Sometimes, when you take a picture you just know you’ve got magic.  That the image you’ve taken is THE ONE.  The shutter clicks and *bam* you’ve got it – and if you didn’t take another picture the entire day you know you could go home satisfied.

Other times, it’s not till later that you realize you might just have something special.   The house is quiet, everyone else long since asleep.  You’re in the zone – well known to all artists – where the image start to sing it’s own song and you only have to listen closely to know what it wants to become.   Somewhere – in the transition from full color to a vintage, film inspired black and white – the shadows take on a different texture, the desert landscape stands out in start relief against deepening clouds and a slow smile spreads across your face.  Yes – you’ve got something special here.

This is an image meant to be viewed large – but even on my computer screen, I knew I had created something that I loved.  And in the end – there’s nothing more satisfying than that.

***

{Lauren and Brian were married last month at the fabulous JW Marriott Desert Ridge.  It was an incredible day filled with love, laughter and more than a handful of celebrity sighings (remind me to tell you about trying to capture a gaggle of groomsmen on the hunt for Miley Cyrus).  The divine Ashley Gain was on hand to make sure that the day went off without a hitch and the fab team from Bright Bokeh captured a killer video of the events of the day.}

He asked her, on bended knee, just as the sun was setting on a desert mountaintop.  It was just a month after they met and she wondered what on earth had taken him so long.  No – it wasn’t a mad dash romance – he got down on one knee to ask her to be his girlfriend.  Who could possibly resist that sort of old fashioned romance?

Certainly not Rachel.

And that was just the beginning.  They’ve got big dreams, of a life on the east coast in a Victorian house near the ocean, and the family they plan on creating together.  They “argue and make up.  Bicker and smile. Fight over the remote control and love each other unconditionally”.   Zhen says he’ll love her until his teeth fall out, and Rachel crosses her fingers and says she hopes he doesn’t take up hockey anytime soon.

And so it goes – with humor and solidarity and a dash of adventure  – Rachel and Zhen love one another in a way that defies label or definition.  It just is.

And we are glad to have been a part of it.

Part One of Rachel and Zhen’s engagement Shoot – Young Love, Urban Style
{also coming soon – their fab Inspirador Wedding} 

Your people.  The ones who really get you – what you do and who you are.  Your people are excited about your art, mad for your talent and down with your ways of being in the world.  And you get them right back.  It’s a smokin’ kind of kismet and the best sort of magic-making.

Sometimes you just know immediately when you meet someone who will become one of your people. We love those moments – live for them.

Rachel first connected with us via Facebook and we knew from the moment she described herself and her fiancé as “a little kooky, quirky, artsy, modern, contemporary, cute”  that we were going to get fabulously.   From that first email it was official – she was one of our peeps.

And it was a perfect match.  Rachel and Zhen don’t take themselves too seriously, they have a great sense of style and individuality and most importantly, they know how to have fun.  This engagement shoot was a blast – we began in the grungy alleyways of downtown Phoenix and then headed up north to an abandoned desert hideaway for a private picnic.

And along the way we laughed.  And we schemed.  And we planned.  And we got silly. Zhen and Rachel were game for anything and so seriously in love that if we hadn’t already been smitten, we would have been head over heels by the end of the shoot.

Zhen and Rachel – they’re our people.  And we plan on keeping them.

{Stay tuned next week for Part Two of this shoot – and for Rachel and Zhen’s incredible Inspirador Wedding}

Things we know for sure:
1. I am not the most prolific, reliable or regular blogger.
2. I have developed a solid pattern of occasionally making a damn good show, apologizing profusely, spewing lots of promises and posting a series of posts, only to inevitably sink back into obscurity before you’ve even gotten used to having me around.
3. I also have an unhealthy attachment to run-on sentences (see above). This is not necessarily related to this blog post – but important nonetheless.
4. I have, in the past, practiced a ridiculous level of avoidance with any task that even remotely approaches self-promotion.
5. This includes blogging, maintaining our facebook page and marketing of any sort.
6. All of the above are important for the maintenance and continued growth of a photography business.
7. Clearly I’ve got a few kinks to work out.

But guess what?  Enough of that.  2012 is the year to work out those kinks.  We’ve had big shifts occurring behind the scenes for the past year  - and although change often occurs slower than we’d like – it’s definitely occurring.   We are learning and growing and refining our purpose and passion, and our focus has shifted in a big way.  Our work has shifted in a big way.  Our plans for the future have shifted in a big way.  And because we’re also quite over the starving artist myth, we are going to have to knock that whole ‘self-promotion makes us skeevy’ thing into oblivion so that we can share it all with you very soon.

