Waterworld : Daniella

As an artist I believe in continuing to study your craft, improving your skills and searching outside of your comfort zone for inspiration.  I wanted to seek inspiration outside of the norm and challenge myself with a new skill this year, so over the summer I started experimenting with underwater photography.  I have always loved being in the water, the feeling of being weightless, carefree, relaxed and floating in a dreamlike state.  I wanted to use this underwater exploration as a way to not only practice something completely different than what I am use to, but to visually create the freedom I feel when I am in the water.  I'd say my summer project was a success and this is the first set of a mini series of images inspired by the blissfulness of being in the water.xoxo,

Suzanne

The $40,900 Question: Jesenia and Caroline of Ooh La Love Events

Jesenia and Caroline are the sweet girls behind Ooh La Love Events. Their close attention to detail and genuine love for weddings shows just how much they care about what they do. Read on to find out what inspires these girls and what they would do with $40,900.1. A piece of advice for brides to be?Don't try to plan your whole wedding in one day. Decide what is most important to you, and make that a priority. Surround yourself with wedding professionals who you trust, and who understand your style and vision, so that you can let go of everything and enjoy your wedding.

2. Something brides don't often think about when planning a wedding but should? As a bride, you put so much time and energy into the preparation for your big day and making sure every detail is perfectly planned, but it's also important to remember your guests. People travel across the country, and sometimes even across the world to see you say 'I Do', so it's always nice to keep their comfort in mind. Greeting out of town guests with welcome bags or small touches like providing throw blankets on a cold night, or flip-flops for ladies who just can't take those heels any longer are all great ways to make your guests feel comfortable and enjoy themselves.

3. What makes Ooh La Love Events so wonderful? Being partners, we bring different strengths and styles to the table, and we have so much fun working together. While Jesenia is super organized and drawn towards more classic and on trend designs, Caroline is a bit more creative and drawn toward bohemian styles. By working together, we are able to come up with both designs and solutions that one of us alone might not have thought of. We fully embrace the motto that two heads are better than one!

4. Is there a particular wedding tradition that you love seeing? As a rule of thumb, if your dad is crying, chances are we are crying, too. We just can't help it!

5. Color pallets that you are loving? Neutrals with a twist. Blush, ivory, and taupe, with a pop of something unexpected like emerald is always fun.

6. Three things that inspire you? It's hard to narrow it down to three! Fashion and nature are daily sources of inspiration for us, and we are always inspired by our brides (and sometimes grooms, too!). 7. What do you do to recharge? We are always trying to plan our next girl's trip! Getting time away together to brainstorm and have some girl time really helps us recharge. If we can't carve out a couple of days to get out of town, then a hard workout followed by a bottle of wine is a great substitute. 8. A tip for somebody wanting to go into the event planning industry? Find a planner who you admire and work for them, even if you have to intern without getting paid, to gain experience. This is a great way to get to know the ins and outs of the industry, build a solid foundation of knowledge, and really figure out if this is your passion.

9. If you had $40,900 to spend on one trip, where would you go and what would you do? We would do a couples trip to the Maldives! It's rare that we get to have downtime together with our husbands, so a couples trip with beautiful beaches, relaxation, and a little adventure sounds perfect.

Jackie and Kim : La Jolla Shores Hotel

I was struck with the sensation at this wedding that I wish the whole world was there.  I wish everyone could see something this beautiful.  Jackie and Kim have a way of barreling into your heart.  I feel proud to know them.  I feel blessed.  honored. amazed. grateful.  I guess that must be love because as I wrote that I realized that is what I feel about Mike.  It was clear that every guest at this wedding felt honored to be a part of the magic.  This day was a gift for everyone who bore witness.In another lifetime, what I just wrote would be enough.  But still these two ladies who have loved each other for over a decade can't get married in their home in Texas.  Jackie and Kim made me realize that it isn't good enough that California passed a law.  These dominos need to fall faster.  Come on beautiful country that I love.  Enough is enough.  Honor the grace and love of all people.  Your heart just might burst open.

I can't help but think of the song - I'd like to teach the world to sing.  When something incredible happens to me I always want to share it with as many people as possible.  Jackie and Kim are something incredible.

Much love,

Suzanne

Venue: La Jolla Shores Hotel

Florals: Grand Floral Design

Photography: Shewanders