The simple life

For some reason I decided to cut my lawns instead of going into office this morning. After completing the necessary activities, like taking the kids to school and checking my e-mails(yes, I still do that the old-fashioned way, on my computer, as I do not have a blackberry or I-Phone) I donned my cap and headed out into the yard...

After completing my first lawn at about 9:15, I sat on my home-made bench which is anchored to my Mango tree, and in the shade of my Mango tree drank my first glass of ice cold water. I listened to the birds singing in the trees, enjoyed a cool breeze that passed through the Mango tree and smiled as I remembered all those people hard at work in their offices. This, is why I do what I do, I thought, and smiled some more.

I was jolted back to reality by the gargantuan sneeze of a pedestrian on the street nearby and as I headed inside for some more water I felt that at that moment, despite everything, my life was perfect...

www.toppindesignz.com

One of my brides has started a company to cater to brides. her website is www.toppindesignz.com She is really a fantastic person to deal with with an eye for detail and the unusual. I encourage anyone getting married to visit her website.

You can view some images from her wedding on the Knot here.

Anniversary Reflections

As I approach my 14th wedding anniversary I have been reflecting on the changes and experiences we have seen as a couple. We have had our ups and downs together but I feel that our view of marriage as a permanent bond has helped us work successfully through stressful situations.

As I consider the couples I have the privilege of working with, my best advice is this: forgive each other, try to make each other happy and realize that you are both different and will never be exactly alike. My wife still hopes that someday I will learn to cook more than eggs, rice and porridge. I still hope that someday she will learn to edit video as well as I can; until then, she cooks and I edit. Life is all about compromise.

I wish all my couples long and happy marriages, I thank my wife for loving and supporting me these fourteen years and I thank God for his blessings and the principles in the Bible by which I strive to live.

Gary Masters thoughts for 2010

At the begining of each year I take a little time to reflect.(emphasis on little as there are tons of work waiting.) With all the turmoil of the past year(my condolences to Tiger Woods), many seem to view 2010 with some trepidation.

While this is understandable, I feel it is both unnecessary and counter productive. Live with moderation, think creatively, and recognise a higher power in the universe, that is my suggestion. I you have difficulty with thinking positively, read a book on the subject. Start by writing down all the reasons you have to be thankful, and use this as your launching pad for making 2010 your best year yet.

I wish to thank all my clients for availing themselves of our services during this past year. I wish all my brides and grooms and their families health, wealth and happiness as they make their lives together. I wish to thank my fantastic wife for her unwavering support and hard work in making our company a success. I wish to thank God for the health, strength, creativity and other numerous blessings he continues to bestow on us.

I wish to thank my parents for the education and background they gave me. I always had a very stable family life growing up, and I have inherited my Dad's disdain for mediocrity.

I pause here to mention a photographer, Collin Reid, who in my estimation is the top PR photographer in Jamaica today. My mentor in many ways, Colin shares everything, his experience, his trade secrets, his time and his cash. I seriously treasure our association and thank him publicly for all the valuable insights he readily shares with me.

As we move forward, remember that our life is what we make it. Don't sit down cursing your life, your boss, your government or the economy and getting depressed, do something. I genuinely enjoy my life and my lifestyle, my job and my family and resolve to continue to do so regardless of the economy, the government or bad-minded people(and there are plenty of those). May you be similarly blessed...

Life's Lessons(Colin Powell)

My wife sent me the following e-mail this morning which is attributed to Colin Powell. I think it is an excellent way to live. While not easy, it is how I live my life. I share it here for your benefit:

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that dont help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that dont increase you will eventually decrease you.

Consider this: Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.

Don’t follow anyone who is not going anywhere. With some people, you spend an evening. With others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.

"A mirror reflects a man's face. But what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate- for the good and the bad. BE NOT MISTAKEN! This is applicable to family as well as friends. Yes, do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family- for they will always be your family. Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above.

"In prosperity, our friends know us. In adversity, we know our friends." "Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them." "If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, develop the habit in little matters." - Colin Powell

Micas and Kevin

Micas is somewhat a perfectionist, yet she was surprisingly calm at her wedding. She seemed to forget about everything else and concentrated on marrying the man she loves, Kevin. Kevin seems to be a laid back kinda guy, enjoying the enchantment of the day. Oh, I almost forgot to mention; Micas is stunningly beautiful. But then a picture says a thousand words (or something like that)...

Giveaway for January 2010 - Photography or videography for 1 destination wedding in Ocho Rios or Montego Bay Jamaica - couple pays transportation cost of U$200.00 that's all! images on CD or video on DVD at no cost. Send info with date, a photo of both of you and why you think you should receive this gift.

Safiya & Andre - Gary Masters at Large

I've gotten several calls and reminders that i've overlooked my blog for too long. Sorry about that, but with the recession coming I'm working a lot harder to ensure that I put away enough for a rainy day. I suggest that you do too!

I'm posting shots from Safia and Andre's wedding. Here is proof that opposites attract! They complement each other perfectly! They are the force behind Pastry Passions in Sovereign Centre And Manor park in Kingston Jamaica. Simply fantastic cakes chocolates and other exquisite delights. I carry the kids there all the time.

Back to the wedding; There was absolutely no evidence of any recession at this wedding which was celebrated at the fabulous Strawberry Hills resort & Spa. This, I suspect, is the kind of wedding every little girl-and apparently some big girls too-dreams of. The food was awesome and plentiful, the bride looked spectacular, the wedding cake was a peacock, the couple's first dance was hot, the father/daughter dance almost brought tears to my eyes and the bride's sister was a trip!