In the meantime, I need to push myself back into blogging.  We’ve got a few years worth of sessions, most of which have never been shared.  Beautiful women, beautiful couples, beautiful families.  We’ve been involved in some crazy cool collaborative shoots with fiercely talented individuals.   Our photography has been published on some fantastic blogs and recognized in a respected magazine.   And for the most part, all of this all exists only on my hard drive and the random to-do lists that clutter my desk.   Instead of waiting for everything to be perfect, or the new iteration of this company to be launch-ready, or for the perfect assistant to appear out of the blue with a razor sharp mind, a love of marketing and piles and piles of dark chocolate to feed me when I’m stressed – I just need to begin.

You see – I’ve convinced myself over the years that if I can’t post absolute perfection I shouldn’t post at all.  That every one of my clients deserve a hand-written and personalized story to go with their images.  That every single post had to showcase the wholeness and heart of every session. That I couldn’t post anything until all the new changes were 100% ready to be put into effect. That nothing less that perfect would ever do.  And that has kept me frozen in place.  Always waiting for enough time, or the exact right inspiration, or for all the changes to be in place (or that imaginary assistant to knock on my door).

So yes we’ve got big changes coming – and they are not quite ready to share.  And yes, I’ll probably always need nagging and encouragement and of course – self-promotion still makes me feel a little icky.  But I’m working on it, because I have to and because I want to.  Because I really, really believe in the work we are going to be doing, and I want you to know about it.  So, I begin with baby steps.  An intention to blog all these archived shoots, to celebrate the beauty of my clients and their families and their lives.  A desire to combine words and photography into something that I  feel passionate enough about that blogging (and all other forms of self-promotion) become automatic and fulfilling instead of a chore to be avoided.

I could use a cheerleader or two along the way.  I’ve got some pretty entrenched habits to change.  I’m also easily distracted by shiny things and dark chocolate, so clearly I could use your help.  Are you with me?

Tell me – what necessary things do you avoid?  Does your perfectionism get in the way of your productivity?  Have you managed to change your habits and get back on track?  Do YOU need a cheerleader? 

And please – if you have a moment, check out our new Facebook Page.  We’ve posted our upcoming travel dates, will announce promotions and contests and will begin sharing more photos there as well.  Stop by and say hi – we’d love to hear from you.

Many, many moons ago (in a land far, far away) I was a dancer.  Ballet.  Jazz.  Musical Theater….it was a huge part of my life.  It’s been a long, long time since my last curtain call – but the world of dance will always hold a special place in my heart.  Of course, I jumped at the chance to be a part of a fashion shoot inspired by the growing trend for dance inspired clothing, hair and makeup.

By now almost everyone has seen the blockbuster film The Black Swan.  Dance inspired fashion had already been gaining visibility, with ballerina buns, leggings and tights popular with fashionistas everywhere.  The release of the Oscar Nominated film moved the style solidly into the mainstream.

The combination of poise and elegance with simplicity and comfort personified by dance clothing (and dancers themselves) was the inspiration for my third collaboration with Phoenix’s very own fashionista, stylist Alex Evjen of AVE Styles.  This shoot was initially conceived back in the fall (kudos to Alex for being ahead of the trends and predicting what was to come) but had to be rescheduled recently because of busy holiday schedules. We were all so excited when the planets finally aligned on a date when everyone was free to do the shoot.

Clothing for the shoot was provided by The Willows Home and Garden, a local luxury home and lifestyle boutique.  Hair Stylist Extraordinaire Kim Cornwell of Triple Threat Studios was on hand to provide her take on ballerina-inspired hair, and the multi-talented Alex took care of model Jennifer’s makeup (LOVE the smoky eyes)!   We shot at the always fabulous Tempe Center For the Arts, which provided the perfect urban backdrop for our shoot.

At the beginning of 2010 I set myself some personal goals.  They weren’t resolutions, mind you, that would be far too cheesy.  And kittens – just so you know – I would never dream of being cheesy.

Just five simple goals, ten words total.

The first one of the list was a single word:

GALLERY

When we neared the end of the year and that one particular goal didn’t seem to be materializing I shrugged it off.  Figured I’d just slide it over into the 2011 column, all casual like so nobody would notice.  No biggie – it happens.

