AMELIA JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

PUBLISHED! My Picture + Munaluchi Cover = GORGEOUS!

2012-02-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

You guys! I am so very honored to announce that I am on the cover of Munaluchi, the debut winter 2012 edition. Giddy-up! Actually, hold your horses for a sec. The online magazine does not drop until February 21st, so this is by definition a teaser. This actually works for your benefit. You have six days to prepare yourselves for 20 pages of the most breathtaking editorial shoot you have ever laid your inspiration-craving eyes upon. With nonpareil florals by Janie Medley of The Bride's Cafe and expert styling by Dana FitzGerald you need to know what you're in for. Wedding Heaven. You can subscribe to Munaluchi's digital newsstand to get an instant update once it goes live HERE. I am so excited that I am actually having trouble sleeping at night. Here's wishing you sleepless nights...

Cupid and an Aqueous Adventure

2012-02-14T06:00:00.004-05:00

In years past my husband, Puppy or "Christopher," and I have never really celebrated Valentine's Day. We met and married during college years. Valentine's Day for two single people in college was a yearly reminder that we had not yet met. It was also a reminder that we had met plenty of people that did not fill us with Cupid-esque feelings. This year I came to my senses and boldly declared, "Puppy, I think we should celebrate Valentine's Day this year. We've never done it. It's not a bad thing. The holiday is all about celebrating love. I think we should get behind this."

Get behind it we did. I literally got behind it with my camera. I did a little V-day shoot for The Bride's Cafe that was featured yesterday actually. Puppy and I were going to go all out with a Valentine's dinner for friends. Letter-pressed invites. RSVP. Each couple was to be assigned a color to wear. The color palette toyed with watercolor blue and neon coral. Then we took Burglekutt for a walk.

While walking we ran into our friend, Arnaud. He asked Puppy if his passport was valid, which of course it was. This is 2012 after all! Arnaud then hatched a plan so enticing that Puppy could not resist. The plot? A drive to Montreal to load Arnaud's car full of Vichy water, a French water unavailable in the U.S. All for his elderly French Mother. So noble. The trip promised to be rife with adventure and outrageous food. Two days before departure we realized that this aqueous trip drowned our dinner party. I guess this is a spoiler for our guests because you had better believe I am still using the invitations and candles I already bought! So hang on guys. Love Fest 2012 will soon come. And yes, you will still be assigned a couple's color.

Until then, let us all get behind Valentine's Day and enjoy! Whether you are pierced with Cupid's arrow or not, get behind the one day per year you are invited to spoil your dinner...

Whoops a daisy!

Pearl-handled silver antique fork from my Mother-in-law. Fun tidbit, my M.I.L. is a voracious collector of spoons. She has a spoon for every situation: Nuts, chunky sauces, gelato. She gives me the best gifts. Like her son! Thanks Valerie!

This picture reminds me of Beauty and The Beast. Remember the wilting rose? The beast has to find love before the petals completely shed. The rose was placed under a glass cover. Speaking of which, has anyone seen the new 3D Beauty and The Beast? I would take my six year old siblings to see it but they are so over love. They just want to see Star Wars.

Doing The Aisle in Style

2012-02-11T16:46:00.001-05:00

I think this set of images just may be my favorite from Joanna and Gopal's gorgeous, intimate wedding. Gopal was so excited to be married he just had to dance. The man couldn't help himself! I met Gopal the day of the wedding and he seemed reserved, like most grooms. It was such a sweet and unexpected moment to see him bust a move down the aisle!

PUBLISHED! Cynthia + Conor's Destination Wedding on Grey Likes Weddings

2012-02-06T15:59:00.003-05:00

I am absolutely thrilled to see Cynthia and Conor's gorgeous Richmond destination wedding featured on Grey Likes Weddings today. Every detail was exquisite, and most importantly uniquely them. Click here to see the full post.

Tangerine Tango with Hermes

2012-02-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

The last time I saw my Mother in jeans was 1993. I believe it was a midlife crisis. She listened to Garth Brooks and hit a very heavy stage of Billy Joel. As midlife crises go, this was tame. My sister was able to talk her away from the ledge of Tears in Heaven and her momiform returned, and boy was I ever relieved. Black pants, flats, a button down, possible dress jacket and an Hermes scarf. Always a scarf. Understated sophistication. Judy had it down.

For this shoot I put together two great loves, Mother (via Hermes and slightly remixed), and Pantone color of the year, Tangerine Tango. As tangos go, this post is just an introduction to the main performance. The dance will come later this week, once I have all of my scans. This is just to warm you up. To the tune of Piano Man.

PUBLISHED! Pink Wedding Ribbon on The Bride's Cafe

2012-01-31T14:42:00.000-05:00

I love photographing beautiful, thoughtful objects. I especially love photographing seemingly commonplace items styled in an exceptional manner. Stylist Dana FitzGerald's (of Martha Stewart legacy) ribbon box with florals by Janie Medley proves no exception! I love the creamy, pastel hues moving into the bolder punchier tones. I love the versatility of ribbon. There are myriad ways to use ribbon, for any style of wedding: Contemporary, formal, rustic, etc. Head over to The Bride's Cafe to read more about Dana's expert thoughts on ribbon and some very exciting news for The Bride's Cafe!

Kristin + Chad's Sneak Preview

2012-01-27T01:52:00.000-05:00

Breath taking. That hair. That dress. The charisma. I am exceedingly excited to show more soon...

Dressed to Kill

2012-01-09T17:50:00.001-05:00

Mmmhmm. My thoughts exactly. Elegant, feminine, a twist of unexpected modernity. Hopefully 2012 will unveil new bridesmaids trends...

Burglekutt and the Great Marital Compromise

2012-01-08T01:57:00.001-05:00

Meet Burglekutt, aka The Great Marital Compromise. Ever since Christopher and I (I usually call him Puppy, but to avoid confusion...) met he has told me of his great love of dogs; how playful and snuggly they are, how much he wants one, etc. I was quick to tell Christopher that "I will never allow animals in my home." So here I am with two cats and a dog - and a trail of formerly valuable property.

Why would we name our dog Burglekutt? It's a little...ugly? It all comes down to the 80's film Willow, a true classic. Val Kilmer's heyday. Burglekutt was the naysayer of Willow, with an attitude and a bald head. The name is so ridiculous it just stuck. As a joke Christopher and I started calling each other by the name. So when I told Christopher I was getting him a dog, it took us all of two seconds to name him. Burglekutt! Of course we don't always call him Burglekutt. His name has morphed into Burgleboy, Sweet Angel, and when he is naughty within two feet of my Barcelona chairs, he becomes The Destroying Angel.

I was so excited to capture Burgleboy's sweet face. I used my new Nikon F100 with Kodak Portra 160 film. Both were firsts for me. Kodak, you make some beautiful film. By the way, Kodak experienced a major sales increase with their film in 2011. Word on the street is that in 2012 they will continue to blow us away. Can you blame them? Their film is luscious. Dear Kodak, if you want to send me your film to shoot up a beautiful storm, consider this post my acceptance.

