Posted on September 30, 2010
Right before leaving Washington to move to Ohio I was commissioned to photograph a wedding of Naomi and Courtland which happened to fall on the same day as my Mom’s birthday AND my nephew’s wedding. I was glad to shoot a wedding, but I was also bummed to miss such important family events. I was fortunate, however, to have made it to my new niece’s bridal shower.
Meet Rachel…
And now some of my other family members…
{We all were given necklaces and were not supposed to say the bride’s name to keep them, or, if we caught someone else saying her name we would get heir necklaces; the person with most necklaces got a prize. I, and most of us, lost ours to my ever watchful niece Kristina. I don’t know how, but she got to collect most of ours 
}
The kids were ADORABLE running in and out of the house. They were irresistible, actually, especially these two…
My great-niece’s toothless mouth is a photographer’s dream 
I wish I was there for the wedding as well, as I heard that the couple was beautiful 
. However, I wish them all happiness, loyalty and faithfulness in the world. May their marriage be sweet as honey, and the bond between them strong as steel.
Posted on September 25, 2010
The last couple of weeks=whirlwind! Great news, though–I finally got the confirmation about passing my AFAA exam!!! WOOOT! I also met with a few local gyms and it looks like I will starting teaching my crazy version of super power yoga VERY soon [details later]. So, if you are in/around Columbus OH metro area and need to challenge your body to the next level, while having fun, you have to come out and work out with me!!! On that note I also have to give you heads up: I will soon be starting a brand spanking new blog that will be centered not just around awesome vegan foods but fitness as well. So, stay tuned!
Yesterday Demetrye and I were on the side of town [Reynoldsburg OH] where we used to live, and where we got engaged. He took me to the restaurant where we went after he proposed… and put a ring on my finger. It was not the food that drew us there, but the memories. And… it was worth it!
I kept snapping pictures and the waitress told us that I remind her of her mother because of it [just imagine her tip getting smaller because of that ... (just joking!)], so I had to explain to her why I was doing it… which melted her completely
]
[the pic in the top row/middle is hubster's interpretation of the all-seeing eye , and of me at the bottom--my interpretation of the world's strongest craziest woman holding up that cement wall]
After dinner we went out to shop and got me a fabulous little purple dress… which I will have to model sometimes and post here.
Forward to this morning. We got up very early and headed off to Canal Winchester’s farmer’s market… which was canceled, much to our disappointment. But that did not stop us. We hit a couple of farmer stores and gathered some fresh goodies:
Then we went to a couple of Half Price Books stores, where I scored 3 of fabulous fitness books–more material for me and tons of great poses to incorporate into upcoming Power Yoga classes! [Hello, my name is Elena and I am a book addict. ]
Needless to say I was wiped out. While my hubby went off for a work out, I made myself Chocolate Turtles–so delicious and so simple to make, and total comfort food.
I did not keep any specific proportions, since I did not have much chocolate, but here is the recipe:
Chocolate Turtles
- large handful chocolate chips [vegan/organic]
- 1-2 tbs water
- warm up a pan/skillet with these ingredients and stir until melted
- quickly add:
- handful of soaked/dehydrated almonds
- handful of soaked/dehydrated walnuts
- handful of raisins
- pinch of salt
3. turn off heat
4. mix all ingredients and lay out in clusters on slightly greased pan/dish or wax paper
5. place in a freezer for 10-15 mins
Enjoy!
Posted on September 8, 2010
I am studying for a HUGE test that will take in a couple of days but I could not wait any longer to post a preview from the most recent wedding of Naomi and Courtland. Everything about them is colorful–their personalities, Naomi’s makeup, Courtland’s eyes and their celebration.
Naomi contacted me via e-mail a few months back and we did not actually get to meet until the day of their wedding. What a pleasant surprise it was to see her for the first time: big brown eyes, luscious red lips and long black eye lashes gently contoured her soft face. Vibrant, exuberant and totally fun… all of that to match Courtland’s seemingly quite persona and big blue eyes… So, you see, with all this, most images simply had to be in color. there is no way I would want to conceal all this beauty.
Here is the sneak peak, until after my huge fitness exam. Enjoy!
Naomi and Court, thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a huge day!
Posted on September 5, 2010
She was only 12 years old when she met him in an on-line game room. By 14 she told him that she would marry him. He thought she was nuts, as did everyone around her. A few years later they met in person… and it indeed was love at… first game It was written somewhere, some long time ago, that Regina would wed Phil, and they will live happily ever after.
When I first met Regina over a year ago she was already glowing with anticipation. There was so much to do, so much to plan, so much to dream about. Her eyes were bursting with happiness. I knew that she was in love.
On August 21st, Regina’s prophecy came true–she and Phil walked down the isle as Mr. and Mrs! I was fortunate to have captured their story.
Gorgeous Details
Getting Ready
First Look
Love is in the Air
Ceremony took place in a beautiful tiny church in Longview, WA.
Adorable Flower Girl
Phil is from Nigeria. His uncle performed a Kola Nut Ceremony in his native language… quite amazing.
Phil’s Mom pronounced a blessing over the couple.
Happy Couple
And the Gorgeous Bride
Phil and Regina, many years of happiness to the two of you!
