68
This one is for all you photographers... kids, prepare to have your minds blown! The ever-excellent and photographer version of fabulous, Kelly Manno, (wow, how's THAT for an intro?!) is putting on another St. Louis Photographers Shot Party on Sunday, August 21st! WOO!!
What's a shot party?? Well its just the best one-day gig you can get in the St. Louis area. Its basically a workshop with awesome speakers, breakout classes and a Wedding Q&A Panel. Kelly even worked her amazing magic to get not one, not two, but THREE AMAZING speakers - to the tune of BECKER and BOBBI + MIKE!!
AND! Guess who gets to be on the Wedding Q&A Panel at this year's St. Louis Photographers Shot Party... ME!! I get to hang out and answer allll the questions you guys have along side Sara McDermott and Susan Jackson! WOW!
Ok, I think that's enough CAPS and !!!!'s in one blog post, don't you? But, needless to say, I'm so so so excited about being a part of this year's shot party and I would just love to see a packed house for the day. Kelly works so hard putting this together and she's really outdone herself this year. Its going to be amazing and you DO NOT want to miss it!!! (Just had to CAPS and !! one more time ;) k?)
So go sign up now! Why are you still here? www.stlouisshotparty.com
What's a shot party?? Well its just the best one-day gig you can get in the St. Louis area. Its basically a workshop with awesome speakers, breakout classes and a Wedding Q&A Panel. Kelly even worked her amazing magic to get not one, not two, but THREE AMAZING speakers - to the tune of BECKER and BOBBI + MIKE!!
AND! Guess who gets to be on the Wedding Q&A Panel at this year's St. Louis Photographers Shot Party... ME!! I get to hang out and answer allll the questions you guys have along side Sara McDermott and Susan Jackson! WOW!
Ok, I think that's enough CAPS and !!!!'s in one blog post, don't you? But, needless to say, I'm so so so excited about being a part of this year's shot party and I would just love to see a packed house for the day. Kelly works so hard putting this together and she's really outdone herself this year. Its going to be amazing and you DO NOT want to miss it!!! (Just had to CAPS and !! one more time ;) k?)
So go sign up now! Why are you still here? www.stlouisshotparty.com
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Speaking of Workshops...
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67
Friends, you are not going to believe where I was at the beginning of May. Ok, you'll totally believe it because I have pictures. :) I got to spend an incredible day of learning, laughing and shooting with some of the most amazing talent in the wedding industry today in the beautiful little town of Ojai, California. Jill from La Fleur Weddings and Events assembled this all-star cast to put on an awesome workshop for about 10 photographers. And one of those lucky ones was me! WOO!
Here's the speakers our small class got to learn from:
Jill La Fleur, La Fleur Weddings & Events
Jose Villa Photography
Joel Serrato Films
Abby Larson, Style Me Pretty
Ceci Johnson, Ceci New York
Robyn Iaea, Editor - Pacific Weddings Magazine
Brian Greenberg, Owner - Richard Photo Lab
Tiffany Emch, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Jealous yet? To cap off the day, we ended with a simply amazing shoot-along with the endlessly talented Jose Villa. Jill and the team set up a darling little mock-wedding setup (complete with stunning models) at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa and Jose took us around and showed us how he captures details, works with couples and just general insight on capturing a wedding that is unique and personal.
I have to say thank you and give my link-love to everyone involved in this workshop. All the talent assembled to create an unforgettable experience for us and I couldn't be happier with all of it. THANK YOU!!!!