And then, somewhere between Turkey Day and Auld Lang Syne I got an email from Alex Evjen (the genius behind Ave Styles) who invited me to be a part of The Phoenix First Friday Art Exhibit on  March 4^th (that’s tomorrow peeps!) at Day|Twelve – an incredible gallery space in downtown Phoenix.

So what, it wouldn’t take place till 2011.   The invite came in 2010.  I immediately made the executive decision that this totally counted.  Mission accomplished.  Goal crossed off.

~~~

The theme of tomorrow night’s exhibit is STYLE.   I will be featuring images from several fabulous urban fashion shoots – and joining some other incredible artists in showcasing our work.  The best part?  We are collaborating in support of the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation – an organization which exists to educate and assist women in difficult life transitions.  We will be collecting pens and journals all night – these will be used by women at the foundation as they move through the program and on a path to a better future.

The portraits are chosen, the frames are hung and the gallery is ready, but the really important question remains….

What the heck am I going to wear?!*

Date: Friday, March 4, 2011
Time: 6pm to 10pm
Place: 812 2nd Avenue,Phoenix, AZ 85003
*Parking is available across from the gallery and on the street.

Check out our Facebook invite,  and share with your friends. The official event  flier can also be downloaded.

**Send me some style inspiration – if I choose your suggestion (or something close to it) for Friday night, I’ll send you a $25 gift card to use towards your next session or print order!

Just because.

Just because you’re so head over heels in love with her that you’ve been making mixed tapes of sappy 80’s love songs*

Just because right now he won’t take off his superman cape and froggy rubber boots for a single waking moment, and before you know it you’ll blink and he’ll be asking to borrow the car.

Just because your butt has never looked as good in a pair of jeans as it does in these ones.  (seriously, everyone says so).

Just because although you’ve been together for years, there’s something magic about the energy between you two right now.

Just because life is so perfectly imperfect that it would be a shame to forget what right now looked like.

Just because is always my favorite reason for a photo shoot.   We’ve all accepted that there are certain specific times you should get professional photos taken.  When you get married, right after your baby is born, right before the holidays.  And like clockwork we call, and we book our appointments and we take the expected photos.  And although they are no less magic for being expected – what about all the moments and years and memories in between?

Just because takes away all of the shoulds, all the expectations, all the feelings of obligation.  And when those are stripped away, all you are left with is the reality of right now.  And damn, if that isn’t sometimes the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

Plus, holy freaking cow – you were totally right about those jeans!  Girl – you look goooood.

~~~~~~

Maisha is the mama of four children.  Three amazing boys and one impossibly sweet little girl.  She loves those boys with all of her heart, but this photo session was just for her and Alissa.  An opportunity to head downtown, just us girls and a camera, and celebrate that one of a kind mama-daughter connection.  Just because….

As the mama of two girls, I can honestly say that these photos made me melt.

And Maisha….va va va voom!

Alissa has so much sweetness (and just enough sassy attitude) that everyone falls head over heels in love with her.  Personally, I want to adopt her – but her mama says no!

Even in the grittiest parts of downtown, there is still softness and beauty ( and a wee dose of silliness) to be found.

Maisha – you’re gorgeous. End of story.

*yes, I’m totally showing my age with the mix tape comment.  No, I’m not ashamed.  Air Supply anyone?

Sometimes, before you even click the shutter, you know.  It’s a combination of the subject, and the setting, and the light, and the buzz in the air.  And you just know you’ve gotten something magical.

Nicole and her new hubby got married last month at the  Blackstone Country Club in Vistancia. Check back soon for their Sedona engagement images and their beautiful wedding.

Okay, I admit it.  I love fashion photography.  Love it.  Head-over-heels-jumping-up-and-down-giddy love it.

The entire process is ridiculously exciting.  Working with the client to create a vision for the shoot, scouting the perfect location with just the right vibe, brainstorming with a brilliant stylist to pull together the wardrobe and accessories to create the desired look and watching a talented hair and makeup artist work her magic and transform a woman into a absolute knockout….

Pure. Artistic. Heaven.

And it’s not always about working with professional models, needing uber-expensive haute couture clothing, or being hired by a commercial client with a ginormous budget.  In fact, the majority of my fashion clients don’t get any closer to the catwalk than watching ANTM from the comfort of their couch.  They don’t have crazy budgets for numerous hot-off-the-runway ensembles.   They’re not imagining that they’ll see the photos plastered on the cover of a glossy mag at the checkout line.

