Kari & Jeremy's Wedding

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being a second shooter at a wedding for Caruso Photography. Today, I wanted to share a few of the photos with you...

The bride and groom wanted to meet privately before the ceremony...

The bride's niece...

Her grandmother's hankercheif.  They share the same initial...

Her mom and best friend...

And her parents...

The House of Blues was a beautiful venue.  The groom is in the music industry, so this place meant something to them.  I love the personal touches everywhere...

The groom and his mom...

The artwork, the different levels, the food and the general atmosphere really added to the occasion...

It was a memorable evening for all...

A very special thank you to Frank for asking me to play along for the evening.  It was a great experience!!

Enjoy your day!

Our Second Annual Outdoor Movie Night

Last year, we started a new tradition.  The  weekend before going back to school, we put together a gathering of friends--old and new--for one last hurrah before school starts, and fall begins...

 

Since there were no children under 4, we elected to watch Zookeeper as the movie.  Excellent choice for the crowd on hand.

We grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, brats and sausages.  Friends took care of desserts and side dishes...

 We played the Candy Bar Game--a homemade game that can be played with 3-100 children--and it was a hit.

 We had 24 children in the game, and everyone left with a bag filled with loot.  It was timed perfectly, so they had snacks to munch on for the movie...

 My hubs and son put a big tent up in the backyard, and it was great for playing and hanging out.

 The dog hung out with everyone, and was in heaven with all the attention.

We had smores, of course.  And they were hand-delivered by the very special waitress in charge--Miss Molly.  Man, I love this kid.  I wish I could bottle and sell her sweet disposition.  And she worked like a dog to get treats to everyone!!

Well, she had to make sure they tasted good first, right?  I can't say I blame her!

 And my friends brought crazy delish goodies.  CRAZY...

 

How about these gems?  Cookies, made in mini cupcake liners.  The "hamburger" consists of a grasshopper cookie, green icing to hold the Nilla Wafers together, and potato sticks made to look like french fries.  How FUN!!  She took sugar water and created a syrup to hold the sesame seeds to the top of the "bun."

Can I just say I love my crafty, foodie friends?  They rock my world.

Over-the-top awesomeness.

 

 

 

 And this was the sleeper hit of the evening.  A corn dip made with Chili flavored Fritos that are used to season the dip.  MAN...it was wonderful...

 

Thanks to Judy for sharing the recipe...
Spicy Corn Salad; serves 6

• 2 cans of corn (drained)
• ½ of a red pepper, diced
• ½ of a green pepper, diced
• ½ of a yellow pepper, diced
• 1/2 of a red onion, chopped OR about 5 green onions, diced
• 1 handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/3 cup light sour cream
• 3 tbs. mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
• a few handfuls of chili flavored Fritos, crushed
• pinch of cayenne to add heat, if you want!

1. Saute peppers and onion until soft. Cool for 5-10 minutes.
2. Combine first 7 ingredient (through cheese) and refrigerate. If you want to add cayenne, now’s a good time.
3. Just before serving, add Fritos!

And to my husband, who spent the night in a folding lawn chair in this tent with 5 boys under 10, you are my hero.  Perfect ending to a wonderful evening with friends...

Enjoy your day!!

 

Blog Break

I'm currently over-committed, and really behind on editing, so I've decided to take a break from here until my kiddos go back to school next week. I know you moms out there understand. :) Be back soon!

 Enjoy your weekend!!

Playing Catch Up...

I've been behind the 8 ball here lately, and I'm playing catch up this week...

I made this yarn-covered paper mache M for a friend's daughter's birthday.  It was simple enough for my daughter to create, and it looks wonderful as an accent in a 7 year old's bedroom.  I love that we created it together.

 

Doesn't he look thrilled?  Always by my side, this one...

 

 I've been editing like a mad woman.  Last week, I had 4 photo shoots, one rehearsal dinner shoot, a shower and my first-ever wedding shoot--all on my own.  So grateful for the opportunity to photograph people, and to play, too...

