Archive for May, 2012

Paul + Danielle | Married { part 2 }

May 29th, 2012

 Are you ready to party? You better be. Paul & Danielle certainly know how to. The energy that charged the room during wedding party introductions did not wane until the wee hours of the night. Throughout the hall, a mixture of upbeat music was accented by an exuberant cacophony of laughter, congratulations, and the clinking [...]
 

 Are you ready to party? You better be. Paul & Danielle certainly know how to.

The energy that charged the room during wedding party introductions did not wane until the wee hours of the night. Throughout the hall, a mixture of upbeat music was accented by an exuberant cacophony of laughter, congratulations, and the clinking of glasses. Cigars were smoked. Hugs were passed around. Not one, but two handstands were executed on the dance floor. On this floor, I observed shouts & tears of joy, participated in conversations about the deeply moving & admirable natures of the bride & groom, and was even dragged out for a dance of my own. One of the things that I value most in life is the presence of a vast & loving community. I’m so thankful to have spent a night around a group such as this. Paul & Danielle, you must count yourselves truly blessed.

You two. You’re too much. It was my honor, and my pleasure, to document your tremendous love.

Cheers,

Briana

2nd Shooter | the fabulous Kat Hanafin

Venue | The International

DJ | Derek Holt

Custom Dress by AJ at Bravo Boutique

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Paul + Danielle | Married { part 1 }

May 29th, 2012

As I started this post, I realized that I had a huge problem… of the best kind. I’m so abso-friggin-lutely in love with this wedding, this couple, this community, that I have to split this into 2 posts. Danielle, Paul, & company encompass, in every way, my ideal day on the job. Their wedding was [...]
 

As I started this post, I realized that I had a huge problem… of the best kind. I’m so abso-friggin-lutely in love with this wedding, this couple, this community, that I have to split this into 2 posts. Danielle, Paul, & company encompass, in every way, my ideal day on the job. Their wedding was a splendid & genuine representation of who they are as a couple. THAT is what makes a wedding special. I could gush all day long about how loving, hilarious, lively, and thoughtful they are. However, I’m writing a blog, not a novel, so I will get to the details & images of their beautiful and heartwarming union!

  Danielle prepped for the big day at her mothers home, which was light & airy, providing a gorgeous setting as she slipped into her Maggie Sottero gown. I could have spent the entire day photographing Danielle in that light, and called it a successful gig. She was that stunning. The bridesmaids were helpful, cheerful, and gorgeous. The room was so full of joy, I started to wonder if I wasn’t part of some elaborate reality show. But no. They were just that adorable.

Paul & the fellas spent their morning enjoying each others company in the lounge room of The International, where the wedding was taking place. This dapper & fun-loving crew managed to keep out of trouble (or at least that was the story from my fantastic second shooter Kat Hanafin). Their mischievous grins make me wonder if I didn’t get the whole story. ;) There is something irresistible about a group of guys who can’t stop smiling. Too cute.

Paul & Danielle could not have asked for a more beautiful day for an outdoor spring wedding in New England! The sun shone down on their ceremony accompanied by a light breeze. Perfection. The ceremony was short & sweet, and Paul couldn’t resis sneaking in a quick kiss the moment Danielle stood next to him. Really… could you blame him? The guests grinned ear to ear from the moment the Groom appeared straight through to the kiss (and celebratory fist pump). The most visually staggering moment had to be the grand exit. The explosion of pink sequins not only showered them with a fitting sparkle, but flawlessly represented the bright & sensational love being showered upon their marriage. Sigh.  I told you I would gush!

  (major shout out to Kat for the above image. How can you see that and not swoon?)

 

Congratulations, Mr & Mrs Regan. You are too charming for words.

Check back soon to see images from the ridiculous reception. These people know how to party…

 

Cheers,

Briana

 

 

 

2nd Shooter | the fabulous Kat Hanafin

Venue | The International

Florist | Blossoms

Maggie Sottero Gown from Camilla’s Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses from Marry & Tux

Tux Rentals from Men’s Wearhouse

 

 

 

 

 

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Music Monday | Dixie Chicks

May 28th, 2012

  Dixie Chicks | Home | Travelin’ Soldier In the midst of the BBQ’s, concerts, sports games, and quality time with UV rays (use sunblock people!), remember to take a moment and reflect upon why we have this day to begin with. I have never lost someone to war, but I know those who have. [...]


