Tuesday, July 22, 2008

My New Blog!!


YAY! I finally did it! I have a whole new exciting blog. Now you can stalk me in style!!! LOL.

From now on, you can find all my latest weddings, engagement sessions and more at my new blog:

http://www.daricemichelle.net

For some odd reason, blogger is not working so I can't give you a direct link. Or just click on the post title: My New Blog!! and it'll fly you there in no time!

: )

Thursday, July 17, 2008

I'll Always Have My Heels!



Growing up I never was found of high heels, I mean why would women soar up their feet with blisters, potentially risk embarrassing themselves if they were ever to..dare I say... FALL, and to experience the inevitable, uncomfortability that heels bring! Then I met a dear friend of mine, Lena, who every time I saw her, she was wearing heels! I couldn't understand how she was able to walk around in heels ALL DAY - EVERY DAY!

Having to look nice for work, I started wearing heels and to my amazement I was able to go 8 hours with them on! Perplexed that I didn't have blisters or my feet were not about to fall off I tried to figure out why and how I was able to get away with this! Was it due to having expensive heels rather than the Payless sort or was I just getting use to them?

I realized it was because of all my running (mainly backwards running) that enabled me to live in my heels! Strong legs and sturdy feet arches quickly became my best friend!

I wore heels all the time that I became known as the "chick in heels". My daughter's friend even told her mother once, "Mom if you were just to wear heels with those shorts, you'd look like Darice!" How cute!



Well as most of you know, sadly I was informed by a doctor that I can no longer wear heels! What's worse, is that I can no longer run! After 4 months of enduring pain in my right foot, I finally had several MRI's done and a couple doctor visits, the result?

Arthritis!

WHAT?@?!?!@?@!? I'm too young for that!

Apparently NOT!

Yesterday to cheer me up, I bought these cute heel pictures from Bed Bath & Beyond and hung them up on my walls. I am not giving up on my heels!!! LOL

To those of you that have been so empathetic, I wanted to thank you all for your support, especially to Emily who sent me a virtual heels gift!

You guys are the best!

So now I can go to sleep every night and wake up every morning smiling at my heels!



P.S. I will confess, that I know I will at times sneak in my heels, I was made to wear heels! I mean come on, they can't just sit in my closet all lonely! That would be a crime!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

My Morning Greeter!



The answer was: THE DUCK!

Can you believe that a duck was actually at my living room door!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about a shocker!

Hmmm, what to make of this!

It was so much fun reading everyone's goofy answers!!!!



I wondered if it was hungry wanting food so I tried to feed it bread but it just left not interested in my charities! Geez you'd think it would have been grateful for my jesture! : )

Monday, July 14, 2008

Are You Really Reading?

Ok so I wanted to test you all by seeing who is actually really snooping around my blog! I am surprised by all the emails I get with your "comments" about my blog but no one seems brave enough to actually speak their mind on the blog! Hmm, scary cats! HA HA.

So I thought I'd wake you all up by seeing what you all think about what I found this morning!

I was up late last night (as usual) returning emails and working and yes Adrialyn I do eventually get some sleep!!!! But when I woke up this morning and walked out of my room into the living room I was pleasantly surprised by what was greeting me! I wasn't sure if I was just dreaming it from a lack of sleep, but sure enough it was no dream!

Can you guess what greeted me in the morning?

I will give you some clues... but you have to guess (yes this means you MUST show yourself by leaving an answer under "comments" at the end of this post. Who will be right????

Was it...

1. My son

2. A lizard

3. My daughter

4. Keanu Reeves

5. A new pair of shoes

6. Flowers all over my living room!!!!

7. My good friend, Ellen, from California

8. A duck

9. Paintings my kids did that they left on the floor

10. A surprise package

11. An apple

12. Airplane tickets to London

13. A bunch of stuffed animals propped up against each other sitting in a big circle holding hands

14. Breakfast made and placed on the living table

15. Michelle Pfeiffer

What was it????

Do you know?????

Monday, July 07, 2008

Bea and Brent



On May 2nd, 2008 Bea and Brent Acs were married on this beautiful private beach in Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. Ok, so I have to tell you all that this was one of the first weddings where I could more than just a salad. Bea and Brent had a RAW FOOD wedding thanks to Almond Blossom Cafe who catered it!!! Can you believe it! Not only were there all fresh raw drinks, but they also had a RAW WEDDING CAKE! And yes, it was incredibly delicious. Even those who have been past critics of the raw foods said they couldn't get enough of this yummy cake!

I had so much fun at this wedding... I am so lucky that I get to so many neat people that sometimes I become great friends with the brides! Bea has become a great friend of mine in no time! Bea, shhh don't tell anyone of our recent dinner adventures at Carrabas and what I ate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ; )

The waiter swore to me that he would never tell anyone what I ate that night! Hmm, if my secret gets out, I'll know who to hunt down! (lol)

Bea and Brent, congratulations you guys! Can't wait to do your baby photos... are there kids in the plan any time soon???



















































Bea with her mom!



