1.23.2008

Wow Val, VOW?!

Ok, so I just made up that title to grab your attention. I hope it worked. I'll get to the reason for the title in just a second.

Neil got to south China safe and sound today. He flew on a puddle jumper plane from where he was to an area 2 hours outside of Hong Kong. He said he was the only white guy on the plane and he got a lot of looks from Chinese people who, keep in mind, are at least a foot shorter than him. So he's not only getting looks for being caucasian but for also being 6'4" and blonde with blue eyes :c) I think it's funny.

On a different note, I'm so proud of him for traveling alone like he is in such a large country that he's getting to experience a lot of. But again, I'm glad it's him and not me :c)

He said he is so happy to be in a area that isn't so uncivilized. He said it was pretty bad where he was. I forgot to mention in my "China, oh China" post, that none of the factories or restaurants that he visited were heated. They had heating but just didn't use it because they didn't have the funds to. So he said when you're inside you're in coats and sweaters and in restaurants you are served by waitresses with sweaters and scarves on. Is that not hard to fathom?! He said he's so so happy to be in a warmer part of the country just for that reason alone. I am happy for him, too!

3 days and he will be back home!!!!!!!!

Okay, so on to my Wow Val, VOW?!

I have some of the most exciting news ever to share. This might even sit above the revamping of my website and logo. I'm so so so so so excited about this!

Last week I was contacted by an editor for a magazine who said this, "We are still accepting submissions for our upcoming Spring/Summer 2008 issue of Wedding VOW magazine in the Champaign, IL area—and I wanted to see if you had any photos you want to submit."

So I submitted a few pictures from an August wedding and a December wedding not thinking I would ever in a million years get chosen, but today I got two emails saying "I'm happy to inform you that we've selected the attached photo to be used in our 'I Do' section for our upcoming Spring/Summer 2008 issue of Wedding VOW magazine" and, "I'm happy to inform you that we have selected the wedding of Holly & Brandon to be highlighted in the 'Real Wedding' section of Wedding VOW magazine. Congratulations!"

This means, (okay, so imagine me screaming this part as you read it . . . ) I will have a photo in the "I Do" section of the magazine and also I will have the main highlighted section of the entire magazine in the "Real Weddings" section!!!!

I am so absolutely thrilled. Not so much on the publicity, because I'm not sure I want to shoot more weddings, however maybe this will give me the chance to shoot more creative ones. But mostly, I'm just really happy and proud because I never ever in a million billion trillion years thought 1) I would own a business, 2) I would be a photographer, 3) I would be the sole owner and photographer for a business for over 5 years or 4) I would actually make strides in doing all of the above. I'm just really happy and proud that things have went as they have. I didn't even try to get my name submitted. That's when you know it's God allowing you to be who you were created to be.

I'm also slightly excited because, as you'll see in the example of the current "Real weddings" section, the featured photographer is my main competitor and my former boss. I think this probably is the icing on the cake :c)

I am so so so so excited and absolutely could not keep from sharing.

:c)
This is the current "Real Wedding" feature (not mine . . . yet) :c)

17 comments:

Our Home Schooler and Jen said...

CONGRATULATIONS Val
will you post the photos etc when your one comes out pretty please
Jen

Jennifer said...

wow, that is GREAT! Congrats VAL! God is so Good!

MP said...

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS HUG!!!
WOW...

Anonymous said...

*squeals with delight*

Val! This is fabulous, and I am so thrilled for and with you. I can't wait to see your photos in the published issue. Congratulations!

Unknown said...

Awww, you guys!! Thank you so much!!!!! :):):)

MP said...

...hey, you've been tagged for a meme..come on over..

Unknown said...

Two more sleeps and then hubby will be back home! Just had to throw that in there somewhere. I'm so happy!!!! Tonight we're off for a friend's daughter's 5th b-day party. Thanks for all the great thoughts and congratulations on this magazine. I'm still just radiating with happiness. I can't wait to see it and absolutely I will be showing you all!! :)

Val

Michelle said...

OH HOW EXCITING!

Yay for you, you talented girl!! :):)

Katie said...

Terrific news, Valley! And quite deserved--you take beautiful photos. Love to all!

Unknown said...

I just found out that the zine comes out in April and will be distributing 10,000 locally. I'm excited :)

Johanna said...

Yahoooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!! Congrats, girl! So exciting!

ohAmanda said...

I think I just got chills, Val! How absolutely wonderful. I think what it will do is just elevate your business--more creativity, more weddings to choose from and more money! What a great gift from God to YOU!

Unknown said...

Yea!!!! I am so happy for you this is super exciting. I am so glad I was able to become your friend your success is absolutely inspiring!

Anonymous said...

How cool! I want to see this when it comes out!! Hope you'll be able to do Chloe's wedding someday.hehe
Vic

Corie said...

A big CONGRATS to you Val!
This is awesome!!! :)
I hope I can see it when it comes out in April!!

Alexis Jacobs said...

I'll be able to say "I Knew val when..." Can I have your autograph :)

Unknown said...

Alexis, you are a dork :-p