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Dixie Chicks | Home | Travelin’ Soldier

In the midst of the BBQ’s, concerts, sports games, and quality time with UV rays (use sunblock people!), remember to take a moment and reflect upon why we have this day to begin with. I have never lost someone to war, but I know those who have. I have no idea what it is like to fight in a war, but I see the effect it has on our country. I may not always be happy with the choices we make with our freedom, but I am so thankful that we have it.

Many thanks to those whose sacrifice makes that possible.

Cheers,

Briana

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Something big is coming!

May 24th, 2012

Tune in next week for the launch. Cheers, Briana

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Tune in next week for the launch. :)

Cheers,

Briana

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Music Mondays | Birdy

May 21st, 2012

Skinny Love   Normally a mellow day inspires something along the lines of Bon Iver, but I have been itching to share a cover song lately. This track from Birdy provides the best of both worlds! It’s hard to believe this special voice belongs to someone who just barely reached 16. While curious to see [...]
 

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Normally a mellow day inspires something along the lines of Bon Iver, but I have been itching to share a cover song lately. This track from Birdy provides the best of both worlds! It’s hard to believe this special voice belongs to someone who just barely reached 16. While curious to see how she holds up beyond cover songs, her recent choices to work on the brilliant Hunger Games & Brave Soundtracks (pairing up with Mumford & Sons for the latter), show hope for a brilliant future. This lil Birdy is surely going to spread her wings. ;) I look forward to seeing what direction she flies.

 

Cheers,

Briana

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Grace & Co. | Newport Beach Family Portraits

May 17th, 2012

Family portraits are not my specialty. As my love for working with couples and artists grow, my focus has shifted significantly. However, it seems that every time I return to California, someone I love has created an adorable tiny human, and then I am weakened by the inevitable cuteness. I’m starting to wonder if my [...]
 

Family portraits are not my specialty. As my love for working with couples and artists grow, my focus has shifted significantly. However, it seems that every time I return to California, someone I love has created an adorable tiny human, and then I am weakened by the inevitable cuteness. I’m starting to wonder if my friends have all made a cute baby pact to lure me back to the West Coast. Instead, I hold myself over by doing sessions with said cute babies.

Last month, I had the pleasure of traveling home to photograph the wedding of a dear friend, which also provided a few sunshiney days to connect with other loved ones. Included in this group were great friends, neighbors, and prior wedding clients, Chris & Andrea… joined by their new, precious, sweet cheeked daughter. My heart melted into a happy puddle.

Meet Grace… and Co.

 

Grace is 100% a daddy’s girl. They call her Chris’ mini-me. But if her name is any indication, she will take after her mother in personality, as Drea is one of the most gracious people I have ever known. Grace was, no surprise, absolutely adorable, as well as a bit of a ham. When her parents paused for a kiss below, her face expressed what her mouth couldn’t yet say: “Excuse me. Attention please. I need one of you kissing each cheek, not each other. Thank you.”
No need to worry Grace. You quickly stole the show again. You always do. ;)

I miss and love you oh so much. Please come back to Boston in a few years to wow Grace with some superb fireworks!

Cheers,

Briana

 

 

 

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Music Monday | Joss Stone

May 14th, 2012

  Joss Stone | Colour Me Free | Free Me Free Me   Today is a glorious day. In a few short hours, I will visit my surgeon to be freed from this annoying post-surgical splint, living out the rest of my crutchy time in a removable boot cast. This calls for songs about freedom… [...]


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Joss Stone | Colour Me Free | Free Me

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Today is a glorious day. In a few short hours, I will visit my surgeon to be freed from this annoying post-surgical splint, living out the rest of my crutchy time in a removable boot cast. This calls for songs about freedom… and a good groove. You can be sure I’ll do my best awkward dancing this afternoon!