Safiya’s philosophy is just fantastic: “There is no room whatsoever for mediocrity in the pursuit of greatness. Never become complacent.”

We wish them both health, wealth and happiness.

Shani & Arty Wedding Slideshow

Masters Weddings at the Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa - Jamaica

Jacqueline & Derek flew all the way from the United Kingdom to be wed in Jamaica. The wedding was held at the fabulous Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa 3,100 feet above sea level in the world famous Blue Mountains.

(BTW-the hors d'oeuvres were out of this world! I will look for my list, yes I had to wite them down, and post when I find it. That chef is awesome to put it mildly)

Another fantastic couple, they were both easy going and a pleasure to work with. all the best guys!

Masters weddings on vacation

I took what my wife told me was to be our first non-work related vacation in 13 years. I feel every child should go to Disney at least once so I carried the family to Disney in Orlando. Stephanie, Jonathan and even my wife Zahra enjoyed themselves immensely. They even went on outdoor rides in the rain.(fanatics) We also went to the Wet 'n Wild water park, Chuck E. Cheese etc. Perry Ellis, Brooks Brothers, Best Buy, Sunglass Hut, those were the highlight of my trip!

Oh, by the way I came back more tired than when I left. A vacation with a 3 year old & a 6 year old does not lend itself to much rest. We stayed at the beautiful Westgate Palace Resort which has an excellent gym. I worked out every day of the week except one.

My Job is like a vacation to me, honestly I realy love every aspect of my work. Its great to be back.

I "borrowed" these quotes from someone's facebook page. I think they hit the nail on the head regarding how we should approach life. Its how i try to live:

Burn the candles, use the nice sheets. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special!
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
If you don't ask, you don't get.
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

I'll never forget my Soap-On-A-Rope; was saving it for a special occasion years ago and thieves broke into my house and stole it!

Shani & Arty-More to come.

Stephanie Masters Graduates

With pomp and circumstance befitting royalty, Stephanie & a bunch of her 3 year old schoolmates graduated from Rainbowland. Stephanie seemed quite bored with the talking parts of the ceremony, but participated with requisite gusto in the singing sections. Stephanie is loved by her teachers & schoolmates and now moves into another chapter of her life. Big brother Jonathan enjoyed the moment with his mom as part of the large audience.

I wholehartedly recommend Rainbowland as one of the greatest places to send your little ones to start their schooling. The teachers shower them with love, the education is excellent, the mix of students is fantastic (and all the teachers speak the queen's english), the other parents are quite nice (regardless of the fact that many of them are obviously seriously rich). I think its the best start you can give your little ones.

Masters Weddings - Jacqueline & Don

The wedding of Jacqueline & Don proved once again that recession or no recession love will continue to be celebrated in fine style. This wedding was first class all the way; from the decor at the chapel & the Jamaica Pegasus, to the attire of the bridal party, to the helicopter that transported the couple from the ceremony to the reception.

Another fantastic couple who were a pleasure to work with. Thanks for the honor of covering your wedding guys, we wish you all the best for the rest of your lives together.

Sheri-Ann & Allan-Ritz Carlton Jamaica

It was perfect, just perfect. The gentle breeze, the ocean waves, the strings of the violin, the notes of the saxophone, the couple. Everything was perfect. Karen & Marsha of the Ritz Carlton were attentive to every need of the bride & groom and were fun to work with.

I liked Sheri-Ann & Allan from the very first time we met. They are just so cool & easy-going its unbelievable. (They also have a HGTV type house with a killer view and I'm an HGTV addict) The food at the Ritz was awesome and the cheesecake was almost decadent in its lovliness.(can I say that about food?) Anyway, it was a great wedding of a great couple who we wish all the best.

PS. On a sad note, Sheri-Ann's Dad passed away since the wedding. Our sincere condolences go out to the Sheri-Ann, Allan and the family.

There was singing , there was dancing, there was laughing, there was crying, there was kissing... and this was all at the cermony. Kandise and Oronde were wed in fine style. The chapel was excellently decked out, the bride was beautiful and her dress came with the designer who ensured it was correctly fitted(talk about taking service to new heights!) The reception which followed at the Caymanas Golf & Country Club was a similarly elegant affair. The groom's choice of music was right up my street. We wish you all the best guys!

My motivation

To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy.
-Henri Cartier-Bresson

I saw this quote on Mike Colon's blog today and it captures the essence of my feelings about what I do. My work stopped being just a job years ago. Its a constant adventure where I compete against myself vigourously, aiming every day and every wedding to top my previous best. For me this is the essence of living and growing. The intelectual stimulation I receive from wedding photography & videography mutes the problems and stresses of everyday life.

Everyone should be this fortunate. Everyone should have this much fun. How many people work a 21 hour day(OK take out 1 hour for part of a 007 movie and 1 hour with the family) and go to bed with a smile on their face beside a beautiful(albeit sleeping)woman?

Life is really what you make it and it doesn't necessarily take a lot of money(although having a lot of money does help) to have a fulfilling life. The fact that you can have two people doing the same job making the same amount of money with one loving it and one hating it proves this.
Ask youself;how do I see what I do for a living?

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

Destination Wedding Special - Jamaica

Destination Weddings in Ocho Rios & Montego Bay - limited run special package - http://tinyurl.com/dynykj/info3/

Secret of success - in nine words

Secrets of success-9 words. Thanks Becker.

Passion-Hard Work-Good-Focus-Push-Serve-Ideas-Persist

Go to the video link for a 3 minute explanation. This was passed on by a friend.