Mélanie Driedger Photography

I just had one of the craziest, but inspiring weekends… so I thought I’d share it with you!

I have an amazing friend Angela who has been putting on this sweet girls conference (Perfectly Flawed) for the past 4 years.

This years theme was “Awake” – emphasizing that we can BE THE CHANGE; one person CAN make a difference.  She asked me to share some of my story of doing missions work in Africa and how that affected my decision to be part of an awareness rally on Saturday (The Rescue of Joseph Kony’s Child Soldiers).  Story after story, we were all inspired to actually do the things that make our hearts jump.  I was telling my girls that sometimes it feels like there’s SO much that can be done and it can be a LOT overwhelming – but if we each do a little… it will make a BIG difference.

One of my favourite parts of PF is the fashion show that they put on.  The wonderful Lisa heads this up with tons of help from her youth girls…  Here are some photos from this “modest is hottest” show

This is the very talented Angela

The girls makeup was soooooo amazingly done!!

Don’t you love the feathers on their eyes

Everyone who made it happen…

Dearest Sarah, I’m so happy that I was able to sing with you this past weekend! You rock!

The very talented sisters… Lisa & Gloria.

Thanks to the lovely Laura for snatching my camera and taking the next two photos of me, Angela, and Sarah singing it up!

Let me encourage you to find an organization that you believe in… and help support it.
Here’s a really amazing one that I learned about this weekend. Check it out! Oppurtunity International

Justin and I spent a lot of time together this past year traveling the world, seeing new things, helping other people… more than usual.  We had a life experience that pushed us to realize that life’s a little too short to “wait” for the “right” time to do the important things we love and care about.

A year ago today, Justin mom’s died peacefully in her sleep for no reason. ”No reason” for someone leaving this earth can be a hard thing to take or to grasp.   You realize that although you can try and plan your life as best as you can, you’re not in control of the universe.  And because I don’t know when it will be my last day, Justin’s last day, my mom’s last day…… it’s important to take extra time with them doing the things that are important to us.

It was so great to read Jasmine Star’s post from yesterday (http://www.jasminestarblog.com) because that’s exactly where my heart & mind was at!

Today, why don’t you take some extra time with someone YOU love, doing something you LOVE to do, because you never know when your time together will be cut short!

This post is dedicated to Mom Driedger

Justin and I had an awesome opportunity to learn from [b]ecker last week (http://www.beckersblog.com).  He’s a fabulous photographer from Southern California who has helped so many other photographers get to where they’re at today.  He shares so openly about his successes with his business and truly wants that for those who want to work for it!  He also co-founded the [b]school where photographers all over the world meet up and share ideas and help each other out!

Anyway, we had a GREAT day.  He talked for hours… then he did a short shoot with Justin & I (since the models didn’t show up), then he took headshots of us…

I learned so much and feel so inspired!

He’s quite the funny guy

Here’s [b]ecker taking a headshot of Emma Smallbone of barebonephoto

Another new friend… Sandra Regier (mother of 5 – I know can you believe it… I’m still shocked!!)

David Biesse and [b]ecker chatting it up

I’m pretty sure Dave just showed [b]ecker a shortcut in photoshop Definitely worth a hug!!

I love when I start feeling like I’m part of the family.  It’s a great feeling!  I’ve had so much fun photographing some special moments for the Rowntree’s.  I photographed Sarah & Jesse’s wedding in 2007… Aaron & Kariann’s newborn Carter back in December… and now their WHOLE family.  As you scroll down, you’ll see grandma and grandpa!  They made us laugh so much! So cute!

can you feel the love?

You wouldn’t remember Sarah & Jesse because I shot their wedding before I started blogging!
It was so nice to see you guys again!

By far my favourite shot!

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On a side note.  Although my twitter says: NO COMMENT today.  I couldn’t help myself. It’s April 6th and it’s supposed to be SPRING.  But… spring this year is looking a whole lot like winter!!  I looked out the window this morning and saw THIS:

Is this going to last foreveeeeer???