Thursday, March 31, 2011

Secret Garden with Clifton Photography --Part I

Rita Clifton is an amazing photographer, and more importantly, a great friend. She is so creative and we simply work well together. We bounce ideas back and forth like a ping pong ball, and then get to "work." Only thing was...it didn't seem like work! It was such a fun day! You would be lucky to have her photograph your wedding day or any special event, and she'll make you feel like you've known her forever! Here is some of her work, featuring Bows-n-Berries Spring Flower Girl Line 2011. Thank you, Rita!!!

I also should note that the FAB (and I do mean FAB!) Kacee Geoffroy is a very talented Make-Up Artist, and although we didn't use any make-up for this shoot, she was kind enough to do the hair styling...even for my three-year old, who "wanted to curl her hair." Oh my...am I in trouble or what?

My sis-in-law Olivia Yanes helped me style the event. I had a vision of what I wanted, but I "stole" every girly item I could from her home! How is it that I have 4 girls (and my boy), and she has 4 boys, yet she has more girly, cutesy stuff than me? No fair! So I mooched off of her and started decorating. Then she came and made my decorating look like a dream tea party! I don't know how she does it!


Love the details...
Cucumber & PBJ tea sandwiches


Chocolate-Covered Pink Marshmallows



More Treats--choc-covered pretzels, cream puffs, pie-crust "cookies"




I. Love. This. Shot. (Look at the reflection in the mirror!)


Saturday, March 26, 2011

Sherman Wedding

Before I continue with the garden fun, I wanted to post a few pics from my sis-in-law's wedding! We had a "backyard" wedding, which my hubby and I hosted at our house and I had the pleasure of making the bridal hairpiece, the flower girl piece and the boutonnieres. The bride asked for something simple, and we loved the final look! Here are some shots of the pieces, and some other random shots in case you want some ideas for your own backyard wedding! ;) We had lots of fun!!

Bridal & Flower Girl Hair Pieces

Groom's & Guys' Boutonnieres

My hubby, Art, walked his sissy down the aisle...
Here she meets her husband-to-be!

Ed's (& now Suzy's too) children...Sarah & Adam

A gorgeous rose I captured the morning of the wedding.

One of the signs that was made the night before. :)

Me trying to play photographer with the bride's stuff...

I'm a total wanna-be photographer. ;)

My "Feesha" with a Bows-n-Berries Sash.




Trying to get artsy-fartsy with my photography. LOL...

My twins Maya & Matthew

My 5 children (from L-R)...Sophia, Maya, Emma, Matthew & Caitlin 

Sophia was hiding under the sign-in station.
She looked so cute I had to take a few pics.

I love those eyes...

Caiti-girl with her awesome zebra shades! 

Sissy Pep & Niece Samantha...cuuuuute!

Rich & Lala & fam! 

Melissa & Carlos...awwwww

Me & my sissy Stephanie...my hubby's baby sister.

Perhaps my fave "Photo Booth" shot of the night!
I think I'll have to post more pics...

Monday, March 21, 2011

Thoughts for Japan

It's quite difficult to process such an array of thoughts after a disaster as immense and destructive as the earthquake and tsunami (and more) in Japan. It is almost unfathomable, the things that they have had to endure in the past couple weeks.

At our house, we actually had two exchange students from Japan when the disaster occurred. Thankfully, their families were okay and they were able to make contact quickly. One of my prior exchange students, however, informed me that she had to stay in a shelter overnight and that her family had no electricity or running water. She wished to take supplies to them, but the trains were not running. It sort-of made this "hit home" more with me, knowing that these dear girls were going to return home to quite a different Japan (they were from Tokyo).

I'm sure if you want to donate something, you know you can go to various groups, such as the American Red Cross. I post only so you know where to go if you couldn't think of anything. Whether or not you wish to donate or help in some other fashion is none of my business. And in what way I choose to help does not need to be broadcast around the world either. But there are a lot of people I know who have been doing what they can to help, and this has inspired me.

I guess my only reason for posting is that these things affect us all. Ultimately, when it's across the world, it may only affect us for a relatively short time (sad, but true), but it helps to "talk" it out. I don't have television in my house (I know...I'm weird right? lol), but I have seen the news online and have seen some video clips of the devastation and it is just unbelievable. Whether they believe in my God or not, I'm praying for the people of Japan...and hoping that they get all the help they need to rebuild their country.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Secret Garden - Part III

Ready for MORE??? I am! Now remember, these posts are currently showing my photography...you will notice a difference when I showcase Rita's! Trust me! =) I just couldn't wait to get her stuff...I HAD to share our fun!

Wearing Flower Girl Wreaths

Wearing a Flower Girl Wreath

Wearing Flower Girl Wreath

Modeling Custom Sash

Wearing Flower Girl Wreath & Custom Sash

Wearing Flower Girl Wreath


I love those sparkly eyes.

LOVE-ly! =)


Secret Garden - Part II

Here goes...more loveliness from our shoot.