Burglekutt expressed great concern to me that he be stylish, covered and comfortable. He likes to dress sharply, so he chose this Martha Stewart sweater to exude a festive, masculine air that says "2012 come and get me!"

I am just enjoying his baby days now. Soon he will be large. Like, get-a-saddle-on-that large.

I am happy to say that I get it now. I understand why people like dogs so much. It's the unconditional love they give. No matter what kind of day they've had they leap to the door to greet you, always excited just to see you.

Oh, I just want to weep when I see this picture. He has stolen my heart. Burglekutt is just a boy of 26 pounds. Soon he'll grow up, gain independence, settle down. At least I hope so! Having an incontinent dog of 200 pounds may a bigger compromise than I compromised for...

PUBLISHED! Page + Ted's Wedding in Weddings Unveiled Magazine

2012-01-03T03:58:00.008-05:00

   With the jump start of a new year upon me (what ever happened to Y2K!?), I just returned from Seattle to find that the newest Winter issue of Weddings Unveiled has dropped! Like a beautiful ball of marital hope in Times Square; only you don't have to freeze outside and sequins are optional. And I'm in it, so it's extra fabulous! I am deeply honored to be featured.
   The first time I saw this magazine years ago the clean, perfectly styled cover that has come to define the magazine left an indelible influence on my heart. It was as though Leonardo DiCaprio himself had incepted an idea into my mind that would change everything...to create images that make me feel the same as when I saw that first cover; piercingly beautiful, simple, pure images that penetrate the heart and communicate style and beauty.
   Hitch up your wagon and get to your nearest Barnes + Noble. If you live on a remote island with no Barnes + Noble or your horses are a little hung after New Year's, don't fret. You can order your copy here. Have the barista make you a decadent peppermint hot chocolate and consume the luxurious and slightly larger than average pages of this top wedding magazine. Let the whipped cream tickle your nose and delight your senses as the gorgeous images inspire you for your Big Day, or your Every Day.
   If you are a future client of mine, I invite you to look at my images as if they are from your wedding day. Can you envision it? How do you feel? If the answer is "fabulous" then we should probably talk because 2012 is already flying by!
   Page and Ted...remember when you said it felt surreal to see your wedding on Style Me Pretty? How does in-print feel...? A happy new year indeed.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T02:21:00.000-05:00

Light at the End of (Grandma's) Tunnel

2011-12-18T04:06:00.000-05:00

At the end of a 17 hour work day, I am looking for a little light at the end of the tunnel! My eyes feel like four week old grapes and I really need a haircut (I trust my golden locks to Malin at Luxe Lab in LA. She is so good and more importantly a great conversationalist and fashion expert). It's getting baaaadd. My dog also needs a wash.

Wait. What dog? I sensed a little canine hole in my husband's heart lately, so I made what is known as a "marital compromise" and allowed a dog to enter our lives. When I married Christopher I said, "We will never own any pets so you can toss that idea out along with your Hamburger Helper!" We now own two sinister cats and one dog. What happened!?!!? The funniest reaction is when friends ask me what kind of dog. I just have to say English Mastiff and the laughter starts. The kind of laughter that starts in a low deep tone like a muscle car starting its engine and revs up to a loud "Whoa! Really!?" I respond, "Yes. What's so funny?" The very question is met with more laughing. People would not suspect that I would own a dog, let alone a dog whose doggy genetics dictate a future pony-like stature.

Owning a dog presents a real pickle when it comes to nicknames. For quite some time I have lovingly referred to my husband as "Puppy." Now people will be even more confused!

Tonight as I edited through pictures from a recent wedding, trying to drown out the sound of Puppy, I mean the future pony, I stumbled across this little gem. This picture fills me with unmitigated joy. I started laughing in a low deep muscle car tone. I had found my light at the end of the tunnel, and chances are Grandma found her light too.

Walk Walk Fashion Baby

2011-12-07T22:42:00.000-05:00

Tread Lightly

2011-12-06T00:37:00.000-05:00

Good Heavens I love black and white film. Maybe because of the film noir feel, Old Hollywood mood, or the sublimely rich texture. Or maybe because it simply takes my breath away. Every time.

Challenges are Opportunities

2011-12-04T02:17:00.000-05:00

Guess who you haven't heard from in a while? I'll give you a hint. It starts with M and ends with E! This year has been amazing, BUSY, and wonderfully challenging. My blog has almost been as neglected as the plant I bought from Sam's Club two years ago and have not yet managed to kill. It's a miracle. A tousled, kelly green miracle. While we're on the subject, everyone says that an orchid is so easy to maintain. That has not been my case! I am a two-week max orchid girl. I water with love, I sing soothing melodies. Two weeks I tell you.

With 2012 peeping its quary-clad self around my corner (Pantone tells me quary is one of the hot colors for 2012...so is emberglow...?) So many experiences have come my way, some good and some not so good. But all of them have been for my good. My Pappy taught me that challenges are really just opportunities. Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, rather how we react to what happens to us. Another classic phrase from Pappy comes to mind, "Attitude determines altitude." It's about taking the good, and leaving the bad behind. Some will never be satisfied. Ryan Gosling could declare undying love and they'd probably say, "Meh, if only he were an inch taller." Then there are those lightbulbs of human beings that just illuminate any situation in which they are placed. We're all drawn to them, because they radiate light and positivity.

Both ends of the spectrum have experienced major trials. The difference lies in how they deal with the situation; overcoming or being overcome. We can learn from our experiences and plow forward or remain stagnant and embittered. The only way to proceed is with optimism. Everything works out. From seeds of optimism sprout innovation and wild creativity. I wouldn't change a thing about this year because brick by brick I am building the business I want and becoming the person I want to become. Well, except for a few extra inches around my midsection...creativity in the kitchen is a double-edged sword!

So I am ready to kiss 2011 goodbye with warm regards, and wrap my arms around 2012! Many more pictures to come from this darling family shoot in DC from a few weeks ago. Until then I want to leave you guys with this little cutie pie Fiona, who appears to be happy just to be alive!

The Case for White After Labor Day

2011-11-13T01:14:00.000-05:00

PUBLISHED! Cynthia + Conor's Engagements on Brooklyn Bride

2011-11-11T14:41:00.000-05:00

I am honored and thrilled to be featured on Brooklyn Bride! You can see the feature and leave me some cyber love HERE. When you can't get enough see my original post HERE. Aren't the jet setters stunning!? I would definitely love to raid Cynthia's closet...

Peek-a-bow

2011-11-06T02:49:00.000-05:00

A Medley of Fall Florals

2011-11-02T22:31:00.000-04:00

I love fall for so many reasons. The deep velvety hues, crunchy cadmium yellow leaves, and the perfect scapegoat for sweaters to cover those 10 extra pounds that magically accumulated during summer vacationing.

