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4.28.12

Learning Photography

I’m taking a great online photography class from the guys over at Shoot Fly Shoot. The class is split into several sections of topics involved in shooting manual including equipment, ISO, aperature, shutter speed, metering and more. If you have a DLSR camera and are looking to learn the basics, I highly recommend you check out Photography 101 from Shoot Fly Shoot. I’m about halfway through the video classes, and I’ve already learned a ton about shooting in manual on my Canon t2i DSLR.

The other day, I put my newly learned skills to the test with some pink tulips. Natural light is a more ideal lighting situation than overhead lighting. In this situation, I set an ISO of 100, which allows for finer detail and an aperature of 4.5.  I love the bokeh (blurry background) in a low aperature picture. 4.5 isn’t particularly low, but it’s the lowest I can do on my lens.

I did a little comparison between Automatic and Manual. See the difference? In automatic, the pink is much less vibrant and has an overall dingy look. In Manual, it’s a higher quality photo where the colors really pop.

Filed in: Blog
4.11.12

peachy neutrals

I came across this photo a few weeks back by Fleur in Chicago. I have been a huge fan since seeing their work. Even their Instagram shots often stop me in my tracks to behold the beautiful floral designs. If anyone is getting married in the Chicago area, I highly suggest you check them out.

This picture has very subtle colors, but I really picked up on the peach tones in the mercury glass vase. This tablescape has elegant written all over it.

This outdoor reception setting is the best. I love that the candlelight and overhead lighting reflects the peach tones of the table setting. Plus, it’s in Hawaii. Does it get any better?

 Gina Meola Photography via Style Me Pretty

Filed in: Blog
4.3.12

Honeymoon in : Costa Rica

Last month, the hubby and I headed to Central America to spend a week in Costa Rica. Although this wasn’t our honeymoon, I kept thinking Costa Rica makes a great destination for those planning a honeymoon. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, culture and relaxation. We did quite a bit of travel throughout the country, visiting wildlife reserves near Nicaragua, an active volcano and beaches on the west coast.

If you’re heading to Costa Rica, here are some things you must check out:

Zipline: We ziplined over the jungle near Arenal Volcano. This was a huge adrenaline rush and a time to get over any fears of heights you may have. This is a must do.

Unwind in hot springs: Several spas near the foot of the volcano offer a relaxing hot springs experience. This would be ideal after a day of ziplining around the jungle. These would be especially nice in the evening, as temperatures dip quite a bit when the sun goes down.

Absorb the culture: We wandered around several small towns as we traveled through the inland part of the country. This is a time to practice any Spanish you might know. Another fun thing to do is stop by a local “soda”, which is any number of small restaurants along roads in the cities. This is where we found some of the best food of our trip.

See the wildlife: Costa Rica is known for the unique wildlife within its borders. We spent an afternoon cruising down the Rio Frio River, watching monkeys, birds, caimans (small crocodiles) and even a sloth move around in their natural habitat.

Relax on the beaches: A highlight of the trip for me was  Tamarindo, a beach town on the Pacific Ocean. If you’re into surfing, you’ll love the abundance of surf lessons offered. And if you like watching surfing, you’ll enjoy it just as much. Take a morning stroll along the beach during low tide – it’s beautiful. The last evening we were there, we went out on a catamaran to do some swimming during the afternoon and enjoy the sunset on the way back to shore.

Costa Rica – Pura Vida. If you go, you’ll figure out what it means!

Filed in: Blog
3.30.12

Engagement Party/Rehearsal Look: Neutral Shimmer

An engagement party or wedding rehearsal is a fun time to spend with close family members and bridal party. These gatherings vary in size, from only close family and wedding party, to bridal party and extended family. As the bride-to-be, it’s only fair that you get spiffed up, and if you’re going traditional for the wedding day, bring some spunk into your outfit.

Lately, I’ve been noticing a lot of gold textured skirts. Here are some skirt + tops + accessory ideas for a sparkling rehearsal dinner or engagement party.

Neutral Shimmer



Filed in: Blog
3.27.12

Something Blue

Picking out colors for a wedding is the first step to putting your vision of the day together. The colors are typically incorporated throughout stationary, flowers, attire and decorations.

Lately, I’ve been inspired by the classic and timeless look of navy blue. Navy can be paired with almost any other colors quite nicely – yellow, mint, coral for accents and tan or gray for a neutral base. This also makes finding your “something blue” easy as pie. Now, to just find the something old, something new, and something borrowed!

This board has a bit of a nautical vibe with the stripes. And, the bridesmaid dresses are oh-so-trendy with their peplum skirts. So cute that I wouldn’t mind having one for myself!

 Mint Juleps / Peplum Bridesmaids / Stationary / Wedding Dress / Bouquet / Shoes / Table

 

Filed in: Blog