Creative Crush : Lisa Marie of Sweet Tea Photography

It’s been a busy summer for all of us at Something Fabulous, and we hope all of you had a lovely one! After a brief lapse in blogging we are so excited about fall and bringing you fun and fantastic finds, starting with today’s Creative Crush!

We are constantly looking for new places or people for some fresh inspiration. Lucky for us we need not look further than Owner and Photographer of Sweet Tea Photography, Lisa Marie. With a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art Photography from Hollins University and a Master of Arts in Commerical Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, Lisa Marie has been recognized nationwide for her novel approach to wedding photography. She incorporates southern charm coupled with urban sophistication in creating timeless and telling images.   Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama this southern belle now considers Washington, DC her home and she was kind enough to share some insight on how to get the most out of your photography experience.

Photos by: Kate Triano, Make-Up by: Alison Harper & Company

Lisa’s Tips on How to Make the Most of your Wedding Photographer:

1.Plan Ahead
Make sure to plan out your getting ready area and think about possible portrait locations.

2. Be honest
Send your photographer photos from weddings that you love and ones that you don’t care for and take time to sit down with him or her and go over the reasons for your preferences. This will help your photographer decipher your personal style and figure out what is important to you. When I prepare for a wedding, my goal is to completely personalize my shooting style to fit your wedding day! Honesty in a relationship is key to success.

3. Let Loose
After all that planning and preparation, you should enjoy your special day and let others do the worrying. Once my subjects are relaxed and enjoying themselves I’m able to get those amazing images that they truly adore.

4. Get Comfortable with the camera & photographer
I recommend doing an engagement session and/or having your photographer at the rehearsal dinner. It’s an easy way for you to get comfortable with being photographed for hours at a time. I find that this way my clients won’t even notice me on their wedding day – that’s how I get my best candid shots!

5. Hire a Second Shooter
If a second shooter doesn’t come with your wedding package, make sure to add one. I started shooting weddings on my own but gradually began to appreciate and understand the importance of a “Second Shooter”- a photographer that assists and shoots along with your primary photographer. When I brought Michelle on as our full-time “Second Shooter,” I started noticing some positive changes. The photographers are able to spend time with you and really get to know you and photograph each aspect of your day without being rushed or spread thin. I find as the primary shooter I can have a little more creative freedom because I know that no matter what I have Michelle capturing as well. She’s allowed me to experiment more with fun lenses and film cameras, which really makes me happy and you as well! Also, make sure when you are hiring your photographer that they have a reliable, tactful, and creative “Second Shooter.”

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We love to ask what gets the creative juices flowing. See the inspiration board below to get a glimpse of what Lisa is loving this month:

1.Ruffles: I just adore ruffles! They make me feel so feminine.2.My new desk chair: Vinskord on Etsy. 3. Polaroids: I pull out the Polaroid camera on special occasions like birthdays! 4. My most treasured possession: Michelle’s gorgeous print from Shang-ri La exhibition that showed at the Moot Gallery in Hong Kong. As you can tell it is a huge print and just what we needed for the entryway wall.5. Raspberries in Dark Chocolate Bar: The little market across from my building has these and I can’t get enough of it. 6.McCoy Pottery: I’ve been collecting this pottery for years now. I am in love with the pastel coloring. 7. Doilies: Doilies remind me of my childhood in Alabama. In fact, much of my fine-art work in undergrad combined photography, printmaking, and doily patterns. 8.Sweet Green’s Guacamole Greens (without onions) is my favorite salad ever. 9. Lomo Camera: My new toy! I always bring a new lens of film cameras each season to play around with to shake things up. Right now I’m playing with the Lomo and Rolleiflex. 10. Neon yellow memory card case: I always appreciate when the photography industry can break away from the typical black and bring in a splash of coloring to our equipment. Both Micelle and I own a few of these. 11. My two favorite nail polish colors: Essie’s “E-nuf is e-nuf” and “Turquoise &Caicos” 12. Cig Harvey’s “You Look at Me Like I’m and Emergency” : Cig has been my favorite photographer for a few years now. Her images make  my heart skip a beat. 13. Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine” 14. Sweet Tea : obviously.

Fashion Forward Friday: Beach Ready

Are you heading to the beach this summer, but not quite sure what to bring along? Check out SF’s beach bag essentials below! These great finds will have you ready to enjoy a relaxing vacation with the family and friends.

1. California Baby SPF 30+ Sunscreen – Great sunscreen for anyone with sensitive skin. No chemicals and plenty of protection with SPF 30!

2. Coola Liplux SPF 30 – Keep your lips safe from the sun with this lip balm, perfect for the beach!

3. Lauren Ralph Lauren Beach Towel – Think about a designer beach towel this season. With so many styles to choose from, there’s no excuse to hit the beach with a plain old towel.

4. Shore Road Picnic Romper – Perfect for wearing on the sand as a bathing suit coverup, or to a dinner at the end of the day.

5. Fujifilm Weather-Proof Digital Camera – Capture the fun with this sand and waterproof camera. For you water enthusiasts, you can take even take photos at 16 feet under!

6. Ray-Ban Folding Aviators – Ray-Bans are our favorite glasses this year and now they’re even more convenient! Foldable and storeable, these glasses come with their own carrying case, making it easy to bring them along.

7. Apple iPod Shuffle – Who doesn’t love music at the beach? This perfect-sized player will have you jamming to your favorite playlist.

8. LL Bean Open-Top Boat and Tote Bag – Tried and true, nothing compares to the good ol’ LL Bean carry tote. Loved it back then, still a favorite today. With so many sizes to choose from, the extra large is perfect for all of your beach necessities.