I had the pleasure of shooting Janie Medley's floral treasures. Black dahlias, Queen Ann's lace, and dusty miller. Those are but a sampling of the floral names that I learned from Janie. Janie is an inspiration. Maybe that is why she serves up inspiration daily as Blogesse Supreme (that word just felt right to me) at The Bride's Cafe. I know this shoot has been all over the internet, (you can play connect-the-dots here) but I wanted to show my very own favorites. I hope these gorgeous florals make you as excited as I am about fall!

PUBLISHED on ESSENCE! Wedding Trend of the Week

2011-11-01T01:27:00.000-04:00

I am thrilled to have been published on ESSENCE! The article showcases fierce fall flowers created by Janie Medley of The Bride's Cafe. You may have seen this shoot featured a few other places this week...perhaps The Bride's Cafe, Inspired By This, Munaluchi, or the very fabulous ESSENCE. I think these charming dahlias waltzed their way to the four corners of the internet!

I am very honored to work with so many of the great creative innovators in the wedding industry. I love being inspired by gorgeous objets d'art, photographing them coming to life, then most importantly sharing them; through blogs and publications that I hold in high esteem. My clients are often surprised at how excited I get during shoots. How could I not? I love illuminating love stories, beauty, innovation. You might say I LOVE my job!

Jenny + James' Sneak Preview - Bluemont VA, Whitehall Manor

2011-10-21T23:32:00.000-04:00

If I just told you that Jenny and James' wedding involved skulls and a two person cross cut saw, you might get the wrong idea. So I will mention that the wedding was filled with the sweetest personal touches (skull ties and handkerchiefs for the fellas) and a German tradition that took Jenny and James by complete surprise; cutting a log together as their first challenge as a married couple.

Jenny and James are such a sweet couple. I loved working with them. Their love for each other was tangible, and they are so well-suited for each other. It seemed like two best friends getting married who had known each other for ages, though their romance started at the office not too long ago. There is much more to come from their gorgeous idyllic wedding, held at Whitehall Manor. I am excited to return there tomorrow in fact for another fabulous wedding! Until then, enjoy the sneak preview!

PUBLISHED! Fall Floral Bliss with JM Flora Design on The Bride's Cafe

2011-10-21T03:16:00.001-04:00

I think it bears repeating that I love Janie Medley and her fabulous creations. The rush that I felt from the synergy of working with such talented ladies, from Erika Nixon (whom you can contact, and should, at makupondemand@comcast.net) to Soliel and of course Janie is akin to how people feel when their team has just won the Super Bowl; energized! To view the entire feature click HERE.

This shoot was also published on Munaluchi Bridal which Janie guest-blogged for. I was touched by the sweet words that Janie wrote about our experience together, "Capturing all the fun on film was the AMAZINGLY talented Amelia Johnson. I love working with Amelia, her work is truly like art and she makes my flowers “dance on the pages”.

Stacy + Henry - Annapolis, MD - The Two Hour Wedding

2011-10-20T03:55:00.000-04:00

When I was first contacted to shoot Stacy and Henry's wedding I was ecstatic. Two hours? I could watch Pride & Prejudice in two hours! I had never before covered a wedding for just two hours. Could that even scratch the surface? I began seriously thinking about how I could tell Stacy and Henry's sweet story, the story of how a friendly volleyball match served up deeper emotions than adrenaline, in only two hours. Just like Lizzy and Mr. Darcy's romance, events take a little time to unfold, or so I thought.

Often at weddings, people stand around and the family herder has to move people. Not at this wedding. When everyone knows that the photographer has 120 minutes to craft a couple's lifelong images of the most important day of their lives, people move...with great fervor. We started with Stacy and Henry's grand exit from the Temple and we immediately moved into family formals. I like to be nimble with family formals. Have you ever stood around for an hour at a wedding, waiting to be called in for a formal shot? In 4-inch heels? I have! I have three older sisters. I know these things! I move efficiently to keep the mood light and to have that joy reflected in these extremely important generational photos. Everyone was in position and we all marched to the beat of the same drum...bum bum bum bum...bum bum bum bum..two hour coverage...two hour coverage.

After family formals, the love birds and I slipped away to capture their newlywed state. From there we headed straight for the reception where I was able to capture adorable toasts and the cutting of a certain cake. I was amazed at how time stretched like silly putty. By the end of my time there I was amazed at how much action and love I was able to capture.

To view Stacy and Henry's entire wedding and order prints and some seriously fabulous albums, click HERE.

Cross-process film, not cheese

2011-10-19T00:36:00.001-04:00

I flung open the door and was greeted with a scent of decay that I had not experienced since stumbling upon a carcass while on safari. When I left I was escaping Hurricane Irene, powerless (ie non-air conditioned) house and all. My nostrils flared and went into overdrive like a computer about to crash. I turned to Puppy (one of my stunning husband's many nicknames) and declared that something was very wrong. The source was no surprise. I opened the fridge and could not believe what happens to perishables within one week of no power. My precious cheeses had turned from crisp tusk and ivory tones to funky sea foam. On a bridesmaid dress I would have loved it, but not on my cheese. In photographic terms, I would say my cheese looked cross-processed.

Cross-processing is what happens when you switch film developing processes to achieve bold, highly-saturated color. In these photos E-6 film was processed as C-41. The result is mega-blues, bright colors, big contrast, and funky sea foam. I love the effect and use it quite a bit in the bright summer light.

In the future I will stick to cross-processing film, not cheese. After eight plus hours of scrubbing out my fridge, a scent still lingers. My mortician friend gave me the excellent advice of turning off the fridge, removing all contents and letting a sack of charcoal sit for a day or two. This, he promises me, will remove the odor. I didn't realize that a little hurricane and a little power outage would cause such a rumpus! I may never be the same again. My fridge certainly won't.

This guy was almost in my car window at the Olympic Feeding Park in Sequim, Washington. The camera did not have a zoom lense. For someone who has never (and will never) ride on an upside down roller coaster, I felt like such a dare devil.

Cross-processing in a Holga makes for lovely vignettes (dark edges and corners). Your eye is drawn right to the hyper color subject. The bright sun shining directly on this cutie pie serves as a spotlight.

This shot feels very glamorous and high-fashion with wind in her hair and a Thai baby coconut in hand.

I wanted a very dream-washed Katy Perry LA pink hue for the beach, so I used a different kind of film to take me there.

I love the amazing colors of the saris. These pictures leave me longing for more summer. Today was 84 degrees though, so maybe we can ride this heat wave out until Thanksgiving!? I may be dreaming. In Katy Perry LA pink.

