films, that I came across Jodie and Rob's. I mentioned last week that what makes a wedding film special isn't the lighting, b-roll, music, or even how beautiful the couple is. What it's really about is the couple's love story. Jodie and Rob's story is certainly one of love, but it's also about family and about heartbreak. Threadless Films had an enormously difficult task, but they managed to capture this family's story with grace and sensitivity. They accomplished their task so beautifully, that even watching it for the hundredth time - I can't help but shed buckets of tear. Before watching the film, you should read what Threadless had to say. Oh, and don't forget the tissues! 

"Rob and Jodie met 13 years ago and have been lovers and best friends ever since. The past 12 years has seen them become parents to Tyson, Jaxon, Logan, and Grace, and happily settled in Ballarat. Rob was a heart kid at RCH Melbourne but survived to become the steadfast and wonderful father he is now. Jodie nursed her mother through her battle with COPD and she was by her side when Kathy passed peacefully 5 years ago.

Unfortunately for this family, 10 year old Jaxon was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, known as a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, in February this year. Initially he just had a bit of double vision but a week and multiple tests and appointments and scans later was given the devastating diagnosis.

He has undergone a brain biopsy and then chemotherapy and most recently, radiation therapy, and, then, shatteringly, an MRI scan- coincidentally scheduled for Jodie's birthday- showed that there had been no improvement and indeed, the tumour has grown. There are few options left and the family have had to come to terms with the awful truth that Jaxon will not have long to live.

Jaxon himself has been an absolute fighter through all of this, going to school, and trying to remain as active as he can, being a keen basketballer amongst other sports. However, he has become increasingly dependent on his wheelchair as he has lost control over the left side of his body.

Jaxon has had only a few wishes. One is to see the New York Knicks play in Madison Square Gardens (thanks to the many kind donations this is happening!), the Starlight Foundation have granted Jaxon the other which is to see the Great Barrier Reef. And his parents are going to grant him the third; to get married while they are there.

On the 29th September 2014, Jaxon walked his mum down the isle and fulfilled this last wish. It was our privilege to be there and capture the day.

Jaxon you are an amazing, spunky, brilliant, clever and funny boy! Enjoy your trip to see the New York Knicks game!"

Jodie & Rob // Highlights Film from Threadless Films on Vimeo.

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Wedding Wednesday: Michael Justin Films

Happy Hump Day, friends! So, I've decided to jump on the "Wedding Wednesday" bandwagon, and for my first installment, I'm going to talk a little bit about Michael Justin Films. I've been working with Michael since 2013 and was recently tasked with finding us a summer intern (if you want deets hmu). With all of the searching, a quickly approaching summer season, and an abundance of free time on my hands, I've been able to do some reflecting, some of which I'll share with you now.

The beginning takes us back to November 2012 when I first stumbled upon "Jackie and Michael's Wedding Film" on Pinterest. Watch it. Seriously. This was back when the video only had about 100,000 views, now it's sitting pretty over on Youtube with over 1.2 million - damn. I like to think this indicates my mild psychic ability to predict trends, more on that later. 

After doing my due diligence (read: stalking), I reached out to Michael asking if I could intern with him the following summer. I might have been getting a little ahead of myself, but that's how compelled I felt by their story. It was only recently that I realized it wasn't the film that was so captivating, but rather Jackie and Michael's love story.  It's the kind of thing that gives all single, potential cat ladies hope for love in the future. By the way, I would be a weird dog lady - I can't stand cats. 

Anyway, a week or so later, Michael replies to my message and was basically like "Chill. It's November. Get back to me around April of next year," except much nicer and more professional. I followed my instructions and in May of 2013 I found myself sitting in the MJF office (aka: Michael and Jackie's living room on the upper west side).

Over the next three months, I worked several weddings with Michael, Donnell, Edison and Kraig. At that point, we were only working on films. It was a three man team and me. Literally. All Michael's emails started with some variation of "Hey guys... and Taylor." Honestly, I love being part of "the guys," but I appreciate the effort. That summer, there was one wedding in particular that I remember. It was a destination wedding and Michael, Donnell and I road tripped to Jamestown, Rhode Island. Since there were only three of us it was an insane amount of running around like crazy. This was the first time I really felt like a really integral part of the team. It was a gorgeous wedding. In fact, all the weddings I've worked or attended have been beautiful. I think what really sets the good apart from the best, are the people. In my experience, the least-stressed brides and grooms end up with the best results, and of course, having the most fun.

At the end of that first season I was sad to have to say goodbye. But mostly I was okay, since I was going back to college to see all my friends and make the most of my liver. I was also okay, because I was confident that my time with MJF wasn't over. I had worked really hard and established great working relationships and friendships. Spoiler alert, I was correct - told you, I'm mildly psychic.

A few months later, knowing Michael and the guys had their first dual, photo and cinema wedding coming up, I mentioned that I would be home if he needed me. I was hired to third shoot for the cinema team and that was my first paid video gig. I did a minimum of twenty different things wrong that day, but Michael proceeded to hire me for the following summer and still, to this day, trusts me to do good work for him.  

Realizing that someone I look up to, sees inherent value in what I do and in who I am, was a critical turning point in my professional career. I have grown tremendously as a creative professional and storyteller since working with Michael Justin Films and I'm happy to have cultivated relationships that will allow me to continue this growth and development.

I can't emphasize enough how important it is to surround yourself with good people. People who are good at, and passionate about what they do. People who are kind and generous. I really am lucky to have found a home with Michael Justin Films, I can only hope that more young people find the same kind of happiness and fulfillment in the work they do.

