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Oh Man, Santa must be palming the biggest lump of coal with my name on it. I suppose I've been a pretty naughty blogger, having not posted much this month. But this elf has been busy -- shipping out holiday print orders, re-designing next year's merchandise, and uploading some new snaps to the website. That said, let's shift gears to another Santa -- Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara is classic California beautiful, and I don't think Gian and I could have picked a better escape nook for our weekend getway than the Cheshire Cat Inn. Now, I know some out there aren't really into B&B's, but if that's your flavor, or you are game to try one out, definitely give this Victorian time machine a shot. The inn is inspired by a tastful Alice In Wonderland theme (don't worry dudes, it's not at all girly), and believe you me, all that nasty, clingy stress that hitched a ride with us up from L.A. was tasered away Ghostbusters-style once we breezed through the front doors and into the parlor. Seriously: cozy corner nook, killer breakfast brought up to your room, walking distance to State Street, jacuzzi under the stars, chocolate chip cookies in the foyer to greet you when you return home at night -- need I say more? Plus, the place reminds me of New England, and nothing sells better than a slice of home.
This was also my first time wine tasting. Now, I confess I'm not much of a drinker, so I felt like a bit of a rube sloshing around vino like some bit player from Sideways. That said, Gian and I had an A+ day, picked us up some tasty sweet wines, soaked up the stunning landscapes, and there was still a nice cold Coca-Cola awaiting me at day's end.
I also wanted to use this trip as an excuse to take some pictures, for pleasure, which is a really important ritual in keeping one's core love for photography alive. I packed a lean gear bag -- Canon 5D and 50mm -- sure, I'd miss out on those shots better served wider or tighter, but there were still plenty of fun discoveries to be made while staying vacation-minded.
We'll miss Santa Barbara. Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, but she should.
December, already? Essh, where did the year go? It's that time for family and friends, and I feel pretty fortunate to be able to put the brakes on work a bit this month and spend some quality time with those who are always there for me, even when I'm neck deep in photo bliss.
Gian and I have just returned from a fantastic weekend getaway at a B&B in Santa Barbara, and, as much as I might have liked to have escaped all that is photo-related for a few days, I still brought along my trusty camera and took in some amazing sights. I'm glad I did, and we'll share some of those goodies later.
In the meantime, I offer up just a single image today -- the Garcia family -- and I can't wait to see how your holiday cards turn out, guys! It's always a privilege to be asked to capture an image like this. See, while staying at the B&B, I couldn't help but admire the collection of family portraits lining the wall of the old staircase leading down into the den. I had no insight as to who these folks were; the images were from a time gone by, absent of any fancy footwork or camera trickery, and yet my eye was always drawn to them, and I'm reminded that the ultimate value of an image is the content. Family. Friends. Significant other. Forget Black Friday and Cyber Monday, these are the real, timeless values.... and they don't expire in 24 hours.... well, usually.
End of Hallmark -- but heartfelt -- moment :)
Okay, so a little birdy told me Frankie & Kathleen have a soft spot for this song -- it's definitely catchy and fun -- and no doubt the perfect fit for their personalities and event.
Check out the show here or click on the image below.
Take a peek, and enjoy!
Another beautiful wedding to share, and yet another welcomed trip to the gorgeous storybook venue that is Calamigos Ranch. I first had the pleasure of shooting at Calamigos back in June, so it was a real joy to return to this gem nestled high in the Malibu hills, this time for the autumn wedding of Frankie & Kathleen.
Staged at dusk beneath the sweeping embrace of the sturdy Cottage oak, bride and groom exchanged vows while bathed in the warmth of twinkle lights, and stood aglow before the loving witness of family and friends. It seemed like only a short while ago that the three of us were sharing laughs on our engagement shoot... and now, in a blink, the big day had come, and the evening delivered all the magic anyone could have hoped for.
Frankie and Kathleen have such an easy going way about them, and it was an absolute pleasure to photograph their wedding. I won't soon forget the party they threw to celebrate the occasion -- I know they won't either, especially with all the pictures coming their way! DJ Pasha and the Mariachis kept the house bopping non-stop, and, as quickly as our day had started, the last drink was knocked back, and our newlyweds were off.
Congratualtions again, Frankie & Kathleen! Your wedding rocked!