No, most of the time I photograph everyday women, with everyday bank accounts.  Every single one is both ordinary AND extraordinary and most of them don’t have the slightest idea just how beautiful they are.

And I get to help show them.  I get to step behind my camera and capture these vibrant, vivacious women, coax them to let loose their inner fashionista, turn on the diva and unleash all the attitude they’ve been keeping tucked away.  For some women, the simple act of seeing themselves in this new way is a game changer.

And it’s absolutely, completely and utterly amazing to witness.

~~~~~~

We set out early one June morning to meet with Adrienne at her chic loft apartment in downtown Phoenix.  Adrienne had laid the contents of her closet and accessory collection out across the furniture and countertop, and we dove in to create a series of fabulous looks – giggling like a group of high school girls as we debated our options. Clothing in place, hair and makeup artist extraordinaire Meghan Reese went to work and transformed Adrienne into an edgy couture-goddess, rocking a runway-inspired teased style that begged to be photographed.  We headed down to the streets, braving the hot desert sun and prowling through alleys to find texture and color and hidden bits of urban grunge.

And clearly, she rocked it. (so well in fact, that she managed to get herself wrangled into modeling for an incredible styled bridal shoot a few months later…stay tuned for more on that soon).

Our 2010 mini-sessions are quickly approaching – and as of today we have only two available spots left.  Mini Sessions are only held a few times a year, and are a great way to create beautiful images , without breaking your holiday budget.   Please contact us right away to reserve your spot.!

We have had several inquiries from interested parties who cannot attend this Friday session -  if interest is high enough, we may be able to squeeze in another weekend date prior to the holidays.   If you are interested, please contact us right away so we can add you to our waiting list.

Gulp.

Blogging after a three month hiatus feels a little bit like walking onto a big open stage, blinding floodlights making it impossible to see more than two feet in front of you.  You’ve got no idea if you’re playing to a full house of crazed fans or if your entire audience consists of three random misfits who’ve wandered in off the street by accident.  Plus, you’re not even sure the microphone works, and you’re slightly worried that the spotlights are rendering your new dress transparent.  Nerve-wracking stuff.

{uncomfortable pause while she tentatively clears throat and taps microphone}

Is anybody there?

***

Six weeks away from home and business made the last month and a half so busy I couldn’t tell up from down.  So I did the only thing I could do -  I sat down at my computer and turned into a mad editing machine.  Six weeks later, I was beginning to hear mutterings, sotto voce, from kind people who feared surgical intervention might be necessary to extricate mouse from hand and butt from office chair.

“seriously.  she’s been there for three days.  straight.  i think she got up once to pee. her eyes look a little…crazy.  do you think she’s alright?”

Whatevs people.  Small price to pay, I say.  I finally finished last Friday at 2:47pm.  Every client, every personal project, every friend freebie, every volunteer commitment.

Edited.
Archived.
Done.

The relief I feel even makes up for the fact I’ve developed a slight twitch and that my posture makes me bear a faint resemblance to this guy.

I think I need an assistant.

***

We’ve established (plenty-o-times) that as a regular-writer-of-blogs, I’m a little lacking.  It’s not that I forget you, dear audience, it’s just that I want to give you nothing but 100% unadulterated awesomeness with every single post, and I fall into the trap of assuming that I can’t live up to my own expectations.   I go about my days with that nagging feeling that there is something else I’m supposed to be doing, occasionally flogging myself for ignoring you for so long.  At least once a week I silently vow that I’m going to magically transform into a power-blogging-rockstar, and life with never be the same.

Any day now…

***

In the meantime (while we await magical rockstar transformation), since I have your attention – let me use this time to catch you up on a little housekeeping…

2010 Portraits:
For portrait photographers, the fall is always the busiest time of the year.   We have a few dates available for full sessions between now and our holiday ordering deadline at the end of November – but spots are booking up quickly.  If you’ve been considering scheduling your portrait session this fall, now is definitely the time to book.  Contact us and we’ll find the perfect time and location for your portraits so that you can have your order in time to send out holiday cards and gifts.

Holiday Mini Sessions:
This year holiday mini sessions are available for a half day only, at an incredible location.  We’ll be setting up shop at The Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens on Friday October 29^th, and there are currently only 5 open spots available. Mini sessions are 30 minute sessions and ideal for families, couples or individuals.  If you’d like to book a mini-session please contact us and we’ll send you all the necessary details to reserve your spot.

