Just like the movies...

Last night I witnessed the most unique, creative and thoughtful proposal ever...

Brent (an amazing filmmaker) has been working for months to organize the perfect proposal for Polly. He rented a theater, invited their closest family and friends under the guise of a going away party (Polly is headed to Africa for 6 weeks), and then here's the kicker... he created his own personal movie all about how to propose to Polly fully cast with the people closest in their lives.

It started with what looked like a documentary about Africa... then next thing you see is Brent on screen with all his buddies at the bar giving him the worst advice. It was hilariously funny... and perfectly them. Polly had no idea . . .and was definitely shocked!

After the film was finished he pulled her in front and got down on one knee.... AMAZING!!!

and after all that, at the "real" going away/engagement party, all he kept saying was "I can't believe she said yes... I can't believe she is going to be my wife..." ... how sweet is that, was there really any doubt...

Brent has definitely set a high precedent for all men to follow... and Polly truly deserves it!!

Congratulations Polly & Brent!!!

Love,
A

Click here for the slide show

I guess I don't just cry at weddings. . .

Dog movies get me too...

Well, to be honest I knew this already about myself. All movies having anything to do with animals always make me cry... but I thought just maybe because this one was a comedy I could make it through . . . nope... the tears were a flowin'... but it was great!!

I was lucky enough to attend the "Hotel for Dogs" Premiere last night in LA. It was so much fun. And I can't wait to send my niece and nephew their little surprises. I had the star of the film (Jake T. Austin) sign little bags for them . . . I hope they flip and think Aunt Andrejka is the best!!! ... If that's what it takes...

SO... needless to say... take all your kids, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, . . . and yourself to see this movie this weekend. In a world filled with drama this little 90 minute escape will make you laugh, cry, and feel good.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend... hug the people around you and all your special pets too!!

Love,
A

(Please excuse the iphone photos... didn't want to be mistaken for paparazzi... it was my night off) (Embarrassed to admit... but I cried at "Bride Wars" too (occupational research)... wouldn't suggest seeing it... but it was still a wedding. . .and it still made me cry... ( maybe I should stay away from the theater for a bit)

The French Paradox Party

My dearest and best friend Gianna celebrated her birthday this past weekend with the most amazing, unique and of course fun party idea, The French Paradox. This idea is based on the question of why the French are so thin yet they eat the richest, most delicious food (bread, cheese, butter, chocolate, etc). Well, one theory is because of the delicious organic wine that is grown in that country (which is the idea that us girls decided was the best. . . not the smaller portions, fresh produce, active lifestyle, etc).

Sunday night, 10 of us girls joined together to celebrate Gianna... she had arranged for an amazing French chef, Gael Lecolley (Your Chef Network), to not only cook us a mouthwatering meal but also TEACH us how to make it. While, G's amazing husband acted as our Sommelier. With each course our glasses were full with perfectly matched wine and champagne.

G, thank you so much for such an amazing evening of friendship, laughter paired perfectly with food and wine! May this year bring you happiness and joy beyond all your dreams (look below for the slide show)

Love,
A

Click here to view the slide show

The last of my winter holiday... and the end of 2008

I am now adjusted to being back home in California after two weeks in Michigan in the freezing cold (it's not hard to adjust when yesterday morning I was up running around in a tank top in the sun surrounded by palm trees and the smell of the ocean).

I must say I was quite impressed with my ability to adjust (granted my Michigan peeps who witnessed me shivering non stop would probably disagree). By the end of my trip I was finally able to brave the weather on the back of a snowmobile and photograph the island.

Here are just a few pics shot the last day of 2008 (and a few of me... proof that I really did do it--thanks Mary).

I feel so blessed that I can call two places my home Santa Barbara and Mackinac Island... two opposites that I love so dearly and could never replace one with the other.


May this next year find you feeling blessed around every corner!

Love,
A





This I had to add: notice it's "guacamole" BUT there's no avocado in it, only in the midwest!!

I made it... Mackinac Island Winter style...