Jill La Fleur, La Fleur Weddings & Events www.lafleurweddings.com (Speaker & Stylist)
Jose Villa Photography www.josevillaphoto.com
Joel Serrato Films www.joelserratofilms.com
Abby Larson, Style Me Pretty www.stylemepretty.com
Ceci Johnson, www.cecinewyork.com (speaker, logo design & invite suite)
Robyn Iaea, www.pacificweddings.com
Brian Greenberg, www.richardphotolab.com
Tiffany Emch, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa www.ojairesort.com (speaker, location & cake)
Amy Squires, Wedding Chicks www.weddingchicks.com (logo printing)
Camilla Svensson Burns www.camillaflowers.com
La Tavola Linens www.latavolalinens.com (luncheon linens and lace drapes)
Claire La Faye www.clairelafaye.com (dress)
Mar Romero, Team Hair & Makeup www.teamhairandmakeup.com
Jason Maurakawa, Small Masterpiece www.smallmasterpiece.com (tabletop items)
Allison Howell, Found Vintage Rentals www.foundrentals.com (furniture/décor)
Lauren Christensen, Lo Boheme www.loboheme.com (head piece)
http://www.avecmoidecor.blogspot.com/ (ring pillow, spoon favors)
Waxing Poetic www.waxingpoetic.com (necklace, ring)
And now, without further ado, my photos from our shoot with Jose Villa.
Our gorgeous couple.
Stunning stationary from Ceci New York. Dear Brides - please bring me copies of allll your paper goods so I can style them and take awesome photos like this. :)
Cute 'reception' dinner setup. So many little details!
Our beautiful 'bride'. I love love her necklace and birdcage veil.
Aren't they so cute together!? They took direction so well considering there was a small herd of us there. I'm pretty sure each of us had a few minutes with them to direct and pose wherever. The light was AH-MAH-ZING
love the outside pews. Those are little sprigs of lavender in the book holders.
Even a cake! Hmm.. i never did find out if it was real cake in there... Oh and laser ("laser") cut name cards. Swank!
And a feature of our 'groom'.
Here's the speakers our small class got to learn from:
Jill La Fleur, La Fleur Weddings & Events
Jose Villa Photography
Joel Serrato Films
Abby Larson, Style Me Pretty
Ceci Johnson, Ceci New York
Robyn Iaea, Editor - Pacific Weddings Magazine
Brian Greenberg, Owner - Richard Photo Lab
Tiffany Emch, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Jealous yet? To cap off the day, we ended with a simply amazing shoot-along with the endlessly talented Jose Villa. Jill and the team set up a darling little mock-wedding setup (complete with stunning models) at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa and Jose took us around and showed us how he captures details, works with couples and just general insight on capturing a wedding that is unique and personal.
I have to say thank you and give my link-love to everyone involved in this workshop. All the talent assembled to create an unforgettable experience for us and I couldn't be happier with all of it. THANK YOU!!!!
Jill La Fleur, La Fleur Weddings & Events www.lafleurweddings.com (Speaker & Stylist)
Jose Villa Photography www.josevillaphoto.com
Joel Serrato Films www.joelserratofilms.com
Abby Larson, Style Me Pretty www.stylemepretty.com
Ceci Johnson, www.cecinewyork.com (speaker, logo design & invite suite)
Robyn Iaea, www.pacificweddings.com
Brian Greenberg, www.richardphotolab.com
Tiffany Emch, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa www.ojairesort.com (speaker, location & cake)
Amy Squires, Wedding Chicks www.weddingchicks.com (logo printing)
Camilla Svensson Burns www.camillaflowers.com
La Tavola Linens www.latavolalinens.com (luncheon linens and lace drapes)
Claire La Faye www.clairelafaye.com (dress)
Mar Romero, Team Hair & Makeup www.teamhairandmakeup.com
Jason Maurakawa, Small Masterpiece www.smallmasterpiece.com (tabletop items)
Allison Howell, Found Vintage Rentals www.foundrentals.com (furniture/décor)
Lauren Christensen, Lo Boheme www.loboheme.com (head piece)
http://www.avecmoidecor.blogspot.com/ (ring pillow, spoon favors)
Waxing Poetic www.waxingpoetic.com (necklace, ring)
And now, without further ado, my photos from our shoot with Jose Villa.
Our gorgeous couple.
Stunning stationary from Ceci New York. Dear Brides - please bring me copies of allll your paper goods so I can style them and take awesome photos like this. :)
Cute 'reception' dinner setup. So many little details!
