Waterworld : Morgan and Oscar

Getting to photograph a mother and child is always special.  The love that exists between them is so pure and moving.  There is an undeniably strong bond that is one of a kind.  I was eager to capture this relationship in my underwater series and am overjoyed with the results.  There is such a mixture of emotions in these images: trust, love, security, support, happiness, excitement and wonder.xoxo,

Suzanne

4 things...friends and family

It is hard to believe we are already half way through October.  This time of year I like to spend extra time with my friends, family and loved ones.  I hope everyone gets some time this season to do the same.Thinking about : Nicknames.  I have always enjoyed nicknames.  They are such special inside jokes that make you laugh and smile every time you hear them.  Some of my favorites are, Stripes, Gaidin Nordic warrior, uncle gorilla, and Mike what happens in Vegas, Mike Ofeldt.

Dreaming of : an upcoming trip to Vegas.  Two of my oldest friends are flying in from Australia to Vegas in a few weeks.  I cannot wait for Mike to finally meet them and to have a fun weekend with my friends.

Inspired by : Collaborating with friends. Alyssa McNees, Taylor Mcwethy and I created a Kid parade, play date, photo shoot. I feel so blessed to count these two super talented ladies as friends and collaborators.

Dining : family barbecues.  It's been a few weeks of family time and I am so smitten about getting to eat outside al fresco with my family.  Everyone is so spread out and it has been amazing to be able to share so many meals together.  My cousin Amber hosted the most beautiful dinner in her backyard a few weeks ago.  She lives in Napa and has a gorgeous garden with tons of wine.  Being around her makes me want to take cooking classes. Looking forward to heading back and visiting Amber Minha again.

 

Enjoy your week everyone.

 

xoxo,

Suzanne

The $40,900 question: Donna Urban

1. What got you started in the wedding coordinating business?Owning an art gallery for ten years put me in the business world as well as the creative world. After the sale of that business, it was not a stretch to use the creative and organizational skills to move into the wedding world. A passion for design and customer service was put into a whole new arena.

2. Most rewarding part of your job?

Taking a wedding or event from conception to completion and seeing the satisfaction and JOY of my clients as they realize it with me!

3. Is there a specific style (vintage, shabby chic, rustic, etc.) that you love?

I love all styles, but I probably gravitate towards the warm themes that the outdoor weddings bring. Using nature as the canvas and getting creative by bringing sophisticated elements into that are some of my favorites.

4. Where do you draw inspiration from?

My clients, most of all. Each couple is so different and bring something new to each wedding.

5. A piece of advice for a bride who's wedding is coming up?

Make sure that you have a planner who is not a family member or well meaning friend to do the hard work. You are spending so much time, money, and effort to create your special day...have someone who knows exactly what should be happening, when it should be happening, what should NOT be happening, and make it ALL happen with a peaceful yet "get it done" attitude.

6. What do you do to unwind and recharge?

Walk with my friends, read, go fly fishing with my husband!

7. Three things you can't live without?

Besides water, shelter, and food? (: God, my family, and chocolate. (:

8. If you could have a profession other than yours, what would you do?

I would renovate and redecorate houses!

9. A tip for somebody looking to get into the wedding coordinating business?

Work for free. Honestly...shadow people whose work you admire and be willing to do whatever you are asked to do. No job too small. There's no substitute for on site experience.

10. If you had $40,900 to spend on one trip, where would you go and what would you do?

First, I would find another $1,000 to make it an even $50K....something about that sounds like much more, doesn't it? (:

I would buy a used RV and spend a few months traveling United States with my husband visiting all of our friends and family situated around the country.

 

Shewanders, Shewanders Photography, photography, wedding photography, weddings, San Diego, San Diego wedding photographer, Donna Urban

Jess and Michael : San Diego Botanical Gardens

"I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” - John Green. The Fault in Our StarsIt's the best feeling in the world to photograph someone's wedding that you already love.  Admittedly, Mike and I are blessed when it comes to the best clients ever.  We are epically spoiled with the best couples, and it is even better when you already know the couple and have watched them grow together.  Jess and Michael melt my heart.  They are endearing, awkward, and so witty.  Jess was an intern at Shewanders at one point and I always am struck with this feeling of pride when I'm around her.  I wish them every happiness in the world and can't wait to see what else unfolds for Jess and Michael.

To the happy couple!

xoxo Suzanne

 

Venue: San Diego Botanic Garden

Florals: Siren Floral Co. 

Dress: The White Flower

Photography: Shewanders

 

00030002 0004 0005 0006To see more of Jess and Michael's Botanical Gardens wedding click

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