Chuck Liu Photography

2011 Revisted (aka I’m Feeling Thankful)

Chuck Liu — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:25:00 +0000

We are well into 2012. This is February, it feels like spring in these parts (where was the snow?!), and I’m not even accidentally writing 2011 on my checks anymore. If there was a time to write a “best of” post, it probably would have been a month or so ago. However, a month or so ago, I was running around on the other side of the world (see my China pictures!) so I didn’t have the chance to. Plus, today is Ash Wednesday. For those of you who don’t celebrate the day, it is the beginning of Lent. For many who are in the Christian tradition around the world, we head to church and receive a mark of ashes on a forehead. “How strange,” you may exclaim. I, for one, didn’t used to know what it was about and have had my fair share of telling strangers, “Hey, you have something on your forehead.” Awkward. However, these days, I look forward to this time of year. When the pastor or priest marks a forehead with ashes, he or she says something to the effect of, “From dust you have come, and to dust you shall return.” Yes, how morbid. In our culture, we are afraid of death and such reminders are so strange to our ears.

But that’s the truth, isn’t it? Instead of fear and avoidance, our finiteness should lead us to humility. Our lives have a beginning and an end. What will we do with what we have been given? How can we recognize and be grateful for how we’ve been blessed?

And so this is why I’ve chosen today to do a post on 2011. To all the people who have allowed me to be present at such an important and beautiful day in their lives, to witness a beginning of something wonderful, thank you. Thank you for your kindness, all your hospitality, and the uncountable ways you have made this such an enjoyable job. I am grateful for you all, and for the way you have helped to make this last year so wonderful.

Here are just a few snapshots from each of the couples I’ve had the honor of meeting. I rather enjoyed putting this together and reliving some of those days :).

Kaiti and Chris, Peoria Illinois Wedding

Chuck Liu — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:50:55 +0000

Back in the Chicago days, I had the chance to get to know Kaiti and Chris when they were getting to know each other, and this last new years, I was blessed to be a part of their wedding! With horns and confetti, we all ushered in the new year. It was a beautiful celebration of new beginnings. Cheers you two!

China, 2012

Chuck Liu — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:57:14 +0000

[Hong Kong]

(Found me some wild cactus pears, and got me some needles in my lip…)

[Guangzhou]

(Some of the best chicken I’ve had in my life…)

[Guilin/Yangshuo]

[Beijing]

(Summer Palace, Beijing)

(Olympic Stadiums, Beijing)

Kaiti and Chris Teasers

Chuck Liu — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:28:15 +0000

Ashley and Dustin Little Rock Arkansas Wedding

Chuck Liu — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:18:59 +0000

Ashley and Dustin are dear friends of mine from school. The two of them got to know each other when they spent half a year in Uganda on internship. Their passion for each other, heart for serving others and love for Africa permeated the entirety of the day. Friends from all over the world made the trek out to Little Rock… a testimony of how they have been such a wonderful part of our lives. Congrats you two…. we were wondering how long it’d take ;).

Ashley and Dustin Wedding Teaser

Chuck Liu — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 02:50:55 +0000

Paola and Gil Mexico Wedding

Chuck Liu — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 22:24:50 +0000

Mexico City! Churros! Mariachi band! And Paola and Gil who couldn’t get enough of each other. They were blessed to be surrounded by family and friends, and shared that love with everyone that came. Congrats Paola and Gil, and thanks for letting me participate in your beautiful day :).

Paola and Gil Mexico Teasers

Chuck Liu — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:35:42 +0000

Ashley and Dustin New York City Engagement

Chuck Liu — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 03:06:06 +0000

It’s hard to believe, but I’ve known Ashley and Dustin for years now. A group of us in college all did internships abroad, and Ashley and Dustin happened to do theirs in Uganda together. Well, long story short, here they are, about to get married at the end of this year. They are all around two of the most quality people I know, and I can’t wait for their wedding!

Megan and Patrick Hawaii Wedding

Chuck Liu — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 01:11:57 +0000

I knew Patrick from his days working with troubled teens in Utah. He always brought with him an energy that both the rest of us staff and the kids really appreciated. Certainly, that was no small part in what Megan found attractive, besides his obvious good looks. Their two day celebration brought together friends and family, and I am indebted to them for the hospitality and love I received. Congrats you two! I hope all is well back in Utah!