PUBLISHED! JM Flora Design on The Bride's Cafe

2011-10-14T03:23:00.000-04:00

Good gracious am I ever thrilled to be published on The Bride's Cafe! I had the pleasure of working with Janie Medley at a recent wedding in Richmond, VA. Mastermind of The Bride's Cafe and the artist behind Janie Medley Flora Design, you might say that Janie is a multi-tasker - a gifted one at that! Janie has her version of our first wedding rendez-vous HERE...BUT, my version is that I rolled up to the wedding venue, a private estate (which by the way was one of the most inspiring interior spaces I have been in for quite some time...a palette of smoky grey, white, black and perfect pops of large abstract paintings...don't worry I got the decorator's name - Kat Liebschwager of Richmond's Ruth & Ollie...needless to say I am rethinking my entire house now) and felt a sort of lightness in the air, a certain joie de vivre. Looking back I realize it was Janie.

There she was, using a palette of blush, orange, and deep velvety red florals to beautify the wedding's canvas. I felt such peace of design around her creations. To all you nearly-weds, newly-weds, and perhaps nearly-deads, I have a little advice. To hire an artist who can make you feel completely at ease and invigorated by what they produce is a GIFT. Janie is that gift. She is a master floral artist. She creates luscious works of art that add life to any event, be it a wedding, a killer Bar Mitzvah or a baby shower.

Details are essential to weddings. When I create albums for my clients, I want them to have a beautiful mix of images. Detail photos such as florals look as gorgeous in an album as they do on a table. They enliven the pages. They entice, they invite. While photographing Janie's florals, I felt them take on personalities all their own. I was particularly smitten with the floral hair wreaths. My fingers were tingling to photograph them. I could feel endorphins released from the objets d'arts.

So you can imagine how disappointed I was when the bride and flower girls opted to not wear the hair wreaths. It just didn't work out. The sun set, and the wreaths stayed where they laid. I have a tendency to use the credo, "Go big or go HOME!" I wanted to photograph the wreaths! I asked my fabulous bride if I could bring the floral raptures home with me and she obliged. I was thrilled! I styled this entire shoot, from wardrobe to makeup to location. I was thrilled with the results! Thank you Janie for featuring my work on your fabulous blog. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship...

Ace of Spades

2011-10-07T15:08:00.001-04:00

Put On Your Dancing Shoes

2011-10-05T03:21:00.000-04:00

Cynthia + Conor's Engagements - From London to Richmond, VA

2011-09-30T02:51:00.000-04:00

I know I already gushed about Cynthia and Conor, click here if you missed their sneak preview, but onward I continue! The duo were made to be photographed. How do two very attractive individuals find one another? The answer reminds me of a study that my college marriage-prep class (yes I took the class - twice) read. The study's purpose was to find which similarities led couples to matrimony. They studied everything from hobbies to birth order, food preferences to favorite films. The study shockingly revealed that above all else, people were attracted to others that, well, looked like them. Ratios of facial feature placement, defining physical characteristics, lips, all factors!

So it is no wonder that Cynthia and Conor got together. They looked at each other and probably thought, "Hmm...a highly attractive person. Goodness they look familiar...almost as though I've seen them 1,000 times before..." Not to mention their astonishing sense of style. Cynthia attended FIT and knows her way around a show room. Just look at her incredible Alexander McQueen gown. And while you're at it, gaze upon her custom-made fascinator from her friend, a designer for Steve Madden. Posh and Becks have nothing on these two Londoners.

To view Cynthia and Conor's entire dashing engagement session and order prints, click HERE.

When it Rains, Love Pours.

2011-09-23T18:06:00.000-04:00

This summer's weather has proven to be as unpredictable as Nina Garcia's opinions on Project Runway. Is it chic, or is it not "special" enough? Will there be sun, or will there be rain? When I looked at my schedule of summer weddings my checklist began: Sunscreen, bug spray, light weight dresses. Now in September my list is more along the lines of: Clear umbrella, non-slip shoes that I can run in, camera poncho, emergency radio.

One hurricane (yes I shot a wedding that day) and the majority of my summer weddings drenched has given me a new appreciation for Mother Nature. While rain is generally frowned upon, I have relished the opportunity to shoot in the rain and "Make it work!" (Maybe one Projet Runway reference too many. Or is that even possible!?) I apply the same principles that I use in full sun, but the situation has to be finessed a bit. Luckily, I get to work with the most amazing brides. Each has infused her sunny disposition into every image, and refused to let rain dampen the mood!

One wedding in particular had a bit more adversity than mere rain. A surprise storm of epic proportion came charging in right at the end of the hastened outdoor ceremony. In about ten minutes, we went from the lighting equivalent of 4 pm to 9 pm. Thunder crackled overhead and sharp bolts of lightning reminded me of a few weeks prior, when my neighbor's tree was shot with lightning and came crashing down - onto my car. The fantastic bride and groom persevered, even as the electricity later went out at their reception. During dancing.

You cannot imagine my delight when I received this email the other day from the bride.

"Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures! They turned out far better than we could have imagined, especially considering the circumstances. The picture of Uncle Ed is one of our absolute favorites! You have such a talent. I am so glad that we chose you for our wedding. Had it been another photographer, I'm not sure they would have been able to cope with the lighting nearly as successfully. We appreciate the work that you do and cannot wait to display the memories that you captured in our home for years to come. Thank you again for making a disastrous wedding look great in pictures :)"

The following pictures are from Nikki's bridal session, taken during (surprise!) a rain storm.

A delicate sprinkling.

The downpour. The rain is diagonal, in case you didn't notice, and Nikki looks absolutely gorgeous!

Cynthia + Conor's Engagements - Sneak Preview

2011-09-15T00:08:00.000-04:00

She cynthia-sized his heart. That's the best way of putting it and so Conor's groomsmen and former bandmates did. Through song. Everyone in attendance at the wedding would agree it was pretty much the best song ever, amplified by the sparkling element of Conor's surprise. Cynthia and Conor's very lives are indeed synthesized, to a breakneck beat. Voyagers of New York and residents of London, I intercepted the internationally fabulous duo in Richmond, Virginia. The occasion? Engagements. Six days before their wedding! I told you - breakneck. I can feel the beat now. Chick a bow-wow. Wait. That's not the beat I wanted. But at least it's a beat! This is why I'm not a dj...

More to come very soon, until then...

The Rowdiest Groomsman

2011-09-13T23:30:00.000-04:00

Page + Ted's Wedding - Alexandria, VA

2011-09-10T04:24:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to finally be able to share Page and Ted's gorgeous wedding with you guys! I had to keep it under wraps until its publication on Style Me Pretty. The colors of this wedding were ethereal, the design - evidence of perfection. Then there's Page and Ted. Throughout the day friends kept calling them models. They are actually regular citizens though they still hold the title of Cutest Couple, which they rightfully won in high school.