Bea and I




























Friday, July 04, 2008

Kelly and Kyle


Kelly and Kyle were married on May 3rd at the Amelia Island Plantation Chapel in none other than the gorgeous Amelia Island, FL. Their beautiful reception was held at the Walkers Landing Restaurant.

Their wedding was just incredibly beautiful! But the thing I remember the most is Kelly's sweet and gentle spirit. Oh yeah, I probably should mention her patient and forgiving nature too since after all, her new husband accidentally spilled champagne all over her wedding gown at the beach! Kelly didn't even care, she was just so glad to be married to the man she fell in love with!

They were such a joy to capture!















































































Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Funtime at the St. Johns Town Center



Today I spent my whole day at the St. John's Town Center. For starters, I began my visit at 9am at the apple store. I hit my all time record by staying there for 2.5 hours! I know, what the heck was I doing there for 2.5 hours. Thanks to Richard, a very friendly and patient Apple Genius, I was able to take care of some computer problems and jazz up my G5 and laptop by making them a more powerful mean machine. My computer under went some serious surgery today and I am ecstatic to say that this baby is all geared up to rock the business world of photography!

After my educational day at the apple store, I was fortunate to meet with my dear fellow photographer friend, the one, the only fabulous Scarlett Lillian! We dined at the delicious Panera Bread Cafe talking about our parents, kids, our futures and of course PHOTOGRAPHY! We both agreed that we need to find someone who will do all our dirty business work so that we can do what we love most, SHOOTING! Any takers??? Until we reach that dreamy fantasy, we both are determined to remain rock out women who own and run their own businesses! How's that for woman power!

To make our visit a little more interesting, we had some fun doing our own little mini quick photo session. Since my poor friend was burned badly by the sun the other day, she had to opt out for being in the photos (don't worry folks, I won't let her off the hook the next time we do lunch!), but she did take some fun photos of me. You can check out more of my silly photos on her blog. If anything, I think it's great practice for me to know what it's like to be on the other end of the camera!

Thanks Scarlett, it was so great catching up with you today!!!!

Monday, June 30, 2008

Happy 3rd Year Anniversary Ben and Jen

Is this not a great photo or what! How adorable.




Ben and Jen were married three years ago today, can you believe it! It seems like they just got married. They tied the knot secretively at the breath taking five-star resort Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos. After the vows, Garner—who went barefoot in a Vera Wang gown with a green sash—jumped into Affleck's arms, and they waded into the surf for an impromptu dip... how fun!

Look at how georgous Parrot Cay Island is!




And look at how cute Violet, their daughter, is!


Congratulations Ben and Jen!

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Swimming Time...Or is it???



So I just recently moved and in my last home we had one of those above the ground pools that the kids enjoyed swimming in...well I wasn't about to move that big ol' thing to my new house which meant we were left with no pool! When kids want to swim, they will always find a way!








So it started pouring pretty hard while we were out in the backyard, ... I just love the rain! Well the kids had to end their "swimming" time so we went inside for chocolate chip cookies and milk!



Friday, June 27, 2008

Color Palette


Just about every time I ask a bride what her color theme is I get the deer in head lights look... "Ummm I have no idea yet. Not sure." In the past, couples chose their colors based on which season their wedding day would fall under, maybe some still do this, but times have changed. Brides don't care as much about the "rules", in fact more and more brides are breaking the rules doing whatever they see fit for their personal exciting wedding day!

I just love colors! Colors have such a powerful effect on changing our moods. Reds ignite, Blues soothe, Greens energize, Browns calm us down, Yellows brighten our spirits and White purifies. Of course there are many more colors of all shades that bring on different moods, it's quite fun to see how a color will alter your state of being.

Below are some great collages from Snippert and Ink depicting different colors and themes that can give you some fantastic ideas for your wedding.

My favorite one is the Turquoise, black and white theme (collage above)!

Mood: opulent, modern

Check out their blog to see more collages and themes!



Monday, June 23, 2008

Survey Says...


Ok, so I always get these emails from friends or family where you're suppose to answer and read the questions about who you are or who your friends are. I decided to post one of these here just for fun!

1. What is your favorite color?
blue (blue is vibrant, alive and a happy color)

2. What is your favorite place?
Wherever my kids are

3. What makes you happy when you are down?
My kids (they always cheer me up - they are so special to me)

4. What makes you tick?
Nothing! Ha Ha, just kidding. I hate holding on the phone when you call a company for a long time then to be hung up on by accident, then have to call back again!

5. What did you last eat today?
Auh oh, I have to confess I ate Kettle Corn Popcorn with my kids while watching Beverly Hills Cop II tonight. I love sweet popcorn!

