New Digs Day, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, San Jose, CA
New Digs Day, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, San Jose, CA Captured for Siegal + Gale
FDLA LOOKBOOK
FDLA (Father’s Daughter LA) FALL 2017 LOOKBOOK. Orange County, CA
A Letter to My Beautiful Mom
Mother’s Day 2018
Dear Mom,
A lot has changed for us this year. Things that most definitely we took for granted have become more precious a commodity than we could've known. I’m happy that this weekend is Mother’s Day because I get to show a little extra honor, but truthfully, in my heart, I’m wishing every day was Mother’s Day so I along with all of your kids could shower you with all the things you love-spending time with you, playing music, slurping on banana ice cream shakes, strolling through rose gardens, and maybe even a little traveling adventure.
Both JC and I have had numerous conversations of how as he and I grow older how we miss and love our parents even more than ever. The days/weeks that we have hosted you in our home over the last few months have been a priceless treasure. I’ll never forget the look in your eyes as you swam for the first time in a very long time. It was almost like a child that just got the hang of walking-so much freedom to move around as you liked (without knee pain). And for such a young lady, you swim like a fish! I have loved crawling in the bed with you in the mornings and staring at the ceiling and talking about anything and everything, but especially how this is the most comfortable bed in the world. And how the combination of the morning light and the bright white paint in the room makes you feel as if you are in Heaven already. It took you about 5 seconds to choose the flower of your liking at our local nursery. You’ve always had an eye for the most colorful flowers. I find myself stopping to literally smell the roses each day as I walk in my neighborhood, and snap a quick photo to share with you. The best thing that happens in my day is when I get an unexpected FaceTime call and get to show you some of the roses! I think of you always as I walk, and I pray for you.
The one thing that you’ve said to me repeatedly is how you do not wish to be a burden to me (or anyone) in this stage of life. The idea of that is the most foreign concept I can ever imagine. You may not remember, but you said it so often that JC threatened to have “I am not a burden” tattooed on your hand. I suppose to some people, an aging parent is potentially a burden for various reasons. But, never, ever to me, Mom. I think that if you would agree to it, I would actually have that tattooed on your hand so you would be reminded every time you took a bite, every time you picked up the remote, or brushed your hair. (For now, a Sharpie marker will have to do.) Over many years, you have certainly put up with me. You have held my hand through the most difficult times in my life. You have been there for me, in happiness and in pain. You have always loved me unconditionally, been patient with me, accepted me at my lowest and now you must allow me (us) to do the same for you.
What a thing, this life; out of you becoming ill, I have discovered that I have been given a second chance to show you unconditional love. You have opened my heart to such a deep compassion. Mom as I end my letter, I just want to share with you, how very much I adore you. You are a beautiful woman and I feel honored and I am so proud that you are my mother. Happy Mother's Day. See you Soon. Love, Steph
A special thank you to Blake McCollum Photography for these treasures and Sunni Stupka for fixing us up and getting us photo-ready.
Ashley + Alex, Santa Monica Wedding
I'm so excited to share a few of my images from my first shoot with onelove photography based out of San Francisco. Alex and Ashley married at Fairmont Miramar Hotel just across from the ocean in Santa Monica. In this wedding, I got to hang with the groom, his family, and best guys-which reminded me of my early wedding photography days in Boston long, long ago. Everything about this wedding was exquisite, as you will see in the details, and the day could not have been more perfect. Congratulations to Ashley and Alex.
"Sweet Holmes Alabama" Destination Wedding Photography
Katie McShan + Paul Holmes, Grand Hotel Marriott, Point Clear, Alabama
Couture Cakes; Willow Bridge Lighting; SoHo Events & Rentals; Old Shell Trolley Company; Gulf Coast Tours; Musical Fantasy Band; St. Francis at The Point; Wildflowers; Grand Hotel Marriott; Frameblender Films; Courtney Matthews Makeup; Garilynn Gillespie Hair; Bliss Bridal Tux; Melissa Wilt Events; Shadowbox Paper Invitation Suite
Autumn in Oxford
Laura and Will may be the prettiest newly married couple in all of Washington DC. In October, they returned to Oxford to tie the knot at The Mill at Plein Air. Everything was perfect- the dress, the perfectly fitted men's suits, but my favorite details was probably the bridal bouquet from Oxford Floral. Enjoy! Rental Company: Details Specialty Rentals; Cake: Mary McGuire; Event Planning: Kendall Poole Event Planning.
Taking the Plunge, Like, For Real...
Meet Dr. Greg and Tracy. I got a last-minute text from Dr. Greg to show up at Smith Lake, Alabama last weekend to photograph a proposal/wedding. You heard me right. He proposed in the driveway, and when she opened the door to the Lake House, everything was ready in case she was ready. Event Designer Mark McAlister pulled off all of the decor and I think he helped with a little planning as well. Even though everything about this wedding was a first for me, I will have to say that my favorite part of this wedding was when they decided to jump from a 20-25' cliff. I'll post more photos later, but for now, just enjoy this and wish you had that much courage.
