Shameless FB Plug

There are some things that I am lost without...my hubby, my four-legged kids, my iPhone, and Facebook. Yep, I need serious help.

One of the reasons I love Facebook is that I get to hear about everything that is going on with my friends, family, and clients'. Learning about new places to eat, things to do in my downtime, and seeing the awesome pics you guys take is so cool to me!

So if you are reading my blog on a regular basis and haven't yet signed up for the Rhonda Giedt Photography Facebook page, please do so I can hear all that you have to say!

The Insanity Workout

I am not one for New Year's Resolutions so I didn't set any. However, I do like setting goals and working towards something throughout the year. So with my brides inspiring me, Spring being just around the corner, and wanting an excuse to buy all the clothes I saw in the Boden catalog I started The Insanity Workout by Shaun T.

BTW, I thought the name Insanity Workout was just a marketing ploy....believe it's not! It actually hurts to type this post to you.


Why am I telling all of you this? Because I have started and stopped this program several times and I need to know that I am being held to getting back in shape by all of you! (Even though between you and me, I prefer being snuggled on the couch with Logan puppy and hubby!) So wish me luck!

Boden Catalog

I received the new Boden Catalog and now can't wait for Spring! I love the new styles, colors, and color combos that are hitting the stores. Be sure to check them out at www.bodenusa.com.

NEW Product Offering: Wooden Block Prints

We are offering a wonderful, awesome, new product called Wooden Block Prints. These photographs are printed on wood and are modern, classy, and sleek! Ask to see a sample during your next photography session with us!







We know that you are going to love them just as much as we do!!!!

Henry 1 Year

When Henry came in for his 1 year photography session he brought Mom and Dad with him. That I totally expected. What I did not expect was how much he was going to make me laugh throughout the entire session!

Having photographed Henry each month for his first year, we have developed a photography bond and for the most part I know what to expect. (Yes Moms you can start laughing now.) No one told me that as soon as you have a little munchkin figured out that they change.

The session started out perfect...as usual.


And then the laughing began....

We are not sure what he was doing. But between each photograph he did this and then popped back up with a big grin on his face. We were all laughing uncontrollably which probably fueled the repeat cuteness.


I can't wait to share with you his next session...so check back soon and see just how much he has grown in 3 months!

San Antonio

Being in San Antonio for Imaging USA was amazing. Not only was it great to meet 10,500 other professional photographers from around the world but the city provided great photography subjects! Here are some of my favorite shots from the around the city.

Engagement Session: Jane and Junior

Jane and Junior love the buzz and architecture of downtown San Jose and I tend to agree! We traveled around downtown capturing the excitement of San Jose at Christmas time, beating the cold weather, and laughing lots.


This hotel is amazing with the great windows, lights down the sidewalk, and entryway.


We were finishing up right when the sun was setting and provided us with perfect ambiance for our engagement session.

Best wishes to Jane and Junior on their upcoming wedding and new life together!

10 Ideas for Reception Table Names

Numbers are always a great way to give your reception tables names. However, if you want to put a new spin on things, try one of these 10 ideas.

1. Places you have traveled together.
2. Classical composers
3. Places where you will visit on your honeymoon



4. Gemstones
5. 80's Bands
6. National Parks
7. Broadway Musicals
8.Tiki-bar drinks
9. Seashells
10. Wine varietals

Such An Honor!

We are honored that one our of photos has been selected to be used in an American Cancer Society DetermiNation ad in NorCal Running magazine!





It is such a joy and honor to work with DetermiNation and are looking forward to their upcoming race in Oakland on March 26th and 27th! Check out NorCal Running magazine's website to find out more about the race in Oakland. We can't wait to see you there!

Conference Material Overload

I had a wonderful time in San Antonio, especially at Imaging USA 2011! I met wonderful vendors, new friends, and learned more than my little head could take. However, I found it very interesting the amount of material that I collected on the exhibit floor. Just for fun I decided to spread it out on the bed and see just how much was collected....take a look because I think it's quite impressive.

RIP Boots

After eleven years, being rebuilt eight times by three different repair places, and being the perfect boot to go with every outfit, I must say goodbye to you my favorite pair of boots.

It was a wonderful journey filled with many miles of love, laughter, and eventually the several holes that tore at the "heart seams of your sole." You were one of the first to welcome me to the beginning of my new life in San Francisco. You were the boots I wore on my first date with Robert, who is now my husband. And you were the boots I chose to wear when we picked up Logan and Mele and brought them to their new home.

I have tried several times to find a replacement for you, but there is not one pair that have come close....even though I kept those too because I didn't want you to be lonely in the closet when I had to wear other shoes.

So with many tears filling my eyes and the hole in my heart growing as big as the one in the left one of you, I bid you farewell and hope that you enjoyed your time with me as much as I did with you.

Smile

As a photographer I of course love when people smile. However, have you noticed that most people do not smile unless they are greeting someone they know, see a puppy, or notice a cute little munchkin?



So I challenge you to smile all day today whenever you see someone whether you know them or not. Dale Carnegie said it best....

"Your smile is a messenger of your good will. Your smile brightens the lives of all who see it. To someone who has seen a dozen people frown, scowl, or turn their faces away, your smile is like the sun breaking through the clouds."

Try it and spread a little cheer around and you might make a cold Winter's day feel a little more like Spring.

