We’re going to be doing a new shoot with Justine because….well…look at her. Ya know what I’m saying here? Can’t wait…gonna be a good one.

By now you should know who Justine is around the ‘Burgh but if you don’t or if you’d like to see more of her work take a minute to drop by her site or her Facebook page!

Not sure if you remember the Boho Boudoir Session I did over the winter but it was a hit and SMP thought so too! Please take some time to drop by the feature today and leave a comment. Comments help to ensure my work gets featured again and again!

Very very special thanks to Justine Kolano of Beauty Justified for once again pulling off some incredible looks and to my very good friend Raemie Bachman of In The Kitchen with Raemie for being my styling partner in crime for the day! And of course to my beautiful client L…certainly could not have pulled this off without your gorgeousness, both inside and out.

I’m looking forward to sharing Sarah & Graham’s reception at the Pennsylvanian but for now take a look into their wedding ceremony. It was beautiful, touching, funny and very personal.

OK…you tell me who isn’t giggling at this display of awesome geekiness right now? Huh?? Just try and not smile when you look at this shot:

Here’s how it works: every week Sevenly selects a cause, connects with that charitable organization and focuses on that particular cause for 7 days. I don’t know how they select a cause but they appear to be random and cover a huge spectrum of needs around the world. They set a monetary goal and every purchase made equals a donation of $7 for that cause. Thru social influence, purchasing of really and truly cool products (the trendy and gorgeous art that continues to come out is sooo awesome. I want to be that cool kid that wears their stuff) and building relationships with those that donate with causes dear to their heart, Sevenly is “straight up givin’ a crap” and I just adore this.

The art work alone is worth the purchase. For every campaign, new artwork is designed to celebrate and get the message out about that cause:

What I love most is that it is so appealing to a younger generation, which is the exact population that needs to be getting their hands dirty in doling out some love in the world. Why? Because they’re young and getting grounded in a feeling of responsibility towards generosity at a young age ensures a lifetime of giving….and passing on that culture to the next generation. Can’t go wrong with that, right??

As you can see from the photo below I purchased their Sevenly 3 Notebook Kit. I bought a few because I love having things like this around to give to people when they need a little “love boost”. I love this product because I am part writer/part photographer so anything writing-oriented is dear to my heart. But…let me tell you…my favorite part of my purchase was the free stickers that came with my package. Check them out!! I love them all! I swear I could wear any given one on my forehead everyday. Yes, I’m that dork. And I’m proud of that.

So if you have some time please stop by their site, blog or their Facebook page and catch up on what’s going on. I know you can’t donate for each cause but if you follow them I guarantee one will come across your screen that is near and dear to you and if you can find in your heart to give, then do. If nothing else, breathe in all that good lovin’ generosity filling the world and walk away with a love-filled hopeful heart. It’s a lovely reminder that the news stations have it all wrong. Our world is filled with beautiful, loving, inspiring, generous, touching, personal, awesome and kick-ass people.

Givers requested. Followers encouraged. Leaders wanted.

For now, enjoy the love, giggles and sunshine.

I recently attended a workshop in NY and I’m really excited to add a new element to my glamour and boudoir photography. Growing in this field has been a true joy for me….looking at where I started, where I am right now and the path of where I plan to go is a little scary, a touch intimidating…but wow…I have been and plan to continue to enjoy the ride.

I’ve been on quite a journey the last few months and it’s been quite invigorating (when I’m not curled up in the fetal position in the corner of a room rocking myself). It’s been a sort of re-awakening on so many levels: physically, emotionally and in a truly divine way, reconnecting with loving relationships that needed some TLC. Some of it has been scary and some has been totally thrilling. And watching it all come together to intersect into clarity has been humbling and reminds me to ever be grateful for what is in my life. If you know me at all, you know I am a true cheerleader for women finding their beauty within. To enjoy the process of finding out who they are, stretching their femininity and pushing themselves out of their comfort zone to truly wrap themselves in understanding of who they are and mostly to appreciate themselves: every wrinkle, every blemish, every dimple of cellulite. You are you and there is no one like you. No one. Embrace that and celebrate it. It has been wonderful bringing out the beauty of women; and I don’t mean beauty in the sense of what is viewed as beautiful. I mean their insides…I mean peel-the-skin-off-and-show-me-what’s-inside-beautiful.

What you may not know is that every time I help a woman bring out her raw beauty is actually therapy for me. Because we connect and we silently agree that you have just recognized a part of yourself you may not have known was there. I love that. Now I will also focus on my own power and beauty, inside and out, to meet the challenges ahead of me. Bring. It. On.

All powerful, awesome, vulnerable, sweet, fierce, rockstar women are invited for the ride. Gonna be a good one.

Special thanks to Teri McCourt and her team at A Wish Come True Event Planning for such a well-planned, beautifully designed wedding day! More to come!!

So I’m going to navigate away from my usual stuff to bring you some really amazing info on a really amazing idea from a really amazing friend of mine. If you haven’t heard of “In the Kitchen with Raemie” yet then you’re in for a special treat.

Raemie has worked in a ton of food businesses and simply has a knack for all things food, home and garden. Wanting to share her knowledge (and have some fun while making some dough….get it…”dough”…ha!) she came up with the concept of holding workshops in her incredibly fabulous home in Gibsonia, PA. A little quote from her “About” page:

“The cooking workshops offer simple, farm fresh fare with a gourmet flair.  I highlight the freshest ingredients from local sources, including my own garden, and then slice and dice them into easy, delicious dishes.  I also offer gardening tips and ideas for your home along with seasonal craft ideas.”

I have to tell you…these desserts you see above were INCREDIBLE (strawberry brownie parfaits topped with a mascarpone whipped cream). Raemie is one smart cookie and teamed up with Brittany Keefer, owner of Sweet B Sweet Shop for her last workshop and Brittany, to my utter delight, brought these amazingly delicious creations. Brittany is a genius with sugar folks so if you’re in the market for anything sweet stop by and see her! You can also drop a line on her Facebook page as well. 

So as you can see, she has quite a lot to offer in the realm of “home”. I have had the pleasure of attending and photographing 2 of her workshops and I wanted to share some of the photos with you, while introducing you to a fantastic way to spend an evening. From Girl’s Nights Out, to corporate events, to simply learning what in the world that purple thing is in your CSA box, Raemie’s new business offers so many fun ways to incorporate recipes, crafts and a wealth of knowledge for food and home.

Raemie is now holding a 2-part series on picnic/pack-n-go foods. This includes salads, dips, other recipes and easy to transport desserts. Perfect timing!! The dates are 5/16 and 6/20. It’s a BOGO deal so don’t miss out. To register for this workshop, or for more information on Raemie’s work you can visit her new blog or stop by her Facebook page.

You WILL NOT regret taking one of her workshops. They are so information-packed, so much fun and the food and wine is simply to die for.