Out with the old & in with the new… blog that is!

Check out the new blog right HERE.   I’ll no longer be updating this one, but no worries, all my posts have been moved over to the new blog so everything is just the same!  Update your bookmarks and links.  Unless you haven’t bookmarked it of course, and then you need to do that now!
So… I’ll miss my old blog, but my new one is way fresher & totally cool, so I’ll check you out over there!  See you on the flip side!

Gulf Coast Bridal Faire Discount!

Thanks so much to all the brides-to-be, grooms-to-be, mothers of the brides, and everyone else that stopped by our booth!  We had a great time, gave away about a dozen free sessions, and stayed SLAMMED almost the entire time!    We actually booked a couple of weddings there, and talked to a lot of other vendors, and some really awesome brides, so I consider it a huge success!

As a special thank you, we are also taking 10% off our current prices for anyone that books their wedding date by the end of this month.  You don’t have long, so book now.  I’m updating my calendar at the moment so it should reflect my most current availability.  (And unfortunately if you’re booking for June – the entire month is booked!  I do still have a lot of dates in September & October open but those are usually the first to go!).

I’ll be adding some segments over the next couple days too so if you notice a sudden change in appearance, fear not… I am just doing a little updating with the blog & site!

So again, thank you to everyone who stopped by & we look forward to talking more with you!  Give us a call & we’ll gladly schedule a consult to discuss the details of your big day!

Oh, and of course, pics coming soon!

~Angela
Bella V.

Ooh, one more thing!

The new prices are up, and I have a few more dates to update on the calendar, so while my availability calendar is *mostly* up to date, there are a few dates that might very well be taken even if they’re showing as available.

And, a few other little changes (which will reflect on the website soon):

• Wedding of the Quarter starting soon – the wedding chosen will be featured in a special gallery and will stay up for a full quarter, and will receive an awesome little incentive.  Feel free to bribe me with chocolate.   🙂
• I will be changing my studio hours and will no longer be booking Sunday sessions until further notice… ok, except in extreme circumstances, and “emergencies” (not sure what would constitute a photographic emergency, but I’m open to anything).  Hey – a lady has to sleep.  And edit.  And really, they go hand in hand quite nicely.  And once I do start booking Sunday sessions again, I’ll be picking some other random day to take off.  C’mon – it’s just one day a week, folks!
• I’ll be introducing a new look on the blog
• And finally – one big surprise at the end of it all.  Aw, come on – you didn’t really expect me to spill ALL the beans did you?!

Well I’ll be…

That was quick.  Thank you thank you thank you backups (and blu!)!  We still have no trace of the missing files – and luckily I’m pretty diligent about what I keep (that’s my way of saying I’m a pack rat in a totally cool & dignified way).

So… thank goodness, just a few files didn’t get restored & I had my copies stored locally so we’re right back where we left off.  Now, I’m off to bed… I’ve had enough drama for one night, and I have a bazillion things to take care of this week in preparation for The 6th Annual Gulf Coast Bridal Faire which is this coming Sunday at the Emerald Coast Conference Center.

So come by, check us out, and if nothing else… I’ll have chocolate! lol.

Please excuse us while we interrupt this broadcast…

Well, it appears that my site has gone *poof* into never never land.  I logged in to make some changes, only to find out the site was gone, gone, gone.  They swear there’s nothing wrong with the servers, that the files are just *gone*.  I checked my FTP log – no trace of said missing files (in case they were inadvertantly moved, or walked off, who knows).  I have NO clue what happened, but I’m working with my hosting company to get it resolved soon.  Keep your fingers crossed that they do backups as regularly as they say they do (they say they do daily – and if so, we’re in good shape).

So – pardon the mess while we remodel – this isn’t quite the overhaul I was planning but hopefully we’ll come out of this better off!

Maitlin & Matt

You should recognize Maitlin from our bridal shoot we did not so long ago!

Nonetheless, it was still close enough to Christmas to enjoy the beauty of Poinsettas & the sparkle of a Christmas tree.  And we had a gorgeous backdrop – our very own local little Bed & Breakfast:  Aunt Martha’s! (http://www.auntmarthasbedandbreakfast.com/).