PALM SPRINGS GIRLS WEEKEND
You know what is amazing? Palm Springs. You know what is even more amazing? Spending 3 days in Palm Springs with 16 of the most beautiful souls on this Earth. We laughed. We cried. We danced. We ate healthy, and then we ate pizza and ice cream. Certainly in a group made up of actresses, models, hairdressers, nannies and wardrobe stylist (we are in LA), social media gurus, photographers-from all over the world- our stories were so different, yet the similarities were uncanny. These ladies inspire me. We are a tribe. We have one heart, and we have one mission. We are Mosaic Women.
"Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man."
ZZ Top said it best. (See title). Brides get it right almost every time-the perfect fit for the unique body type. But more often than not, it seems that the fit of the groom's suit or tux goes awry. I heard a banker say that the way to spot counterfeit money was to see and touch the real thing. So, instead of giving bad examples of tuxes/suits that don't fit, I thought I'd share just a few pics of how it could look. You will notice that these are mostly suits as opposed to tuxes, but in general, suits fit better-because they are tailored to do so. So, here's to no more sagging pants and oversized jackets. You're welcome, ladies.
Katie + Owen
What a special day at Waukomis Lake/Avon Acres! Katie and Owen were married on the family land that she and so many cousins spent their days playing and nights camping. I've had the privilege to know and love her family for nearly 20 years, and I'll be the first to admit that there were a few tears.
Event Planning, Floral, and Design: Maud DeLes Lancaster, Soiree' Events
Get Your Glamp On
Glamping or "glamorous camping" has quickly become the ultimate travel experience. It has a personal place in my heart as last year we purchased and renovated the interior of a vintage Avion trailer. For our 10th wedding anniversary, and maiden voyage, the hubs and I pulled it 1900 miles completely across the country via the Historic Route 66. It comfortably served as our home and office away from home and office for months. When Inspiration Mississippi contacted us about doing an inspiration shoot with the Glamping theme, we jumped at the opportunity. Enjoy a few images from the styled shoot, and then check out additional images in the newly released Inspiration Mississippi. Hair/Makeup: Amber Higgins of Intricid Salon; Rentals- Modern Revival Rentals; Clothing-Hobies Outdoor Sports; Florals-Oxford Floral Styling by Kendall Poole Event Planning and Stephanie Rhea
Sruthi and Wilson's Wedding, Jackson Country Club, Madison
We were so privileged to be a part of Sruthi and Wilson's wedding in Jackson, MS. It was a perfect day which included a flock of deer that graced us in the backyard of Sruthi's parent's home in Madison. The lady guests wore their traditional brightly colored sarees, which was a visual feast in itself. While Sruthi looked so stunning in her white wedding dress during the Christian ceremony, she also changed into her saree for the reception, where she and guests literally danced the night away.
Location: Parent's Backyard and Jackson Country Club, Madison, MS; Planning- Stella & Co; Lighting & Drapery- Apollo Event Lighting; Floral- Fresh Cut Catering & Floral; Cakes- The Cake Diva/ Maria DeLaBarre; Photobooth- MS Photo Booth; Scott Jones Invitations- Fresh Ink; Ceremony Music- Jackson String TrioBand, and Mo Sol Band; Wedding Bands- Albritton's Jewelers; Hair & Make Up- Allison at J.Sims Salon; Tuxes- Squire's; Tents- MS Tent; Videographer- Vinns Video / Vinay
California Dreaming
For YEARS, JC and I have dreamt of operating our photography business both in my home state of Mississippi as well as The City of Angels, Los Angeles. A moderate climate, an abundance of inspiration, flowers that grow on walls, and the beautiful California light drove us to love the West Coast as our second home. Thanks to a dear friend, we were able to park our vintage Avion (in his driveway) and get busy working on the new website and planning for the year ahead. What does it mean for our current clients in MS? We are keeping our home and office and will continue to work in Mississippi. We intend to offer the same great service that we have for the past 10 years, no matter where we are. As I scanned through literally thousands and thousands of images in preparation for this new site, my heart grew larger and fonder of my roots as I was reminded of all the beautiful souls along the way that have believed in us, encouraged us, (hired us), and loved us. We wouldn't be where we are today without the support of you all. I am deeply grateful. We will be traveling back and forth with cups running over. What does it mean for our new relationships in the greater Los Angeles area? Only that we are ready to collaborate and are "hungry" to partner with you to see your visual needs realized.
NEW WEBSITE! HOO-RAY!
It's long overdue, but it is finally a reality! Unless you speak the language of King James, you probably don't really use the word "beholding" that often; however, I chose it for our event site simply due to it's meaning: be·hold bəˈhōld/ to see or observe (a thing or person, especially a remarkable or impressive one.) To gaze upon; Synonyms: regard, gaze upon, view; watch; discern. There could not be a better word in the English language to describe my attempt to take in visually and record either through film or digital media so much beauty that surrounds. I'm so excited to showcase some magical places and beautiful people (inside and out) that I've recently had the privilege to photograph and parade the work of the most insanely creative types that have collaborated along the way. Please celebrate with me and go crazy by commenting, pinning and sharing the posts!