Cheers,

Briana

 

 

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The Smidt Family | A reflection on experience & growth

May 11th, 2012

  This quote has danced in my head for weeks. Business is growing right along with my experience, my talent, and my confidence. As I find myself in the process of rebranding and restructuring, I can’t help but reflect upon the early years. That ongoing conversation with oneself, hand in hand with experience…  making a [...]
 

 

This quote has danced in my head for weeks. Business is growing right along with my experience, my talent, and my confidence. As I find myself in the process of rebranding and restructuring, I can’t help but reflect upon the early years. That ongoing conversation with oneself, hand in hand with experience…  making a habit of continuous reflection is key to growth.

Thinking back, I am thankful for the workshops, the advice given over steaming cups of tea, even the unrequested criticism from strangers. However, I can’t deny that it is my earliest clients who have the bulk of my gratitude. Those who believed in my abilities, as underdeveloped as they may have been. It is because of those people that I continued to work, to improve, and to nurture what has now become my passion.

Last month, I had the chance to revisit one of those former clients. They were my first large family to photograph. I admittedly walked away from that shoot learning more from my mistakes than my successes. However, they have always remained supportive… but I think that trait is in their blood. ;) It brought me great joy to spend another afternoon with this lovely family, and, in my own way, say thank you for believing in me.

Meet the Smidt Family:

 

Our afternoon in Old Towne Orange was colorful…in every sense of the word. ;) Their family shares a connection and a love for each others company that is becoming rare these days, and it is refreshing to be in the presence of that level of commitment. I frequently get a peek into their lives as Alison (the smiley lady rocking the awesome scarf) has become one of my dearest friends, most frequent Boston visitor, and occasional wedding assistant! However, I feel I found a new kindred spirit in lil Katie  (apologies now for her getting a few more solo shots than everyone else, I couldn’t choose)… if she and I were her age at the same time, I’m fairly certain we would have been unstoppable! To each and every Smidt: Thank you for stepping in front of my camera one more time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Music Monday | The Soggy Bottom Boys

May 7th, 2012

  The Soggy Bottom Boys | O Brother, Where Art Thou? | I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow   My mind is a curious thing. To truly understand me, you must be willing to brave a trip down the rabbit hole! Allow me to use this song [...]
 

 

The Soggy Bottom Boys | O Brother, Where Art Thou? | I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow

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My mind is a curious thing. To truly understand me, you must be willing to brave a trip down the rabbit hole! Allow me to use this song as a means to provide a tiny peek into the ADD thought process that speeds through this crazy brain any given moment. :)

I sat at my laptop today with no clue what song I wanted to share. There is too much musical goodness floating around to narrow down. Sometimes a good distraction leads to the right answer, so out came the iPad, up popped Instagram, and then the following thought frolic came to be:

Ooooooh new comments…

          I should post a new picture of James as my hot nurse….

   I know I was joking about getting a picture of his bum, but I could use some entertainment!

…#thegreatbumchallenge…

              I’m kinda jealous that James has a much cuter rumpus than me…

James should lecture wearing only low rise jeans. His class attendance would be remarkable…

    I probably should get around to reading the Illiad like I told him I would…

                                 Or maybe I’ll just reread the Odyssey. It looks so pretty on my bookcase…

It’s been way too long since I’ve watched  O Brother, Where Art Thou….

        That soundtrack is amazing…

                 Why haven’t I posted anything from that soundtrack on my blog? ….

Soggy Bottom Boys. The Great Bum Challenge. Done and done….

 

If you tracked right along with me, we should hang out more. If you didn’t understand a word I just said, thank you for still loving me. ;)

Cheers,

Briana

 

 

 

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And the winner is….

May 2nd, 2012

  Congrats Stephen Bayer! I knew in my heart that this would be the winner the moment I saw it, and the voters agreed. Your Pinhole Press prize is coming soon, I can’t wait to see what you do with it! This image is framed and ready to sit by my bedside to make me [...]


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Congrats Stephen Bayer! I knew in my heart that this would be the winner the moment I saw it, and the voters agreed. Your Pinhole Press prize is coming soon, I can’t wait to see what you do with it! This image is framed and ready to sit by my bedside to make me (and likely my nurses) smile.

Cheers,

Briana

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