Our beautiful 'bride'. I love love her necklace and birdcage veil.
Aren't they so cute together!? They took direction so well considering there was a small herd of us there. I'm pretty sure each of us had a few minutes with them to direct and pose wherever. The light was AH-MAH-ZING
love the outside pews. Those are little sprigs of lavender in the book holders.
Even a cake! Hmm.. i never did find out if it was real cake in there... Oh and laser ("laser") cut name cards. Swank!
And a feature of our 'groom'.
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
La Fleur Workshop
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64
'Tis the season for engagement photo shoots! More often than not, I get asked about what to wear for photo sessions. While I certainly can't go so far as to determine your own style, I can provide you some of my favorite inspirational blogs and sites for just such an occasion.
1. Jill G's Good Life for Less - This chick knows whats up. I really connect with her personal style because I have yet to see an outfit on her that I wouldn't wear. She takes pictures (daily!) of her outfit and gives the deets on where to get everything. Plus she puts together some great virtual outfits and is always posting sales and cute new stuff! Definitely check it out!
Image from Good Life for Less - love this outfit!
2. Style Your Life - Another super fashion blog that is really usable for everyday attire as well as special occasion and work outfits. While she doesn't post pics of herself all that much, she definitely has PLENTY of outfit combos on there to peruse as well as store and coupon info (a lot of things from old navy and target, too!). And there's even some outfits for the guys, too.
Image from Style Your Life - Side note: LOVING this navy and white collection she just posted.
3. Rose a la Mode - Lots of vintage-y pics and a very hip style. Think really young and trendy but timeless and cool. Is that a contradiction? Whatever. I like it.
4. Strong Sense of Style - a little bit of everything here but definitely some great wardrobe and trend inspiration.
As for my take on outfits? Wear what you love!
For engagement sessions, pick a couple outfits (one casual/everyday, one more dressy/date-night) that you feel fabulous in and the rest is easy. You and the man definitely don't need to be all 'matchy matchy' but try not to clash your colors, especially tops. Oh, and shoes matter! We'll do a lot of full length photos, so remember to have great footwear for both of you.
I hope this helps and gives you some awesome ideas for yourshopping session. And if you haven't scheduled your engagement session with me yet, lets get on that! :)
1. Jill G's Good Life for Less - This chick knows whats up. I really connect with her personal style because I have yet to see an outfit on her that I wouldn't wear. She takes pictures (daily!) of her outfit and gives the deets on where to get everything. Plus she puts together some great virtual outfits and is always posting sales and cute new stuff! Definitely check it out!
Image from Good Life for Less - love this outfit!
2. Style Your Life - Another super fashion blog that is really usable for everyday attire as well as special occasion and work outfits. While she doesn't post pics of herself all that much, she definitely has PLENTY of outfit combos on there to peruse as well as store and coupon info (a lot of things from old navy and target, too!). And there's even some outfits for the guys, too.
Image from Style Your Life - Side note: LOVING this navy and white collection she just posted.
3. Rose a la Mode - Lots of vintage-y pics and a very hip style. Think really young and trendy but timeless and cool. Is that a contradiction? Whatever. I like it.
4. Strong Sense of Style - a little bit of everything here but definitely some great wardrobe and trend inspiration.
As for my take on outfits? Wear what you love!
For engagement sessions, pick a couple outfits (one casual/everyday, one more dressy/date-night) that you feel fabulous in and the rest is easy. You and the man definitely don't need to be all 'matchy matchy' but try not to clash your colors, especially tops. Oh, and shoes matter! We'll do a lot of full length photos, so remember to have great footwear for both of you.
I hope this helps and gives you some awesome ideas for your
Lucy:
I also love Kendi Everyday, here: http://kendieveryday.blogspot.com/
She's good at reusing pieces, which makes me feel better about wearing the same shirt every 2 weeks.
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Style: What to wear?!
