why is it the the french do things with such finesse??
dresses & food & lets face it, where would we be without
french kissing?? this lovely veil is made by french designer
DELPHINE MANIVET….& today on JUNEBUG WEDDINGS
you can see the entire shoot i worked on recently in new york…
hope you enjoy a beautiful day full of french daydreams…xoxo
(styling by MERCI NEW YORK…florals by KAT FLOWER)
BONNE JOURNEE

as we meander along our journey in life, camera in hand….the road twisting & turning…we, as photographers, learning our craft & nurturing our creativity, and learning the value of our images….somewhere along the way as we honor & maintain the ever important “copyright” to our photographs….there is a little tiny problem….”copyright” does not mean “copycat”….so i implore you, especially young photographers, trust in yourself & your own vision…it is the one thing absolutely unique & special to you…in a world full of “inspiration” & “ideas” i imagine there is a certain allure to aspire to create images that are reminiscent of ones we’ve seen & been moved by….in fact, in the spirit of full disclosure, when i began my journey as a photographer, i was mesmerized by SALLY MANN’s work…it spoke to my soul…it moved in ways i had no language to describe…my sister gave me the book IMMEDIATE FAMILY (if you have not seen this book, you must…its wonderful)….the book is full of SALLY MANN’s photographs of her three children…..i would say her work has influenced me greatly….although i too now am the mother of three children (i swear i didn’t mean to “copy” SALLY MANN on that) & i love, as many of you know, to photograph my children….i suppose i understand more now how poignant SALLY MANN’s images are….how being a mother changes you in ways that are ever-changing & beyond the scope of any human language…when i photograph my children i am drawn to the unique & special beauty they each possess….i capture what is in front of me…what they reveal to me…it is an awkward dance of caught moments & missed moments, crowns & birthday cakes, it’s our life…so yes, i was touched by SALLY MANN’s images of her life….i have never tried to “copy” a specific images of hers….what would be the point?? the beauty of an image lies somewhere between a proper exposure & some modicum of authenticity….my point is, don’t try to copy another person’s work….everyone knows….and the saddest part about it, is that you are missing the most amazing opportunity to create special meaningful images…each human, each photographer has something special to offer, if you are “copying” others, you never really discover or reveal what is special and amazing about yourself….i do believe in inspiring each other…and let’s face it, it’s not like we can re-invent the wheel….there will always be overlaps & similarities between photographers & their work…but really when you outright “copy” another photographer you are only making yourself look bad…& truly missing the point, because you were probably drawn to the amazing image you are trying to copy because if felt authentic in some way…& the minute you copy it, you have lost any sense of authenticity….art is in your heart…so instead of looking outside, try looking inward…you might be surprised how much inspired beauty you will find inside…xoxo

this lovely shoot was in SHAKER VILLAGE….

where i was lucky enough to photograph all day long….

the countryside was beautiful & if you pick up the newest issue of KENTUCKY BRIDE…

there is a wonderful 15 page spread on bridesmaids style….

here are some some of my favorite images….

something special about the south…i love it….

i don’t usually show so many images…but i just couldn’t decide….soooo

sit back & enjoy…..

the shaker moto “we make you kindly welcome” is so charming….

L.O.V.E. & grey dresses….

and amazing TWIGS & HONEY headpieces….

and amber colored leaves falling from the lushish trees….

i can’t quite put my finger on what makes the south so sweet…..

it may be the rolling hills…or the soul food…or maybe just the sweet slow drawl tickling my ears….

i love the time i’ve spent in kentucky & can’t wait to come back…..

to see more of these beautiful southern bells & find out
the details about the dresses find yourself a copy of
KENTUCKY BRIDE

weekends are for snuggling with the one you love….xoxo

simone harouche & marc bretter’s
beautiful wedding featured in INSIDE WEDDINGS magazine

simone & marc are one of the sweetest & most stylish couples ever….

their incredible wedding was planner from head to toe by the amazing SHARON SACKS

simone, a talented designer, created her bridesmaids pretty dresses….simone is an incredible stylist, her clients include christina aguilera, nicole richie & miley cyrus to name a few…she also has the most amazing handbag company SIMONE CAMILLE…i love love love love love love her bags….

their wedding was eclectic & artistic & the only thing more beautiful than
the creative decor was the palpable affection & love between marc & simone

an array of chandeliers cascaded above their guests (most of you know i am
absolutely smitten with chandeliers-so this truly took my breath away)….

the night unfolded into a beautiful mix of dancing & cake….

wishing lots of love & happiness to mr & mrs bretter…xoxo

___________________________________________________

consultant SHARON SACKS
bride’s gown CAROLINA HERRERA
floral design MARK’S GARDEN
video PAPER TAPE FILMS
hair stylist PETER SAVIC
makeup BYRON WILLIAMS
invitations RIFLE PAPER
photography ELIZABETH MESSINA

enough said…xoxo

such a beautiful way to start the new year….
so thrilled to be on the cover of the newest issues of 805 LIVING magazine….
its especially sweet because the beautiful girl is my good friend gina in the arms
of her then fiance, don (the two married in october)….keep an eye out, their wedding
images will  be published soon….wishing all a beautiful day & new year…xoxo

congratulations margie & drew….
the winners on fthe $200 WILLIAM SONOMA gift certficiate…
may you  enjoy many married glasses of wine together…xoxo

as we emerge & embrace the new remember to take a little time to sit down & relax

“wake at dawn with a winged heart & give thanks for another day of loving”
Kahlil Gibran

a little more sweetness....