sweet mornings to remember

you wake up at 4:45 like clockwork – i don’t mind because you are so happy to see me… even with one eye open and hair that resembles a lion’s mane.

you eat quickly and then drift back to never never land- that’s where i imagine you go in your dreams.

up again at 8 with prayers you might drift back off until 9… we snuggle, talk, and laugh & I thank God for your sweet spirit, your fingers, your toes,

and the man you will be.

i love you my sweet Nico Zane.

 

 

 

Beginners Guide to Paris

Oh where do I even begin with this magical city…the food, wine, cheese, sights, architecture-it’s all so fabulous.

I have been to Paris, France three times and hope this number continues to grow. My fiancé (Amit) and I have been together twice and found it to be truly is one of the most romantic cities we’ve ever been to. There are thousands of things to see and countless restaurants to eat.

I want to provide you a guide of things to do to make your trip to Paris special-  the key is to find and discover things on your own. Create your own hidden path within the city.

Eat:  France has delicious food!  Maybe it is because everything is truly so fresh? here are some places you MUST go & a couple of things you MUST TRY: It goes without saying- you can’t go to France and not have French onion soup… but don’t forget to be brave and try assortments of cheeses too!!

These restaurants and cafe’s are sweet spots in the city: on the Rue de Rivoli there is a quaint spot called the Brasserie-Flotte. It’s divine. While you are on the Rue de Rivoli you must go to Angelina. They are famous for their Hot Chocolate….it’s liquid chocolate truffles. You need to try this… it will not only tame that sweet tooth, but eliminate it! Other restaurants you must try include Le Pure Cafe in the 11th district, J’Go, and A la Mère de Famille.

Remember, create your own hidden path. Walk the streets of Paris with the intent of exploring. Amit and I TRY NOT to walk the main streets, but rather, the small ones. This is when you discover the real Paris- the small mom and pop shops, tiny patisseries, and the real artists. Amit discovered a little baguette place that became our breakfast every morning. Just from taking the back streets.

Stay: I suggest you stay in the Opera District. It is walking distance from everything! Amit and I only took a cab once and it was to Le Pure Cafe. The Eiffel Tower, the Shops, and even the Sacré Coeur were walking distance. It’s perfect for exploring.

See: Now you must see all of the main attractions like the Eiffel Tower at sunset, Champs D’Elysees, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre (get those tickets in advance, otherwise you will spend a day getting them!), but the most important sight of them all-the one you CAN’T MISS is The Sacré Coeur.This is where Amit and I stumbled upon some really delicious markets and restaurants. While it’s a bit of a walk-it’s totally worth it. Again, this is another place you must go at sunset. This view is utterly breathtaking.

While public transportation is available, Paris is one city you should make an effort to walk in.  You will not only fall in love with this city, but it will keep you wanting more.

Have you ever visited Paris? If not, what is your favorite city?

I will  be back soon!

 

Dallas Wedding Photographer | What is the first look? (& why we recommend it)

what is the FIRST LOOK?

simply put: The FIRST LOOK is the first time the Bride and Groom see each other on their wedding day.

broken down: It’s the end to the superstition that whispers it’s bad luck to see each other before the ceremony.  It’s a kick in the face to the idea that if the Mr. saw his Ms. unveiled and wasn’t pleased he could just call the whole thing off… It’s a modern tradition being forged- it’s for Bride’s and Groom’s who love each other and want to share a sacred hour in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a wedding day.

FIRST LOOK CONFESSION?

I didn’t do it.  It’s my only regret.  technically- when i got married there was no such thing as a first look- oh, how i wish wedding photography was then what it is now!

it’s may favorite hour of every wedding i photograph.  it is the sweetest, most intimate, and sacred time- i feel like i’m capturing an energy and a memory that so far exceeds anything the couple imagined it comes as close to perfection as a moment can.  it’s never the same- some laugh, some cry, some do both… but every time- the same thing is said when it is all over- “That was our FAVORITE part of the day!” At every wedding I want to marry Romeo all over so that I can enjoy this hour.

I understand- It isn’t for everyone- and one or two weddings every year don’t choose the first look (though is send funny emails until the wedding trying to persuade them to come to the other side!) and that it totally fine! to each his own!

For those on the fence… here are a few reasons WHY I ALWAYS RECOMMEND THE FIRST LOOK:

  1. IT SLOWS DOWN YOUR DAY: you have a scheduled time (We set aside an hour) before your family and guests arrive to focus on each other.  No one to ask you questions, no calls, texts, or last minute details, just the two of you breathing deep breaths and taking in your day.
  2. IT PROVIDES A TIME TO SAY WHAT YOU NEED TO SAY: Imagine getting to tell your Mr. or Ms. why you are hear, what you’ve waited for, what you hope for, what you’re thank for- how fantastic they look, how you never want to forget this moment, or that moment- or any thing a long the way- the First Look provides that time, uninterrupted space for you to say what you need to say.  A typical wedding day goes something like this: arrive at venue, hair, makeup, dressed, eat something, people in and out, watching your watch, in and out, ceremony, (hi nice to see you while the officiant talks and we stand quietly), formal photographs with family, a few photographs of you two, head to the reception, hug a thousand people, try to steal something to eat (probably won’t happen), hug more people, dance, more hugs, grand finale, and into the car you go- and the conversations goes something like: “Oh, hi you! we’re married! what a day! that was fun…” how sweet would it be to have shared the first look  hour as you take on your day?
  3. IT IS GREAT FOR PORTRAITS: it goes without saying that it’s always great to have more time with your photographer! (not that you need an entire hour, we break it up to accomplish a ton!) We typically spend 30 minutes shooting the first look and portraits of the bride and groom and then 30 minutes shooting the bridal party or the family (or  BOTH).  When we can shoot all of the  portraits before the Wedding the Bride and Groom go straight to the reception and the guests are amazed!
  4. IT’S FUN FOR THE FAMILY:  if you choose to photograph your family before the ceremony it’s a nice place for everyone to meet, hug your neck, tell you how beautiful you look without overwhelming your bridal suite- you can say your hello’s and i love you’s and then head back to be with your nearest and dearest- aunt susie will have already pinched your cheeks, so she can make her way to her seat while you relax.
  5. IT MAKES THE CEREMONY EVEN MORE SPECIAL: the question i am asked most about the First Look is,  “Will make walking down the aisle less special?”  NOOOO! it’s quite the opposite- there are still tears, trembling knees,  nerves, deep breaths, and anticipation! It is a sweet thing to witness- it’s as if the First Look is the invisible connection between them- they’ve gotten to say what they wanted to say- the bride has heard how beautiful she is- the groom has gotten to spin his bride and see her from every angle- he has heard her say why she loves him- above any other man- they have these words as they stand before those they love.  it’s a special thing.

I could go on and on… i love the first look so much that I offer it as a gift to my clients… I believe in it, I love how it enriches the day, and provides memories that would otherwise be lost!  If you are on the fence… hop on over to our side!! you will be so glad you did!!

 

wedding featured:

Ben & Trisha Fuller | The Astin Mansion

A Valentine’s Day Fit For Two

It’s really hard sometimes to take a moment for yourself and breathe. Breathe and take a night off with your loved one because life is so crazy. Well, I have created a romantic Valentine’s Day party for two. Here are some tips to help any night of the week become extra special, especially on cupid’s holiday!

Tip 1-Create a cocktail

Cocktails can really help slow down the craziness of any day. We found a wonderful cocktail that will unwind your whole day.

A Loveable Champagne Cocktail:

  • 1 can of pineapple juice
  • 1 bottle (750ml) dry Champagne, chilled
  • 4 to 6 tsp. grenadine syrup (optional)

Add the grenadine syrup to each glass. Then fill each glass with 1/4 cup of pineapple juice. Finally, add the champagne! It’s as simple as that.

Tip 2-Create a tasting menu

This is the best time to experiment with different tastes, textures, and flavors.  Create a cheese plate from your local cheese shop. You can have a platter full of different tastes including a soft, hard, and even a “smelly” cheese! The key is to have small finger foods and share these divine goodies with each other. Also, have some assorted chocolates… cheese and chocolates go so well together! What’s better than cheese, chocolate, and champagne?!

We highly suggest this dessert if you are in the mood to bake.  It’s extremely easy and created for individual portions!

Mini Apple Crostatas

  • 1 Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crust (from 15-oz box), softened as directed on box
  • 1 large baking apple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

  1. Heat oven to 425°F. Unroll crust on work surface. Roll crust out slightly; cut into 4 (5-inch) rounds. Place rounds on parchment lined cookie sheet.
  2. In medium bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon; toss apple slices into sugar mixture. Divide apple slices evenly onto center of each pie crust round. Fold 1/2-inch of crust over filling, pinching slightly so that crust lays flat on apples.
  3. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and apples slices are tender.

Tip 3- Environment is Essential

You don’t have to go a fancy restaurant to create a romantic ambiance. Take a little time and light some aromatic candles, lay out some flowers, and turn off all electronics. It may be really hard to do, but you definitely owe yourself some quiet time with your significant other!

Valentine’s Day is a great day to make an effort to unwind your day and spend time with each other… but you don’t have to wait for Valentine’s- try to have a special night once a week.  You owe it to yourself!

 

 

 

St. Andrews, Scotland Photographer | Scotish Doors on a Rainy Day

 

one of my favorite things to do is explore.

the streets of St. Andrews, Scotland are perfect for exploring.

as we walked the cobblestone streets (freezing in the rain)  we were all taken in by the doors.  door after door after door.

i thought it would be a funny thing to have- Lisa & Anthony stoic in front of each door- and every 10 years or so they can head back and do it all again…

wouldn’t it be great to see how they age and the doors along with them?

looking at these almost a year later i am still blown away that Lisa could hold it together- it was COLD & do you see Anthony’s jacket? SOAKED.

weather the rest of the week?

absolutely beautiful.

that’s the way it goes, right?

these photographs are fitting.

happy tuesday.

 

 

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