Boudoir, Baby:
One unfortunate impact of the insanity that was August 2010 was that the boudoir marathon had to be rescheduled. I took a day or two off (or maybe it was six weeks) and came back to find that every single weekend in August and September was booked – which put a wrench in our boudoir extravaganza plans.  We switched gears and are planning to hold the sessions at the beginning of the year, just in time to surprise someone with the Valentines gift that really does keep on giving.  Sign up below for updates and more details when the time gets closer.

***
Cliff Notes Version (for those whose eyes glazed over skimming through the above self-indulgent ramblings and just because i really love lists).

1. I got way busy.
2. Then I became a super-duper-highly-effective-superhuman-editing-machine.
3. This was effective, but made me look like Quasimodo.
4. Plus I ignored my blog. again.
5. I can tell you are shocked.
6. But one day I’ll unleash my awesomeness, and I’ll blog every single day for eight years straight and you’ll be amazed.
7. Seriously.
8. We’re pretty booked for the rest of the fall – but we want you to have amazing portraits for the holidays. Because we’re nice like that. So drop us a line. It will definitely help if you bribe me with chocolate.
9. If you’re as busy as we are, you might want to consider our crazy-amazing-great-for-busy-people mini-sessions. Get in touch and we’ll hook you up.
10. The Boudoir Marathon got postphoned. But never fear.  We’ve got you covered (or uncovered, as the case may be).  Holla, and we’ll keep you posted.
11. I checked, and my dress was totally NOT see-through.  Whew.

Several Undeniable Facts (just in case you were wondering)…..

Undeniable fact #1: I get to take pictures of the most beautiful people.  Crazy good-looking, fashion model-gorgeous, upside down and backwards amazing.

Undeniable fact #2: I love my job. (like, so much that it makes me a ‘lil giddy from time to time).

Undeniable fact #3: Numbers 1 and 2 are unmistakeably related.

Undeniable fact #4: Fashion photography is my most favorite-est thing.  Being a fashion photographer rocks, especially when it happens in downtown Phoenix (see #4)

Undeniable fact #5: My muse lives downtown.  Not the pretty part of downtown either.  She’s at home in the gritty, dirty spots that most people pass by.  In the alleys and forgotten doorways,  by the dumpsters, around abandoned corners of broken down buildings.  That’s where my art finds me.

Undeniable fact #6: Did I mention the beautiful people thing?  It bears repeating.  Holy hell folks – just look at her!

Hair and Makeup styled by the amazing Meghan Reese.  If you want to do a fashion photo shoot (or you just want to channel your inner fashion model – Meghan is your girl).  She’ll make you look red carpet ready in no time!

{Snapshot of me on the beach in Cheverie, Summer 2009.  My camera rarely leaves me when I’m in Nova Scotia, everywhere I look there is a photograph waiting to be made}

So – we fly out next Tuesday morning.

HOLY HELL.  WE FLY OUT NEXT TUESDAY MORNING.  !!!

I’ve done some rough figuring tonight and by my estimation in the next five days I must:

Edit at least four full sessions each day + complete all outstanding client orders + schedule six-weeks’ worth of blog posts + wake up at 5am to shoot crazy awesome bridal shoot with team of fabulous peeps + attend  1 n 10 overnight lock-in +pack for six week trip to location with unpredictable weather + find a dress and shoes for my sister’s wedding + get house ready for house sitter + write promised article for popular photography blog + plan August bridal shoot with Alex + schedule August engagement shoot with new wedding client +pay bills in advance so utilities still operational when we return + find passports and Canadian ATM cards +try my damnedest to squeeze in Cicely’s maternity shoot+ to  totally and completely freak out + remain calm, cool and collected at all times.

And it should be easy-peasy.  As long as I don’t stop to eat, or sleep, or breathe too often.

I can’t decide if my mantra should be “Calgon, take me away” or “Serenity Now”.  Or maybe I’ll just mutter a stream of constant obscenities under my breath for the next 120 hours.  {120 hours!  That sounds like far shorter than five days has any right to sound!}  I might look crazy, but I think it will make me feel better.

That being said – come Tuesday morning when the plane lifts off the ground, I’m going to be one happy girl, for many reasons.

1. It is never (ever. ever. ever) 110 degrees in Nova Scotia.  Ever.  Because 110 degrees is just stupid.
2. My mama still lets me sit on her lap. And she bakes me cookies.
3. I get to see my nephew!  And my brothers and sister and cousins! And Sweet Salty Kate!
4. I’m going to be in a wedding, for the first time in my almost 35 years.  You may think this is lame, but I finally feel as if I have truly arrived.  I AM someone, dammit.
