Sgt. Daniel Gurr USMC

I am so behind on my posts but while I was home this past weekend, my mother informed me that she never gets to see my work because I always put it on Fb and I'm not the best at keeping up my blog and she doesn't have a FB account.  So I am going to TRY and be better for those who don't have FB ;)  

This past weekend I was able to drive to Vernal and be able to be apart of the most amazing, humbling and uniting experience that I have been apart of.  Sgt. Daniel Gurr was killed in Afghanistan while fighting for our freedom.  When I heard of this event, my immediate thoughts went to a 4 year old boy who had glasses and a smile that would melt your heart.  I babysat him and his siblings for years.  I personally think I got in more trouble as their babysitter then I did good.  We were always out digging in the back yard for treasure, I had bubbles everywhere but the most memorable is when we decided to do gymnastics in the front room and well...that huge chandelier just happened to get in my way of me doing a kart well which resulted in shattered glass everywhere....;)  Yes, I am telling all of my bad babysitting stories on here but honestly, that is what I thought of.  For some reason I remembered the shock look on his face when that happened and then his little boy laugh came out and we all kind of chuckled, I think it was more of a nervous chuckle as we all started to pick up all the glass (I mean, I picked it all up...;)).  But at night the kids would snuggle up with me as we watched TV.  Daniel was the one that snuggled me the most.  I seriously loved that kid. He was the kind that grabbed your heart and you wanted it to stay that way. 

It has been a little over 15 years since I had seen Daniel and what an amazing man he turned out to be.  I have read the articles, seen the pictures and my heart was full of gratitude for this young boy who had such a love for our country and knew what he wanted to do.  I wanted to be able to give something back and so I contacted the family and asked if I could shoot some of the events for them as a thank you for what he did.  I was amazed at the love that my small town of Vernal gave to the Gurr family.  My heart swelled with pride for such an amazing town that was so supportive and I was so grateful to be apart of it all.  

Unfortunately I wasn't able to be in all the places at once, and I didn't want to get in the way too much so I tried to stay back and capture what I could.  Thank you to the Gurr family for letting me share these and be apart of such an amazing experience.  As I was at the different events, I kept seeing flower arrangements or ornaments that would say, Grandson, Son. Brother and it had such a huge impact on me of not only did we lose a solider that day, but the Gurr family and the town of Vernal lost so much more.  Thank you Sgt. Daniel Gurr for the sacrifice that you gave to me and to all of us so that we are able to live our dreams while you gave your life living yours.  Rest in peace....

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The July that changed EVERYTHING!!

I have always loved the month of July.  When I hear July I always think of summer...boating, BBQ's, camping etc. Well 2 years ago, July became my favorite and most meaningful month to me for a completely different reason.  This time, 2 years ago I held my baby boy in my arms for the first time.  It was the moment that something that I have always wanted, became a reality....it was to be a mom, to have a child and to be a complete family.  After years of aching for a child, many miscarriages, failed fertility treatments and lots of tears, we now held in our arms and had in our life, the most perfect gift ever.  

I learned a lot that day about selfless love.  As I held my boy, with tears streaming down my cheeks, I looked over at his birth mom who had just gone through 12 hard hours of labor.  The love I felt for her was instant.  I looked at her and she looked back at me with a smile on her face and I believe we both knew at that moment that this is how God intended it to be.  As we embraced each other later, the words 'I love you' was whispered from our lips to one another.  Those words couldn't have rang more true to someone than they did that day.  I love her for so many reasons.  I love her for giving me something that I desperately wanted, but couldn't give myself.  For trusting me to raise and love this child.  For loving her boy enough to place him with us because she knew she couldn't give him what he needed at that time in her life.  I loved her for her courage, for her faith and for her strength.  I loved her for this perfect baby that she allowed to call me 'Mom".

It was a year later that I ran across this poem and it is something I read often.

Once there were two women who never knew each other

One you do not remember, the other you call Mother

Two different lives shaped to make you one

One became your guiding star, the other became your sun

The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it

The first gave you a need for love, the second was there to give it

One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name

One gave you a talent, the other gave you aim

One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears

One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried you tears

One made an adoption plan, that was all that she could do

The other prayed for a child, and God led her straight to you.

