Tuesday, February 14, 2012

SEVEN DAYS OF ROMANCE | LOVE QUOTES



We hope you enjoyed reading our blog during the past "Seven Days of Romance", a celebration in honor of Valentine's Day. Today we're keeping it simple and featuring some of our favorite love quotes.

Enjoy!

"There is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved."...George Sand

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."...unknown

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”...Helen Keller

"Don't chose the one who is beautiful to the world, but rather, chose the one who makes your work beautiful."...unknown

"True love stories never have endings."...Richard Bach

"Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking together in the same direction."...Antonie de Saint-Exupery

"Accept the things to which fate binds you and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart."...Marcus Aurelius

"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever."...Alfred Lord Tennyson

"What Women Want: To be loved, to be listened to, to be desired, to be respected, to be needed, to be trusted, and sometimes, just to be held. What Men Want: Tickets for the world series.",,,Dave Barry

"I don’t wish to be everything to everyone, but I would like to be something to someone.",,,Javan

Happy Valentine's Day!

Monday, February 13, 2012

SEVEN DAYS OF ROMANCE | BOUDOIR

What is boudoir? It's sexy, sophisticated, and tasteful art! Boudoir photography has become popular for brides who are looking to surprise their fiancé with a special gift on or before their wedding day. This intimate session can also make for a great Valentine's Day gift, one that will keep your honey content for a VERY long time.

Often times women don't feel comfortable enough in their own skin for boudoir, but I think what makes this form of art so unique, is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whether you only share these photos with your special someone or simply take them for yourself, they give you a sense of empowerment and self assurance, that otherwise you may not have had.

An experienced boudoir photographer is professional and easy going. The key is to feel comfortable with the person capturing your beauty on the other side of the lens. Here are some of my personal recommendations for photographers that offer exceptional boudoir photography. Each have a distinct, signature style. 











Sunday, February 12, 2012

SEVEN DAYS OF ROMANCE | DINNING WITH A VIEW

I live in a city known for fabulous food and stunning views. Create a romantic setting for you and your sweetheart by dinning at one of these top San Francisco spots, that not only offer picturesque views but a delectable cuisine. After all, who doesn't love to be wined and dined?

The Cliff House: A historic landmark with soaring views of Ocean Beach and the Farralon Islands.

Waterfront at The Embarcadero: Situated along the Embarcadero, this restaurant has been around for a long time, and with good reason. It's hosted Presidents, dignitaries, celebrities and more throughout its 40 years in business. It maintains a level of service unparalleled to most.

Sinbad's at Pier 2: This classic establishment serves-up one of the best oven-baked Lobster Tails I've ever had, hands down!

Top of The Mark: The Top of The Mark's restaurant and lounge is situated on the 19th. floor of the Mark Hopkins Hotel, a Nob Hill landmark with 360 degree views of San Francisco. Dinner and cocktails with a view...need I say more? Check out their special Valentine's Day package, which includes a 4-course dinner and a bottle of Moet Chandon Rose...yum!

Alioto's: A Fisherman's Wharf classic, Alioto's has been around for over 80 years serving-up some of the best seafood in San Francisco. Fresh fish is purchased on the daily and reservations are highly recommended for this local landmark that is a tourist favorite.

Enjoy!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

SEVEN DAYS OF ROMANCE | THE CLASSIC MIXTAPE

If you've ever been in love, I'm sure you've received a mixtape or two in your life. What ever happen to the classic mixtape? With tape decks out and iPods in, no one seems to make mixtapes anymore, but I say their not dead.

Whether your dating, engaged or married, a mixtape filled with fun, quirky and meaningful songs will sure to delight that special person in your life. Your playlist can be filled with love songs, pop, rock and even country, depending on what your sweetheart likes.

So go on, get creative, make a mixtape and show your special guy or gal how much they mean to you. If I were to make a mixtape for my hubby, here's a list of some of the songs I'd like to include:

Spandau Ballet - True
Journey - Open Arms
Foreigner - I Want To Know What Love Is
No Doubt - You Really Love Me Underneath It All
Citizen Cope - Sideways
The Cinematic Orchestra - To Build a Home
Aaron Neville & Linda Ronstadt - Don't Know Much
Brenton Wood - I Like The Way You Love Me
Mr. Big - To Be With You
Chicago - Will You Still Love Me
Coldplay - Yellow
Starship - Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now
KC & JoJo - All My Life
Extreme - More Than Words
Gwen Stefani - 4 In The Morning 
Confunkshun - Straight From the Heart
Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of The Heart
The Beatles - In My Life
Bruce Springsteen - Secret Garden
311 - Love Song
Sade -Kiss of Life
Peter Cetera & Amy Grant - Next Time I Fall in Love

What can I say, I'm a sappy, cheesy, and hopeless romantic. I love the feeling of being in love and doing things for love. I don't think one mixtape would be enough to share my feelings and sentiments towards my hubby through music, so I would probably have to make two to celebrate the 9 years I've spent with this wonderful man.