5. I’m going home.  To a place where I am rooted, sheltered, and loved.  To a place where the tune of the world (the sound of the wind whispering through the trees and the waves crashing on the beach and the insects buzzing in the air and the frogs croaking in the pond) is as familiar to me as the sound of my own heartbeat.  I am going to a place where my ancestors worked and lived and loved for generations.   I’m going home.
6. Ketchup Chips.  Need I say more?

Before I sign off (and go back to freaking out…see above) a few housekeeping notes {Email me directly for more info on any of the items below}.

Nova Scotia Photography Sessions:

I’ll be in NS from June 22nd till August 3rd – however the majority of the sessions will be scheduled for early –mid July. There are still a few spots available for Nova Scotia Sessions, but space is going fast. Sessions are planned for Halifax and for Cheverie, but travel to other parts of NS is available if you are willing to cover a travel fee.

Summer 2011 Weddings (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI):

I am also currently booking weddings for summer 2010 in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI. Any couple who books their wedding before July 15th will receive a free engagement session this summer, and a coffee table style guest book for their wedding. Refer your friends and when they book their wedding you’ll earn $50 toward your portrait session!

Photography Mentorships and Learning Groups:

Based on request I am also opening up a limited number of days for one-on-one workshops and small learning groups for beginner to intermediate photographers. These will be informal learning opportunities, completely customized to the needs of those attending. For more information and pricing, please contact me directly.

Model Shoots:

I hope to schedule a limited number of model shoots in both Halifax and Cheverie, for both personal projects and as a part of my mentor sessions. If you are interested in modeling, or providing hair, makeup or wardrobe styling – drop me a line and let me know!

Mwah darlings – must run.  It’s 2: 55 am and there’s still more work to do!

Inspirador Chandler: Two Thumbs Up!

We’ve clearly established two things here in the last month:

1. I’m not all that great at staying on top of this blogging thing.
2. I’m a tiny bit behind.  Like waaaaaay behind. Terribly, horribly, procrastinating-ly behind.

So, it should come as no great shocker that I’m about to post an event that happened in March (she ducks her head sheepishly and hopes this comes off as endearingly honest rather than hopelessly outdated).

About a hundred years ago (or March 24^th to be exact) I happened to be in Chandler for a portrait session.  I had been hearing quite a bit of buzz about the Inspirador, a way cool wedding venue in Historic Downtown Chandler.   It seemed serendipitous when I checked their facebook page and found out that they had an open house planned for that very night.  Not being one to ignore a lovely coincidence, I headed over to check out the action just as soon as I wrapped up my session.

First thought: This place rocks!
Second thought: Damn, nice peeps too!
Third thought: OMG – they have a display of framed GRASS on the wall outside.  I’m officially in love.

The Inspirador is a truly unique option for your Arizona wedding, with an urban vibe and modern style.  The Poet’s Lounge is a dreamy, candle lit spot for your romantic wedding ceremony, while the Tryst Art Gallery, Courtyard and Symphony Hall provide numerous options for cocktail hour, mingling with guests or a sit down reception.  Beyond the amazing venue, downtown Chandler provides numerous fantastic spots for killer urban portraits before or after your ceremony.  Bonus!

The Inspirador has also partnered with some of the most fabulous wedding vendors in the valley to bring together regular open house events, which are beneficial for engaged couples and wedding professionals alike.

I connected with several people during my visit, including event planners Rebecca Coberly and Jessica Martinez of Embellish, Design For Entertaining.  These two super cool (and incredibly sweet) Phoenix wedding coordinators created the beautiful white on white buffet and table display featured below.   Check out their website and blog for more information and images of their inspirational work.

My attention was immediately captured by the floral arrangements on one table.  Phoenix Floral Designer Jan Dekker created this bold bouquet and I had to snatch it and run outside to take some photos.  I love the intensity of the color combo and can just imagine it being carried by a bride who was looking forward to stepping outside the box a little and working with a rich, deep color scheme.   I do so love a bouquet with a bit of attitude!

To make a long (and late!) story short(ish):

If you are a stylish modern couple looking for something a little different for your wedding venue –  add the Inspirador in Chandler to your short list of places to check out in person.  They are having their next Open House next week on the 23^rd (remember what I said about not ignoring lovely coincidences?) so make sure you drop by.

