Gratitude List for 2012

Here are just some of the many blessings of 2012 that have inspired me to be a better person and a better photographer:

1. I attended WPPI for the very first time and with my friend, Gorete Ferreira. Don't worry, Gorete, I have learned my lesson. Never ever stay in a hotel that has any smoking rooms much less one that's within a casino.

2. I attended the most amazing workshop, Tania Lippert's and Tia Reagan's T&T Dynamite Art of Directing. I'll never take a photo the same way again.

3. Booked my second commercial client, LUV Footwear. The coolest all weather ballet flats ever. I highly encourage everyone to check them out.

4. Became the legal guardian of my little brother who's turning 14 this year. I may be old fashioned and on the strict side, but we're still managing to have a lot of fun. Not to mention, he is thriving and it is the most amazing gift to see him doing so well in his new home.

5. Shot a styled bridal session outside of Milan, Italy! Oh, my goodness. Thanks to Leonora of ItalyInStyle, I had the most amazing time with an amazing group of talent.

6. Attended our dear friends' wedding in Umbria. Yes, it was a fairytale setting, but seeing two people so in love and so good for each other was more than my heart could bare. Congratulations, Luca and Brenda!

7. Published in Utterly Engaged! Thanks to Hazel Bourget who completely surprised me! I had no idea she submitted her anniversary session to the e-magazine. Such a treat and an honor!

8. Published in Style Me Pretty. The styled shoot in Italy made it to publication, and I just about died. Such a feeling of accomplishment to be published along side so many talented photographers and vendors.

9. Celebrated five years of marriage to my best friend and soul mate, Alessandro. I don't know why in God's name he puts up with me, but I count my blessings each and every day that he does.

10. Worked along side some amazing women as a second shooter! YOU ladies are wonderful in so many ways, and I can not thank you enough for letting me tag along side you: Tiffany Walker and Marita Madeloni of Adeline & Grace, Julie Kay Kelly of JK Life Stories, and Carmen Salazer.

Wishing everyone a wonderful, safe and happy New Year's Eve and a prosperous 2013! Thanks for swinging by! 

xo

2012 | A Year in Review

Oh my goodness, another year gone by?! Really?! Do I have to age? Does the world have to keep spinning? Can't it stand still for just one minute??? At least I can relish in the glory of making some moments freeze in time, never to be forgotten. Here is a little stroll down memory lane looking back on my beautiful clients from this past year. Whether I've taken your headshot, your family portrait, documented your wedding or taken photos for your business, I send each of you a big hug of gratitude for letting me into your lives, your homes, and your hearts. xo

Tis the Season

Today, I scooted out of the office for a quick get together with some wonderful women. We each wrapped up a book to exchange and made a dish to share. Since I work from home, moments like these are necessary to maintain my sanity. The book, Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. The dish, roasted butternut squash tart with arugula, sage and pine nuts.

I hope whoever pops by the blog today is taking an hour or two to stop and delight in this magical season of love & light. xo

Elle + Josh | Styled Engagement Session | Cavallo Point, Sausalito

Back in February, I met this sweet Florida-grown photographer, Sara Lajevardi, at a Tanja Lippert T&T Dynamite workshop on the Art of Directing.  She was coming into town, and we decided to practice what we learned several months prior. It was a struggle to find a real couple who could hang out with us on a Wednesday, but we lucked out. Exalt Model + Talent Agency sent over Elle and Josh. They're gorgeous, right? Right, but they're not a real couple… Hmmmm. We were up for the challenge. Believe it or not, this was Josh's first time in front of a professional's camera, and I think he did an amazing job. Thank you, Josh! Elle is a total pro and helped us make Josh feel at ease right quick.

What was so exciting for me about this session is that when I look at the final results, had I not booked these models myself, I would mistake them for a true head-over-heals-in-love couple. So many of my clients feel nervous when they land in front of my camera, but I think this goes to show, no matter how nervous my clients may feel, there is a way to melt that fear away and simply have a good time during a portrait session and produce beautiful results.

At least, this is what I hope Miss Tanja would think of these results. ; )

 

Styled Bridal Shoot | Villa Greppi di Bussero | Lombardia, Italy

I am so excited to see this beautiful Italian setting published on Style Me Pretty today. A big wet kiss goes to my husband. Without his patience while I worked during our vacation, excellent navigation skills and last minute decision to join me in Milan, there wouldn't be any photos to share. xo

To the team: Leonora, Alessandra, Sara, Bianca, Andrea, Ilaria, Annie, Pietro, Luigi, Giulia Maria, Roberto, the whole Greppi family and Nina too - you are just amazing! Grazie di cuore!

Travel Agent and Wedding Advisor: Leonora DiMauro, Italy In Style

Wedding Planner: Alessandra Bolzagni, My Special Guest

Flowers and Decor: Andrea Cova, Food Art Group

Cake: Comi Pasticceria

Dress: Atelier Aimee, Milan

Model: Ilaria Iacovello

Hair and Make up: Anna Clara Fanesi

Invitation: Bianca Mascorro, Little Miss Press

Location: Villa Greppi Di Bussero, Lombardia (currently available for small weddings of 50 guests or less - email: Pietro at direzione@edinat.it)