So, here we go… a little sneak preview of Matt & Maitlin’s special day!  And as you’ll see, I have an unusual affinity for Christmas, probably more than any adult should!

So let’s get started, shall we?

I really loved her dress & shoes, simple yet elegant…

And this has to be one of my favorite photos.  I love everything about this picture, the dress, the light, the windows…

One thing I loved about this wedding was that all the family, bridal party, etc left us there at the B&B, to get some shots, and Maitlin & Matt were able to relax & enjoy each other with the most beautiful sunset just before the ceremony…

Now… one little thing I’d like to throw in… how cool is it that the pianist at the wedding was one of my son’s most absolute favorite teachers!  Granted, he’s only in 4th grade, but this was his K-3 teacher, Mrs. Monnin from Calvary Preschool – he absolutely adored her!

There was a lot of great music, including local jazz musician Michael J. Thomas.

And check this out… Sheena, one of my assistant photographers, stumbled upon these awesome little bag tags!  Just to set them off on the right foot & clear any confusion about who is ALWAYS Right!

Last Call!

Ok, folks, my procrastination = your luck.

I’ve reworked my packages for 2009 and will be posting the new prices & packages by Monday if all goes as planned.  SO – if you’re interested in booking a wedding, book NOW.  I’m honoring 2008 prices ONLY until the 2009 packages go up online!  So book now, book at the (lower) 2008 rates, with the (lower) 2008 deposit!  I promise you, it won’t last long, I’m catching up on my to-do list & updating the website is at the top of the list.

Speaking of lists… also on the list & coming soon:

– A fresh look for the site

– A fresh look for the blog

– A new section on the blog for clients & photographers where I’ll be peddling some wares – including props & custom camera straps

– Info & Details on upcoming Bridal shows along with other tips & tools for brides!

Ok, that’s all for now, I have GOT to wrap it up & get some sleep!

Amy & Tyler Engagement

I had the awesome opportunity to shoot Amy & Tyler’s engagement session recently.  After rescheduling already due to bad weather, we really lucked up on a TOTALLY Perfect Florida winter day.  You know thats what I LOVE about Florida, warm winter days!!!

So anyways, I love that every photo shoot I learn something new… see something new, etc.  And this was no exception, except this time it was a little different from the norm.  Usually I’m learning something new about people, relationships, dynamics, all that fun stuff.  Well this time, they picked the location, and it was one I’d never been to before.  It was this totally awesome tunnel of trees in Grayton Beach, and I so wish I’d have snapped a picture of the entrance, because it was absolutely enchanting!  I’m headed back this weekend though, so no worries, pics of this really cool little hideout will be coming!

So anyways, enough of my blabbing, and on with Tyler & Amy… an absolutely wonderful couple who couldn’t be happier together.

By the way, take note of this first picture, we started the shoot one way, and ended it on a similar note 🙂

We actually started at the “end” and walked our way back to the beginning…

The one above and the one below are probably two of my favorites…

And we just had to have at least one nice posed picture…

After spending some time on the trail, we headed over to the beach to catch the sunset, and while we were there thought we’d get a nice formal beach shot too!  While we’re here, right?

And last but not least, to close out the session, Amy & Tyler decided to spend a few minutes praying together on the beach.  I love this picture, because it was a really awe inspiring & such a special moment between the two of them.  They have an obviously strong connection that runs deep.

Ok, that’s all for now!  More previews coming soon!  I’ve got two weddings to show, plus some other little surprises!

Merry christmas!

Just a quick merry Christmas before I lay the last of my little ones to sleep! I’ve got a busy weekend with photo shoots and then I will be unavailable for the majority of next week(at least till Thursday) as my son has surgery and recovers. I’ll be checking email occasionally if anyone needs anything in a hurry and of course I’ll be working on anything alreadynin progress!

Happy New Year and I’ll catch up with a sneak preview soon!

Update…

I’ve been up all night filing reports with every agency, dept, etc I can including Bank of America, The Sherrif’s dept, etc…

and as it turns out, I’m not alone…

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/monhollon_13486___article.html/bank_money.html

Be very wary of ATMS, etc…