Orange County Los Angeles San Diego Wedding Photography - Frenzel Photographers » Derek & Sarah

“A farmer plows his field, sows the seed, fertilizes, and cultivates—all the while knowing that in the final analysis he is utterly dependent on forces outside of himself. He knows he cannot cause the seed to germinate, nor can he produce the rain and sunshine for growing and harvesting the crop. For a successful harvest, he is dependent on these things from God. Yet the farmer knows that unless he diligently pursues his responsibilities to plow, plant, fertilize, and cultivate, he cannot expect a harvest at the end of the season. In a sense, he is in a partnership with God, and he will reap its benefits only when he has fulfilled his own responsibilities. Farming is a “joint venture” between God and the farmer. The farmer cannot do what God must do and God will not do what the farmer should do.“

We were recently asked about how we got started and grew as a company, and as I listened to this story, I realized exactly how similar this is to our life as artists and business owners. We cannot do what only God must do, and God won’t do what he has called us to pursue- it’s a partnership where we take action, but God ultimately produces the results. Proverbs 19:21 says: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” We can “plant the seed” with thoughtful marketing, offering a good service, and taking images that people like, but we can’t create the sunshine or rain. Sometimes our work is laborious, sometimes it’s easy. Since I left my job almost 3 years ago we’ve worked hard and accomplished a lot, but it would be foolishness to think that the “work of our hands” was truly the work of our hands. We decided that trusting in God’s leading was way better than trying to figure things out on our own- and ultimately He is the reason for any success we’ve had. So today, I’d like to invite you on a “joint venture” with God. Take the leap. Open your hands. Trust with your heart. Cause life is good on the farm…

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2011 Engagement Favorites

Derek & Sarah — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:06:29 +0000

Here’s a few of our favorite engagment shots of 2011…

Please stop by and visit…

8 years…

Derek & Sarah — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:41:29 +0000

“Well we finally made it! The day we’ve talked about for so long is finally here… I’ve never seen you look so gorgeous. The chapel looks so amazing… Well, I came to the conclusion pretty quickly that there is no way to condense the many things I want to express to you today into just a few minutes- but I’m going to try.

Sarah, I am honored to be standing in your presence of such a Godly woman. Your heart for the Lord and simplicity of faith encourages me to leave behind the complications of relying on my own strength. You desire to serve and nurture those close to you has shown me what true sacrificial love is.

Your child-like innocence and playful affection always bring a smile to my face; and lastly, the beauty God has created you with, both inside and out, inspires me to be a man after God’s own heart.

Sarah I am not a humble man; I am weak, oversensitive, and can do nothing in my own strength. I don’t know the first thing about being a husband and a spiritual leader, but God does. In Him I am strong; in Him I gain wisdom, and only in him can I stand here today. I don’t deserve to have you and all of this. I don’t deserve anything, but yet I have received everything.

The biggest blessing God has brought into my life aside from salvation is you. When we first began dating I didn’t know what I wanted in a girlfriend; God is so faithful that through you, he gave me everything I needed in a wife.

In Proverbs 30:18-19 it says: “There are 3 things that are too amazing for me, 4 that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.” Wise men 3,000 years ago stood amazed at the courtship process; it’s no wonder than that I, too, stand in awe of what we have become.

From the moment we were born God knew of this day. He formed us in the womb and brought us into our families lives; he gave us such distinct upbringings, and he purposed us together in His glory.

Sarah, when I look into your eyes I see Jesus Christ; I see his compassion, His grace, His wisdom and most of all His love. Knowing that I will be that much closer to my Savior every time I see you for the rest of my life gives me such comfort. I am not afraid to give you my heart; Sarah, it is yours to hold, protect, care for and follow as I strive to lead us to the throne of Christ. And so I stand here today, Sarah Wandrey, soon to be Sarah Frenzel, in front of hundreds of our family and friends to proclaim that you are my wife of noble character. I have full confidence in you; you lack nothing of value. You are clothed with strength and dignity, you speak with wisdom; our children will call you blessed, as will I. Today I am receiving the greatest gift of my life- the gift of a wife who fears the Lord.

I love you so much Pea.”

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A cute DIY backyard wedding {Sue & Nico- preview}

Derek & Sarah — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:10:09 +0000

It all started with a meet-cute in Scotland…

Please stop by and visit…

Dana Point Engagement Pictures {Tim & Kristie}

Derek & Sarah — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:30:03 +0000

Tim & Kristie are all around good people- easy going and great to talk with. It was a little chilly in Dana Point when we did their shoot, but Derek and I had such a fun time joking around with them as we adventured over cliffs, bushes, rocks- you name it. We met them through Tim’s friend Joe, whose wedding we’re also shooting this summer- it’s always good to work with friends of friends! Onto their day…

Beautiful.

After shooting for a while up on the cliffs of Dana Point (which was a bit scary, btw), we headed down to the Ocean Institute and beach…

Love this shot.

And yes, the water was freezing.

Tim & Kristie- you guys did such a great job! Derek and I are excited to shoot your wedding this summer at the Villa San Juan Capistrano!

A Mitten Building Redlands Wedding {Ryan & Lindsey- a preview}

Derek & Sarah — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:39:47 +0000

Here’s a preview from Ryan and Lindsey’s wedding last weekend at the Mitten Building in Redlands…

This was officially our last wedding of 2011- what a great way to close out the year!

Please stop by and visit…

A baby changes everything.

Derek & Sarah — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 14:53:40 +0000

Oh how a baby changes everything.

A baby sure changed our lives this year.

She fills our home with joy, laughter, awe, and wonder.

She has grown our hearts bigger. Made our lives more meaningful. And has touched us more than we will ever be able to touch her.

Today we celebrate how this baby changed everything.

He changed my (Sarah) life some 20 years ago, and continues to change it every day.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6

He fills our lives with joy, laughter, awe, and wonder.

He has grown our hearts bigger. Made our lives more meaningful. And has touched us more than we will ever be able to touch Him.

We are SO thankful for Jesus. For the gift of life in Him. For the love, peace, and purpose He brings to our souls.

“O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angels voices!

O night divine, the night, when Christ was born;

O night, O Holy Night, O night Divine!

O night, O Holy Night, O night Divine!”

May you experience and know the wonder and awe of our Savior in your life this coming year.

With love, Derek and Sarah

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Costa Mesa Newborn Photos {Vivian}

Derek & Sarah — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:07:36 +0000

Oh baby girl. This little one is SO sweet. SO sweet. And she did such an amazing job posing for me! Here are some of my favorites:I couldn’t decide between all her little expressions in these next few, so here they all are…This quilt was special to her mommy, so we wanted to be sure to incorporate it.

See what I mean? She’s amazingly precious right!?!

Please stop by and visit…