Unfortunately, I won’t be there (I’ll be cooling off in Nova Scotia) but you’d better not miss it!  To sweeten the deal (beyond the free food and fabulous vendors) they are also offering a gift bag to the first 25 brides, and a chance to win over $1000.00 in prizes!  Check out their facebook  page for details!

A few months ago (which translates to about 857 years in internet time, if you’re counting) I was thrilled to be contacted by the fine folks at Southwestern Bride (the wedding guide for the modern Southwest Bride).  They wanted to feature my bridal session from the incredible Scottsdale wedding venue the Boojum Tree.  Of course I was tickled pink and flattered as all heck*, so I said yes right away.

Southwestern Bride is an awesome wedding resource for Phoenix brides, as it focuses solely on weddings in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas – so  you’ll be sure to find lots of area (and climate!) appropriate ideas and inspiration.   If you are planning a wedding in Phoenix, make sure you check out this website!    And while you’re in the planning stages, take the time to visit The Boojum Tree – it’s an oasis in the middle of the desert, with beautiful light and countless tucked away spots for private moments (and amazing photos)!

From the Boojum Tree Website:

Boojum Tree is Arizona’s most unique and exotic wedding, reception and corporate event destination.  While you enjoy your stroll through our property, you’ll be in awe of the thousands of tropical plants, multiple water features and our new Palm Forest.  Imagine your special day in our hidden gardens.

From the Southwestern Bride Blog:

“The Southwestern U.S. is a unique mixture of colors, tastes and textures that sets itself apart from anywhere else in the world. It is a land of enchantment, adventure and the spirit of days gone by. It is also an area of thriving cities and the perfect blend of contemporary and classic styles.

Southwestern Bride celebrates this area and was created as a resource for brides in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas that would give them access to the very best professionals the Southwest has to offer them.”

*Yes, although I am now a big city girl, I sometimes slip up a talk like a country bumpkin.  I also two-step (and I’m not ashamed to admit it).

I asked for a revolution – yes I did.  So, perhaps we’re not  yet at the place where we  qualify as a full-fledged revolution.  These things take time.  At the very least I’ve seen the beginnings of a warm-fuzzy-mushy-gushy love fest.  A miniature uprising of sappy sincerity.  A plethora of creative and inspiring messages of love, love, love.

Ummmm….it makes me feel all floaty and melty and goooood….

I received emails, I got tweets, I got pics of text messages, even a screen capture of a Facebook status update. Ya’ll aren’t shy when it comes to professing your amorous side.  At the risk of overusing a word – I LOVE it!

For the next little while I’ll try to do a post every few days with the love notes that are trickling in.  Once they start to come in waves (and I’m fully confident that they will) I’ll figure out a more manageable solution.  No matter what, I promise to share the love.

After all, just like the Beatles told us, it’s all we really need.

San Diego photographer Shawn Houllis tagged me on facebook with this awesome iphone text thread between her and her love

But perhaps even better than this, is the love letter Shawn recently wrote to herself and posted on her own blog, together with the most beautiful photos of her very real, fabulously beautiful, utterly lovely self.  If only all of us could find the courage to open ourselves and transmit that much love to the bodies we have, that serve us every day of our lives.  This particular love note is a testament to the journey of a phenomenal women just beginning to get a glimpse of the goddess within.   If this isn’t a love note, I don’t know what is.

Once some people feel the love, they are unstoppable!  To start with, Fairbanks Alaska photographer Chelsey Mach didn’t write a love note, she picked one.  A beautiful bouquet of love for her husband (yes, even the men-folk among us deserve flowers every now and then).  Although the lilacs in the vase didn’t get photographed, she sent me a photo of the source.

In addition to the beautiful purple blooms Nicole also sent along another love note to daddy – top scribbles by the 4 year old, bottom scribbles by the 2 year old and translation by Mama!

And, to totally melt me, she sent in a picture of their garden, and explained that it was a labor of love for her children.  A piece of the “love pie” she called it.  I can’t think of anything more loving than digging in the dirt and cultivating something that will nourish your children.  I firmly believe that food grown with love just tastes better.

More to come darlings – I promise!

Who doesn’t love a good love note?

I have an especially soft spot for the spontaneous-for-no-reason-except-that-i-love-you kind.    The sticky note on the fridge kind.  The left by my sweetheart kind.  The shaky little hearts made by a four year old kind. The kind that highlights the soft spot a self-proclaimed tough girl still has for her mama.  Not because it’s my birthday, or mother’s day, or any other commercially created, Hallmark supported kind of date.  Just because.