Now, which of these two women, Are you the product of?

Both, my darling, Both, Just two different types of love.

---- Unknown

I have thought many times about that day in the hospital.  What a whirl wind of emotions we had that day.  Besides my wedding day, I know that was one of the most PERFECT days of my life.  If there was one thing I could have added to it, I would have hired a professional photographer to capture all those small moments, emotions and expressions that day in the hospital.  For me, I didn't have 9 months to watch my belly grow, to feel the baby kick, to have an ultrasound, or hear the heart beat for the first time.  All of my emotions and moments were in that very moment of the Dr. telling my husband and I to put on our gowns because the baby was ready to come.  I remember when he told me that, the tears started....and they didn't stop.  I couldn't believe that I was there in that room, at that time, preparing to meet the little boy I had only dreamed about for years.  The birth aunt got some amazing pictures that I CHERISH with all of my heart.  Those pictures say more than words can say.  I am grateful for those.

However; I have thought so much about that idea of having a photographer there, that I want to be able to do that for someone in that same stage of life that we were in.  So I am asking for all of your help.  If you know of a birth mom and adopted family that will be doing a 'placement' soon (in the state of Utah).  I would love to capture that moment for them...for FREE!   So please be my eyes and ears and keep me informed if you know of anyone that would be interested.

In addition to that, my August is getting pretty booked so I am limited with my spots but I am going to take $100 off my session for any adopted family that books a session in August.  It will be a first come, first serve basis for the first 3 families that contact me and book their appointment.

I have such a love for adoption.  It is amazing how my journey the last few years have led me to where I am.  My love for photography, my amazing family,a wonderful husband, friends and sweet little boy.  I have met some amazing birth moms, adopted families, adopted children and amazing organizations that have taught me so much these last few years.  I am grateful for all of them!

I took this picture a few weeks ago and it melted my heart.  This is why I feel so blessed...this is what completes me.  

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SLC Fitness Challenge

Let me start out by saying how proud I am of those that have entered and for the difference they have made in themselves physically and mentally.  It was so fun throughout the course to get emails telling me how excited they were, that they just signed up to do a marathon for the first time, how they have been able to fit in a pair of pants that have been hanging in their closet for years, or when they were struggling that working out was their 'out'.  I loved reading it and I have totally enjoyed seeing the results!!  So, you are all winners in my eyes.

The contest is now live and the one with the most votes (aka 'likes' on FB) wins a FREE session with Briana Marie Photos, a FREE makeover with A Hair Makeover and 7 free personal training sessions with Steve Gewondjan.  The contest will end at midnight August 2nd.  So please help these two out and go and 'like' the one you think has transformed their body the most.  

I have added a few testimonials that I thought were pretty awesome.

"I'm just so grateful to you for doing the competition and giving me some motivation to get back on track with my fitness!!!  I've lost 20lbs and a bunch of inches, and now I'm only 10lbs from my goal!! I can't believe I'm so close!  I've been doing Weight Watchers for a full year now but I'd hit a plateau after losing the first 30lbs and this has really helped me so much to lose another 20.  Because of wanting to do well in the competition, I found an AMAZING book as a recommendation from my cousin Heather called "This is Why You're Fat" by Jackie Warner (I know funny title, but the book is awesome).  That book has helped me make some really dramatic changes to the way I eat, mostly with not eating much sugar at all, but there's a lot more to it than that, and I feel like they'll be lifelong changes that are going to change my life forever.  Plus I just feel so much stronger and healthier, so that's the best reward I could ask for.  I mean, I just ran 18.4 miles over a 24hr period in the Ragnar Relay, I'm running a half marathon at the end of this month, and a full marathon in September!  I can't believe all this stuff I'm doing!  It's so fun and exciting.  Thank you SOOO much!!!!  Really, I am so grateful to you for that." -Jessica N.

