Happily June Stock + Styled Images

I CANNOT BELIEVE I AM TYPING THIS POST! It feels so good to share a new venture with you, my dear friends.

I spilled all the beans last week to my newsletter readers (you should totally sign up here) and their response has been overwhelming! Lots of love and support today and every day. For a woman who is 6 months pregnant all this joy makes me weepy. Seriously, like tears at the computer all morning. I need a nap or a good cheeseburger. One of the two.

Also in the newsletter were a lot of details about the story behind this new venture. To summarize I started snapping photos totally for fun over a year ago. I really loved capturing real life images versus staged but totally saw photography being just a fun hobby and part of my job.

In January I had a prophetic word spoken over me about business, photography, life. It left me relling and pondering what all of it meant. The thing about God is that he may give you a word but that doesn't necessarily mean he gives you clarity right then. And that just builds my patience, my prayer life, my hope. I began praying for his answer and vision for my creative, entrepreneurial soul.

One day it just hit me and I was like "uh duh katie. stock + styled images!"

And here we are. Happily June is a small business full of goodness, simple design, stock + styled images and joy. My shop on creative market gives businesses, bloggers, writers, business savvys the opportunity to build a brand that truly reflects their style and mission. And that makes me happy. All of it.

Monterey in Pictures

I promised three posts last week and only got to two but HEY (!!!) that is better than none like the last 6 months. :)

Can we address the sunshine? The constant sunshine in these photos of Monterey is my favorite. Sunshine on my face and the sound of the ocean, ah. It makes me happy reminiscing and typing these words.

I have a handful of posts coming with restaurants, our lodging and what all we did but I thought pictures upon pictures were needed first. I really did fall in love with this city and the kind people. Of course, we learned a handful of lessons too.

Lessons from Monterey: California in the winter is cold. People told us this but I refused to take/keep up with a big coat so it got left behind. I was freezing anytime the sun wasn't directly shinning on me.

Health + green. Don't get me wrong. You can find clam chowder full of cream and dishes of fish soaked in butter but for the most part everyone in Monterey is a health nut. I love the influence. The night we arrived the downtown had two blocks blocked off for food trucks and a farmers market. The produce still had dirt on it and I was all jealous of fresh goodies. I was still getting over a sinus infection so I stopped by a fresh pressed juice booth and grabbed a bottle of juice full of goodness and ginger. Give me the burn and all the ginger. I seriously love ginger.

They also walk everywhere or bike. Trader Joe's is a shrine in their bustling downtown. Also no bag are sold to tote off your groceries. You paid to get a plastic sack. Everyone had their tote bags handy. Little things like that were principles in New Braunfels but not all that much in El Dorado. In fact, I used our reusable sacks at Walmart when we first moved here and had the cashier yell over to another person, point at me, point at the bags and then they both burst into laughter. Not sure the joke that I missed.

Their seafood comes from the ocean that was over your shoulder. I could stick my feet in the water while eating the food that came from it. It was perfect. We tried everything but my absolute favorite was the truffle crawfish mac' n cheese with fontina, parmesan, crawfish and white truffle oil. It was so rich and delicious and I did take one sip of R's restaurant brew, Buzzlight beer.

The Monterey Plaza Hotel Spa is first class, top of the line, perfect, never wanted to leave. R and I were very fortunate in that his business trip started our last day in Monterey. The company that was hosting the soiree scheduled massages for Rusty and I. We have both had massages from spa's to other hotels and this was hands down the best service I have ever had. I changed into a fresh robe, had fresh fruit and water, spent over an hour getting rubbed down and took the longest hot shower of my life. Their spa has a sun deck and hot tubs on the roof of their hotel that overlooked the ocean. It was magnificent and the lady who massaged R is retiring to Hot Springs (in Arkansas) soon.

Monterey Again and Again

A new friend today and I were chatting. She said, "You should totally blog." I laughed and said well I do, well did.

There is a whole list of reasons why I don't as much or ever really but instead I would rather focus on life and get a few words in when I can.

This past fall Rusty came home exclaiming he was going to the SUPER BOWL! Isn't that the coolest? We started throwing around the idea of me going with him to California for a few days before his work trip/SB50. We were all excited about it but the more we looked into it we thought financially it wouldn't be a good idea.

Of course, I cried. The selfish gal in me wanted to see California so bad. It has been on my list of must visit places for a while now especially the coast.