According to Page, "We started dating our junior year of high school, and then our senior year we won the senior superlative for "Cutest Couple," and it was announced at prom. I was kind of caught off guard at the announcement and when I got up to go onto the stage to get my sash I didn't see the stairs anywhere, so Ted lifted me up onto the stage in front of everyone at prom. When Bligh and Erica gave their speech, they told this story and said that him lifting me up onto the stage was like out of a movie and so cute. Then Bligh and Erica brought out our sashes and made us wear them during the reception. We had both kept our sashes all of these years (we dated on and off since high school- sometimes a year would go by when we wouldn't be dating, but we both kept those sashes for some reason). In the weeks leading up to the wedding, my Aunt Sierra kept trying to convince me that I should wear the sash during the wedding reception but I kept telling her no way. She had Bligh and Erica bring them out during their speech so we wouldn't have a choice. In the end, I thought it was really cute and it just made me remember high school and how Ted and I started out our relationship."

Page and Ted really are such a darling couple and it was a joy to capture their special day. To view the entire stunning wedding and order fine art prints, click HERE.

The bridesmaids' dresses are from J.Crew. Have you ever seen classier, more architecturally interesting BM dresses before!? Dare I say it? The ladies can wear these dresses again...

Page's sister, Kirby, hand-painted this entire dresser and the sign. Oh yes, she was also the mastermind behind all aspects of the wedding design, and all while in graduate school!

If this gorgeous couple looks familiar, there is good reason. I had the pleasure of photographing their wedding in March. Hence their newlywed glow. I wish that could be bottled.

Delicate, delicate fondant ruffles enveloped a rich white chocolate cake with a raspberry filling and buttercream frosting, made by Windows Catering.

I love the gorgeous flora and fauna at River Farm. Nurtured by the Potomac River, I felt like we were in a period film. I kept expecting Helena Bonham Carter to jump out from behind the trees in a tizzy with her hair piled high, in some voluminous frock.

The fabulous bunting was from BHLDN (pronounced beholden), the new line of wedding accessories and apparel from Anthropologie. Page's Mother personalized the bunting by stamping Page and Ted's initials.

Scrumptious petits fours and macarons in almost every color under the sun. The macarons were color-coordinated to a variety of flavors; zesty passion fruit, plump juicy raspberry, delicate pistachio. These did not last long...

Page and Ted in their famed Cutest Couple sashes during Bligh and Erica's speech.

PUBLISHED! Page + Ted's Wedding on Style Me Pretty!

2011-09-03T03:44:00.002-04:00

I am thrilled and delighted to announce that Page and Ted's gorgeous French-infused wedding was published on Style Me Pretty, the grandaddy of wedding blogs. Looking at these pictures makes me want to polish my (very) rusty French and wear better shoes. I am honored to be published on SMP as they are very particular about the quality of photography they feature.

Windows Catering did a spectacular job on the catering (just look at that cake and pretend you don't wish you had been invited) and they were lovely to work with! You can bask in all the beauty at Style Me Pretty and leave some cyber love HERE. You can view the entire wedding and order prints HERE.

Mental Vacation Continues in LA!

2011-08-30T18:32:00.001-04:00

So there I was. Freshly returned from the hospital, up since 4 am with a severe food allergy, skin looking like Freddy Kruger. All it took was a trip to Costco, enjoying what I thought were innocuous food samples while participating in the miracle of bulk-buying a year's worth of soap. I stepped outside to check the mail and turned my door handle. Hmm. No budge. Easy...no key, but surely I must have...I didn't. Phone-less, locked outside of my house in nothing but my white luxury robe, clutching my J. Peterman catalogue I faced a conundrum. In poorly masked humble desperation I toddled over to my neighbor's house, who thankfully was home and let me in.

It shouldn't have surprised me when I received a message during the hurricane from my neighbor saying, "I don't want you locking yourself out of your house today as you might get blown away if you're just wearing your bathrobe. That would be reeeallly bad."

On day FOUR of power-free living (sounds so progressive...really isn't...fushigi is only fun for so long) thanks to our dear friend, the ill-tempered Irene, I will continue on my mental vacation to LA, via DC. Now tell me, what is the point of going on vacation; getting a cat-sitter, racking up the miles, if you can't relive the joy through pictures!? My thoughts exactly. Even though the glorious trip happened over a year ago, these pictures shoot me right back to LA. Is mental vacationing rational, normal behavior? I think so. In college at Arizona, my sister's friend once went on a two-day mental vacation to Africa, while attending classes. Wearing only a bikini and tiny sarong...So, yes, I'd say my mental vacation is normal.

Can't get enough? You can HERE. Want your own mental vacation to another exciting locale? Click HERE.

Crab crepes at The Belvdere at the Peninsula Hotel (dining here is a must). I once rubbed shoulders with Goldie Hawn in that very restaurant. I heard her say "Absolutely." The word has had a new ring to it ever since.

View from a little museum called The Getty.

I love how my camera captured the texture of James Ensor's painting from 1888! The painting takes on such deeper meaning when you can see the thick clay-like brush strokes.

Clementine. Another dining must - and they honor National Grilled Cheese Month!

Another breath-taking view from the Getty Center. On the right a gentleman helps update The Georgian Hotel which sits directly across the street from the Pacific Ocean. It has this swanky-panky 1930's Art-Deco feel to it. Maybe because it was built in the 30's.

Praying to a larger-than-life Virgin Mary in the parking lot of El Mercadito in East LA certainly works up an appetite for authentic Mexican food. Mental vacations can be exhausting!

Sunny 16 and The Magical Kingdom

2011-08-29T20:49:00.000-04:00

Three days without power and a home evacuation later (thanks Hurricane Irene!), I am in the mood for some major cheer! I took a little mental vacation to LA and stopped by Disneyland. As this is the month to celebrate film, there is an important principal illustrated in quite a few of these images. The rule is called "Sunny 16" in Jonathan Canlas' fabulous new book FILM IS NOT DEAD - a digital photographer's guide to shooting film.

Shooting with direct sunlight on your subject compared with a backlit subject is very different. Obviously bright sunshine on a subject is much harsher light than say twilight. You need to expose differently. Nestled in the chapter on "The Rules," Jonathan explains, "So, let’s say you have 400-speed film in your camera. There’s a person in the sun over there and you want to shoot them – but you have no light meter! Applying Sunny 16 all quick-like, you know to set your aperture to f/16 and your shutter speed to the reciprocal of your ISO: 1/400th of a second. (Reciprocal is just a number with 1/ over it – so the reciprocal of ISO 100 would be....you got it, 1/100. And the reciprocal of ISO 200? 1/200th of a second.)"

So basically, "ON A SUNNY DAY, SET YOUR CAMERA APERTURE TO F/16 AND YOUR SHUTTER SPEED TO THE RECIPROCAL OF THE ISO FILM SPEED."

Little lesson, BIG results. Buy the book HERE. Enter SHOOTFILM for 20% off. With the money you save you can stock up on some emergency food storage and maybe a deck of cards (a little lesson from Hurrican Irene). This book is seriously essential lit. Buy it, read it, and most importantly apply it to your photography and it will change your work 100% for the better.