"For me, my journey was all about taking advantage of the time I had to go to the gym and workout. When I was there, I did my best to push myself beyond my previous limits. One thing that I found to be especially helpful was going with friends who pushed me to do one more rep or one more set when ordinarily the debate would be bouncing around on whether or not I wanted to. If I were to describe my journey in one phrase -- carpe diem. Seize the day and seize the moment!!"-KC M.

 "I wanted to thank you for challenge because it was a kick in the pants I needed. I don't handle stress very well, and the past few months (well years) have been very stressful, but since starting the challenge, the stress didn't seem to bother me as much. I embraced the stress and allowed it to work with me instead of against me (for example, I allowed it to fuel my workouts).  I also found myself challenging fears and concerns. I started running, something I didn't think I would ever do since I had knee surgery a few years ago and the doctor said I wouldn't be able to. I ran a little further every day and was able to work up to 10 miles in a day. Now it wasn't always the fastest running, but slow and steady wins the race. :) I also lost about 25 pounds! :o) I love the changes I am seeing and feeling and don't plan on stopping the challenge any time soon (and by that, I mean ever).
I must admit I wasn't always 100% perfect everyday, and at first I felt guilty when I slipped a little. But over the past few weeks I discovered the challenge wasn't about being 100% health nut guru, it was about finding 100 % balance. Balance between working hard, enjoying the hard word, and enjoying the results. So again, thank you for the challenge! :)" -Wendi M.

Thanks you guys!  You are a huge inspiration to me!  Keep up the good work!!

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God's Country

"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."  ~Ansel Adams

The amazing thing about these photographs is that they are ALL in the same location within 45 minutes of each other.....Glad I was there to capture some of the beauty!

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Tough Guy

So I don't normally post a lot of the pictures I take of my little guy, but thought these would be fun to share.  I am also adding a few that we took at the zoo, since he LOVES animals.  I was wanting to go shoot on Sunday so I dressed my little guy up and took off.  He didn't have the same idea  that I did....he did not want me to photograph him at all!  He was actually quite upset with me and you can see in the first picture....lol.  This kid is normally ALWAYS smiling, so I kind of enjoyed getting a few with his pouty face. 

I obviously got my smile after he had a few M&M's ;)

His favorite animals are elephants, tigers and giraffe's.  He cracks us up when he goes around the house making the sounds of each one.  For a giraffe he just raises his head really high....love this age!  I really wanted to find a way to jump the wall and get my lens through the fence for the picture of the tiger, but I guess what I had is good enough for the time being...

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Uintah Basin 'Best In You' Fitness Challenge

Ask and ye shall receive...;)  I have had so many people email me telling me that they wanted to do a competition there in the Basin that I decided that I could make it work.  So after lots of phone calls, emails and talking to a few businesses I am excited to be launching the Uintah Basin 'Best in You' Fitness Challenge.  For those that are seeing it for the first time, if you scroll below you can see a similar challenge that I am doing in Salt Lake and Utah County and what inspired me to get this started.  I am so excited for the commitment and changes that I am have seen in me and others already.

So this is how you get started in the challenge:

 1. You must submit a before photo by May 1, 2011 (These will not go on FB.  They will be submitted to me at brianamariephotos@gmail.com.  Don't be afraid of submitting a before picture.  I am the only one that sees it at this point.  

  2.  You have until August 1st to transform your body.  We aren’t looking for who lose the most weight.  This isn't a weight competition, it is a healthy lifestyle change.  The winner will be based upon who has the most amazing body transformation

3. On August 1st all ‘after’ pictures need to be submitted to my email along with a short story (less than 400 words) of your journey and how you accomplished what you did.
We will have a panel of 4 fitness advisers look over the picture and your journey and pick the top 3 transformations.  

4. The top 3 will have their before and after pictures posted on my FB photography page and we will let the ‘fans’ pick the winner. So get your friends, family, co-workers to be apart of this. If you are picked as one of the top 3 you will be so proud of yourself for the transformation that you will want everyone to see the transformation you made with all your hardwork and dedication. 

 So what do you WIN????

