Just one of the many reasons why I love what I do. . . . . .

Earlier this week I celebrated another birthday.  Ever since Melissa & Brandon’s Casa Monica wedding  last month, I knew what kind of sweet treat I’d want for my birthday.  My mom, my littlest boy and I took off on a road trip to The Pastry Studio in Daytona Beach, Florida.

I gave Sherri a call last week and placed my order for cupcakes.  We were greeted with such sweet hospitality and her cake studio is so stylish!  I had such a great time talking weddings, cake and photography with her.  It’s always nice to connect with other wedding professionals and appreciate the artistic side of what we both love and do.  One of the things that really impressed me so much with Sherri’s cakes are that they are not only delicious but beautiful.  She has taught herself photography over the 12 years she’s been in business and takes a lot of pride in photographing her cakes.  I noticed that the first time I visited her website.  It’s very modern and stylish with really good photographs, all of which she does herself, which to me is a huge selling point for out of town brides who cannot make it in for a tasting.  She has such a passion for what she does and it shows in her work.

Here’s a little glimpse into my visit.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Dana

I received my new business cards and stationary about a week ago.  This has been a project in the works for about a month or two and it has been worth every second of waiting.

Zida of Studio Z Mendocino is the person behind the beautiful creations.  I was referred to her by fellow photographer, Shari DeAngelo out of Philadelphia, whose business cards I thought were the prettiest I’d ever seen.  I was in the process of revamping my business materials and knew I wanted letterpress but also something beautiful and rich in texture.  It had to be classy and a little different than your average business card.  Zida had the perfect suggestion and from the first phone conversation with her, I knew that she was the person for the job.  I felt a connection with her and I knew she would put everything she had into making my cards and stationary beautiful– just for me.

With her permission, I’m sharing a little about her story in her own words:

“In my house, there were hardly any books or newspapers. I practically LIVED at the

library in our little town after school every day, checking out stacks of Nancy Drew

mysteries each week, but I never thought once about where printed things

came from, had no idea even what a print shop was, until I was twenty-six

years old. The first time I was sat down in front of a California case full

of lead type by my soon-to-be-mentor Al Moise and instructed to set a job, I

began (literally) dreaming about type and typography. He offered me a job

two days later and I worked for him for over ten years, the master printer

who changed my life. Having my own shop now for twenty-five years still

gives me a shiver of excitement and wonder every time I think of it.”    -Zida

PS

Hey brides!  Zida does letterpress invitations.  If you want gorgeous invitations for your beautiful wedding day, contact Zida.

Last week, I spent some time at the St Augustine Music Festival.  It was an entire week of amazing concerts and was held at the Basilica.  They asked me to come in and get some shots of the musicians before and during the concert.  I must say, it was quite refreshing to photograph something a little different than my usual weddings and portrait sessions.  Here are a few on my favorite shots.  Check out their Facebook page here for more information.

Enjoy!

Everyone knows that I’m a really proud mommy of two boys.  I talk about my kids pretty often and they are a huge part of my and my husband’s lives.  Our kids are our source of entertainment.  Parenting is not easy but I love it and we are truly blessed to have healthy, happy kids.

My kids are like the shoemaker’s kids.  Even though I’m a photographer, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m lazy when it comes to taking pictures of them sometimes.  Yes, they get some pretty frequent “point and shoot” action.  However, to actually pull out the “big camera” as my son would say, it just doesn’t happen too often.

Friday night was an exception, my 5 year old graduated from Pre K.  This was a really big deal and I love how the school did the whole cap and gown ceremony thing over at UNF for them.  This was my son’s night to shine and the perfect opportunity for me to do some cap and gown pictures of him really good cap and gown pictures of him.

XOXO

Mommy      ;o)