Now pictures from The Magical Kingdom, shot in hot, Sunny 16 California. To give your walls a dose of Prozac, order prints HERE.

Exposure

2011-08-19T00:49:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned earlier, this month I will be diving into film, drawing from the well of Jonathan Canlas' e-book FILM IS NOT DEAD - a digital photographer's guide to shooting film. Jonathan has a workshop, Film Is Not Dead that is absolutely fabulous. I have attended, so I know what I am talking about! If you do not happen to have a few odd thousand dollars lying around, his book is an excellent place to start, and start you should! Tout de suite! Jonathan has ten years of (talented) experience boiled down to pure gold, which you can buy HERE. You will learn shocking amounts of information. To sweeten the deal, enter SHOOTFILM to receive 20% off!

Today I will cover the chapter on The Exposure. Jonathan starts our engines with the teaser: LEAVE THE SAFETY NET OF INSTANT DIGITAL FEEDBACK BEHIND. I GUARANTEE YOU’LL LIKE WHAT YOU DISCOVER.

Why is something like exposure of crucial importance? Overexposing film makes skin look beautiful. Who doesn't want to look fabulous? Jonathan explains, "You’ll hide blemishes or large pores on your portrait subject by overexposing an additional stop. Creamy, creamy skin and minimal retouching is the result."

"When you overexpose your ﬁlm, you are exposing for the shadows, which guarantees detail in the darkest parts of your image. Overexposing doesn’t kill your highlights though. It is almost impossible to have blown highlights with ﬁlm. This freaks digital shooters out, as you’ve been taught to err on the side of underexposing your digital images. Underexposed ﬁlm images look like crap. Underexposing can introduce noticeable grain, strange color shifts, and muddy blacks into your images."

"Overexposing Fuji ﬁlms introduces contrast and saturation to an image. With Fuji ﬁlm, overexpose by 2 to 3 stops in totally ﬂat light. If your subject is back-lit, overexpose by 1.5 to two stops. And if you’re shooting in direct sunlight – so the sun is already providing heavy contrast -- overexpose by just one stop."

Creamy, beautiful skin. Fuji Pro 400H film overexposed by 1.5 stops. I placed the fabulous and very pregnant Laura with the sun behind her. I wanted the sun to envelop her in warm light.

Overexposing film allows me to create images in a pastel palette, with juicy pops of color where I want emphasis. All images were shot on my Contax 645 at f2.

Olfactory Arsenal

2011-08-06T00:24:00.001-04:00

Have you ever had a fragrance conjure up a memory so vivid, that you felt transported? Maybe it's those Mr. Sketch scented markers that land you right back in your first grade classroom, or a waft of old dried wood that reminds you of your Grandpa's shed. For me, I can recall specific moments of my life with just a trace of scents I have worn.

I have something of an olfactory arsenal in my bedroom. I love perfume. I have scents for certain occasions and I have one piece of criteria: I do not wish to smell like a baked good. If a misled animal chases after me, I know I missed the mark. I want a perfume that smells the way my photographs look; beautiful texture, depth, nuance and warmth. This first photograph is my all time favorite scent, Acqua Di Parma Magnolia Nobile Eau de Parfum.

I think I could have been a perfumer. Perfumes are broken down into three basic parts; the top note, middle or heart note, and the base note. The top note fades the fastest leaving the middle note to take center stage. The base note is what you smell right before the fragrance escapes. Magnolia Nobile wraps its white floral limbs around you with top notes of bergamot, lemon, and citron. Middle notes of magnolia, rose, jasmine and tuberose spend the day with you and base notes of sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver and vanilla remind you of what you love about your life.

The second set of pictures are scents that my brides have worn. I have noticed that most of my brides are Marc Jacobs girls. The bottles are as gorgeous as the fragrances and serve as a delightful scent to bring you back to the best day of your life.

Kristin + Chad's Engagements - Herndon, VA

2011-08-02T17:07:00.000-04:00

We have all heard the saying that you catch more bees with honey than vinegar, but what about vinegar laced with honey? An intriguing plunge of sour, but enough sweetness to keep the bee around longing for more. When Kristin and Chad first met through mutual friends at a National’s baseball game, honey and vinegar came whirling at each other like two well-choreographed tornadoes through the funnel of a “mean contest.” According to the guillotine-tongued duo, “We were as sassy as possible to each other.” Love at first sight...or bite.

For as much sass as these two can dole out, ultimately they just gush about one another. To Chad, Kristin is utterly unique for her logical prowess. Love-struck Chad declares “She is the most logical woman I have ever met. And with that logic, she has been able to be the most compassionate and understanding person I've met.” What distinguishes Chad for Kristin is his patience, “He has a patience that has never been matched.” Kristin also loves Chad’s loyalty and his passion for music, “Wherever we go, Chad is drumming out a beat.”

Chad can see past Kristin’s distractingly gorgeous looks to her talent, his favorite quality about Kristin. “She is good at everything she does and it makes her more beautiful being able to see the passion that she has behind what she does.”

When comparing food to fiancee, Chad calls it with buffalo wings, “She is hot and spicy (and the red sauce).” Kristin finds comfort and solace in Chad and thus he is crowned as Mac and Cheese, “There is just something comforting about an old favorite.”

To view Buffalo Wings and Mac and Cheese's entire engagement session and order prints, click HERE. Like it? Like it. On facebook.

Shot entirely, naturally, on film. This post kicks off a month-long celebration of FILM! I will be getting into the nitty-gritty of why film is absolutely gorgeous, how to use it, and why to use it. For today, may I draw your attention to color. Look at the warm, popping color palette. How on earth did I get color like this? Easy. Film. I have learned a world about film through Jonathan Canlas; friend, mentor, not to mention my own wedding photographer! He has an e-book that you need. It will make you happy and change (for the better) the way you photograph, film or digital. You can buy your copy HERE. Type SUMMER into the discount code box to receive $10 off! Don't you just love SUMMER!?

PUBLISHED! Sarah + John's Wedding on Let The Love

2011-07-25T12:53:00.000-04:00

I am thrilled to see Sarah and John's wedding as the kick-off publication on the new blog Let The Love. I love this blog, dedicated to creative and honest wedding photography with artistic merit, this blog is right up my alley. The blog's creators, Tory O'Leary and Wendy Laurel, are both photographers, and awesome ones at that. Tory is based in Southern California and Wendy is based in Hawaii. I know. It's hard to live in eternal sunshine! Go check it out! This wedding has a very special story. I'll give you a hint. It involves Conan O'Brien!

You can see the feature HERE.

Page + Ted's Wedding - Sneak Preview

2011-07-23T23:22:00.000-04:00

Luscious. That is the word that comes to mind when describing Page and Ted's Alexandria Virginia wedding. Have you seen the film The Romantics? If not, now is not the time to do so. All you need to know is this: Gorgeous wedding at an estate on the river, blush, baby blue, and chambeige. Much more to come soon!

