The blog!
Welcome to my blog! Here you will learn who I am: what I love, what I do, and what inspires me. This is a continuation of my story, and I hope eventually our stories will entwine.
I invite, nay, encourage you to connect through comments, facebook, or email. I look forward to our time together!

 

I believe:

Marriage is exquisite : God is bigger than the Boogie Man :            Love is Louder : Pie is the new cupcake : Muppets rule all

 

I value:

Community : Compassion : Honest narrative : My lovely clients :  Documenting life :  A man who cleans the bathroom

 

I swoon over:

Warm light : Clothbound books : Yellow shoes : A soulful harmony : Etsy’s handpicked homepage :  My superb husband

 

I pretend:

I’m a hobbit when I wear my weird awesome Vibram shoes          :  Good beer has no calories  : to have mad dance skills

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Music Monday | {even more} fun.

April 16th, 2012

  fun. | Some Nights | Out on the Town 11 Out on the Town (Bonus Track) 1 Anthemic. As a person of (too many) words, sometimes it is refreshing to be able to sum up my feelings on a topic with one word.  This record makes that an easy task. Every track makes me [...]


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fun. | Some Nights | Out on the Town

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Anthemic. As a person of (too many) words, sometimes it is refreshing to be able to sum up my feelings on a topic with one word.  This record makes that an easy task. Every track makes me want to sing passionately, at the top of my lungs, and stirs something in my lil soul. At this rate, I’ll likely post the entire album through the year. I’m completely ok with that, as I can already name this the album of 2012. I predicted big things for the band before Some Nights dropped, and it’s incredibly exciting every time their songs pop up on the radio/tv shows/commercials, and everyone’s Spotify feeds.  They are already breaking Billboard records and topping iTunes charts. Heart=happy.

This weekend was spent enjoying the warm breezes and buttery sunshine of SoCal. Being back in the Orange County atBROsphere  caused a bit of culture shock, but also provided some moments of both peace and happy nostalgia. Driving up the PCH with this song playing loudly, my heavy heart was content. Great music transcends all… and for 4 minutes 21 seconds, I’m happy to lose myself in it once again.

Cheers,

Briana

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Danielle & Derek | Back Bay Engagement

April 11th, 2012

I’m so excited to share my first official shoot of 2012! Our original session date was pushed back due to rain, and we serendipitously wound up choosing the most beautiful day of the year, thus far. We laughed, we wandered, we bonded.   To top everything off, our session was bookended with delicious locally brewed [...]
 

I’m so excited to share my first official shoot of 2012! Our original session date was pushed back due to rain, and we serendipitously wound up choosing the most beautiful day of the year, thus far. We laughed, we wandered, we bonded. ;)   To top everything off, our session was bookended with delicious locally brewed beers. It was a perfect start to the season.

Meet Derek & Danielle:

 

As New England natives, and *naturally* huge fans of Boston sports, Fenway Park was a fitting place to start. With bright colors and countless nooks, this beloved ballpark is  a wonderful location for a couple like Derek & Dani. Derek was free to play (and would probably swat me if I shared the outtakes), while Dani (the yin to his yang) was able to relax & enjoy the quiet that the off season provides. Dani was a bit shy for the camera at first, but started to work it pretty quickly. ;) I don’t know what I love more… that beautiful smile below, or the smile Derek has while watching her.

Color + typography + snuggles = awesome

After pausing to switch lenses, I looked up and caught a quick, natural moment… quickly followed by a photobombing. St Patty’s was the day before, and apparently these guys never ended the party. I’m pretty sure they wanted their own shoot.

Next, we headed over to The Fens to enjoy the golden hour.  I’m obsessed with the Phragmites there, so I was disappointed to see that they are in the process of being removed.  Thankfully, we were still able to catch a few magical moments in the reeds, and the section that has already been burnt provided an interesting (though dirty) place to explore.

Last stop on our ramble was amidst the Fenway Victory Gardens. Enchanting and hushed, some gardeners who tend to these plots have created their own romantic little worlds… some complete with hammock. These quiet moments were my favorite of the day.

