So excited!

A week ago I was hired by Silicon Laboratories & Junior Achievement to photograph a marathon relay. Silicon is the main sponsor for the marathon. This was the second year I was asked to photograph it. The exciting thing this year was that the Guinness Book of World Records was there. Apparently there has never been a marathon relay in the guinness book. I kinda just assumed they would bring their own photographer w/ them (they flew in a guinness guy from London), but apparently they didn't, because my pictures were on their website!!! It would be SO awesome if my picture goes in the book! Check it out:

The Fastest Marathon By A Relay Team

On Sunday, 27 September 2009, Guinness World Records™ was present in the Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay, in Austin, Texas, USA, to officialize the attempt for the Fastest marathon by a relay team of 5.

In this 5th annual event, to benefit Junior Achievement, gathered 543 teams (totalizing 2,715 participants), Humana sponsored the Guinness World Records challenge: Who could be the overall winner and to set the mark to be attempted in future events?

Starting of the marathonStarting of the marathon

The race culminated in a banner finish and new course and world record of 2:10.49, set by Team Jack and Adams / Zapata Roadrunners made up of Kibet Cherop, Rueben Ondori, Stephen Ariga, Scott Kimbell and Derek Yorek.

Derek Yorek (Team Jack & Adam's Zapata) finish

"The Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay is a special event all on its own, especially with such a scenic course, so many enthusiastic and friendly participants, and the fundraising for an important cause," said Derek Yorek of Team Jack and Adams / Zapata Roadrunners. "We came out today in hopes of having a great time while running through some of our favorite parts of Austin – winning the race and earning a world record was an added thrill. What an awesome day."

Winners receiving their certificate

This 5 person-team marathon relay included teams representing running clubs, neighborhood groups, local businesses, city workers and college organizations, and participants coming from different states and even from other countries.

The 2nd place was for the Team Jack and Adams / Misfits with 2:15:17 and the 3rd was for the Airrosti Rehab Centers with 2:19:27.
Winning the family division, Team Juarez finished with the time 3:22.47. Stephen Stein, Phillip Jordan, Juan Carreon, Jess Hager and Isaac Mora won the military division in 3:03.58.

“The Relay is a one of a kind event where you can run as a team, make a world record, enjoy the views of downtown Austin and support financial literacy,” said Shannon Pleasant, director of corporate communications for Silicon Labs. “Participating is the perfect way to give back to the community and we are so pleased to be part of such a successful race. “
All proceeds from the 2009 Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay benefit Junior Achievement of Central Texas, providing educational resources to teach financial literacy by local business and community volunteers that meet with over 16,000 area students each year.

“We are so fortunate to have such a strong community here in Austin,” said Dave Swincher, president of Junior Achievement of Central Texas. “It was great to have so many runners, spectators, volunteers and sponsors come out and support our cause and what we believe in. This relay is making a big impact on the lives of students in Austin and it is important that we continue our efforts every year.”
The race kicked of the start of the Austin Distance Challenge and covered 26.22 miles, divided into five relay legs.

With 2,715 runners, this race ranks as the second largest stand alone marathon relay event in USA.

The Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay is sponsored by Silicon Laboratories. Additional sponsors include Humana, Third Rail Creative, News 8 Austin, Helping Here, Heineken Light, Hospira, State Farm, Aetna, Virgin, Papa John’s, American Airlines, Rockford, RunTex, Ranch Road and Waggener Edstrom Worldwide.

For additional information on this event, please visit www.austinmarathonrelay.com.

Pictures courtesy of Amy Melsa Photography

Josh & Tana - Sneak Peek



Here is a sneak peek of last night's wedding. The wedding was at Memory Lane in Dripping Springs. Wedding coordinator, Thalia rocks! She was so sweet, fun to work with and did an amazing job of saving the wedding from the torrential downpour! Wedding and cocktail hour (as well as all the formal photographs) were originally planned to be outdoors. Well, most of the evening it poured. I mean hard core pour. Low lighting and rain make for not-so-easy photography! Thank God I had second shooters, Kim and Andrea to help me out. The wedding was a blast. In the slideshow are pictures of Tana giving Josh a "you-better-not-throw-that-cake-in-my-face-look", a sweet one of Tana and her dad when he sees her for the first time, a couple fun vows pics, one of... well, i think it's an aggie dance called the hullabaloo (hope i'm right and don't offend anyone- i know they take that stuff seriously!), and a couple more shots I liked.
Thanks so much to Tana and Josh for the honor of photographing their special day!

Wedding TODAY!

A while back I did a bridal shoot for Tana. Today is her wedding day! I can't wait. Unfortunately it was planned for outdoors, but with the 90% chance of rain today it will probably be moved indoors. Part of me is bummed b/c it makes for more difficult lighting, but the other part of me LOVES rainy day weddings. Seems so romantic.
I have my usual second shooter, Andrea Foster, but will also have my cousin who is an aspiring photographer in Houston. It will be a blast!!!
Sneak Peek to come.

VERY first posting!

My first posting on my new photography blog:
I have been blogging for years now, but decided that I probably needed to start a new blog geared more towards my photography. If you would like to view my personal/family blog - just shoot me an email and I will send you the link to it.
I am hoping this blog will help you get a feel for who I am as a photographer while touching on my personal life as well.