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53
No, really. I made this. Ok, so its no major accomplishment to many but I'd never made jam before. I decided I wanted to give this a try after realizing that late summer fruit would be shortly gone and peaches were currently at a pretty good price. I called my authority on all things kitchen, my mother, and invited her over for a lazy Sunday of simmering jam and rented movies. I remember my mom making jams of all different kinds when I was a kid and thinking it was magic that the fruit just allofasudden was jam. It was the magic jam moment! I climbed up on a chair by the stove and peeked into the big pot to see this glossy surface and bubbly texture while she stirred the last few minutes. And it smelled so good, I had to physically restrain myself from reaching in for a taste!
Aren't they lovely?
So I told her I was going to document this process and blog it. She looked at me like I had 3 heads. "It'll be so fun! Our little jam-teaching project!" I promised as we pulled out little mason jars from 1972. Seriously, I'm pretty sure they were that old. The box was still sealed up but if you know my mom, it was entirely possible she'd have these at her house.
We set about cutting up the fruit and general 'mom-and-me' chatting. And for the record, I didn't make her cut them all up. I did some of it, I just had to be the one manning the camera.
Into the pot it goes! With more sugar than should be allowed in one batch of ANYTHING. I'm not kidding when I say there was probably 5 cups or better. You have a gym membership, right? :) Put some heat to those babies and let 'er go! (Hi mom!)
Now the kicker here is to be patient. A few good stirs and you just have to let it do its thing. Something about the sugar mixing with the pectin in the fruit and adding the heat will thicken it into spreadable goodness. Whatever. You have to WAIT FOR IT.
The start. Lookin' all sugary and solid. Oh and I threw a piece of split vanilla bean in there, too. Just for some flavor depth. Because that's what vanilla bean lends. DEPTH. That, and fancy little black specks that make people go 'ooh, vanilla bean'.
While we waited, we enjoyed a few tasty beverages. Mom had made a peach sangria and brought me a bottle. The Sprite was to make it fizzy. It went very nice with the peachy aromas floating around my kitchen as the fruit bubbled away.
So we chilled out and chatted and watched a movie in the living room. Every once in a while, one of us would hop up to give the fruit a good stir to avoid burning or sticking on the bottom. I have to say that what I thought would be endless hours of waiting for the magic moment of 'Jam' actually went by fairly quickly. Before I knew it, this happened.
Isn't that just the most perfect jewel toned peach thing you've ever seen??? Say yes.
Holy cow, I've made jam! I fished out the vanilla bean pods and ladled the sticky sweetness into our prepared jars to cool.
Soon the little telltale 'pop' of 6 canning lids promised a sealed and shareable treat. And a photoshoot of full jars.
This one is Josh's. "You should stack them." Mkay. Here you go, baby.
So pretty! I can still see my mom shaking her head at my 'jam jar photo session'. :)
I'll definitely be doing this again. It wasn't nearly as tedious or time-consuming as I thought it would be. And I can add it to my list of 'Cooking stuff Mom taught me'. I love spending time with her anyway, but having her teach me this is a great memory I'll always have. Thanks, Mom, for coming to my own kitchen, in my own home and making new memories with me. You're my favorite mom ever! :)
Aren't they lovely?
So I told her I was going to document this process and blog it. She looked at me like I had 3 heads. "It'll be so fun! Our little jam-teaching project!" I promised as we pulled out little mason jars from 1972. Seriously, I'm pretty sure they were that old. The box was still sealed up but if you know my mom, it was entirely possible she'd have these at her house.
We set about cutting up the fruit and general 'mom-and-me' chatting. And for the record, I didn't make her cut them all up. I did some of it, I just had to be the one manning the camera.
Into the pot it goes! With more sugar than should be allowed in one batch of ANYTHING. I'm not kidding when I say there was probably 5 cups or better. You have a gym membership, right? :) Put some heat to those babies and let 'er go! (Hi mom!)
