A Real Gem Jewelry

I was SO excited when I discovered another way to re-use my ring pillow from my wedding! :D Handmade by a dear friend!





- Lauren

For information on this piece, please contact Krista Cornett: arealgem05[at]aol.com

Senior Rep 2010: Shannon

After we did our fun session with Shannon and her pup, we asked her if she will be our Senior Representative for the Class of 2011. She said yes! What this means is Shannon received a fun pre-session with us, we found some really cute local spots to do our shoot. Then, Shannon will pass out custom cards with her photos to friends in her class (pictures coming soon!!) and in turn we will give Shannon a free Senior Session. AND, for every 5 friends that book us, she will receive free graduation announcements. Thank you Shannon, you are beautiful inside and out!

We are still looking for a couple of 2011 Seniors and booking 2012 graduates as well!! Contact us for more information: info{at}laurelislephotography.com

The Art of a Barista

I am, but a cup of coffee. A simple pleasure enjoyed by many - addicts, workaholics, entrepreneurs, and procrastinators; however, the old will enjoy me with their dessert and breakfast, and the young will thirst after me till have come of age. For a barista, I am a completely different story. I am not longer the means to an end (books, meetings, the day... etc.), but I am the end and the mean. I am not just the black and foam found within 10% biodegradable cup, I start before that. If you were to meet me from the beginning, I come in a 100% recyclable bag of coffee beans. Before I am ground, my beans are oily, fresh and the aroma of rich flavor makes your tired eyes perk up. I am then poured into a coffee grinder that finely grinds me and other hundreds of other coffee beans into what appears to be brown dust - the finer the grind the bolder the taste. Today I am being ground into espresso, for a caramel macchiato. Yummy. I am tightly smashed into the handle, so that all my flavor and aroma can stay intact as water rushes over me. As the water pours through the handle I begin to leak through as well, but now I am coming out black with a light caramel finish. That’s how you know my existence, as a bean was fresh by the caramel-light foam that rests on top of black espresso. Inside my cup, before I am poured, is a vanilla syrup and a thick layer of caramel; however, before I am poured inside milk must be steamed. Steaming milk is harder than it appears. Every type of milk (either soy, 2% or otherwise) steams differently. So one must be careful. Steaming milk not only raises the temperature, but also brings all the flavor up to the top in a foamy-like existence. After the milk is carefully steamed and poured into the cup, I am the last thing to go. I am a delicate process that gets people through their finals, that interview, the headache, or a long night. I am, but a cup of coffee.

Memorial Day

We had the opportunity to do some event photos for Congressman Adam Schiff on Memorial Day. While one of the great enjoyments of the American culture is the three day weekend, I was thankful to be working these events last weekend. It was not only a great learning experience in a whole new field of photography, we were able to participate in two city events which so beautifully reminded me of what this country has been founded on and what has been sacrificed to maintain. May we never cease to pay tribute to and remember those who have defended the freedom we so often take for granted.





There is a price for everything,
nothing is easy, nothing free.
To be left without wanting,
then you must pay the cost.


With little price paid
and your appreciation lean,
value slips away to fade.
The desired becomes ignored.


If you yearn, if necessity be,
work for it to earn the worth.
Then care for it that you shall see,
the appraisal shall not deflate.


Freedom comes to everyone,
if the price be paid, with blood.
Sacrifice for sake of freedom,
it is not easy and it is not free.

The Price
©2002 Roger W Hancock (www.PoetPatriot.com)

Sneak Peek: Mike & Danielle

Sneak peek: Araceli & George

One of Lindsay's photos from Araceli & George's wedding. I love how it looks like a fairy tale. :)

Looking for memory makers.

A introspective post is in the works about this past year. About two sisters who are so very different but in some ways very much alike. One of the ways that we are alike is that we are hard working and always up for a challenge.

Along the way - we've met and pursued relationship with several talented creatives. Some we've known since almost birth, others we've known from times past and renewed our friendship, and still others are new friends with whom we are building ties. We've discovered that by being open to opportunity, no matter how small - you may open doors to even greater opportunity.

Honesty, hard work, and a commitment to learn, these are things we value and are striving to meet others of a like mind.

This weekend we are co-hosting an event to help us continue chasing this crazy dream. It's one half meet new creatives and grow our working relationships. And it's one half meet brides and grooms to be, while introducing them to a pool of local talent.

I know that when I was planning my big day, I didn't attend any bridal shows or expos. I knew that I wouldn't be able to afford any of their services so why even go?

This is not that event. I cannot speak for all the vendors in attendance, but I will not be overbearing, overpricing or have a stuffy table. :) I will proudly show you my new album which is beautiful and expensive. I will share my candy. I will hand you a business card. And I will invite to enjoy your day at our intimate mixer. Hopefully this event will be a fun easy going party in the midst of a fast paced hectic L.A. season of your life.

Enjoy all the pieces of the planning. It will fly by all on it's own.

www.laweddingmixer.com




graphic//giant workshop