Inspired by Stephanie Williams Photography

Leila — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:10:39 +0000

So ironically yesterday as I was preparing today’s post I received the most amazing hand written note/package in the mail from Stephanie Williams. Her kind words brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart. She wrote, “I just wanted to send you a little thank you gift for helping to promote my work through featuring it on your blog and by word of mouth. I’ve heard from several peers that they heard about me through you, and I can’t thank you enough for being excited and inspired by our work and sharing it with others.” Stephanie, thank you for being grateful for me- you really do give back. It’s people like you who motivate and inspire me to continue to give and help others. So… THANK YOU!

Although Stephanie’s work is focused primarily in Southern California her portfolio contains photographs from all over the world. I love her style. Each shot looks like it was captured on a warm sunny afternoon in some quaint far off land. She is just as calming and laid back as her photos. In her own words, Stephanie says this about her work and what inspires her, “I am inspired by so many different things, I usually sum it all up into two words…love + life. Golden sunset light, timeless romance, nature, peeling paint and texture and worn color, fashion and editorial magazines, images by Rodney Smith, the awesome people we get to meet and photograph, breathtaking cinematic shots and period films like Atonement and The Painted Veil, traveling and exploring new places, and pretty much anything you find in an Anthropologie store. I find myself drifting into Anthropologie to see their latest displays and vintage finds, and it pretty much gets my creative juices flowing every time. And of course, I’m constantly inspired and challenged by working alongside my husband. We motivate each other and challenge each other at every shoot and have a blast at the same time – he is my best friend and the love of my life, and I could not ask for a better career that one that could be shared with him…”

I love so many of the images below and the ethereal feel Stephanie captures. I am continually inspired by Stephanie’s work and excited to keep reading her blog and tweets to stay abreast of all the beauty she is capturing.

Inspired by These Hats

Leila — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 23:09:00 +0000

Hats have always had some presence as a bridal apparel option. My mom wore a hat on my parents’ wedding day and I so wish I could get my hands on a digital copy of an image of her from that day for all of you to see. Ever since I was a little girl I always said that when I grow up and get married I want to wear a hat in my wedding just like my mom did. Whether or not I do decide to wear one for my wedding next year, I think hats add a a touch of timeless elegance and I just can’t get enough of them! It seems we are seeing a lot of the cage veil these days and as much as I adore them, I would love to see some daring brides take a courageous step and choose some less mainstream head gear for their wedding walk. There are so many options out there. Hats off to the below images of the beautiful brim shaded brides and grooms. Have a fabulous weekend!

Images from Martha Stewart

Images from Elizabeth Messina

Image from The Brides Cafe, photograph by Orange Girl Photographs

Found on JL Designs, photographed by Stephanie Williams. Top and bottom image produced for Utterly Engaged.

Guys can wear hats too! Love this one photographed by Tec Petaja

Images by Jose Villa

Found on Amy Osaba’s blog Images from Harwell Photography

Inspired by This Blog » Stephanie Williams

Inspired by Stephanie Williams Photography

Inspired by These Hats