One day a few weeks ago, completely by coincidence, my three favorite girls all left me love notes.  Different times of day, different locations. One scrawled in sharpie and left for me to find when I opened the fridge door for soy milk.  Another proudly delivered by sticky fingers straight into my open hands and melting heart.  A third tacked to the white board by my desk, so I could look at it and smile while I worked.

And all of them just to remind me that I am loved.

Do me a favor, will you?  Can you think of anyone who might love a little love note action?  Your partner?  Your son?  Your best friend? Your lawn guy?   Take some time today and write a little love note or two (or ten).   It does not have to be fancy, it does not have to be long, and it certainly does not have to be profound.  Embossed paper and spritz of floral perfume totally not necessary.

Find something to write with (yes, your two year old’s chewed orange crayon will absolutely suffice) and something to write on (a page torn from your journal, your Starbucks receipt, the envelope from your water bill) and do it.  Just do it.

Doodle a heart, a ladybug, a rainbow.  Write “You are the best mother/daughter/son/photographer/lawn guy in the whole wide world” or “I think I maybe- kinda-sorta-might-just-a-little-bit like you” or “damn, those jeans make your butt look soooo fine that I feel a little weak every time you wear them”.

Or you could, just simply and perfectly, say “I love  you” and leave it at that.

But do it.  I can almost guarantee that once you do it once, you’ll want to do it again, and again, and again.  Because who does not like to be the giver of warm fuzzies, the bearer of mushy-gushy goodness, the one to make someone smile?  We all love, and we all want to be loved, and sometimes it just takes a sharpie on a yellow sticky pad to remind us of just how much a little gesture can mean.

So let’s start a little love note revolution, shall we?

PS: Humor me.  Take a picture of your love note(s).  Post them on your blog, on your facebook, on your twitter (include hashtag #lovenote).  Tag me, tweet me, comment me, email me.  I’ll post my favorites here, and the best of the best will get an extra special prize from me (and you’d better believe that prize will include a love note).

PPS: I love you. I totally do. And the embossed paper and floral perfume are  not overkill here.  I chose them just for you.

PPPS: I meant what I said about those jeans.

She is…

Urban goddess

Downtown diva

Voodoo mama

Fierce and feminine

Dark chocolate

High heels

Half-moon eyes

And open heart

Strength you can lean on

And a soft place to fall.

She is Leigh…and va-va-va-voom – does she know how to work the camera!

Farewell to Nova Scotia, you sea-bound coast
Let your mountains dark and dreary be
For when I am far away on the briny ocean tossed
Will you ever heave a sigh and a wish for me?

I’ve been a desert dweller for almost eleven years now.  And although I’ve come to appreciate and respect the desert and her rugged yet delicate beauty, my heart and soul will always belong to the sea.   My roots go deep there, and it’s the memories of my summer trips home that sustain me over the long,  hot, dry months in Arizona.   It’s Nova Scotia that has my heart; it always has and always will.

There is something about creating art in a place this is so much a part of me– the images from home have more of me in them than any of my other work.  And so I am thrilled to offer my second year of Nova Scotia Portrait Sessions .  I plan to expand this segment of my business into an annual event that will allow me to spend even more of my summers in the rustic country house along a windy country road on The Bay of Fundy.

At home, where I belong.

Nova Scotia Photography | Custom Portrait Sessions | Summer 2010

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

• For you city lovers – we’ll have some high style sessions in down town Halifax, taking advantage of the amazing architecture and lots of hidden spots for great urban portraits.  Break out your fabulous wardrobe and those rockin’ heels – and we’ll create your very own model moment.
• If country livin’ is more up your alley, join me in Cheverie.   We’ll explore weathered barns, rocky shorelines and  fields full of covers and wild strawberries.  Dress down for a causal shot, or break out the bling for a cool juxtaposition of modern meets rustic style.
• Upgrades (including our fabulous Modern Art Session Albums) and special Nova Scotia Session pricing available.  Complete details will be sent upon booking.
• Don’t forget our referral program – refer a friend and you will receive one additional free full resolution digital file ($150 value) with each booked session.
• Sessions must be paid in full at time of booking.  Pre-paid upgrade collections will also receive additional discounts.

Please visit The Jeanette LeBlanc Photography Facebook page for more details and to RSVP.    Become a fan before you book and earn a special bonus after your session!  If you are interested in booking a session or want more details – just fill out my contact form and I’ll be in touch!