“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…

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.”

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

Sarah was getting off work at BJ’s at around 10 or so and then coming over to my normally busy bachelor pad.  I say “normally” because I had 5 roommates all of whom I had to make sure were away that night.  Only one was still around, but he was on strict orders to stay upstairs after 10.  And yes, with 6 guys living there and our place being the hangout spot, it was kind of dumpy.  So, I had to tidy up a bit…

I was working on a group project that evening with a friend from class- Meredith.  (there’s really no importance to her specifically in this story- and don’t worry, you won’t be quizzed   I told her I could only work til around 10 or so, and then I had to ask a girl out.  Our conversation drifted in and out from debate class to “tell me about this girl…” for the next 2 hours.  Sarah called when she was headed over, which gave me only about 15 minutes to shuffle around the living room, run through my “I’d like to ask you out” script, and attempt to calm my nerves.  Thank God for U2.

U2′s live in Boston was playing all month long on some random cable channel.  Sarah knew I was a huge fan, so it would seem perfectly normal for me to be watching it for the 10th time when she arrived.  Cool and calm- just a normal night…

After she walked in, she sat down on the couch and we made meaningless small talk- how was her shift, who she worked with, etc.  Having no game at all, I basically just froze up and proceeded to just watch the concert with her.  U2, what were you doing to me!?!  After about 25 minutes, the unthinkable happened.  Sarah fell asleep!  What had I done!?!?

My friend/roommate Jake peeked down the stairs with the “how’d it go?” look.

I gave him the “I’m freaking out because the girl I want to ask out just fell asleep on the couch- what do I do now!?!” look.

So, I had to wake her up and ask her to come out to our garage/music studio…

I started talking about how much fun I was having hanging out with her, (yadda-yadda-yadda), she was really cool, (yadda-yadda-yadda), and then the moment came.  I can’t remember exactly what I said, but it was something along the lines of:

“I really like you, and I’d like you to be my girlfriend.”

I know, it’s kind of 5th graderish… but I wanted my intentions to be clear.  Not surprised that I was going to ask her out, she said yes.  I proceeded to make her Top Ramen and we cuddled on the couch.  I know it sounds kind of like some low budget indie film, but that is how it all started… (with more stories to follow)

10 years and 3 kids later, here we are.  I wouldn’t trade this time for anything.  Babe, you and I fit together like 2 perfect puzzle pieces.  You challenge me, grow me, entertain me , and make me a better man…  I love you.

(This is the first picture that we have of eachother.  It was Halloween 2001 just before we started dating- Sarah was 19; me, 22.  I was dressed as Robert Plant, Sarah was Jennifer Aniston (I think), and my buddy Jake was Beck.  And yes, that chest hair was (and is) real

It can be a challenge to get right back in the swing of things after a trip like that; but we literally did. 3 days after we got home we celebrated Thanksgiving with my family (all 29 of us), and had the annual Wandrey Family Croquet Tournament. I love traditions, especially this one! Spending quality time with everyone is awesome, and throw in a little competition and things get really fun. I am so thankful for a family that loves to be together, one that loves each other, and still makes the effort year after year to make each and every holiday special! Might I add a side note here that I have won this tournament 4 times! Two years in a row when I was 6 and 7 years old!!

Anyway… we’ll get to sharing some shoots tomorrow, but for today here’s our biggest blessing of the year getting an early start on her croquet skills!

Happy Tuesday!

(A pic from our Honeymoon in Maui!)

A husband. A husband that is hardworking and leads our family. A husband to laugh with, watch tv with, and go for hikes with. A husband that loves me despite me.

Children. Children that laugh. Children that play and scream and make messes. Children that are healthy. Children with an innocent awe and wonder for life.

A home. A home that is simple, affordable, and cozy. A home where we can get ready for the day and come back to recharge.  A home where our family has movie nights, dance parties, and bedtime stories.

It’s the simple moments like this, that remind me how truly truly blessed my life is. How full it is. And just how much I have to be grateful for as I start each new day.

Gratitude is an intentional choice. And choosing it in this home has changed nothing and everything all at the same time.

Grateful for Friday. What about you?

The fire station has a couple of older trucks that have been completely restored.

9/11 steel.

Bubble Gum Alley in downtown SLO…

As we were walking, we noticed a random bridal party running across the street.  Congrats to someone!

The next morning we went for a walk around Laguna Lake is SLO.  Needless to say, the geese were pretty agressive.  And out of nowhere Jackson said a la Jim Carrey in The Cable Guy, “Silence…of the geese…”  It was so random that we laughed out loud…

Making friends with some random couple on the seesaw…

We spend a day driving up PCH through Big Sur; we stopped by the Elephant Seal Beach.  The kids loved it…

Pretty much around every corner on PCH is a beach with a view like this:

The best part of any road trip…

In Big Sur there is a hotel called the River Inn.  I remember stopping by here as a boy, and we had to take kids out for a sit in the river…

Gorgeous light.

We stayed in downtown Monterey for a few days.  We went for an early morning walk at the Old Fisherman’s Warf.

On the way back down the coast we stopped by Pismo Beach.  We saw the largest flock of baby seagulls I’ve ever seen, and the kids had fun chasing them around…

And there you have it!  Have a good weekend all!

Jo is this happy pretty much all the time- no joke.  So if you’re on the fence about whether to have another kid or not, it’s probably not a good idea to babysit her.  Just sayin’…

Happy Friday!

It was me and just two other guys for a long weekend of man stuff.  Within about 20 minutes of arriving, we saw the only bear sighting of the whole weekend.  For this shot I had my 85mm lens on, which if any of you own one, you know exactly how close I was.  There were two little cubs in tow, and they proceeded to rummage through all of the nearby campsites.

The next morning I woke up at 6:15 (can you tell I have kids) and decided to take a walk around the lake.

This couple canoed up near where I was standing and began to pray- so sweet.

About 45 minutes north of  Mammoth is the ghost town of Bodie.  If you haven’t seen it yet, it is a MUST.  At one point 10,000 people inhabited this gold mining area; now it’s a state historical park, and is totally preserved.  The whole time I was thinking, “Man, this place would be perfect for an engagement shoot…”  So, if anyone is interested in doing a Mammoth/Bodie engagement shoot, I’m game!  Also, side note: there are two roads into Bodie; I strongly advise taking the road that connects directly to the 395; the other way in is an extremely rough dirt road and you have to go about 10 MPH in some parts.

How RAD is this barn!?!

We also stopped by Mono Lake on the way back.  This is the South Tufa Trail.

This was the sunset on our last night in Mammoth.  Another side note: on our first day, we hiked up that waterfall.  In the water.  Yes…it was awesome.

The day after I got back from camping we left for our annual summer trip to San Diego.  The kids had so much fun exploring around Balboa Park.

If you throw a fit in the Frenzel household, you get your picture taken.  Don’t mess.

On a happier note:

Back relaxing at our resort…

San Diego Zoo.

I had to lean over the rail juuust a little bit for this one.

We had a summer hangout with Sarah’s extended family…

…with our brand new little niece Susannah.

We took the kids and their cousins on the metrolink down to Zoomar’s Petting Zoo for the day.

When it comes to food, these sheep and goats mean business!

No better way to end the day…

Thanks to one of our wonderful clients, we were able to stay for a weekend up in Lake Arrowhead with Sarah’s family.  This was the view from our cabin:

My beautiful ladies.

Total stud.