We let the idea go and we continued to get excited about R's trip. I mean, hello (!!!). The Super Bowl is a once in a lifetime deal!

About a week after Christmas Rusty walked in at lunch time. He tossed an envelope down on our kitchen island. I asked what it was and he instructed me to open it. Inside was a plane ticket to Cali! I squealed and of course hugged Rusty. Rusty did a lot of searching to find the best flight for us. We had to drive to Dallas the night before we left but it saved us $300 on my round trip flight plus no stops.

Rusty's business trip started on a Thursday evening so we headed out Tuesday. His accommodations for his trip began on Thursday so I booked the loveliest Airbnb for Tuesday and Wednesday. I plan to share much more about our trip like our rental, where we ate, how we saved and what sights we saw but all that will come in later posts (I promise!).

I did want to share our video that we made of our time in California. It is beautiful and I could make every shot of the ocean. California, you are a beauty.

Family Session with BLC Photography

Mid November I wanted new family photos considering our last session was when Skip was a few weeks old. Let me tell you something about myself. I am cheap(ish). Well not really but when someone says a price I think eh, maybe and then never go through with it. I knew we needed family photos. It is one thing that I knew was worth every little penny. Luckily our sweet photographer and friend (BLC Photography) who did Skip's newborns has the best prices, is quick with the camera considering we have a very, very active 1 year old and is the kindest person ever. That may be my favorite thing about Brandi. Two minutes around her and you know that she is a true gem.

And then we got our got our disk back and I am shouting from the blog tops to get family photos regularly. Do it. Don't wait. Make a date.

Our photos are incredible. Brandi captured Skip's personality so well and the biggest blessing for me is seeing me in the photos with our bubs. I never get in the photos.

All images BLC Photography

New Vendor: Alison Rose Photography

Not only I am lucky to call this vendor a friend but my goodness her work is overflowing with creativity and passion. Meet Alison of Alison Rose Photography! Alison is a person who through a simple email blesses you. She is talented and every photo she snaps is a special keepsake for her couples. I am beyond thrilled to introduce you to Alison and let you get to know her better below. Her portfolio will make your heart very happy. Happy Thursday friends and now for the lovely Alison...

{A little background about you.}
I got started in photography when I took a photography class as a sophomore in high school and was completely addicted! My mom bought me a dark room set up for my birthday that summer, and I don't think I actually saw much sun. I was developing all day and night! Since then, I have known it was what I was put on this earth to do.

{What was your first job? How did you get started in photography?}
In 2006 I took the plunge and rented a booth at a bridal festival. I don't know if I have ever been that scared! I literally brought photos of my daughter and my dog and asked everyone to take a chance on me. I booked 14 weddings from that show and my life has never been the same (for the better)! My very first wedding was April 2nd, 2006 and I've been hooked ever since!

{What is your favorite part of your job?}
Having permission to see into people's souls and show them how beautiful they are! (<- Editors note: This answer made me cry. Guys, these are the vendors you should be working with. Make your photographer count.)

{What you hope to offer clients?}
Capturing all of the most important moments of your day in the perfect framing and lighting. Basically, perfection.

{What is the hardest lesson you have learned while being in your industry and starting a successful business?}
The business side is so hard as an artist. I can't only focus on my passion. I have to be aware of legal issues and finances as well (the boring stuff!).

{What is your biggest accomplishment?}
Being awarded first place from the WPJA for an image I took at my first Italy wedding! (Above Image)

{Where do you see yourself in 5 years?}
Traveling the world for real love and inspiration!

{What does a typical day look like for you?}
I work at home as a photographer and home-maker while also taking care of my little man (16 months old), big man (husband), 8-year old, 2 dogs and 2 cats. You can see why I like to shoot on location, right?

{What is the best piece of advice you have to offer potential photographers?}
To have the best photo outcome, be aware of the details and ALWAYS think about your background. Your photos will depend on it!

{A few fun things about yourself!}
I have a degree in performance theater. Maybe that's why I love being under the pressure of weddings?

{Where can we find you?}
Email: alisonrosephoto@gmail.com
Ring a Ding: (970) 581-1033
Website: http://www.arosephotography.com/
Facebook: Alison Rose Photography
Twitter
Pinterest: Pin Boards
Google+
Wedding Wire: Reviews & Profile
Wordpress: http://alisonrosephoto.wordpress.com/

{More of Alison's Work}

{Don't you wish you could have been invited to this wedding?}

For more of Alison's work on Lovebird Productions, click here and here.