Julie + Daniel's Wedding - NYC to Maryland

2011-07-19T17:10:00.003-04:00

Transplants from The Big Apple, Julie and Daniel decided to wed in Maryland for family convenience, both families from the great state of "Manly deeds, womanly words." (Maryland state motto's words, not mine!) Julie and Daniel are such an even-keeled match. Julie is the salsa to Daniel's tortilla. With more friends than I will probably ever have in my life, one might say that Julie is an extrovert. If the Love Birds were results to a Meyers-Briggs personality test, I think they'd be IEMFEO; introvert and extrovert, made for eachother. Daniel not only fits Julie like a carefully crafted puzzle piece, but her family as well. As Julie's Father exclaimed in his toast, they were happy to finally have someone in their family who was good with computers!

Julie and Daniel were married on a chilly March day in Maryland, surrounded by family and loved ones. Those shoes you ask? Yes, Julie wore them. Pure Badgley Mischka sartorial Heaven. 4 inches of bliss. Or was it 5? Either way, you can't put a height on fabulous. Julie's Uncles went gaga over the shoes, as did everyone with common sense.

Julie and Daniel channeled the 30's with Daniel's sharp dark suit and cool demeanor, and Julie's black and white lace custom gown and art deco accessories. Julie and Daniel, it was an honor to be part of your day! You are the bee's knees, or my personal favorite idiomatic phrase from the 30's, the gnat's whistle!

You can view Julie and Daniel's entire wedding and order prints HERE.

PUBLISHED! Georgia + Oliver on Fireworks & Fireflies!

2011-07-18T17:52:00.000-04:00

I am honored to be published on the new blog Fireworks & Fireflies today. I love how Ellie describes shooting on film in her intro and I am very flattered by her lovely compliment..."The photographer is not going to take 1000 pictures of the session on film. Instead the photographer is going to carefully measure the amount of light and wait for the perfect moments. This is much more challenging than the over-clicking that is done in the digital world. It really takes a master of photography to take great pictures on film."

You can view my original post with the session HERE.

Now on Twitter!

2011-07-16T18:09:00.000-04:00

I have some very exciting news. Now, I realize I am tardy for the party, but I have now arrived! I am now on Twitter! I like the bird symbol for Twitter. I think it's sound. It calls to mind the phrase "A little bird told me." I am that bird. You can call me Lady Bird Johnson. Want to come to the Twitter party with me? Click HERE!

PUBLISHED! Michelle + Taylor's Wedding on The Bride's Cafe

2011-07-05T18:10:00.000-04:00

I am tickled fuchsia to be published on The Bride's Cafe today! Janie has such a keen eye for detail, and I am very honored to be featured on her award-winning blog. Saunter over to The Bride's Cafe HERE. To view Michelle and Taylor's entire event and order prints to make your home as gorgeous as their wedding, click HERE.

To all you brides-to-be visiting from The Bride's Cafe, WELCOME! My goal as a photographer is to capture every ounce of beauty in your wedding; those split-second heart-palpitating moments, your family and friends full of joy, and gorgeous details that sing with your personality. And, of course YOU! So you can look back in thirty years and say, "My, wasn't I a dish!?" You can view even more wedding splendor HERE.

America!

2011-07-04T00:01:00.013-04:00

I hope everyone is having the best 4th of July of their lives. I know I am. Today I shall think about the freedoms that I enjoy, oddly while drinking my favorite foreign drinks; Brazilian Guarana (by Antarctica, it's the best) and hand-tingling ice cold bottled Mexican Coke (again, the best). I love America, and I am thrilled to live here where I enjoy so many privileges that I take for absolute granted.

I am especially grateful for my right to shoot...film! The glorious American flag was shot on my Hasselblad with Ektar film. The second set was shot on my Contax with Pro 800Z film. I love the way the red pops. Firecrackin' red!

Sneak Preview - Heather + Anddy's Wedding

2011-06-28T23:15:00.000-04:00

More to come from Heather and Anddy's glamorous, bilingual wedding.

The Color Passion

2011-06-28T01:46:00.000-04:00

So very much more coming. Consider this an especially sneaky preview of Kristin and Chad's Engagements. Kristin is a dancer which you can tell the moment you see her move; fluid in a way that I will always admire, and never embody! Shot on Portra 800 film, these images are making me rethink my hair color. PS. Her color is natural. Not natural as in plant-based hair dye; natural like the color of that flower. And in an age where shock value is supposedly underrated!

Michelle + Taylor's Wedding - Arlington, VA

2011-06-21T23:40:00.003-04:00

Michelle is the kind of woman who turns women kelly green with envy. She is stunning, alarmingly kind, and oozes a cool sort of elegance. Having grown up with five brothers, the male mystique is no such thing to Michelle. It was this set of traits that no doubt caught Taylor’s eye. The two play off of each other like Nutella and crepes; a dashing compliment. With Michelle’s artistically-endowed Mother and oldest brother’s help, the wedding was nothing less than a work of art.

The whole affair made me wish that my wedding had been swathed in creamy violet and passionate fuchsia. The colors alone evoke such emotions of love. I found it hard to believe that the Love Birds had not hired a wedding planner. That is what happens when your brother creates and prints a gorgeous invitation and your Mother spins her magic in all aspects of decor. Oh yes, and your Mother’s love interest creates an enormous ceiling ornament (the word sounds so miniscule!) from tiers of antique ribbon, tulle, and crowns it with hydrangeas. Magic happens when you have this sort of artistic input!

Guests had a delightful time posing as their alter egos in the photo booth and nibbling on sensational mini-cupcakes that tasted like they came from the kind of bakery you want just around the corner from your home...dangerous. Even the wedding cake had a lovely gourmet twist - a raspberry creme layer that added such unexpected richness.

As if attending the party of everyone’s lives was not enough, Michelle and Taylor gave guests even more loveliness to savor: CDs! Two varieties to be exact, classical and indie love songs.

Trying to even describe this wedding, feels like butchering a French accent! Words do not suffice. Thank gorgeous film that we have pictures to feel what a thousand words may not be able to touch; and thank you Michelle and Taylor for having me out!

To view Michelle and Taylor's entire wedding and order prints, discs and stunning leather albums click HERE.

Vacation Deliberation

2011-06-19T00:45:00.002-04:00

There are so many important decisions to be made. Finding one's favorite Monster Truck should definitely be one of them. Such a ham, when he found out his Mother was pregnant with a girl he declared, "I am going to make a machine that will turn the baby back into a boy." All from the mind of a genius three year old. More pictures soon from a machine that turns the mechanics of ideas into indelible memories.

Fuji 800Z illuminates personality.

Swept Away...