Now the kicker here is to be patient. A few good stirs and you just have to let it do its thing. Something about the sugar mixing with the pectin in the fruit and adding the heat will thicken it into spreadable goodness. Whatever. You have to WAIT FOR IT.
The start. Lookin' all sugary and solid. Oh and I threw a piece of split vanilla bean in there, too. Just for some flavor depth. Because that's what vanilla bean lends. DEPTH. That, and fancy little black specks that make people go 'ooh, vanilla bean'.
While we waited, we enjoyed a few tasty beverages. Mom had made a peach sangria and brought me a bottle. The Sprite was to make it fizzy. It went very nice with the peachy aromas floating around my kitchen as the fruit bubbled away.
So we chilled out and chatted and watched a movie in the living room. Every once in a while, one of us would hop up to give the fruit a good stir to avoid burning or sticking on the bottom. I have to say that what I thought would be endless hours of waiting for the magic moment of 'Jam' actually went by fairly quickly. Before I knew it, this happened.
Isn't that just the most perfect jewel toned peach thing you've ever seen??? Say yes.
Holy cow, I've made jam! I fished out the vanilla bean pods and ladled the sticky sweetness into our prepared jars to cool.
Soon the little telltale 'pop' of 6 canning lids promised a sealed and shareable treat. And a photoshoot of full jars.
This one is Josh's. "You should stack them." Mkay. Here you go, baby.
So pretty! I can still see my mom shaking her head at my 'jam jar photo session'. :)
I'll definitely be doing this again. It wasn't nearly as tedious or time-consuming as I thought it would be. And I can add it to my list of 'Cooking stuff Mom taught me'. I love spending time with her anyway, but having her teach me this is a great memory I'll always have. Thanks, Mom, for coming to my own kitchen, in my own home and making new memories with me. You're my favorite mom ever! :)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Peach Vanilla Jam with Mom
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45
So I'm finally getting around to blogging and I have soo much to tell you all! This past wednesday night, I was at the famed St. Louis Photographers Shot Party with featured speaker Jasmine Star! I KNOW, right!? I was TERRIBLY late but made it just in time to meet some awesome new people and hear Jasmine speak at the end of the night. What an inspiration to anyone starting a new business, not just photographers. She's really made an impact in this industry and we were so lucky to have her come chat with us!
Here's a picture I snagged from Kelly's facebook page of Me, Kelly Park, Jasmine, and the hostess with the mostess - Kelly Manno. So stinkin' cute.
Oksonow the REAL reason for this! Monica and Bill!! Woo! I'm terribly late blogging these but if you like me on Facebook, you'll notice that the album has been up for a while now. I don't have a good excuse and I honestly thought I had blogged them until I went looking for it and couldn't find it.... blonde moment. Monica and Bill came out in some dreadful heat to do their shoot in Lafayette Square Park, one of my favs. I just love the diversity in the settings there! Its never too crowded and its kept up pretty nice. We had GORGEOUS light and these two were fun and fabulous to work with. They're so at ease with eachother that it made my job so easy and I know their wedding day is going to be pretty spectacular as well. And far more temperate. :)
Here's a picture I snagged from Kelly's facebook page of Me, Kelly Park, Jasmine, and the hostess with the mostess - Kelly Manno. So stinkin' cute.
Oksonow the REAL reason for this! Monica and Bill!! Woo! I'm terribly late blogging these but if you like me on Facebook, you'll notice that the album has been up for a while now. I don't have a good excuse and I honestly thought I had blogged them until I went looking for it and couldn't find it.... blonde moment. Monica and Bill came out in some dreadful heat to do their shoot in Lafayette Square Park, one of my favs. I just love the diversity in the settings there! Its never too crowded and its kept up pretty nice. We had GORGEOUS light and these two were fun and fabulous to work with. They're so at ease with eachother that it made my job so easy and I know their wedding day is going to be pretty spectacular as well. And far more temperate. :)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Monica and Bill's Engagements! (and some other stuff I've been doing...)
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