How to Get Compliments Everyday

If you want to get compliments everyday, head over to Peggy Li Creations and pick up anything! Every time I wear one of her pieces I am flooded with compliments. Her pieces are so unique and fun that you can't help but love everything!

Here is my latest obsession that I probably won't take off for a year!

Engagement Session: Louriel and Michael

The Legion of Honor was the setting for Louriel and Michael's engagement session. What they didn't tell me is that they ordered up a perfectly sunny day topped off with the white puffy clouds. The day was absolutely amazing and made even better by how sweet and funny they both were!


Thanks for the wonderful time at one of my favorite museums in the city and next time I need perfect weather, I know who to call!

Top 10 Favorite Wedding Sites

With the web being piled with so many sites, blogs, and such it's sometimes hard to find wedding sites that "speak to you". I LOVE reading, browsing, and finding new wedding sites all the time, so here are some of my favorites.

1. The Bride's Cafe
I start my day with The Bride's Cafe everyday because it always makes me smile. Janie pulls this blog together in such a smart, modern way and I look forward to the posts as well as her Tweets.

2. Once Wed
I first got hooked on this blog by the fresh style and new perspective. But the DIY section, wedding ideas, and most importantly their used wedding dresses keep me coming back every day!

3. With This Ring
This blog is so much fun to visit, browse and read everyday. They have a section designated for the Do It Yourself brides and tons of ideas for inspiration in planning every aspect of your wedding.

4. Brides
Yes, this is part of the magazine Brides and is a "big time" site. However, they have so many amazing tips, ideas, and an amazing Twitter presence that you can search quickly for anything you may think of and find several examples of how to make your wedding your own.

5. The Knot
The Knot planning schedule helped me when I planned my wedding several years ago. I love them so much that I started following The Nest once I got married and maybe one day will follow The Bump.

6. A Practical Wedding
Ideas, Inspiration, and Girl Next Door wedding examples make this site completely approachable and fun.

7. Style Unveiled - San Francisco
This site has sections for cities all across the country that you can grab hints, tips, and style from. However, if you want the local scoop head to the San Francisco section and get lost in the vast amount of amazing info they have.

8. Earth Friendly Weddings
Being Earth friendly sometimes doesn't come naturally, especially when planning a wedding, however this site makes it easy to be Earth friendly and stylish all at the same time.

9. Perfect Bound
Their tagline says it all, "A Wedding Blog for the Stylish Bride". Lots of ideas, accessories, and even runway ideas and suggestions to help take your wedding to the next level.

10. Inspired By This
This site has so many ideas and inspirational type boards that can spur your creativity with your own wedding.

Professional Photographers of America

It is an honor to be part of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and here are my top 5 reasons why.

1. Continuing Education
As with any profession, you need to keep on top of your game and learn the latest techniques, tips, and technology. PPA helps me do that so I can provide the best to my clients.

2. Photo Critiques
One of the best ways to make sure I am pushing myself is to get critiques by certified photographers. Every chance I get to get feedback from the best in the industry I do so my clients know they are always getting fresh ideas from me.

3. Charity Involvement
PPA encourages their members to give back through charities. I have been honored to work with some of the best in the area such as DetermiNation, part of the American Cancer Society and with Pumps, Pours, and Purses to name a couple.

4. Amazing Photographers
Getting to know some of the brightest, best, and most amazing people who have been photographing for years in the Bay Area is awesome. I cherish my friendships with them and their continued support.

5. New Ideas
Sometimes the brain gets stuck on doing the same thing over and over. PPA helps keep ideas fresh, relevant, and cutting edge.

Henry 11 Months

Henry is growing up so quickly that before you know it he will be driving and everyone will be saying where did the time go? But for now, here is the cutey at 11 months!

Since Henry was ready to go, go, go, we pulled out the suitcase and let him have at it.


Of course, it's always fun to check out just how much can fit inside the suitcase too.


And pack it all up again before taking off.


Even though he was ready to get going, this time Henry brought along his Grandma who jumped into the photo fun as well and kept him still just long enough!


As always it was a blast hanging out with Henry, his Mom, and this time Grandma too!

Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipe

Life get busy with work, everyday to-do's, and a number of other things. So when you are looking for something for dinner that is quick, tasty, and not take-out....here is a great recipe from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food!

Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Breast with Roasted Green Beans

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces green beans, stem ends removed
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast half
• 3 thin slices prosciutto
• Lemon wedge, for serving

Directions:

1. Heat broiler of toaster oven (or oven). On toaster-oven pan (or a small rimmed baking sheet), toss green beans with 1 teaspoon oil. Season with salt and pepper, and push to one side of pan.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper; wrap with prosciutto. Place chicken, seam side down, on other side of pan; rub with remaining teaspoon oil.
3. Broil until chicken is opaque throughout, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve chicken and green beans with a lemon wedge.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Breast with Roasted Green Beans - Martha Stewart Recipes

10 Food Station Ideas

If you want to spice up your food offering at your wedding, here are 10 ideas:

1. Ravioli
2. Mac & Cheese
3. Trio of Bites with dipping sauce



4. Sliders
5. Ceviche
6. Pies



7. Dumplings
8. Smoked Salmon
9. Cookies with a little ice cream



10. Cupcakes in a variety of flavors