moroccan magic.

It was a true dream and honor to photograph this amazing bridal shower, creatively designed and inspired by my dear friend, Dawn, with floral arrangements by my other dear friend, Courtney!

I can't even begin to describe all of the details that went into making this party a truly festive event. Ok, I'll try: there were were hand-painted cups, perfectly organized trays of homemade food, fabric napkins holding jeweled cutlery, strung fabrics, elaborate tropical arrangements, stenciled fans, hand-crafted and personally written notecards... just to name a few! But what I can describe in full (er, in photos that is) is just how heart-warmingly it all was accepted. Everyone who came through that gate experienced such a magical place — so wonderful that it was hard not to smile really, really big.

It's true that one's visual surroundings affects the overall feeling of a party (yes, those details do count!) — and the feeling here was an exotic warmth that was intoxicating. No one wanted the party to end... which is how it should be!

(I cannot wait to begin designing my wedding with Dawn and Courtney! I'm going to be so spoiled.)

dawn's moroccan masterpiece.

Just a little taste of what's to come: Jenn & Jason's engagement shower — designed masterfully by my dear friend Dawn, with Courtney's assistance on flowers and decorations. Uh-uh-uhhhhnnnnbelievable transformation was done to the indoor/outdoor space to incorporate the Indian/Moroccan theme... from delicately hand-painted gold cups, to custom graphic cut-out fans and strewn jewel-toned saris.

I cannot wait to share this with you... it was such a dreamland to capture in pictures! Stay tuned.

festival faces.

As usual, the Inman Park Festival did not disappoint. So many people to watch, amazing artists to support and fried food to enjoy. And of course, there was the infamous parade!





















I trudged home not only with a sweet sunburn and tired feet, but also with a glass stopper painted by my friend Leigh (please do go look for her booth if you stop by on Sunday — her work is amazing and so very giftable) and of course, one more piece from Cara Gilbert (my collection has now grown to a sizable 4).

Oh Inman Park festival, you never cease to amaze me.

ps. Happy "meetiversary", Witt.

keys to happiness.

You all know of my love of skeleton keys, so I couldn't resist a drive over to my dear friend Dawn's house to click a few shots of the collection she received from her Dad in the mail last week.







She's doing an amazing project with them (shhh! I can't tell - it's a secret right now) and I can't wait to see how it all turns out. In the meantime, they will be hiding out in the shop as of this weekend. However, I'm not sure if I want to sell all of them. Do you have a favorite (or two)? Each one has so much character and such a story to tell, don't you think?

photoboard shout-out.

Before I do a portrait photoshoot, I always like to peruse my favorite photographers to get inspiration from. How did they light the shot? Get the angle? De-saturate the color? Use props? Then I make a "photoboard" which is basically a collage of all of these inspirations. I try to think about the person I'm shooting, what their vibe would be, how they see themselves or perhaps how they'd like to be portrayed. The board then becomes a dialogue for us, making it easier to set up and compose shots.

I've branched out from perusing the portfolios of my fav photogs and found a plethora of emerging artists shooting for other artist's work on Etsy. Take a look at this incredible shot of a gorgeous flock sold at Makool:



And these photos of the lovely dresses at sarahseven:





Wow. Not only do they do a great job of showcasing the dresses, they are just incredible, mood-filled shots in general. They've become a mainstay on my boards these days.

Ooh, and I got a shout-out too today over at Her Library Adventure. She featured my Nest photo on her Saturday Shopping List. That made my day! She too is a fellow Etsian and makes adorable fabric brooches.

Gosh, isn't Etsy wonderful? If I could give it a giant bear hug, I would.

she keeps me in purses

I've been meaning to post pictures of these for awhile now:




Mom created them for me out of my favorite Amy Butler fabric — one for my birthday and one for Christmas. They are so well-crafted, so beautifully detailed that when I carry them I am always stopped and told just how wonderful they are. She even has a little embroidered tag in them, attached with the tiniest of safety pins.

I actually keep them both hung on various doors around the house because they are just too lovely to be hidden away.

Cut & Paste.

A working lunch for a new pitch at work produced this little collage yesterday. (Actually, it's about 24 in x 36 in, maybe a shade bigger.) It's a mood board that was supposed to visually describe me or at best, allow for some personal expression.

I'm not so sure that it really represents me, but it was just so nice (and freeing) to put down the photoshop cut & paste tool and physically cut & paste with about 10 magazines, a pair of scissors and a glue stick. I know. I can't believe I do this for a living either! And get paid for it. Shhhh, let's keep this secret between us; I've got a good thing going here.

Bird bath or cake stand?

I've been wanting a proper cake stand forever and came across this girl's work today on Etsy.



I think this one is hilarious - why wouldn't 3 little birdies be hovering about your cake? Plus, it looks like a miniature bird bath!



I'm loving this red one too - especially how it looks from the top. There's a greenish/blue one of these listed as well that is just so darn pretty. Oooh, how to decide? Which one do you like the best?

So, have I told you about my love for Etsy? Best invention ever. I'm an etsaholic — I poke around probably 3 times a day — and am constantly finding such unique handmade things to buy, gift and/or admire. Seriously, why buy anything at a big box retailer when you can buy handmade treasures (while spending no gas money)? It's a no brainer.