So, when these babies came into my radar there was no question as to whether they’d be perfect for Tuesday Shoesday. A little ruffle, a little bow, a neutral color. Could they be more perfect?

Found on White Lux Shoes via Recycled Bride.

Retail shoe price: $215
White Lux Shoe price: $150

Are there any particular trends you are lusting over like I am? I think I’d put a ruffle on everything if I could.

For more Tuesday Shoesday goodness, go check out my fellow bloggers April Foster Events, Jan Schill, Landlocked Bride, Lauren Kelly Events, Life in the Super Burbs, Simply & Forever, Slice of Lime Design, Swatchbook Weddings, and Weddings and Pretty Things.

Why? Well, because it’s no secret that the generation of today is one of technology. It’s fact: many recently engaged couples updated their status on Facebook before they even called their parents with the news. So, why would we treat our wedding any differently? Purchasing an “iPad Package” would allow brides and grooms the opportunity to share their photos in a revolutionary way.

With the high-resolution, 9.7-inch LED-backlit display, it shows images in likely one of the best formats possible. And, at just 1.5 pounds and a .5-inch-thick is far more portable than that leather-bound 10×10. Plus, your photographer selling such a package may opt to load a slideshow or album design and your images optimized for web-resolution – making display of your wedding photos never easier. And you want to talk about impressing your viewers? Can you think of a better way?

So with all that considered, I want to know. What do you think? Are you in?
If your photographer were to offer you an iPad package, what would you want included? A slideshow? An album design? Something else?

Seriously, the overly emotional female part of me aside, this video is incredible. I nearly cried when I saw it the first time. Admittedly, this isn’t even close to being a wedding video – or even wedding related – but it’s about love. Real love. And isn’t that really what it’s all about?

It started by thinking of this particularly for those in the events industry. So many professionals use their logo or an old, fuzzy shot of themselves in their marketing materials. The logo, fine – but it’s not letting your customers truly get to know you. When they show up at that meeting, who should they be looking for? There is no face of the business.  The fuzzy shot of you circa 1999 is just no good all around; I’m not going to try to explain that one.

But then I realized, that it is not just event professionals, but everyone that should have a professional, up-to-date image of themselves. You think your potential employer isn’t looking you up on Facebook and LinkedIn? If so, ohhh you’ve got another thing coming. But once you realize that they ARE, you should update them and use these resources to your advantage. Yes, I said it, Facebook – if used properly – can be used to your ADVANTAGE in the hiring process. But that’s a topic for another day - or another blog – altogether.

So with that comes the launch of THE MINI-SHOOT SPECIAL.

THE MINI-MINI SHOOT – $49

Perfect when you just need that ONE good shot. Ideal for when you need an updated headshot or that one shot for an announcement (baby or engagement), etc. Not suitable as engagement, family, or senior sessions. Must be in Center City, Philadelphia or additional travel fees may apply.
Includes: up to a half-hour of coverage, three-month proofing gallery of images, and digital copies of up to three of your favorites – professionally edited and retouched.

THE SUPER-MINI SHOOT – $99

So you want a shoot, but don’t have the time, desire, or funds for a full-on session? The super-mini shoot is the perfect solution. Especially perfect for senior sessions, baby sessions, or the finicky fiance who can’t handle being in front of the camera for more than an hour. Must be in Center City, Philadelphia or additional travel fees may apply.
Includes: up to an hour of coverage, three-month proofing gallery of images, and digital copies of up to ten of your favorites – professionally edited and retouched. Full disc available for purchase.

Limited spots available for Fall. Contact me as soon as possible to schedule your date.

So we did just that – snuck in a few shots before lunch – giving her a new avatar featuring her fabulous brown locks and beautiful blue eyes. And, she even swapped clothes – and hairstyles – a few times so she has some options when she gets bored of the first look. A fabulous idea, I think. We kept it simple – she knew she wanted a simple background so we found a spot with some good light and just kept it there. Take a peek for yourself at the results…

Amy, you are stunning. Seriously and truly beautiful on the inside and out. I am so glad we had the chance to do this and so happy you are pleased with the results. It was a joy getting to know you a little better.

To everyone else, do you like what you see? If so, then stay tuned – I have a fun little announcement coming later today. xo.

