time off

Oh hey, July!  Where did you come from?  I have one favor to ask of you.  Please, pretty pretty please, do not go as fast as June went.  Much appreciated.  Thanks!

Anyway, I know I haven't been posting my recap of our California adventures like I said I would.  I haven't been in the mood.  Plain and simple.  Please do not take offense to that.  I haven't been in the mood for much these days except for reading, chillin' poolside, and drinking a gin & soda.  Preferably all three at the same time if I can help it.  

With that being said, I would like to take the month of July off from blogging.  Don't worry, I'll still be stalking all of you in the mean time.  I just need to take some time off to collect my thought, perhaps figure out where I want this here blog to go and focus more on my photography and re-open my Etsy shop.  I have a lot to look forward to this month and hopefully re-cap those moments along with my Cali adventure posts when I return in August.  I just didn't want to disappear on y'all.  I mean I would really hate to end up one of those missing persons signs or news segments when all I needed was some time off.  Because we obviously know y'all all would so very worried hehe. I hope you do decide to stick around and not give up on me quite yet.  I really have been surprised by how much I have enjoyed blogging on the regular for the last 6 months so I have every intention of returning.  Hopefully with a lot more to say and photos for your viewing pleasure.  

But before you go, check out June's #capturingmymoments Instagram photos.  These are some pretty talented folks, y'all. 

@ctomana * @principessaxox * @jennycorn11 * @diesel_girl_18 * @bustinjustin1986 * @andiepants15 * @bzlaforte * @_kellyscott * @kateholquist * @mrsfence. 

Be sure to check those folks out and follow if you'd like.  Who doesn't like more friends?  And as you may notice, in my tired/gin & soda induced haze I didn't add my correct IG handle in the collage above.  There is no man, just @acornphotography.  So if you want to follow along with this project and participate as well please be sure to follow me, I'll follow back as long as you aren't spam, so I can see your photos.  Spread the word too!  The more the merrier, right?  

Thanks to everyone who participates in this little project of mine!  I really do look forward to checking out what you are up through your eyes.  It's one of my favorite things about photography, being able to capture a second of time and being able to share it with others:)

But if you miss me that much feel free to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or here, and Flickr for my 365 photos:) 

Until August

Dave Proposes!

About a month ago I got a Facebook message from my friend Christine's boyfriend, Dave.  In the message he asked me to call him when I got a second because he had a question to ask me.  And since I knew they had been talking about it for some time, I knew he was going to ask me to photograph him proposing to her.  Of course I was thrilled and so excited to be a part of the next step in their relationship!  My second reaction was panic - how am I going to photograph the proposal without Christine seeing me?  I hope I get at least one good shot that expresses the moment.  As the day arrived my nerves started to get the best of me as I wanted everything to go perfect (I am always more nervous for shoots with friends). I can only imagine how Dave felt.

Christine was getting back from an epic weekend with her sister in Miami on that Sunday night so Dave wanted to meet her at the airport where he would get down on one knee to ask the big question.  He knew he did not want much too much attention so he wanted to be as secluded as possible.  We got down to the baggage claim area (even though Christine carried her luggage on with her) and discovered baggage claim E was completely deserted.  Perfect!

And the rest is history....

The only thing either one of them remember is Dave saying: "You are my world..."  I think that's a pretty good thing to remember:) 

Even though Christine did see me I'd say it turned out quite nice.  

To say I am so excited for y'all would be such an understatement!  Y'all are the best and make such a beautiful couple!

xoxo,

Alyson

"Oh you shouldn't hug with your leg."

Back in October I got to visit one of my best guy friends Bryan in Santa Monica, CA with my sister Melissa.  I know it's probably silly that I am just getting around to posting about it now but with all of this nice weather and seeing friends' posts of vacations on Facebook inspired me.

This was my second trip to SoCal.  The first was way back in 2004 (I think?) to visit another guy friend (Hi Jeremiah!) in Malibu who was going to school at Pepperdine.  Will you believe me when I tell you he finished in 4 years?!  There's no way I would have considering it took me 5 to finish in PA (embarrassing).  Anyway, I was so excited to get another chance to be in SoCal again and visit Bryan.

Melissa and I had an amazing time and were EXHAUSTED by the end of it!  Being as there was a lot of drinking during the trip I didn't have my "big" camera with me too much.  I am a very clumsy person sober so having my nice camera out with me would have been just plain stupid.  I would have left it somewhere or dropped it on our many leap frogging nights home (yes, you read that right.  I said leap frogging.).  Rest assured I got loads of pictures with my iPhone.  Perhaps I will share some of the photos I took with the phone.  Isn't it funny how phone's have practically placed point and shoots?

Anyway, these were taken our first day there.  We spent a relaxing afternoon close to the Santa Monica Pier.  Bryan had to show us (after being on the news) his surfing skills. I had ever intention of getting in the water to learn how to surf until I put my big toe in it and felt how cold it was.  Melissa was brave and tried though.  Maybe next time, Bry?:)

Leave me on my towel with my camera and a good book and I am more than happy:) 

I thought this was sweet.  A mom and child watching surfers.  

He got up!  Pretty badass if you ask me! 

This scene totally reminds me of Birds. 

I'm embarrassed to say this was the ONLY photo I got with my "big" camera during our 8 mile trek through West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.  Of all things to capture; a nasty ass spider.  It made itself a pretty dope web though.  