6. What was your largest purchase this year?
Hmmm, gosh, not sure. I guess my new apple macpro lap top. I love it. I take it with me everywhere now. Like even now, I can get work done while watching a movie.

7. How many siblings do you have?
I have 5. My oldest sister, Jennifer, my youngest sister, Marissa, my brother, Jason and my two sisters that are my age, Jamie and Sara. I love all my sisters and brother! We are all so different from each other which makes my family fun and exciting. I just wish they were closer to home.

8. Who is your favorite person to be with?
I'd have to say my children for sure! They are my blood! I love them so much. I have so many precious memories of them. When my son, Jaden, was 3 years old he use to say to me, "I kind of like you and I kind of don't" He also would say, "I love you a little and I love you a lot." Is that not funny or what! He also once yelled at me once when I put him in time out for not listening, he said, "You're FIRED!" Gosh, the things they say! I hope to never forget moments like that. Then just today, when I was walking into Target and Best Buy, my daughter kept reaching out for my hand. It was so important to her that I held her hand. When I asked her why she kept wanting to hold my hand she replied, "It makes me feel close to you." I loved that she wanted to be so close to me. I loved holding her little hand in the parking lot! I wish moments like that would never end.







9. What's the funniest thing you've done?
Gosh, I have no idea! Anyone know??? lol I can say the most stupid thing I did recently! I'll be humble enough to admit that when I tried to mow my lawn for the first time, I couldn't figure out why it wouldn't start. It had oil in it and I was pulling the string right and all. Finally I called my ex and found out that I needed gasoline! DAH! I felt like a complete idiot! Maybe that's a funny thing. If you saw that, you'd laugh at me!!! : )

10. What do you do for a living?
Well I think this one is obvious... I am a wedding photographer. I love making brides and grooms cry when they look at their wedding photos! Yep, that's my goal, to make people cry (ha ha). I enjoy being at weddings because it symbolizes a new beginning in life. And I love seeing people truly in love with each other.

11. If money was not a stumbling block, what would be your biggest thing to do or achieve?
See Italy and doing things I have never done before.

12. What would be your second career of choice?
Acting! I would love to be in acting. I loved doing it in high school but regret that I never did more with it. I know you can't really live on this career being that you have to be so good and famous and all, but I would enjoy doing it.

13. What is your favorite child hood memory?
Gosh, that's a hard one. I have a lot of great memories. I loved going to Rainbow Falls Swimming Pool in Elk Grove Village, IL with my siblings. We use to walk miles to get to and from the pool. We didn't care though, we loved the water slides there and swimming! I also love the memory of when my dad taught me how to play tennis, catch a ball, canoe and fish. Going to the flea markets in Wisconsin with my mom, step-dad and sisters is another favorite memory of mine. I remember I couldn't wait to buy heavy medal cassette tapes! I also loved playing with my neighbors after school. We did everything from play kick ball, dodge ball, serious tag, and more! We were all so tight back in the day!

14. Who makes you laugh the most?
My kids and a real funny movie! Like watching Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop!

15. What do you notice first when you meet a person?
What they are wearing, their age and their body language.

16. Last person you danced with?
My friend Eileen and her sister, Michelle. We went to the Conch-House in St. Augustine on Sunday. They play live Reggae music. It's a neat place but the crowd is so so. A lot of young people there. It's a great college life crowd if you're into that sort of thing. It is very unique though, so if you haven't been there before, you have to check it out. It's across the "Bridges of Lions".

17. Which is easier to talk to, boys or girls?
girls are so much more fun to talk with.

18. Have you been in love before?
Of course.

19. Have you had someone you loved die?
Yes. Bill Schraft, my old band director and good friend just past away. He was there for me all through high school and even in my adult years. He was an incredible man! I miss him dearly!

20. What are you most afraid of?
Anything happening to my children.

21. What do you prefer, sunrise or sunset?
Sunset!

22. What is your favorite recent memory?
Playing tennis with my kids.

23. Who is the last person you talked to on the phone?
My sister, Marissa. I hope you enjoy Theresa's birthday party!

24. What time is it now?
1:03am. I need to get to bed, once I am done with this survey, I will get ready for bed.

25. Any big plans for the near future?
Yes, I am flying on a private jet to New York this weekend and will be staying in a penthouse in Manhattan touring the best restaurants and shows in town! Ha Ha..... NOT! Either I will be with my kids or will be in Atlanta. We'll see. No private jet, just my two feet and minivan! ; )

26. Are you real or fake?
Ha ha, is this a physical or emotional question? I do not have anything fake on me if that's what you're implying. If this is referred to who we are as people, I'd have to say I am very real. Those that I let into my life know that I don't pull any punches. I am honest when it comes to my heart, thoughts and feelings. If I know you well, then you will know me well.

