New Boutique Packaging / Salem OR Photographer

I have to show off my new boutique packaging, isn't it cute? Who doesn't love receiving something in a nicely wrapped package? I really enjoy the pop of teal against the natural Kraft paper boxes, and the texture of my Referral Card case sealed with a hot pink jewel. It's taken some time to gather all the parts and I'm so pumped everything has finally come together! Packaging is something that really speaks to me, and gets me excited about what's inside. I believe it says a lot about a business and how important your business and continued happiness is to them. Why not leave the best impression possible?!

My plan is to find a different tissue, hopefully one with a fun print like zebra, and a similar teal ribbon in a small size to replace the thin pink ribbon so there's a nice consistency.

Be sure to check back in tomorrow for my personal entry on Wedding Planning for Brides; it's all about getting organized, setting your course, and choosing your vendors.

Sally Metzger / Salem, OR Maternity Photographer

How do I begin to say how much I love this woman who has made such a big impression on the very fabric of who I am? Sally is my sister by blood, but she's my friend for life. I thank God everyday for the closeness my family shares, and Sally is part of this wonderful family. She may claim the woes of the middle child, but man did she turn out cute, with a wonderful husband (seriously the most romantic guy I know) and as you can see, a baby!

Sally and I have been through a lot together, maybe that's a silly statement considering we're sisters, but we have. I've been overseas with her 4 times, one being when my family lived in Poland when I was 8 and she was 10. The other times were China and Kosovo, as teenagers on short term mission trips. Three years ago in 2007 we ventured into a very unknown place, Massachusetts for college at the Hallmark Institute of Photography. It was 10 months of brutally hard work, and even worse weather. The snow and ice were nothing short of evil. I hate the cold! Somehow we managed to get through all the experiences together, in spite of the 100 ft stretch of slippery ice in between the car and apartment. When I think of the most challenging times in my life, the moments that molded and shaped me the most into who I am, Sally was there. I can look back now and realize how much I appreciate her.

Sally is now a mother to Sailor, who's almost one week old today. She's an inspiration to me, another woman who is selfless and bold enough to step into the world of motherhood and love someone more than yourself. I think of moms and realize I can be pretty selfish. She's already such an amazing mom to Sailor who was born last Sunday. She doesn't know it yet, but Sailor's got an amazing family and awesome life ahead of her! Oh, and a really fun aunt who will slip her candy when mom isn't looking!

Today as you enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday maybe you're with friends at a bar, maybe you're enjoying family and a food-filled house (me!), maybe you could care less and are watching I love Lucy at 3PM on the Hallmark channel (shameless plug). Whatever you're doing, take 2 minutes to think of someone who has made an impact on your life, and tell them how much they mean to you. It does the soul good to love and appreciate others.

Love someone today, and enjoy these photos of my adorable sister Sally! I'll be sharing some photos of Sailor's first hour in a few days!

See what I mean? SO CUTE!

target plaid top + great-grandma's quilt = pretty priceless!

I love you Sal-gal!

Antunez Maternity Shoot / Salem, OR Photographer

Can you tell from this first photo that Maggie & Ricardo are two beautiful, kind, generous people? I can't say enough how much I've enjoyed getting to know these delightful people, and lucky me I get to keep seeing them! It's funny how people move in and out of your life. Out of nowhere an old acquaintance re-enters the fabric of your life, and oftentimes you are richer for it. Over a year ago I did a job for North West Palate Magazine, capturing the newly emerging French restaurant, La Capital. It was a great experience for me to meet new people and add to my commercial portfolio, I blogged about it here. That's when I first met Ricardo, (who is the second chef) passionately filleting a samon for their dinner menu.

He contacted me to schedule his and Maggie's shoot, funny how one opportunity leads to another. We almost had to scrap the shoot when Maggie thought she was going into labor the evening before. Thank goodness she was wrong! She was however having contractions during the shoot, not that you would notice, but she pushed (not literally, haha) through it. We also managed to grab the last few days of color before all the leaves fell which added such nice tone to their photos!

Just a quick side-note: they're a good example of smart clothing choices. Their colors meshed together well, and they had a nice mix of solids, prints, and textures that complimented the surrounding scenery.

I'll be sharing Landin's photo session soon, (newest addition to their family) so be sure to check in again!

The other exciting bit of news to share regarding this shoot is in talking about their wedding that he catered, and my up-coming wedding, we came to a wonderful agreement to trade my photography services for his catering services for MY wedding! I'm so pumped, I was planning to have family help with the food, but this is so much better! Can't wait to develop a menu!

Interested in offering trade work? Tell me! Have any wonderful ideas for appetizers for a summer/vintage-inspired wedding? Inspire away! Like the photos? Share some blog love!