We spent some more time down by the Pier then made our way to Venice Beach (via cab) to watch the skate boarders and catch the sunset.  Some of my favorite pictures people take on the beach at sunset/sunrise are ones of people jumping in the air.  I think we were all dragging ass as we had been out late the night before (surprise surprise).  But Bry and Melissa were great sports.  Thanks guys for jumping up and down for me! 

As you can tell, it took them a little while to get synchronized. 

But then they got better! 

This one cracks me up every time I see it.  I'm pretty sure they didn't plan it to look like this.  So great! 

Sister jumping shot

These were supposed to look like we were jumping off the edge of a cliff or something.  Didn't work out as planned but everyone's faces are just priceless.

The sunset from Venice Beach was gorgeous!

I think this one is my favorite (minus Melissa's arm)! 

And these are just some gorgeous flowers Bryan pointed out to me on one of our many walks through Santa Monica.  I am such a sucker for anything pink:)

Do you have any vacation photos you've been wanting to post but haven't gotten around to it yet?  It's never too late:)

Passin' on the Liebster Love

On Friday, I was busy at work when I got a notification on my phone saying I was tagged in a post on Facebook.  Even though I was oh so busy (HA!) I checked it out.  I can't help it, I'm nosy (Yinzers call it nebby).  What a great surprise to see I was given the Liebster Blog award from Kristen over at un homme et une femme!  If you have a minute do yourself a favor and head over to her blog.  I promise, you won't be disappointed.

What a great way to end a hell of a week and start the weekend.  Merci beaucoup (or should I say Danke?) Kristen for thinking of me and the kind words.  Like you said, it is really nice to know someone is reading my posts (and I do appreciate the German aspect of the word).

The word Liebster is a German word meaning "favorite, beloved, dearest."  A blogger is nominated for this award if they have under 200 followers.  And once you have been nominated you are to pass on the award to bloggers who have inspired you.  

Without further ado, I'd like to pass it onto 3 of my favorite blogs/bloggers who inspire me with every read: 

1) Angie from Aloha: Yinz Mangia!

I went to high school with Angie and played volleyball with her.  Unbeknownst to me, she was a secret chef.  You'd think after all those volleyball dinners I would have discovered this.  She shares her passion for cooking and her favorite recipes all the way from Hawaii (it's okay to be jealous) on her blog.  Now, I am not much of a cooker but her posts do make my mouth water and trick my brain into thinking I am a cook.  And while you're visiting her blog, make sure to congratulate her.  She just got engaged!

2) Melissa from Hey Anthro, look what I can do...

Melissa is an amazing interior designer based in Richmond, VA with a vision I can only dream of one day (maybe) having.  She finds furniture, pictures, decor, etc from Anthropologie and makes similar products from her discoveries at local thrift stores for loads cheaper and, in my opinion, a lot nicer.  She also makes beautiful bangles that she sells.  

3) Lindsey Orton from Lindsey Orton Photography

I have never met Lindsey and to be honest I am not quit sure how I stumbled across her blog but I have been blown away by her work ever since.  Rather recently she has been sharing her photos from a series titled Princess Bridals where she photographs brides with a Disney Princess theme.  My favorite is Jasmine.  You know that is a good idea when you say to yourself; "damn, I wish I had come up with that myself."  

It has been such an honor to get this award and I am more than happy to pass it on to my favorites.  Us bloggers need to look out for one another;)

Gareth & Family - Winner of Drawing

Sunday I was able to get together with Jennifer, the lucky winner of my drawing I had a few weeks ago, to photograph her sweet little man Gareth and the family.  I know Jennifer from Westminster.  We were fellow Psychology majors and suffered through a semester of Neuroscience classes and labs together.  Jennifer and I had lost touch after that fateful semester but I was thrilled when I saw she "liked" my Facebook fanpage and even more happy when I drew her name in the drawing.  We have been friends on Facebook for a few years now and I had known she had gotten married and had a new addition to her family.  From the photos I had already seen of Gareth I knew he would be such an easy subject to photograph.  

Definitely one of my favorites!  LOVE the shirt. 

Another favorite!

So snuggly.

Santa's little helper!  Look at those legs - love it! 

SANTA! I know him.  I KNOW HIM!

Just SO happy. 

Thank you so much Jennifer for allowing me to come into your home to photograph Gareth and your family!  It was so great to see you and catch up a little!  I hope to see you again soon.


Have a great weekend everyone and stay warm!  


xoxo,
Alyson

Drawing

Hi everyone!  It's that time of year again; the temps are starting to drop, the leaves are changing, almost time to switch out your wardrobe, and a beautiful time for a photo shoot.   On October 17th I am going to draw a lucky Facebook fan's name for a photo shoot of their choosing for half off (that's right - HALF OFF). 

How to get your name put in the drawing you ask?  Simple.  All you need to do is "Like" my Facebook fanpage here. Those of you who already are fans (THANK YOU!) will automatically go in.  You can get your name put into the drawing more times if you suggest my page to your friends.  Just have your friend(s) who you referred to my page let me know who referred them and I will add your name in accordingly. 

In addition to getting a half off photo shoot you will get an 8x10 Standout Photo of your choosing on me!

Look forward to hearing from you all and don’t forget to spread the word for a better chance to win!

Good Luck!

xoxo,
Alyson aka acornphotography :)