 

Danielle & Derek, I had such a good time! I’m looking forward to your wedding day, and, of course, getting together for Shephards Pie. ;)

Cheers,

Briana

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Music Monday | Tenacious D

April 9th, 2012

    Tenacious D | Self-Titled | Tribute Tribute   The D is back next month with  a new album. It only seemed right to pay… tribute… Cheers, Briana
 

 

 

Tenacious D | Self-Titled | Tribute

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The D is back next month with  a new album. It only seemed right to pay… tribute…

Cheers,

Briana

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Customs, Colors, & Cadbury

April 8th, 2012

There were many causes for celebration this weekend. 4 cups of wine were raised among friends. Words of hope resonated across teeming church pews.  Bursts of color exploded into our vision from every angle; cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, tulips & daffodils peeking out from their winter hiding spots,  happy children frolicking in their [...]
 

There were many causes for celebration this weekend. 4 cups of wine were raised among friends. Words of hope resonated across teeming church pews.  Bursts of color exploded into our vision from every angle; cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, tulips & daffodils peeking out from their winter hiding spots,  happy children frolicking in their bright spring attire.  Chocolate fueled sugar highs leave countless slightly nauseated, but oh so satisfied.  For some, not partaking in any of the above was reason to be happy. However you chose to enjoy this time, I hope you wrap up your weekend refreshed & delighted.

Cheers,

Briana

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Music Monday | Mike Schmid

April 2nd, 2012

Mike Schmid | The House We Built | Forget You   \Forget You   In all honesty, the last week has been incredibly difficult for me. Those details will be shared in another post, but I bring that up now to explain the path to posting this song. I am not deeply attached to the [...]
 

Mike Schmid | The House We Built | Forget You

 

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In all honesty, the last week has been incredibly difficult for me. Those details will be shared in another post, but I bring that up now to explain the path to posting this song. I am not deeply attached to the artist (I had to shazaam the song). I know little about him beyond the fact that he does back up for Miley Cyrus (I’ll try not to hold that against him), and that his songs tend to be featured on my favorite shows… which brings me to this song. On top of the personal difficulties, my weekend of productivity and fresh air quickly morphed into a few days spent in bed with the flu, providing me with ample time for that Black Donnelly’s marathon I have been waiting for.

Watching the Donnelly brothers making one bad decision after another, I was reminded of a few things:

1. Too many great shows are cancelled too soon, while 2 and a Half Men still lives on (where is the justice?)

2. I can’t resist a man who is smart, lean, and Irish (I married well). Jonathan Tucker, you make Boston proud. ;)

3. A good music director can make all the difference

This song came on during a very emotional scene in the show, and I went weak. The same song was also used in the graduation episode of Felicity. Who knows… without those ties, I may not like this song so much. However, with those ties, listening to this song soothing & cathartic… even if only for a moment.  Times like these, I’ll take all the calm I can get. ;)

Cheers,

Briana

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Friendship & Flurries

March 30th, 2012

“A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship.” Markus Zusak, The Book Thief My dreams of romantic or adventurous post-storm shoots were shattered during our curiously warm winter, but, thankfully, I managed to get out and frolic just once. Elle & I made plans to spend a lazy afternoon [...]
 

“A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship.”
Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

My dreams of romantic or adventurous post-storm shoots were shattered during our curiously warm winter, but, thankfully, I managed to get out and frolic just once. Elle & I made plans to spend a lazy afternoon in my home, discussing websites & drinking tea, on what serendipitously ended up being one of the three snow days all season.  There really was no option to but to head outside and enjoy the fresh white canvas. While she didn’t get a snowball to the face, Elle did let me toss a little powder on her head when the original flurries melted off.  :) Thanks, comrade.

 

Cheers,

Briana

 

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Music Monday | Maroon 5 (feat. Rozzi Crane)

March 26th, 2012

  Maroon 5 (feat. Rozzi Crane) | The Hunger Games soundtrack | Come Away to the Water Come Away To The Water I finally saw The Hunger Games last night (woohoo!) and I have had the soundtrack on repeat for almost a week. A fantastic book adapted into a fun (albeit flawed)  movie that includes [...]
 