Happy Valentines Day!

Friday, February 10, 2012

SEVEN DAYS OF ROMANCE | I HEART THE BEATLES


I love The Beatles!

When I tell the older generation this, they often reply back with an "Oh Michelle, what do you know about The Beatles? You're so young, and they came out way before your time"! This is true, but I do know my mother named me after one of their most romantic love ballads, "Michelle", which also won them a Grammy for song of the year in 1966.

The Beatles have graced us with music that will last a lifetime. From classic rock & roll to pop, and songs that always seemed to talk about love and peace, they've composed some of the greatest songs of all time. In honor of Valentines Day I give you my Top 10 favorite Beatles love songs:


1. In My Life {A song often used at weddings for the first dance or a non-traditional ceremony processional/bridal entrance.}
2. And I Love Her
3. All You Need Is Love
4. Something
5. Hey Jude {This song came in at #8 on Rolling Stones list of the 500 greatest songs of all time...that's pretty sweet if you ask me. It was written by Paul McCartney for John Lennon's son, Julian...which also happens to be my son's name.}
6. When I'm 64
7. Michelle
8. Do You Want To Know A Secret
9. Till There Was You {The song was originally created for the 1957 musical, "The Music Man", and while it wasn't an original Beatles song, there rendition was a fan favorite.}
10. I Wanna Hold Your Hand

As you can see, The Beatles knew a little something about that four letter word we like to call LOVE!


Thursday, February 9, 2012

SEVEN DAYS OF ROMANCE | LOVE LETTERS VIDEO

We hoped you enjoyed yesterday's romantic feature and all the little details that were infused into our shoot and inspired by love. Today we continue to celebrate Valentine's Day with a video that was created for "Love Letters" by my good friend, Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV,

Dream away!


Love Notes from andrew msv on Vimeo.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

SEVEN DAYS OF ROMANCE | LOVE LETTERS

With Valentines Day right around the corner, love is in the air. To get you prepared for this day for which long stem red roses and heart shaped boxes filled with chocolates have become a staple of what Valentines Day is all about, we will be doing a blog series called "Seven Days of Romance". We will feature a new blog post inspired by love for the next 7 days till its V-Day {Tuesday, February 14th}. Our first post features images from a stylized shoot we designed for Style Me Pretty two years ago entitled "Love Letters". The challenge was to bring an inspiration board that an SMP user had created to life. I chose a board called "Vintage Love Letters" because I was inspired by the sweet, subtle romance that it evoked. When developing a design for this board, I definitely knew I wanted to create something dreamy, almost ethereal. To read more about our shoot and view the complete gallery, click here: Style Me Pretty, Inspiration to Reality: The Design Part I and The Design Part II.

Stay tuned, because tomorrow we'll be featuring the video that accompanied this romantic shoot!

Event Design, Planning and Styling: MB Wedding Design and Events
Photographers: Gertrude and Mabel Photography
Videographer: Studio MSV 
Floral Design & Vintage Furniture: Asiel Design
Hair & Makeup: Get Your Do Up
Stationery: Cards de Luxe
Cake: Cake Coquette
Couture Bridal Accessories and Shoes: Haute Bride
Couture Bridal Gowns: Nouvelle Vogue
Model: Celeste Rodriguez
Vintage Dessert & Jewelry Stands: Amour Ame
















Thursday, January 19, 2012

JENNIFER SKOG WOULD LIKE TO BE YOUR VALENTINE!

Our friends over at Jennifer Skog Photography are offering a special gift for brides & grooms to be if you book with them by Valentine's Day. We heart Jen...her work is elegant, stylish & romantic and we've had the pleasure of working with her and her team on numerous occasions. Each and every one of my couples have been completely happy and the images she delivers are filled with love and laughter, both key ingredients to a happy and healthy marriage! So...what are you waiting for? Head on over to her site and tell her MB sent you, and see for yourself why she's one of our favorite photographers to work with!