27. What's your least likely thing to do?
Mow the lawn...especially when the grass goes downhill towards water!!!! I think it's time for me to hire someone else to do it! Any takers?

28. What takes up most of your time?
Work. But I love what I do, so it's okay.

29. If there is anything you could repeat and do all over again, what would it be?
Hmm, too deep of a question for me to figure out, HA HA

30. Do you make fun of people?
Actually, I hate this. I really don't like it when others make fun of people in front of me. Maybe to them they think it's just fun to do, but to me, it's disrespectful and hurtful to the one being made fun of. The only time I'll make fun of someone is if they are a close friend of mine and they know I love them and they are laughing at themselves too! But I don't like to make fun of a stranger or something like that. Maybe I'm too serious and need to relax, but I just care too much about hurting other people's feelings.

31. Do you consider yourself the life of the party?
Only if I want to be. I don't need to be the center of attention, I am secure in myself not to be.

32. Have you moved?
Actually, yes. Just moved 24 days ago.

33. What's the weather like now?
Don't know. I am inside. I bet it's cool outside now.

34. Things you think about while falling asleep.
Will I sleep...how long till morning....should I get back up and work some more?

35. What do you wish you were smart in?
Investments, Stock Market, and Politics! They go hand-in-hand anyway right!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Jolly Be Bakery Painted Cakes



Looking for something unique and different for your wedding cake? Jolly Be Bakery PAINTS designs onto their wedding cakes. Any theme they can do, the sky's the limit! I think it's a neat idea for those couples that want something distinctly their own.






Lyndsay and Heath

Congratulations Lyndsay and Heath!!! Heath was so moved when his bride walked down the aisle, there wasn't a dry eye there! I wish you both much love and true happiness in your future! Cherish each other and always make it special. You both love each other so much. Congratulations you two!!



















































Ken, my second shooter, snuck in a photo of me working...














Wednesday, June 18, 2008

BRIDES you can save on your gown!!!




On average most brides are shelling out $4000 for a designer dress (yikes!). For those of you brides that are trying to keep your cash in your pockets, check out Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses a company that sells pre-owned designer wedding gowns! The prices are cut in half. Lets face it, you're only going to wear your dress once, so why spend $4K on something you'll only wear for 7 hours! Yes I know you want to look absolutely fabulous, but you still can look stunning for half the cost!

Lazaro Gowns


Pronovias Gowns


If you got married already, you can sell your dress at this site too!!! Sweet huh! Now you can earn some money back from your gown!!

Blended Motion



This post is for all my fellow photographers throughout the world!

If you are looking to outsource your album design work, then you must check out my favorite album designing company Blended Motion. Not only do they do such great work, but their customer service is out of this world. They are VERY reliable, friendly and easy to work with.

I design my own albums; however, I did use their services once and absolutely LOVED them. So if you are looking for a fantastic company to creatively design top notch albums, then I would seriously check these guys out!

You can see the album of Todd & Michelle that they designed for me if you click on their link above.

Cortnee and Tim Hogans

There are two words that immediately come to my mind when I think about Tim and Cortnee's wedding: LOVE & PARTAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These two are so much fun. They are crazy about one another and are not shy to get their groove on! We always love a good reception party and let me tell you, we were entertained by their guests and family. Boy does this crowd know how to dance! You can see ALL their photos by clicking on their names above. Access to their site you'll need password 9168.





































































Tuesday, June 17, 2008

My Boy!



So the seminar I went to in Celebrations, FL., really drilled it in me the importance of blogging regularly. I have to confess, blogging has not been my area of expertise so I have not blogged much, but I promise I will repent! : )

I will be blogging some of my recent weddings soon and a bunch of other fun stuff will be coming your way so stay tuned!

In the meantime, I had to share my pride and joy with you all. Jaden, my fantastic 5 year old son just had his first biking lesson last week and we caught it on film...or should I say digital negative files! He was so excited that he was biking on his own for a second or two that he had to call my family afterward to tell them all about it. He is so sweet. I just love these moments where you are helping your child to do something for his/her first time ever! The great thing about it all, is that there are still so many first times still to come since he has his whole life ahead of him. Hmm, first day of Kindergarden, first school play, first school test, first time reading a book, first real girlfriend (oh boy), first real kiss (oh really boy!), first love, first hurt and so much more. Life is truly beautiful and precious, cease every moment and always cherish your loved ones! Time truly passes us by quickly.



LOOK! He's doing it on his own ... even if it only lasted for a second, HE DID IT! : )


WIPE OUT! Good thing we were on the grass... but then again mommy's are always there to catch their children if they ever fall!



Auh oh, another wipe out! He always got right back on his bike though!



I will always remember this special memory with Jaden! And now he too can remember it when he sees these photos in the future.