2011-06-16T23:41:00.000-04:00

Honeymooning at Fat Smitty's - Seattle, WA

2011-06-14T23:36:00.000-04:00

Honeymoons. So many places, so little time. For some it's St. Tropez, for others perhaps Aspen, and for a lucky few...it's Fat Smitty's. Nestled in the heart of Discovery Bay lies a burger joint that wields hours as particular as the appearance of Brigadoon. Fat Smitty's makes no sense whatsoever, and yet perfect sense. Enormous, delicious burgers are served beneath a dollar-laden ceiling. The decor is exciting, and confusing. Customers are encouraged to write notes on dollar bills and pin them anywhere they can find a free spot. Customers are also coached and encouraged by Mikki, co-owner with her husband, in the ways of tackling the mighty burger.

Even catching the restaurant open is a feat. Mikki's husband has taken ill, so the hours are whenever they want them to be, and that's the way they like it. This makes eating perhaps the largest burger of your life even more tantalizing. The burger is practically forbidden fruit.

The day after their wedding, Ashleigh and Daniel could not help but partake of a delicious burger, a scrumptious start to their Honeymoon.

You can view Ashleigh and Daniel's Fat Smitty's adventures and wedding HERE. Just be sure to eat before viewing...

Ashleigh + Daniel's Wedding - Seattle, WA

2011-06-12T03:31:00.001-04:00

Ashleigh and Daniel were married in Seattle on a beautiful day. A beautiful day in Seattle means we had a glorious half hour of blue sky! Guests were invited to wear all-blue to the blue-toned wedding. The party was in full swing at the candy bar, which overflowed with blue and white candy. The wedding was the perfect mix of personalities. Ashleigh and Daniel are a perfect match; animal lovers, intellectuals and fabulous fun. It was an absolute pleasure photographing their wedding!
To view the entire wedding and order prints, discs and albums, click HERE.

Sneak Preview - Michelle + Taylor's Wedding

2011-06-03T16:38:00.001-04:00

I cannot wait to show the rest of this wedding. Stunning wedding, stunning couple! More to come very soon...

Kristen + Kevin's Engagements - Washington DC

2011-05-21T02:03:00.001-04:00

Spring in the Nation's Capital presents such gorgeous colors, and thousands of tourists to enjoy them. We found ourselves surrounded, yet serenity was created in the midst of chaos. Kristen and Kevin are such a darling couple and as you can see, stunning, and so sweet together. We had so much fun during the shoot. There is something magical about DC, love, and hoards of tourists.

Shot entirely on gorgeous film. Nothing else comes close. Learn to shoot it HERE. For a special little discount, type SHOOTFILM in the discount area.

You can view the entire session and order prints, discs, and jaw-dropping albums HERE.

Sneak Preview - Ashleigh + Daniel's Wedding, Seattle WA

2011-05-13T12:51:00.003-04:00

This is just a tiny teaser. Seattle weather is so interesting. It reminds me of Belgium; indecisive weather. One moment violet-blue sky, the next Mother Nature chooses to slip into neutral greys. More to come very soon. Shot entirely on fabulous film.
To receive notice once the event is posted, click HERE and enter your email.

Cobie + Eric's Wedding - Leesburg, VA

2011-05-07T03:46:00.002-04:00

Cobie and Eric were married at the historic Thomas Birkby House in Leesburg with a beautiful outdoor wedding. The day started for the ladies at the salon while the men celebrated the joy of low-maintenance masculinity with a round of golf. Fusion catered with insanely delicious, and beautiful food. The perfect combination, just like Cobie and Eric! As I mentioned in the sneak preview, the colors were splendid! Cobie looked absolutely beautiful and Eric was quite the debonair groom. Guests had the time of their lives dancing, dining and for the grand finale, the band led everyone on a musical jaunt down the street to a nearby restaurant to polish off the celebration.

To view Cobie and Eric's entire wedding and order prints, discs, and the most stunning albums you have ever seen, click HERE.

Captured on Fuji Film, scanned by the world's greatest lab, Richard Photo Lab in LA.

Jenny + James' Engagements - Washington DC

2011-04-23T03:29:00.002-04:00

Jenny and James made the botanical garden blush with romance. Several "Congratulations!" were shared from adoring Washingtonians. Even the plants seemed tickled fuschia at providing an enotourage for the happy couple. From the desert to the tropics, we had such a fun time traveling in and out of different climates, and all sans passports!

Huge thank you to Kodak for making Portra 800 film to capture saturated love in all its beauty. To view all of Jenny and James' engagements, click HERE.

Georgia + Oliver's Mini Shoot

2011-04-14T01:55:00.001-04:00

Georgia and Oliver, a brother and sister duo, captured in a mini shoot. What was so mini about it? The session lasted 10 minutes. The array of facial expressions children make in ten minutes is astounding. I think Oliver was particularly excited to be dressed as his Father, in his Versace tie and gentleman's cap.

Shot on Kodak Portra 800 film. To view Georgia and Oliver's entire mini shoot and order prints, click HERE.

Nashville Sneak Preview

2011-04-11T23:18:00.001-04:00

I recently returned from Nashville with a fist full of firsts! I ate my first pancake-shaped cornbread, I visited my first Parthenon in America, and I shot my first rolls of the new Kodak Portra 400. These stunning Nashvillains were captured on Portra 400. Gorgeous color, amazing versatility, and the ability to be shot two stops hotter! For non-photo people, this means you can shoot this film in very low lighting situations...without flash! More to come!

Stunners.

2011-04-04T12:10:00.002-04:00

You don't walk in these shoes. They take YOU places. Badgley Mischka.

Shot on Fuji film, naturally, at Julie and Daniel's wedding...more coming soon.

Anna + Adam's Wedding - Washington DC

2011-04-01T02:14:00.001-04:00

Anna and Adam's wedding took place in Meridian Park, in the heart of DC. The gorgeous chuppah was made by a friend and almost perfectly matched the cyan blue sky. The wedding was a spectacular melange of styles. Anna and Adam worked side by side to create, by hand, a wedding that reflected their love. Adam sprinkled his fondness of Legos and Star Wars throughout the event, from place cards (or place people in this case) to the invitation. Anna purchased vintage sheets in greens and yellows on Etsy, and sewed them into napkins. The bright cloths surrounded centerpieces of poppy red vases which held bottles of vodka.

Anna and Adam swept everyone off their feet with their entrance. They entered, and immediately took the stage. They sang The Moldy Peaches' "Anyone Else But You," adding their own lyrics about one another. It quickly became obvious as to why Adam is DC's reigning karaoke champion! The pitter-pattering of guests' hearts was audible.

After a decadent kosher meal, hilarious toasts and tributes, dancing was the order of the night; with a fantastic Blue Grass band and Anna's Nicole Miller gown begging to sashay.

To view Anna and Adam's entire wedding, click HERE.

PUBLISHED! Lindsay + Jeff's Wedding on Style Me Pretty

2011-03-23T23:48:00.002-04:00

I am very honored to have Lindsay and Jeff's wedding published on Style Me Pretty! To view SMP's publication, click HERE. To view Lindsay and Jeff's entire wedding, click HERE.