En route to the 2014 Michael Justin Films Holiday Party

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Holy Shameless

My heart still hurts from the latest episode of Shameless. I haven't been this shocked since my Breaking Bad days. It's hard not to take it personally. Oh man... I just can't even. However, I am happy to report that one good thing did come from the episode...and he is Elijah Wolf. I'm still unsure if it's just Elijah or if he is still collaborating with "the moon" - oh the hassle of contradicting sources!

Anyway, during the scene where Fiona is at Gus' apartment, Wolf's song, Map & Compass plays. It so perfectly sets the tone for the scene and really stood out among various other tracks. Upon learning the song's title, I promptly tracked it back to Elijah's site and even found him on Spotify. I highly encourage you to check him out. I'm also a fan of "New York City" and "Build These Walls."

So here I am, simultaneously furious with and just as equally, thankful for Shameless. For now, I suppose, Elijah's sweet voice will just have to drown out the sounds of my heartbreak.  

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Shredding and Pulling

I've started two little self-improvement projects: Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred and the fabulously trendy "oil pulling." I've completed JM's 30 Day Shred before and it is a huge kick in the ass. No matter how many times I've done it - the first few days are always an adjustment. Despite all the controversy surrounding The Biggest Loser, a show of which I've never really been a fan, I love JM's workout. It's straight to the point, and at only 20 minutes it doesn't infringe on my day at all.

The other little health gem I stumbled upon is "oil pulling." I read about it on Lauren Conrad's blog. This is also where I originally heard about the benefit about using coconut oil in my hair to keep it healthy and hydrated. I use a tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil and swish it around in my mouth while I shower. I've been doing this for about a week. I'm not sure if I necessarily feel the detoxifying effects yet, but my teeth are noticeably whiter, which alone is worth it. I'll be sure to let y'all know how it goes. Below are the links to the LC blog article and the workout. Enjoy!

http://laurenconrad.com/blog/2014/05/healthy-habits-what-is-oil-pulling/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Pc-NizMgg8        

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SB2K15

For those of you unfamiliar with the vernacular of today's youth... "SB2K15" stands for "Spring Break 2015." And yes, even though I have graduated and am living an "adult" life in Spain, I decided to continue with the time honored tradition of spring breaking by taking a backpacking trip through Spain, Morocco and France. I extended the usual one week affair to last three weeks and include stops in Barcelona, Sevilla, Málaga, Casablanca, Marrakech and Paris. Below are photos from Sevilla, Marrakech and Paris. I have a lot of blogging to do regarding this trip, but until then enjoy this little glimpse into my travels...

A Flamenco show at Casa de la Guitarra in Sevilla

Jemma el Fna, the old city markets of Marrakech 

People from all over the world admiring the Mona Lisa at Musée du Louvre 

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It's been a little while...

As a result of 50% laziness and 50% actually being semi-busy, it has been a very long while since I posted anything. If you're curious, this is basically what I've been up to...

I've been updating my photo portfolio site, going to brunch at Pandelino where the most heavenly strawberry, orange and lemon juice is perfectly brewed - seriously I've never tasted anything tastier. Usually I have about three cups of that stuff and a couple cafe con leches while chatting with my people, discussing important things like how Spanish guys aren't as attractive as we thought they'd be. I've also been catching up on shows, like Scandal, Grey's Anatomy, and How to Get Away with Murder... if you're sensing a theme that's because Shonda Rhimes is my spirit animal. I spent some time planning my upcoming three-week Euro-African adventure and also, applying to about one billion jobs all over the world just to learn the devastation of hitting send and then realizing that you've made a mistake in your cover letter to a really cool person who is looking for someone to fill your dream job. I've also been pretending to know what I'm doing with my life which is considerably more exhausting than I thought it would be. And that's basically what I've been doing. The gym, also going to the gym.

Over the course of typing that single paragraph I became so inspired so I started six next draft posts that I will work on posting soon. In the mean time, you should probably get to doing something more productive than reading this...

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Some Thoughts on Goals and Stuff

So. I guess it's 2015. That's weird to write.

So. Tomorrow I'll be 23. Wow. That's even weirder to write.

I've been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish in my twenty-third year. There's really so much I want to do that it's overwhelming. Luckily, while flipping through the latest issues of Women's Health I stumbled upon some much needed perspective about goals. Some wise woman over there at WH said, while it's great to have long term goals, it can be discouraging to not be able to make big strides towards your goals on a daily basis, so it's equally important to remember to focus on smaller, daily achievements.

The perfectionist in me gets so wrapped up in the major life changes I want to make that it's an endless cycle of starting and stopping, feeling motivated and discouraged, and inevitable very little changes. So this year, instead of attempting to pinpoint any of the typical, immense and unreasonable goals, I've made some daily goals to focus on. By next year I will be looking back on the result of 356 small achievements that when combined will add up to great things.

Speaking of life changes, I've also been looking into staying in Spain for another year. I go back and forth on the subject. But right now, I'm making plans to extend my stay. The past few months I have learned a lot about, well, about a lot. I thought I was independant before, but try living without a support system. Mostly it's very lonely, but when you're forced to get to know yourself and rely on yourself unlike ever before you realize how incredibly precious that is. I also want to travel more, I just don't feel like I've done enough. It's expensive and little difficult to get to places from La Coruña, but if I get my visa renewed for another year, that's another year full of traveling possibilities.

There is so much to see and to do, so many people to meet and experiences to share. I don't want to return home until I've done and seen everything, or at least enough to make me sound really cool and super marketable to employers...kidding... but not really. I also realized on my recent trip home for the holidays that my home, will always be there, my parents and my friends and my city will always have my heart. I guess those needlepoint pillows have a good point, "Home is where the heart is."

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