Thursday, January 12, 2012

WPPI LAS VEGAS | BOUDOIR WORKSHOP


Looking for a reason to head to Vegas? Look no further, we got you covered!

I am co-hosting a boudoir workshop for photographers in Las Vegas during WPPI in collaboration with Melinda Le' Photography.

When & Where:
February 21 2012 (6-8:30pm)
$399 per person - click to make a payment
WPPI, Las Vegas – MGM Grand

Capturing Her Curves – What is it?
Capturing Her Curves is an exciting NEW LOOK at boudoir photography.  Our focus is on working with ALL WOMEN of ALL BODY TYPES!!!  This hands-on workshop will show you how to create beautiful, sexy portraits for all of your clients.  We will discuss the secrets of gaining your clients trust, so she feels beautiful and connects with you and the camera.  Don’t miss your opportunity to learn Melinda Le’ Photography’s boudoir techniques.

As an added bonus to this already exciting event, we will be co-hosting this workshop alongside a very talented San Francisco based Event Designer/Wedding Planner, Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini.
Michelle is the owner and creative force behind MB Wedding Design and Events, a boutique planning + design firm providing custom tailored celebrations locally and abroad for the affluent bride. Michelle’s work has been featured in numerous publications, such as Grace Ormonde, The Knot, Today’s Bride, New York Bride & Groom, Get Married and Brides, just to name a few.

Capturing Her Curves – A Note from Melinda of Melinda Le’ Photography.
I’ve always been enamored with beautiful, sexy photos of women, so when I became a photographer I was immediately drawn to boudoir photography.  Although, I’d seen many beautiful portraits created by some amazing photographers, I had a hard time relating to them.  I mean, they were taking gorgeous photos but the women in them were already “model perfect.”  I thought to myself, what about all of the women out there (like myself) who don’t fit into what society projects as the perfect prototypical woman in a boudoir photo.  It went even deeper than that.  I thought of the many women I knew who were beautiful (in my eyes) but lacked the confidence to take these type of portraits.  Their reasons varied but were largely based on their age, size or lack of self esteem.  I realized that there were SO MANY women being alienated from the beauty of having a work of art taken simple because no one was appealing to them.  NO ONE WAS TAKING PHOTOS OF WOMEN THAT LOOKED LIKE ME!  That’s when I decided to do something about it.

My team and I started shooting boudoir sessions for women of all backgrounds, ages & sizes.  We were able to expand our business and create a positive, empowering experience for our clients.
And now, for the first time, we will be revealing our boudoir techniques on:
  • Photographer/Client Interaction – How To Connect And Create Trust.
  • Effective Esteem Boosting – How To Promote That “Vixen” Feeling
  • Posing A Curvy Woman
  • Private Home Studio vs. Hotel
  • Boudoir Boutiques – What Are They
  • Building Relationships With Hair And Makeup Artists
  • The Curvy Woman Portfolio
BONUS MATERIAL – Michelle will also share her knowledge on:
  • Styled Shoots – Getting Published In Magazines & Blogs
  • Branding – How To Brand Your Boudoir Business
  • Partnering With A Planner/Designer
  • What Planners Really Want From Photographers – Getting On Their Preferred Vendor List
Live Curvy Model Session
This workshop will feature a live “curvy” boudoir model.  Please bring your cameras, as I will be demonstrating some of the techniques that I use.  You may create images for your own portfolio.  You must be at least 18 years old to attend the Capturing Her Curves Workshop.
You will walk away from this workshop with a wealth of information that every boudoir photographer should have.  This is not one you want to miss!


Saturday, January 7, 2012

REAL WEDDING | CHRISTINE & DERRICK


Event Design, Planning + Coordination: MB Wedding Design and Events
Venue: Julia Morgan Ballroom
Church: Mission Santa Clara
Photographer: Jennifer Skog
Videographer: Burkart Studios
Caterer: Betty Zlatchin
Floral Design: Spiralhand
Rentals: Hartmann Studios
Linens: Napa Valley Linens + Hartmann Studios
Lighting + Drape: Enhanced Lighting & Sound
Cake: Cake Coquette
Stationery: Cards de Luxe
DJ: Ruben Palma
Caricature Artist: Jon Casey and Rhoda Grossman
Cotton Candy + Popcorn Machine Rentals: SF Party

Christine + Derrick's wedding can be seen in the current issue of The Knot, Northern California and online at The Knot.com