Today is Alek's birthday, and I am so excited I started working on this blog post days ago. Aleks is the other half of Calla Evans Photography and without her I would probably be half as productive, three times less fashionable and laugh a bazillion times less on the job. In fact, without Aleks there would be no Calla Evans Photography.
On the business end of things, Aleks is indispensable. She keeps me and everyone else organized, on time, and with a smile on their face. She's constantly amazing me with the images she captures, the stressful situations she's able to diffuse, and the way she's able to encourage me when I'm not having the rockin'est day. She knows what I need before I've even figured it out and most of the time we don't even have to talk when we're shooting, she just knows what to get and how to get it. And she is always so happy to stand in while I test my light for group shots or the cake cutting.
Allie, I know things weren't always easy this year. Some of our busiest weekends didn't always bring out the best in me, but you have been the best second shooter I could ever have asked for and the best friend I could ever have wished for. You're like the big sister I never had and I consider you and Nathan (and Addie) part of my family. You've been there for me during the toughest times of my life and without you I wouldn't have been able to live many of my dreams. You make me laugh, you make me think, you encourage me to be a better person and a better photographer.
You're also the most stylish, down to earth, loving, loyal, determined, caring and HOTTT (that's right, three t s) woman I know. Your dedication to your friends and family makes me love you and I'm amazed at everything you've done. Watching you cross the finish line at your first two races this year made me so happy! I'm so proud to call you my friend and I seriously cannot wait to see all the fantastic things you're going to accomplish next year and in the years ahead.
Happy birthday, awesome lady-pants. No, YOU'RE an awesome lady-pants. Good one!
* special thanks to Ryan for the photobooth images as well as the shot of Aleks and the shoes.
those dueling photographer photobooth images are fab!
Posted by: gwyneth colleen | November 12, 2008 at 01:56 AM
This is cute Calla. What a great tribute. You have been saving those up. Do you have a special outtakes folder? I do!
Posted by: rachel :: mergeweddings.com | November 12, 2008 at 07:10 AM
Aw, so much lovin'. Happy Birthday, Aleks!
Posted by: Tara McMullen | November 12, 2008 at 09:33 AM
this is amazing! i love the one of allie grinning like smiley squirrel in front of the bride at the front o' the church. classic allie. happy bday!!
Posted by: sara | November 12, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Aw, that is so sweet.....since we have a new era for change, i want one of those too. A second shooter that is as cute as that (nah, maybe not) and as fundamental. :) Congrats on finding yours!!
Posted by: Tomme Hilton | November 12, 2008 at 06:32 PM