Think About It Thursday: Bright-Kite Delight

Think About It Thursdays are an opportunity to learn something fabulous every week; a fresh perspective on an old stand by, a lesson learned or a tip to share – take a minute and just Think About It…

If you read yesterday’s post you learned how to create a custom kite. For some it’s a fun craft project but if you Think About It it’s a fun detail that can be incorporated into your baby shower decor and then transferred into your baby’s nursery. This fun DIY is a great way to incorporate some meaning behind your details and make a memory that will follow your baby into childhood.

Below you will see how we incorporated our DIY kite idea into a kite-themed baby shower:

For the mother and father to be, this design process was a particularly rewarding experience; the couple were able to select fabrics that matched with their nursery decor as well as choose patterns that reflected their personalities and style.

Invitations are a fun and creative way to tie in your DIY project with your theme. We incorporated the kite and kite fabric into all the centerpieces and paper details. We were able to play with color, texture, fabric and patterns with this kite inspired baby shower.

1. The Mommy and Daddy to be both chose pictures of themselves as children with their parents to use as table cards – note the kite accent detail.

2. You can never go wrong with a kite inspired cupcake and a candy licorice tail. Note: Ribbons to accent the clear cupcake package were selected to compliment the kite’s fabric.

3. These hand cut mini-kite place cards helped set the tone for the celebration. All mini-kites had matching fabric with the larger kites that soared above.

If you Think About It, this DIY project is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s not only a a fun project that you can do with family and friends, but a talking point for your shower and colorful detail piece for your nursery. After hearing back from this mother reflecting on her shower, she said the greatest gift was watching her daughter enjoy this kite and having a sentimental keepsake to always remember the special day.

A Smashing Little Love Story

Our fabulous world revolves around life’s celebrations. And with several little ones in our “fab” family, you can imagine how excited we were when we came across this idea recently… Cake smash photos! The birthday cake is always such a highlight of the first birthday celebration, so why not schedule a photo shoot with your little one to document their first experience of enjoying & destroying one? Kim Ritsema, a Metro Detroit photographer who specializes in family, children’s and nature photography, does a wonderful job of capturing it all in her Cake Smash Sessions. Kim provides the custom cake, but the bath & laundry afterwards are up to you!

Feel free send us any smashing photos you may have from your little one’s first birthday bash.

D.I.Y. Asparagus Bruschetta

When we came across this delicious D.I.Y. we knew we had to share it. Nothing is more tasty, not to mention economical, than to incorporate fresh Farmers Market vegetables into your meals. Check out this easy-to-follow recipe from our dear friends over at Event Trender, they always keep us on top of the food trend. This Farmer’s Market inspired Asparagus Bruschetta is a perfect (and in season) patio appetizer that is sure to become a household favorite.

Start by chopping some fresh asparagus, boil and drain in ice water.

Slice heirloom tomatoes in small quarters.

Prepare grated fresh lime…

Chop, mince and slice fresh garlic, basil and green onions…

Mix all ingredients listed below and add olive oil and balsamic.

Slice a french baquette and brush a small amount of olive oil on the bread.  Place in the oven for about five minutes (400 degrees) until lightly toasted.

Spoon asparagus mixture on each toasted baquette and sprinkle with gorgonzola cheese

Are you hungry yet?

Here is the official how to…

• 1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 3 cups of water
• 2 cups of chopped heirloom tomatoes
• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of aged balsamic vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lime peel
• 1/4 teaspoon sea-salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 12 slices French baguette, toasted
• 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the asparagus; cover and boil for 2-4 minutes. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry.

In a bowl, combine the asparagus, tomatoes, basil, onions, lime juice, oil, balsamic, garlic, lime peel, salt and pepper. Using a slotted spoon, spoon asparagus mixture onto toasted baguette slices. Sprinkle with gorgonzola cheese and enjoy!

Thank you e-trender for this tasty D.I.Y.

An Ooh La Frou Frou Love Story

Our love story today is dedicated to an amazing illustrator, Sandy M. Not only is Sandy a longtime friend but an inspiration to the Something Fabulous team. We love her creativity, flirtiness and her love of all things chic. Each of her illustrations has a story to share, be sure to check out her collection and let us know which Ooh La Frou Frou girl you are.

D.I.F.Y. = Do It For Yourself – Flower Power

Flowers are such a quick and easy pick-me-up, and with spring just around the corner, what better way to D.I.F.Y. than to bring a little bit of the outdoors in. While it may be tempting to rock this gorgeous floral headpiece, we thought we’d give you a more down to earth option. Spruce up your home or office with a potted plant – there are so many floral choices to choose from, you are bound to find one that makes you smile. If flowers don’t do it for you, why not try out Marc Jacobs’ Daisy perfume. Be it a simple bouquet or just a new sweet scent, don’t forget to Do It For Yourself every once in a while.

Fashion Forward Friday: Fabulous Trends of 2012

As we enter 2012, here is some of our insight on what the hottest trends will be in the coming year.

1. STRIPES – Looking to add this stripe trend to your special event? Surprise your guests with a fun striped liner from Stripe and Field. Subtle details always pack a punch!

2. NEON – Jason Wu always knows how to make a girl shine. We’re loving neons of all shades but pink is our fav. If wearing neon makes you skittish, rock this trend with a hot pink lip.

3. TANGERINE – This gorgeous shade is the must-have color of 2012. Even Pantone has made it color of the year! This chic Valentino dress is a perfect way to make a statement for any occasion.

4. FLORAL & SHEER – Right off the 2012 Claire Pettibone runway, this stunning wedding dress combines two of the best spring trends. This romantic look is pure elegance.

5. LACE & RUFFLES – This timeless look is hotter than ever this season. In celebration of Christian Louboutin’s 20 year anniversary, we picked one of our many favorites of this designer’s shoes. We love ruffles and we love lace, but combining the two is the ultimate wow factor.