 

 Really, really excited to photograph this guy.  Anyone recognize him?  :)

 Also spent a lot of time running my daughter back and forth to volleyball practice.  It's her first year playing, but she's in LOVE with it.  I'm happy we wear the same shoe size (and she's only 12!)

And...squeezing in every last bit of fun until the kiddos return to school next Tuesday.  I'll be thankful for the routine back in our lives, and I look forward to that.  But...until then...a bit more fun in store...

 

Enjoy your day!!

 

 

What to wear for senior pictures.

A few years back, I posted information about what to wear for informal senior portraits, and what to wear for formal senior portraits. I wanted to repost those links for those of you who have seniors, as well as add a few items that are trending right now. To date, they're two of my most pinned posts on Pinterest, and for that, I'm grateful!

For girls: scarves, hats, boots, bracelets, long necklaces, sunglasses, sneakers, chandelier earrings, flip flops, heels, jackets and belts are common accessories.  Don't wear glitter--shine doesn't photograph well.  Avoid horizontal stripes--it makes you look larger.  Your nails will be in the photos--if you don't have them painted, be sure to at least have them manicured and filed.   Wear or bring the proper undergarments for outfit changes.  Try those teeth whitening strips--they work!  Put on an extra application of mascara, and bring pressed powder to avoid shine on your face. 

For boys:  distressed/destroyed jeans, sports equipment, class rings, jackets, sneakers, cars, hats, watches, ties, boots, and ties are all common accessories.  Be sure to bring along dress socks and shoes if you're going to do formal shots.  Avoid graphic tee shirts and horizontal stripes.

For Both:   Think about having one or more outfit the same as your eye color, so your eyes are brought out in the photo. Be sure clothing fits and is pressed or steamed to avoid wrinkles. Don't use a tanning bed a few days before a session, or get a new hair style right before your photos--you want to look natural.  Think about the expressions (serious or smiles) and discuss this with your parents before the session, so your expectations are clear to the photographer. Think, too, about the overall look you are going for in your photos--and be sure your parents approve of this as well.  Some of them may include Relaxed/beachy, Natural park setting, Formal/in studio, Graphic/urban feel, Sporty, Glam, Princess, Country, GQ or High Fashion. You may even want to mix a few of them, and coordinate that with your outfit changes.  The bottom line is be prepared, and communicate with your photographer.  If you have ideas in mind, do share them!

Enjoy your day!

Pinwheels

I've been busy making XL Pinwheels lately for an family bridal shower. When I started looking for ideas, I knew I wanted to use scrapbook paper, and I knew I wanted to try a few things that I'd never tried before.

I stumbled upon this tutorial, and I knew I was going to go to town.  Between the coffee filter flowers and the XL Pinwheels, I went a little crazy...

I even tried a few ideas of my own, like incorporating tulle, doillies, and rolled paper glued onto cardboard cake rounds.  SO FUN!!  Can't you see the possibilities??

Enjoy your day!

Current Obsessions

This candle from Anthropologie in Honeysuckle.  Divine.

These cute bobbie pins, also from Anthro.  I especially love these because I cut all my hair off about 3 weeks ago, and I've had fun playing with different styles.  Fun!

Okay.  So I'm slightly hooked on Anthro.  This hand creme is seriously amazing.  I got this as a gift recently, and I'm hooked. 

Great article on commonly made posing mistakes here on iheartfaces. 

Thinking of recreating this awesome class photo this upcoming school year.  My kids have one full week of summer vacation, and then the craziness starts...

Preparing for our second annual Outdoor Movie Night.  CAN'T WAIT.

Burlap.  All things burlap.  I can't stop looking for it, playing with it, sewing with it, you name it.  I think I'm going to do curtains with burlap next week when the kids go back to school...

What about you?  What are you currently obsessed with these days??