Yesterday was quite an adventure to Mackinac Island ... it started off quite normal . .. clear road and even some sunshine for the first 3 hours . . then things changed... after stopping off to have lunch with a friend from Bella e Dolce (amazing wedding cakes in Northern Michigan)... the weather did a 180
Now this California girl does not know how to drive in snow anymore, so after white-knuckling across a very windy Mackinac Bridge and making it safely onto the boat I could finally relax . . . almost there... maybe

All of a sudden the boat half way across the lake stops... imagine Titanic... there we were stuck in the ice in the middle of the straights. I have to admit it was kind of cool... and I got amazing photographs.and we made it....

Merry Christmas from Cleveland...

I just finished a busy but wonderful 48 hours in Cleveland visiting with my very large, very loving Slovenian family. Everyone here is a person of their own, we all have different passions, different lifestyles, and come from different areas. . . but the one thing that seems to bond us all together is a true sense of family: anyone is welcome whether you are related by blood, by marriage, or simply because you live next door and have no where else to be.

Every year I travel across the country because it is worth it... every bit of travel hassle, freezing weather and lack of sleep, ... imagine 50 people under one roof for one reason. Tons of kids running around, food beyond explanation, and then my favorite part . . .THE EXCHANGE... 20 grown adults fighting over a pile of presents... stealing, bribing . . no rules allowed... in the end . . .tons of laughter. . . a lot of wrapping paper thrown around... and ultimately it really isn't about the gift but how you acquired it and played the game.

The holidays are the only time that I get to be with the BIG family... from my amazing cousin Jess who, this year, broke her own record and baked FOURTEEN different types of holiday cookies, to my many crazy uncles, aunts, cousins, second cousins (and so on), and of course no Eastern European holiday is complete without an unbelievable amount of sausage (Polish, Sicilian, and Slovenian . . .but we all know the Slovenian Klobasa is the best).
One of the most important and special moments of my holiday is the time I get to spend with my grandmother... my beautiful, amazing, and unbelievable Stara Mama . . . age 104 . . .yes that's right one hundred and four years young. . . and as strong and capable as ever!! She still walks to church every day!!

I know its a bit blurry but mom got the pic better the second time

It is a time like this, after being with my family, that I am reminded why I love shooting weddings so much. A wedding, just as the holidays, is a time when everyone is together... I love family dynamics ... no matter how unique, no matter how stressful at times ... ultimately there seems to always be a river of love that runs through the moment no matter how quiet or loud that river is.

To my family... I love you all... to those of you who made it this year and to those of you who did not (you were DEFINITELY missed)... I hope we will all be together next year.

May you all find joy in the people around you this holiday season . . .be them family by blood, by love, or by friendship!!

Merry Christmas!

Love,
A

Click here to view the slide show...

One more thing, tomorrow I am on my way to the Lansing, MI area. If anyone is interested in meeting with me please feel free to email. I may be organizing a get together on the 27th if you are a past, current, or future client. . . or heck you just want to say hi. Let me know if you are around.

Peace!

Michele & Jeff... a wedding with Holiday flare

The first week in December I photographed the lovely wedding between Michele and Jeff. It was the beginning of the season that is now upon us. The tables were covered with evergreens and red accents.

After watching this slide show you'll have to agree.. what warms my heart most about this couple... Michele's laughter and the obvious look of joy in Jeff's eyes as he watches his bride's pure happiness expressed. There were so many moments that evening of this love that it makes me tear up just thinking about it... (yet again).

To Michele & Jeff, wishing you the most magical holiday as you spend your first Christmas together. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special occasion.

Again I have to give a special props out to Janey for second shooting with me, and to the Crowne Plaza, and the Ventura Mission for helping to create such a beautiful event.

Love,
A

Click here to view slide show

Lobsterfest Detroit style . . . cold but adjusting..

Last night, as I am slowly adjusting to the weather I ventured outside the house at 8:00 p.m. for Lobsterfest 08... now one would wonder if Lobster... in the middle of winter... in Detroit... on a Monday is a good idea... does it really matter, we had fun. I got to visit with friends I hadn't seen in years. Isn't that what it's all about this season...

May all of you reconnect with long lost friends and laugh out loud!!

Love,
A
And check out Winter Image #2... that is ice on the INSIDE of the window ...