 

Maroon 5 (feat. Rozzi Crane) | The Hunger Games soundtrack | Come Away to the Water

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I finally saw The Hunger Games last night (woohoo!) and I have had the soundtrack on repeat for almost a week. A fantastic book adapted into a fun (albeit flawed)  movie that includes an excellent soundtrack… it’s the Holy Trinity of pop culture… how can I not be in an HG Haze right now? My favorite line in all of the reviews referred to this album as “O Big Brother, where art thou?”, which is just perfection.

I am so thankful to T Bone Burnett for not going the predictable Hard Rock route on this soundtrack. While I admit, I had a bit of Muse running through my head while reading Mockingjay, I have said since the beginning the first film needed an Americana feel. I went as far as to tweet Lionsgate that if they didn’t use The Civil Wars, they were fools.  As news of the album including Arcade Fire, The Decemberists, and Glen Hansard circulated, along with a few lesser known folk groups, my trust in the franchise grew stronger.   Taylor Swift even took a welcomed departure from her doe-eyed pop. However, amidst all of the impressive tracks, I was especially surprised by this haunting track by… Maroon 5.  Granted, the song was written by Glen Handsard, but props to Adam Levine for his interpretation of it. His cooing of the lyrics is both soothing and sinister. I simply had to share.

What do you think? Is this style more enjoyable, or do you prefer when Levine moves like Jagger? Personally, I would love if he worked with more folksy artists in the future… let’s ask for a side project. ;) Also, for those who have seen the movie: thoughts?

Cheers,

Briana

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Prologue | Derek & Danielle

March 20th, 2012

“So much, you have given love That I would give you back again and again Meaning I’ll hold you And please , please, just let me, always” -Dave Matthews Band   Cheers, Briana
 
“So much, you have given love
That I would give you back again and again
Meaning I’ll hold you
And please , please, just let me, always”
-Dave Matthews Band

 

Cheers,

Briana

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Music Monday | The Black Keys

March 19th, 2012

  The Black Keys | El Camino | Gold on the Ceiling Gold On The Ceiling     Yesterday could be described as pure bliss. Leaving my home in a t-shirt, canvas slip-ons, comfy jeans, and my aviators was step one… 72* in March? I’ll take it! Hopping into Grommit (my Yaris), I immediately rolled [...]


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The Black Keys | El Camino | Gold on the Ceiling

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Yesterday could be described as pure bliss. Leaving my home in a t-shirt, canvas slip-ons, comfy jeans, and my aviators was step one… 72* in March? I’ll take it! Hopping into Grommit (my Yaris), I immediately rolled down the windows and acknowledged that a day like this needed just the right music for my drive.  Rhythm, sass, energy, perhaps a few lot of hand claps. Ridiculously awesome rock & roll. Thankfully, I had this album just waiting to be revisited. It has been described as “a CD that scratches an itch you didn’t even know you had”… El Camino is definitely that record, and it fit my needs perfectly. While I have replaced drives along the PCH with those along the Charles, the sun & the beat were just as enjoyable.

Get outside today with your own perfect music & enjoy the sunshine!

Cheers,

Briana

 

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Lá Fhéile Pádraig

March 17th, 2012

It’s that time of year again! Another opportunity to: 1. Make a batch of delicious homemade Irish Cream Liquer   2. Look through my old photos & miss the Emerald Isle.   3. Toast my loved ones   Image by Trooper Kristianson . This was a pretty fabulous day.   May love and laughter light [...]
 

It’s that time of year again! Another opportunity to:

1. Make a batch of delicious homemade Irish Cream Liquer

 

2. Look through my old photos & miss the Emerald Isle.

 

3. Toast my loved ones

  Image by Trooper Kristianson . This was a pretty fabulous day. :)

 

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

sláinte,

 

Briana

 

 

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