Sweet Love: Jen & Anthony

I was so insanely excited when I was asked to take photos for a "Save the Date" through a close friend. I awaited the day anxiously and the closer it came, the more doubt crept into my mind. What if I can't think of any good poses? How about if I say something really weird?! WHAT IF I FALL AS I'M TRYING TO SHOW A POSE?!?.....well, you get the point. Thankfully Jen and Anthony were so much fun to shoot. They had such fun ideas, and they were totally up for any silly on the spot poses I suggested. Jen and Anthony, thank you for  giving me the fun opportunity to take your photos. I wish you the best of luck and lots of love on your wedding day...you guys were great!! ♥

One Year

    One year ago today I finally made the decision to start writing on a blog. To start something, somewhere. I was being pulled in a million different directions and all I wanted to do was learn, learn how I too could take those amazing photographs that so many talented photographers proudly display on their websites and blogs. Since then, so much has changed and yet at times it seems as if nothing has changed at all. I have come to the conclusion that I'm deadly scared of change. But even though it's difficult I'm beginning to understand that change is good, without change life would become rather dull and boring... and who wants that? 
    There are so many things that I want to do, and so many ideas brewing in my mind that at times it becomes unbearable to think why aren't they happening? But I know in life there's a time for everything. Just like the seasons, where there is a time to do every activity you enjoy. There are going to be failures, but there are also going to victories. Here is to always celebrating those small victories along the way....Happy Tuesday! 

Summer Travels: Lugano, Switzerland

    We boarded the afternoon bus that would take us from southern Italy all the way up to the tip of Switzerland. The trip would take us about 12 hours or so, so you would think packing a sufficient amount of paninis would probably be the normal thing to do right? Well as usual the rush and excitement must have completely gotten to our heads because we totally forgot to make food, and so we settled for putting together cheese and bread sandwiches......like two minutes before we left. -___- But no worries, my sister and I made sure to pack enough snacks and biscotti for the long ride... because you know, you can never have enough biscotti ;). 

    I have never traveled for so many hours by bus, and so it was incredible to be able to see the countryside as the hours passed by and the sky grew darker and darker. We slept for most of the time, but I remember how cool it was checking my phone and seeing the location change from Italy to Switzerland. The houses beautifully illuminated the mountains, and in that moment time just seemed to stop. Every house seemed so peaceful and still, and I wondered what everyone else in the world was doing at that same time. 
    We arrived shortly and were greeted by happy family members. The next few days were filled with sightseeing through the cities of Locarno and Ascona, taking a dip in the lake of Lugano, and spent nights having way too many laughs and eating plenty of Swiss chocolate. =D Here are a few photos I took during this great trip that I won't soon forget. Enjoy!

The sunset was absolutely beautiful on the road to Lugano. 

This gate was my favorite place by Lake Lugano. 

So many pretty choices...which one do I choose?!?

Some of the yummy dishes we had on our stay:

Tomato, Mozzarella and Green Beans Antipasto

Penne with Spicy Shrimp

Eggplant Parmigiana and A Swiss dish called Spätzle

Colorful Buildings through the town of Ascona, Switzerland. 

I can't go anywhere without getting my dose of gelato =D. 

♥P.S. Don't forget to vote for me in the Face of Caravelle Contest!  Vote Below:

Sneak Peek + Face of Caravelle Contest

    This past weekend was filled with surprises and exciting new experiences. I was asked to shoot a "Save the Date" session through a close friend of mine, which turned out to be so much fun! The session was full of laughs, giggles and plenty of in-between kisses. =) The second exciting news is that not too long ago I entered The Face of Caravelle contest, and yesterday I found out I was selected as a finalist of 1 of the 25 girls that could win one of the amazing prizes! But in order to make it to the top 5 I need your help! All you need to do is click on my photo and press "Vote"....and that's it! (It is open for 2 weeks and can be done once a day).

    If you vote for me I promise I will send you a batch of freshly baked cookies----okay okay I lied, but I will definitely love you forever and ever.=D Here is a sneak peek from this weekend's super fun shoot...stay tuned for more! Oh and don't forget to vote for me!! ♥

Cast your vote below!

Summer Travels: The Ruins of Pompei

     While in Italy, we decided to take a day trip and see the ruins of Pompei. I had visited once with my family some time ago, but naturally since I was a child I didn't remember much without having to take a look at old photographs. Although, I do recall telling my 3rd grade teacher that I had visited Pompei just in time before Vesuvius erupted (true story). This time I was excited to visit this city once again, with an understanding of the history and story behind this ancient place. As I walked through the stone roads, I couldn't believe that Pompei had survived buried deep under volcanic ash for almost two thousand years, until it was finally later discovered. 

      I imagined what a girl like me would be doing, thinking, back then in her daily life as I took the same steps she would have through the bumpy streets. I found it incredible to be walking through a city that was frozen in time when Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. The volcanic ashes mixed with pumice preserved the bodies of many Pompeians in their last moments of life. Who would have thought that nearly 2,000 years later we would be able to see and walk through the same city? Here are a few photos I took while visiting...enjoy!

Amphitheatre of Pompei

Ancient architecture that survived and was later discovered from the Vesuvius eruption of 79 AD. 

The Arcaded Court where gladiators would practice before a match. 

Being silly while on a quick break from sightseeing =)

Ancient Wheat Grinder and Stairway

A Pompeian Vineyard and Ancient Kitchen

Beautiful light at the end of a fun day.