* The one with the most ‘likes’ will win a FREE photo shoot with me, Briana Marie Photos, a FREE massage from Lisa Campbell at Streamline Massage, a FREE double dip (which is a tan and spray tan combo) from Sunkissed Tanning and $75.00 gift certificate to New Look Salon for FREE! This is a value of approx. $400.00 that you will get for absolutely FREE.  
 
*Everyone who participates by submitting before and after pictures will receive $50 off a photos session with me.
Also, as part of the deal, my personal trainer that I work out with is happy to answer questions and recommend supplements.  He is amazing, so feel free to drop him a line.  Steve at Living Fit 365.

Let's make this lifestyle change for your family, your mental attitude, your health and overall well being.  I am doing it right along side of you.  I am so excited!  Let’s make this happen together!!  Get all of your friends and family involved so that we can have a healthier you, a healthier family and overall just bring out the 'Best in You'!    

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Allow yourself to shine!

This morning I woke up with so much gratitude in my heart and couldn't help but want to express it.  When I first decided I wanted to do photography, I knew nothing about ANYTHING regarding photography.  Sometimes I feel like I am still there....lol.   Okay, not really but there is always so much more to learn and grasp that is amazes and overwhelms me at the same time.  It is truly a challenge that I am loving.  Yes, I always was one that carried a camera around and took a million shots and loved the beauty of 'capturing a moment' but there was something in me that wanted more, that wanted to share what I saw...that wanted to express what my heart felt. 

Interesting enough, I am one that keeps letters, notes, suggestions, and I write them down.  I came across something the other day that was told to me years ago.  It said, "You have talents that you don't even know exist yet.  Find those and challenge them..."  I have been thinking about that a lot the last few days, and I am so excited to continue to increase this talent and love for photography.   I have been the 'career woman' as a successful beautician in a high-end salons and also becoming a success Real Estate agent.  But as much as I loved both of those, I ached for more.  I wanted something that was going to allow me to be me, that was going to get me out of my comfort zone in a way that was fun and exciting. I am to a point now that I don't sleep because I am so excited with ideas or shoots I just did or am going to do...I drive around and see the beauty in everything....it is amazing how I am much more open and amazed by the smallest things around me that make such a huge impact.  

So,  I woke up this morning and realized how many good people are in my life and I am so extremely grateful.  I know nothing about technology.  Yes, it is true.  I can check my email and text and that is about the extent of it all...okay I know how to get on FB and blog as well.  But, now, that is seriously all!!  I have contacted complete strangers asking how to do things, who are NOW life long friends and mentors, friends and family have supported me, encouraged me and helped me out.  There are those days that I sit and wonder, am I good enough?  Where do I begin?...I have always had someone to pick me back up, give me words of wisdom, encouragement and push me along and for that I am extremely grateful.  I have come across the ones that have tried to tell you that you aren't good enough, to give up, to walk away...but I have realized that those people are not happy with their life and they don't want you to succeed.  The ones that are always there for you, and making you realize how amazing you are, those are the ones I want in my life and I am grateful to have so many.  It also made me realize that I want to be that same person for others.  

I heard a photography that I really admire say, 'Dreams don't go on sale!" JD And he is right, they don't.  There is never a good time, enough money to do what you want, or enough confidence to start....the secret is to just do it.  Push away your fears, push away your doubts, take a risk and jump in!!  You will be so happy that you did.  I heard a quote that I continue to think about...‎

"There is a difference between interest & commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when its convenient. When you're committed to something, 

you accept NO excuses; only results." Unknown

So I wanted to say thank you.  Thank you to those who believed in me and continue to believe in me.  Thank you to those who encourage me and are helping me making my dreams come true.  I couldn't do it without you!!

My wish for you is that you will live your dream in return, that you will take that risk that will bring you more joy than you ever thought possible.  Everyone of us is amazing and has our own unique talents, do not forget that!  You have a story to tell, so tell it!

"Sometimes we risk our dreams for safety and comfort, but I was ready to risk safety and comfort for my dreams." Jasmine Star

Allow yourself to shine.....

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