In a recent conversation with my mom, I mentioned that word: oxford. Said I wanted some. She had me pause in my tracks. What did you just say? I repeated: you know, oxford shoes. Though I was aware that oxfords have been around far longer than my lifetime, she politely informed me that oxfords were, well, shoes that kids fought wearing when she was growing up.

But today? Not so much. Their slight dressiness and unique shape screams urban trendy. And the best part? Oxfords look just as good on boys and girls.

Photo by Jill Thomas; found on Once Wed.

From the Anthropologie Fall 2010 Collection; image via The City Sage.

Itching to get your own oxfords? No problem. They’re available all over the place and even listed as an it pick for Fall 2010 fashion trends.
Yea, that’s right, I’m up on my fashion. Ha. Always surprising people.

The Chelsea Crew Perforated Oxford – $58

Dapper & Distinct Oxfords by Anthropologie – $188

Bass Elisa Oxford – $98

Cooperative Canvas Croco Cutout Oxford – $48

For more Tuesday Shoesday goodness, go check out my fellow bloggers April Foster Events, Jan Schill, Landlocked Bride, Lauren Kelly Events, Life in the Super Burbs, Simply & Forever, Slice of Lime Design, Swatchbook Weddings, and Weddings and Pretty Things.

And the party? Ohhhh the party afterwards was EPIC. There are no words for how much fun this group had. And that, dear Internet, is exactly what your reception should be like. This wedding was shot for the fabulous Pure: Photography by Lindsey Tropf (in Florida). Enjoy the highlights!

…and the party like no other. The energy of this reception was seriously unreal.

Artwork reads:
Who knows where this path will take us but let’s go forth hand in hand
and promise not to let go because it may lead us to somewhere vast and amazing.

So, my parents gifted me this little gem for Christmas last year and it has provided inspiration, security, and reassurance. At the time, I thought that it couldn’t be more perfect given our situation. Now, happily relocated in incredible downtown Philadelphia, I have come to realize that this message is about so much more than just one moment in time. It now hangs above my desk as a reminder on life. Life is a mystery. Heck, tomorrow is a mystery. But surrounded by people who love you, approach each day with confidence and optimism and you will find your life full of someplace vast and amazing.

Artwork by the incredibly talented FreyaArt and can be found online here.

So, what simple life am I referring to, you ask? The life of the Amish in Lancaster. Last Friday night, my husband and I decided quite spontaneously that we needed a mini-vacation oh-so-badly. And, why ever not take it the very next day? That’s right, the girl who plans. Plans everything. Plans entire days set to a timeline. That’s right; she up and booked a trip FOR THE VERY NEXT DAY.

So out we went. After we gained some familiarity with the area at the Lancaster Visitor Center, we took a stop at Kitchen Kettle Village, tasting the jams, jellies, and salsas, and ultimately leaving with… what else? A bag of kettle corn. The weather was truly remarkable and, after stopping for some homemade root beer [which, coincidentally tastes a lot more like beer than root beer] headed to The Family Cupboard for some good old-fashioned Amish food. With full bellies, we then made our way to The Amish Village where we got a firsthand tour of a real Amish home, complete with miniature horses, green pastures, and an authentic Amish schoolhouse. After all this walking, we knew it was time for dessert and The Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Creamery was just the ticket. I had never heard of a waffle sandwich before and now I know that I should only order it when there are five other people that want to share it with me.

All in all though, it was incredible. Just a few hour drive from Philadelphia, Amish Country, as it is so called, is the heart of simple living. No electricity. Transportation by horse and buggy. Acres and acres of farmlands. Everything about this place is clean. Simple. Beautiful. And our time there? Entirely the same.

It’s fascinating to me, because one-on-one portrait sessions are so different from anything else. When it’s just you and me, well, it’s a lot more personal of a session. I have to do most of the talking since you probably don’t want shots with your mouth open. But rest assured, I’m good at talking. And, as you might be able to tell in the following, I will try – perhaps even desperately – to make you laugh. In Adam’s case, I think I may have even succeeded on a few occasions. And for that, Adam, I am eternally grateful.

…and ending with my absolute favorite. Not sure what it is about this one [aside from the fact it's my favorite building in Center City Philadelphia] – his smile? The angle? This one is the winner for sure.

And on that note, stay tuned for an exciting announcement somewhat related to this post.
For you Northeasterners, be prepared – I have something special up my sleeve just for you! xo.