{friday photo tip}

Taking your wedding formals prior to the ceremony not only relieves a lot of stress on your wedding day timeline, but also allows more time for some amazing photos and of course your cocktail hour, lol. And, what better way to capture both your expressions and emotions than during a "first look", where you have more time to take eachother in, gasp, cry and just hold and love eachother.

{thursday treats}

Left: Such a beautiful lace dress by Elizabeth Fillmore. Top Center: How cute is this chevron cake by Three Little Blackbirds Cakes. Top Right: Beautiful floral bouquet by Stems Floral Design via Style Me Pretty. Bottom Center: Still obsessed with colored glass, but how could you not be, these are so beautiful! Would be great home decor, especially the teal, well that is for me, lol. via room rx. Bottom Right: Such a stunning setting for a wedding! Love the lighting and intimacy of this wedding. View the whole wedding via Style Me Pretty.

{krista + aldo | portrait | film + lace + vintage cameras | malibu}

I am so excited to share part 1 of our holiday session featuring film, lace and vintage cameras, all of my favorite things! I know, we are a bit late on this post, lol. This year we decided to display a table of cameras in lieu of sweets! I got the idea from a wall display of cameras and a beautiful sweets table by My Sweet and Saucy. With the help of Gianna of Chic Celebrations, we were able to turn my inspiration into reality. She is so amazing! Aldo and I are currently working on translating it into a wall display for our living room! I can't wait. ;-) Jackie of Susie Chhuor did an amazing job on my hair and make-up and Jen of Nunn-Better Design styled Aldo and I. The beautiful calligraphy was done by Calligraphy Katrina.

Every photographer needs to experience what it feels like to be in front of the camera, and Aldo and I do it every year for our holiday portraits. No matter how experienced you are as a photographer it is always an awkward feeling having your portrait taken. At least that is for Aldo and I, we are not models by any means and enjoy being behind the camera, lol. Asking yourself to do all the fake laughs, poses and silly things we ask our clients to do in order to achieve their amazing images puts things into perspective. I think it makes us better photographers, knowing what it is like on both sides of the camera. In the end I love having our portraits for memories and of course our yearly holiday card. ;-) We hope you enjoy this little snippet into our lives!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Joy and Cory.

{monday moments}

{press | hostess with the mostess | hawaiian birthday party}

I am very excited to share that our Hawaiian Luau Birthday Party was featured on Hostess with the Mostess today. Such a fun birthday party with lots of beautiful design and paper from Cherish Paperie and the amazing cake from Cupcakes Couture. Such amazing work from everyone and the performance by Tupua Productions was fantastic. The kids all had a blast and it was a hit of a party! Thanks for letting me be part of your daughters special day Adrienne.

– Stationery: Cherish Paperie
– Desserts: Cupcakes Couture
– Hula Instructors: TUPUA Productions

{friday photo tip}

The best time to schedule your ceremony is 2-3 hours before sunset. This will give you enough time for your ceremony and the best lighting for your bridal party and couple portraits. The sweet spot is just before sunset, but be careful not to go past sunset, as it will then be dark.

{thursday treats}

Left: Love all of Jenny Packham's line. So stunning! Sourced via Brides. Top Center: Those ruffles down the cake are just amazing! Cake by Sweet Melissa Patisserie. Top Right: My favorite, peonies! Look how beautiful, simple and elegant this table scape is. Great for any occasion. Via The Posh Event. Bottom Center: The Ruche bridal collection is finally here and I am loving it, especially this head piece. You know my and hair pieces, lol. Bottom Right: How romantic and fun are these chair cover via Style Me Pretty. You can find many romantic and fun linens at Wildflower Linen.

{monday moments}

{friday photo tip}

Always have fun during your session, it will show in your images. No matter what else is going on, children screaming, wedding day jitters, nerves, just let it all go and make the most of it. You will be amazed at what a difference it makes in your images. Don't worry we will help you along, but remember to work with what you have and enjoy!

{thursday treats}

Left: Love the layers, edge and beauty this dress has. Photo by Axioo Top Center: What a cute little cupcake, love the design.via Cute Things. Top Right: Gorgeous photograph by Milton H. Greene. Adore the big floppy hat and the whole look! Bottom Center: Great DIY project for a wedding or event. Love the color combo. via Ruffled. Photo by Rustic White Photography. Bottom Right: How adorable are these diaper covers! Great for a baby shoot, boy or girl, and they are DIY.

{monday moments}

{friday photo tip}

Hair and make-up play an important roll in any photography session from weddings, engagements to family portraits! The right hair and make-up can help define your look, not matter if it is natural or dramatic and edgy. Here are a few of our favorites:

Make Up Therapy
Kutting Room
Fiore Beauty
Susie Chhuor Professional Hair & Makeup

{thursday treats}

Left: Beautiful lace dress by Claire Pettibone via Wedding Chicks. Photo by Anne Adams. Top Center: Love this ruffle cake and the wood cake stand via Style Me Pretty. Photo by EE Photography. Top Right: Gorgeous flower bouquet. Love the organic rustic look by Lauryl Lane. Photo by Jasmine Star. Bottom Center: How fun and adorable are the umbrellas as reception decor. Design by Canvas and Canopy and Alchemy Fine Events. photo by Justin Lee. Bottom Right: Ahhhh love this headboard and chandelier with the ruffles via Conspicuous Style. So pretty!

{jen + greg | engagement | malibu}

Jen + Greg are so adorable. When we were chatting about their relationship and activities, they both said travel was something that they loved to do. So we decided to incorporate a little travel into their engagement session. The suitcases, trunk, map and compass were a perfect addition to the lovely couple's session. They are also big readers, him Star Wars, her Twilight, so we had to add that in as well! And, how cute is the chalkboard sign "i said yes", just love it! I adore Jen's enthusiasm and love that Greg is always on board! It was a fun filled session with lots of love and joy, just how it should be! I am so happy to have captured that with such a fantastic couple. Congratulations Jen + Greg!