on the rooftop

So we ran across this Vertigo idea surfing the web one day and suddenly we all became rooftop crazy. Rooftop weddings, rooftop drinks, rooftop pictures and it inspired us to have a play day on a rooftop downtown. I hope these crazy shenanigans inspire you to find your own rooftop. Thanks to Miss Audra and Elena for glamming us up with gorgeous hair and make up.Happy Friday,xoxo Suzanne

Engagement Anne and Tony

In light of the New Year, I think it appropriate to highlight a couple, Anne and Tony, who met on New Years 5 years ago. I can’t think of a better way of starting off the New Year than finding love. Dancing to pop music when no one else is home, Anne found her life partner to dance through life with. In fact, “tiny dancer” was the first song they danced to.  Together they transform into two kids who love to laugh and have fun.  Anne and Tony tied the knot at the Japanese Friendship Gardens. I had the lucky opportunity to help shoot this wedding alongside Suzanne and Mike and witness the beautiful bond between Anne and Tony. Anne was radiating with happiness and Tony couldn’t keep his eyes off her. The union between Anne and Tony was one big dance party. There marriage is bound to be one fantastic soundtrack! Meet Anne and Tony!Dos  Besos Katie

THE DALIA LAMA IS AS WISE AS MY MOMMA

Happy Monday! I've been thinking recently about my goals for the year 2012. Have you heard of anyone's goals that are unusual or insightful? I'm still working on mine... but one of my missions in 2012 is to become like Buddha. It may sound silly, but the themes I studied in my Buddhism class truly enlightened and influenced how I interpret my surroundings.I found these three photos in the SheWanders' collection they took while traveling the globe. I don't think they are all taken in places where Buddhism is the main religion, but they certainly invoked a religious presence. The patterns in the middle photo are especially enticing. SheWanders' photographs of non-traditional religious weddings have always been a favorite of mine- especially ornate, Indian weddings.

I found a few quotes that embody the Buddha- all spoken by one of the most influential people in the world- the Dalia Lama.

"Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day."

"If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry."

“Because we all share an identical need for love, it is possible to feel that anybody we meet, in whatever circumstances, is a brother or sister.”

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”

“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”

"Always be kind". OK, those are my words of wisdom. Have a nice week! xoxo... Jessica of the Wanderers

shewanders photography

shewanders photography

shewanders photography

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy Monday.... and New Year!! I'm sorry for my missing post last Monday... I admit to getting caught up in the holidays. As the baby of five in family with children living in San Diego stretching all the way to Charleston, South Carolina, we always have a lot of catching up to do when we get together. Like in any big family, between the storytelling and listening lies a few misunderstandings and quarrels. Everyone has their own distinct perspectives. I could go on and on about my wacky, unique, loving family... but the point that I wanted to get across today is that few situations or ideas can be looked as black or white. When we disagree with friends or family, we shouldn't automatically shake our heads or stop listening. It's not always wrong or right, yes or no. With so many personalities and view points crammed together during the holidays, it was so important for my family to truly listen to each other and attempt to understand one another's perspectives. There are so many gray areas in life; nothing is simply black or white. Except these gorgeous photos! xoxo... Jessica of the Wanders

Speaking of black and white- The new Black Keys album is a-mazing. I received it for Christmas and I can't stop listening to it! Here is one of my favorites- coincidentally named "Sister"!