Guest Blogger : Organic Elements : A Lovely luncheon at the Prado

Today's Guest Blogger  :  Sharon Mintz of Organic Elements a.k.a Olivia's momRecently we were thrilled to decorate a fun little social gathering with some beloved friends and vendors. The room itself a the Prado was rich with dark woods so livening it up with color seemed like a natural fit. We went with a bright orange, bright pink, green and white them to match the venue's rich Spanish undertones while adding a contemporary twist. Enter Sabrina of La Dolce Idea, who started the transformation with tasty treats as well as lovely trays and napkins denoting each table's setting and array of gifts. We brought in some matching garden style florals, each floral had its own combination of flowers and vase wrap custom to the recipient's favorite flowers. CAKE designed a stunning little cake with gorgeous detail as well as fun little cupcakes for all the guests to take home. Courtney of Brightly Designed decked each vendor's creation with stunning paper products, from adorable cake flags to gift boxes as take home containers. Check out these amazing shots by She Wanders, each capturing a fine detail produced by an exquisite vendor.

Hugs,  Sharon

WORDS OF WISDOM

I love to hear about the wide range of opinions and ideas in the field of photography.  Here are some of the most interesting phrases I've heard..."Nothing happens when you sit at home. I always make it a point to carry my camera with me at all times... I just shoot what interests me at that moment." - Elliott Errwit

"I always thought good photos were like good jokes. If you have to explain it, it isn't that good." -Anonymous

"While there is perhaps a province in which the photograph can tell us nothing more than what we see with our own eyes, there is another in which it proves to us how little our eyes permit us to see." -Dorothea Lange

"There will be times when you will be in the field without a camera. And, you will see the most glorious sunset or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don't be bitter because you can't record it. Sit down, drink it in, and enjoy it for what it is!" -DeGriff

"It is one thing to photograph people. It is another to make others care about them by revealing the core of their humanness." - Paul Strand

I love Suzanne's photograph of this animated work of art in Chicago... it seems as though he wants to give some advice... xoxo Jessica from the Wanderers

great outfits ahead...

Every morning I ask myself, through a haze of sleepiness, what am I going to wear?  It's my daily conundrum.  One day I will become Super Suzanne and choose my clothes the night before when I am awake and capable of making fun, creative, and hopefully functional decisions.If I lived somewhere other than San Diego I could say I was waiting to see what the weather is going to be like, but I think we can all pretty much guess that answer.  In fact, I have a weather app on my iphone that has a picture of a sun and says 73°.  For weeks I didn't realize that you had to click on the app for it to update, since every day was around 73° and sunny.

Anyway, back to getting dressed.  Kyleen gets emails all the time asking what are great engagement shoot wardrobe ideas.  Katie and I pulled some examples for you.

I adore dresses, heels, bright colors, clothes that make you look good.  An engagement shoot is the perfect excuse to get a new sassy dress and be a little bit fancy or commit to your favorite pair of flip flops and plant your feet firmly in the sand socal style.

Whatever your wardrobe is good hair and make up never go out of style.  Why not use your engagement session for your hair and make up trial?  A few links to consider Audra Rene,

Ray Thomas, Lovestruck, Lisa Marie.

Dress well my friends,

xoxo suzanne

7 Wonders for Wandering Brides : Meet Melissa from I Do... Weddings!

Brides-to-Be, I Do... Weddings! is a wonderous business, with innovative talents that can help make your wedding your dream wedding!  Melissa's brides are sweet and fun and have a sense of humor.  Melissa has a relaxing personality and everything around her just seems to go smoothly.  Below are some pictures from Brooke and Nick's wedding at the Darlington House in La Jolla.  I really loved the guests reactions during the ceremony, you could tell everyone was having a great day especially the sweet couple.  Meet Melissa (and her baby Bennet) and see what she is up to!  xoxo Suzanne

1)   What should brides/grooms/curious seekers know about you?

-I come from a family of smart cookies! My dad was on Jeopardy and my family members are in finance, engineering and mathematics. I honestly never thought I'd have such a creative job, but being around such creative people inspire me on a daily basis, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

2)   Why do you love what you are doing?

-Every wedding and couple is a new and exciting adventure. It's all about the little touches and personal stamps the couple make on their wedding day, to leave guests with the feeling of "That was was soooo the Bride and Groom!"

3)   What makes your business wonderful and stand out from the rest?

-Heart, personal attention and creativity...and most importantly, family. I am so thankful to be a part of a wedding celebration and a part of someone's family for the day. I'm so lucky to be in touch with so many past clients, and continue to be a part of their families.

4)   Where do you find your inspiration?

-Talking walks in my neighborhood with my son and dogs. I truly love bringing the outdoors in and working with what is in your own backyard. If I am stumped on a bouquet, I simply take a walk to inspire me.

5)   What does the world need right now?

-Besides Love, Sweet Love? Honestly? A deep breath. The signature line one of my brides' emails say "Do Less. Breathe More." Relish and enjoy the process of planning your wedding, and lean heavily on your fiancee, family, friends and vendors to help you through the more challenging, less fun aspects.

6)   What advice do you have for brides to be?

-Pick three aspects/details of your wedding day to go all out on. Focus on what is important to you, and hire professionals that will help you execute your vision.

7)   If you could go to one of the 7 wonders of the world, where would you go and why?

-I'm going to have to pick one of the 7 wonders of the natural world--Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. I hope to get there this winter or next year, and visit several dear friends in Alaska.

I Do Weddings