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)

Prayers for My Kid Brother

If I told you that I prayed for a baby brother even though my parents told me it wasn’t possible, would you believe me? Probably. Not much to contend there. If I told you that he was finally born when I was twenty-seven, would you be amazed? Hmm, strange, but possible, you might say. If I told you that by the time he was one, I was having a nervous breakdown in my tiny San Francisco bathroom, because I was worried for his life, would that be getting too personal? How about if you learned that because of him, I realized I needed to make some major changes in my own lifestyle knowing that he needed someone he could rely on one day? Would you wonder more about the mystery of this family dynamic? And if one day last May he called and asked if he could move in with me and my husband, how would you add up the story then?

Sometimes, I deliberately avoid the magnitude of the situation. Other times, I am in awe of it. A thirteen year old boy asks to move in with his sister who lives 3,000 miles away, because he no longer feels safe at home. This story is not entirely mine. There are many characters involved, and they each deserve their right to privacy. On the other hand, I don’t entirely feel compelled to ignore the elephant in the room. It exists, and we might as well admit it. This is something to accept, not deny. To embrace, not to push away. And let’s face it, the story could be far, far worse.

I will leave out the details, though, because I prefer to protect my brother. Suffice it to say, we have had to overcome a great deal. But what can we do? Those are the cards. They’re on the table, and we’re playing our hand as best we can.

And guess what. That best is pretty awesome. My brother has lived with us now for six months. I became his official guardian this September. He attends an amazing school, has made some good friends, and most importantly he feels safe and secure. His grades have gone from C’s, D’s, and F’s to A’s and B’s. He has consistency. He’s thriving. He eats vegetables! He actually enjoys reading! I could brag about him all day, really.

It’s hard to write this post. It’s cryptic, and oh so many juicy details must be left out. But I felt it was important to point out how grateful I am for this opportunity to take care of my little brother. He gives me far more than I give him. Always has. It may seem like I'm helping him, but the truth is, he saved me from the time he was one year old. Fast forward to today, and this experience is teaching me more than I could have imagined and at lightening speeds. I tend to be the optimist, and this situation proves, once again, that having the right attitude and putting one baby step in front of the other each day helps to overcome life’s obstacles.

I believe with all my heart, that we’re not given more than we can handle. I’m so blessed to have my kid brother here with us. Blessed to have a supportive husband. And grateful that I have a place to proudly display his photo. I am sure you can believe me when I say that I am utterly amazed by his courage. One day, we’ll tell the full story, because I feel confident it will be one with a very happy ending. 

Hazel + Marc | Published | Utterly Engaged

A couple months ago, I had the honor of photographing Hazel + Marc's anniversary portraits in downtown San Francisco. Today, I am delightfully surprised to find that their story has been published on one of the most swoon-worthy on-line magazines, Utterly Engaged, issue No. 24! Hazel Bourget, you are so sneaky! I stared at my computer screen so long looking at the publication this morning that I literally drooled. Slippers, tea & slime. It's attractive! Seriously, though, the immeasurable beauty that spreads across the screen is just beyond… it's like an ocean of pure bliss! Please take a moment to read Hazel + Marc's love story. It is hysterically funny, warm and sincere - just like them. 

Sarah + Dominic | San Francisco Engagement

Sarah and Dominic chose the most gorgeous sun-filled afternoon to take their engagement portraits at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. I'm counting down the days until their wedding this weekend and still swooning over the earrings that Sarah wore which belonged to her grandmother. They're as beautiful as you are, Sarah!  

Janice | Maternity Session | Oakland, CA

She makes pregnancy look so effortless. Even yesterday, she emailed me while in labor to correspond about her print order! Janice, you're going to be an amazing mother. I have sincere gratitude for the opportunity to meet you and to document this cherished moment in your life. Wishing you and your family all the joy in the world. xo