Britainy's Birthday... Sheila's Design...

Last week was one of my most closest and dearest friend's birthday. Instead of dressing like Jem & the Holograms (like last years festivities).. we classed it up a bit more this year with a dinner party (cocktail attire I might add)... only it wasn't just any party... it was planned and executed perfectly from the minute the "driver" picked every girl up to the minute we were safely dropped back home...and all this to the thanks of one spectacular girl!

My amazingly talented friend Sheila planned the entire dinner party from the invitations to the gorgeous centerpieces even to the meal. All of which she made herself. Wait till you see the pics below... her centerpieces are some of the best I've ever seen.

Keep your eye out for this girl ... she'll be rocking all our worlds soon. I'll let you know when her website is up and running... it's in the works right now!!

And Brit... you looked amazing. Like I said that night... I truely am excited from the bottom of my heart for what this year has in store for you... I can't wait see what unfolds (I'll hold the tears back this time)!!

Love to you both!
A

A beautiful sunset...

A couple years ago I was taking the ferry back across the Straights of Mackinac and for once decided to ride on the top (like a tourist...aka fudgie)... I saw the most beautiful and amazing sunset just behind the bridge.

Well, I'm glad to know that others will be able to see this sunset too... Pure Michigan (a wonderful new campaign for tourism in MI) just launched their Mackinac site... and decided to feature this image of mine... take a look...

A lovely email....

So, I had to share with you a lovely email I just got today from one of last year's brides... I just love it when photos make people happy... yeah!!!

Hi Andrejka, I'm so excited to tell you thank you for the album! I just opened it and looked at it literally 5 minutes ago. It is so gorgeous and beyond anything I could have expected. It's perfect! The pictures are so clear and arranged so perfectly. It took me back to our wedding day and made me feel everything all over again. Thank you, thank you, thank you! What a special surprise the three little brag books were too! They are perfect and I can't wait to give one to my mom and to Pete's mom and of course keep one for myself :) Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. Take care and keep in touch! Stephanie P.S. Pete just got home from work and I'm so excited to show him right now!

S & P... I'm so glad you love the album ... it was such a joy working with you last year... I hope we get the chance to meet up again this summer!

Love,
A

BIG NEWS: A new home for Andrejka Photography...

Over the past few weeks I've been tossing around the idea of finding a new office space... a place that is different...and fun, ... a great place to work and play . . and share with clients too. Well... the perfect opportunity fell into my lap.

Viva Space... It's exactly what I was looking for. A space on the more creative side then the corporate side... a place where I can be inspired and productive. A place I can shoot, a place I can type, and a place I can escape into my world of photos (yet not be a hermit)!!

Viva Space has got a hip urban funky feel ... yet only blocks away from the relaxed laid back California beaches. I'll be sharing this open gallery/office with 4 other talented artists (fashion designer: Denice Roe, painter: Kelly Ann Campbell, web designer: Ryan Gantz, and the brains behind this "factory": Ulrike Kerber owner of Viva Design).

I can't wait to share this with everyone and watch how my business can flourish and grow along sinde other creative types!! What a fun new adventure...

If you are around please come by an open house next week... hope to see you there!
(123-125 East Carrillo Street... Santa Barbara, CA ... back house... bright orange door)

Love,
A

Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island...

I've had a couple people ask me about this gem of a store that will be opening this May on Mackinac. YES... it will be open for the season ... and the website is in the works.

Just wait!!!... I've been in cahoots with the owner about some really really cool things for brides, guests, and basically anyone looking for super fun high-end luxury gifts of all shapes and sizes...(confused yet... you'll see... wink wink).

Also, I'll be exclusively selling some great high-end postcards and maybe even greeting cards here to.

Have a fun day and enjoy the smell of spring jsut around the corner!!

Love,
A

Overcoming ridiculous fears... with an Italian Dinner!

First off I am not afraid of Italian dinners... not even close... BUT... many people would never guess it but I am COMPLETELY intimidated by any social gathering which involves meeting new people ... (surprising since I shoot weddings for a living)

Well, last night I ignored this little fear and went to my dear friend's house for a wonderful Italian potluck dinner... I walked into a room full of new faces...YIKES! Took a deep breath ... and within minutes we were all laughing and bonding over a meal brought together by each of us (gotta love potlucks)... as a side note one guest was from MI and knew of the "island"...phew something I can always talk about.

Plus it always inspires me to be around people who have taken the leap, followed their passions, and started their own businesses... my friend Gabe is an amazing graphic designer who has built a successful business from the ground up... check out Insights Design To Gabe and everyone else last night, thanks again for a great dinner, encouragement, and inspiration!

May you all realize your ridiculous fears... and face them . .. sometimes they can turn out to be fun.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
A

The face of a writer...

This past weekend I did a quick head shot for one of the most amazingly talented up & coming writers.. she's funny, witty, intelligent, and can make you feel any emotion with just a few choice words. Her writing can make you cry one minute. . .and pee your pants laughing the next...

Check out her blog to see what I am talking about... The Lucky Paw

Kuz, I am so proud of everything you are and how amazing your writing is... you rock!!

Love,
A

Cool little gift...

So as I was perusing Etsy* looking for neat things I came across this little gem and had to share it...

Ego Award Ring
How cool is this ring . . .AND, you can get it engraved with anything you want. It's hand made in Argentina and costs $20 ($6 shipping anywhere). How awesome would these be as bridesmaids gifts, thank yous... heck even just a simple "Love"...

As a side note I have to pay props to my friend Nicole who is in the process of opening an AWESOME store on Mackinac this year... called "Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island".. once her website is up I'll let you all know... this place is going to be THE place to by not only great little Mackinac things but little gifts that can be incorporated into your weddings... she is the one who got me turned on to Etsy (an awesome shopping site for all things handmade and special... some really really cool and unique things here... check it all out)

Have a fun day!

Love,
A