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

Top 3 Reasons My Chamber Membership Benefits You

Last year I decided to join the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce (SMCC) and here are the top 3 reasons why my chamber membership benefits you!

1. The people!
The people are absolutely wonderful and have so many products and services that you can use. Every time I meet someone at SMCC I learn as much about their offerings as I can so when my clients need something I know exactly who to refer them to.

2. Business Referral Network
The purpose of the group is for small businesses to generate business for each other. But what I have found is it's an added perk for my clients because if they need anything from and accountant to a lawyer to a travel agent I will be able to help them out!

3. The mixers
Networking is not always fun but the SMCC does make it so by picking great locations around the San Mateo area. The caterers are always amazing and I get to see new venues or business that may be awesome for my clients to know about.

Therefore the next time you are needing something done around the house, need your taxes done, or one of the many other things that come up in day to day life...drop me a line and I'll set you up with someone to make your life easier!