I have always been fascinated by photography. I have spent countless hours studying photographs of people, while considering the angles, the lighting, and the editing the photographer used. I love the fact that photography has the amazing ability to transport us to a different time, or place with one single shot.
It was not until I started blogging that I decided to take photography more seriously. With camera in hand, I started experimenting with photographs of my apartment, of friends, and family. It was after experimenting in this way that I realized my passion for photography. I have no formal training or background in this field, but I realize that passion can open your eyes to the impossible, so not only did I invest in the proper equipment I also spent the necessary time to learn everything I could to enhance the skill it takes to be proficient with this passion.
I enjoy, and appreciate the opportunity to photograph bloggers, couples, influencers who make an impact in their profession, families, and also lifestyle type setting. I take an individual approach to each person I photograph. I make every effort to embrace and highlight the focus of what they are trying to convey to their audience with each session.
I look forward to working together and capturing the potential magnificence of your moments through my eyes and the lens of my camera.
I’m back in my favorite city! A few weeks after coming home from my “Summer in Paris trip” I booked a return trip on a whim. I couldn’t stand that I didn’t have plans to go back and after talking to my extremely supportive husband who said, “just book it,” I did. I figured if I just booked the trip everything would fall into place as it should, and it did! I believe if you put it out there (whatever you are after), with pure intentions, it usually works out the way it is supposed to!
The weeks leading up to the trip were insanely busy. From traveling to photoshoots I don’t think I had a moment to breath, let alone think about the trip. On a side note – I am so grateful for the busyness and business I get to do and all the people I get to photograph (thank you to each and every one of you) that help make my “quick trips back to Paris” a reality.
Being that I had little time to prepare I went to Gap and J.Crew the day before leaving, purchased this sweater in grey and black (30% off with code EXTRA) and this blazer I have been lusting after. However, no one tells you that Paris in the fall is extremely cold! What I really needed to be buying was a thick winter coat, gloves, a turtleneck, and a hat! It is freezing! But the cold is quickly forgotten when you look around and see all the beauty that is Paris in the fall. The leaves falling to the ground, the stillness of the Seine, and the chic Parisians hustling to work in all of their warm weather clothes. I just love Paris. Warm or cold, I feel so at home here! Maybe I should book another return flight before even leaving 🙂 haha just kidding! Kind of…
check out Krystal’s blog to see more photos I shot
Austin holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it where I spent a lot of my childhood (I have family in the area) but it is also where I got married. When the hubs and I were engaged we looked all over the country on where to get married. Everywhere from Virginia to Maine and Wyoming to Idaho. I couldn’t find that perfect place until I was sitting in my husbands sunroom in Geneva browsing a wedding website. I was scrolling around and happened upon the most perfect spot I had seen yet. I remember thinking it was in California so ruled it out. I even said, “Wow, if this place was in Texas that would be a dream.” Come to find out, it was. And even better, it was in Austin. Brice looked at me and said, “why had we not thought of Austin before? We love Austin.” It has a lively scene, loads to do, incredible food, culture, and an International airport. If you haven’t been to Austin lately (or at all), I recommend you put it at the top of your list. With so much to do and so much Texas culture wrapped up in one city you are sure to have an unforgettable time! The only thing you will regret, is that you did not go sooner!
WHERE TO STAY:
Hotel Saint Cecilia – The famous Austin hotel home to the famous “soul” neon sign. This trendy and picturesque boutique hotel is perfectly located in the South Congress District. It offers the ideal Austin bohemian vibe! Don’t forget to enjoy a cocktail on their outdoor patio, reserved for hotel guest only
Hotel San Jose – Sister hotel to Hotel Saint Cecilia, this 1930s’ motor lodge throwback is a hip hotel in the heart of SoCo. Perfect for a fun weekend with its buzzy bars and music venues close by.
Kimber Modern Boutique Hotel – A block away from SoCo’s hip bars, this boutique hotel offers a striking and sleek design – Rooms and suites are white, with pops of color and original artwork! It is also on a residential street, perfect for anyone wanting a quieter night
Airbnb – A great way to live like a local. Amazing properties offered all over the city at great prices! Perfect for large groups who want to stay together
The Driskill – An Austin landmark! Dating from 1886, this opulent Downtown hotel is full of history (some say it is haunted). The hotel is perfectly located in the heart of downtown and within a 12-minute walk from the Texas State Capitol
Hotel Ella – This boutique hotel is set within a refurbished manor house dating back to 1898
Casulo Hotel – Mixing urban chic with a zen ambiance, this minimalist boutique hotel is the perfect place to come to relax. Japanese-inspired rooms and suites have bathrooms with rainfall showers and separate 6-foot-long tubs. * A 14-minute drive from Bergstrom airport
Four Seasons – For the more elegant, upscale traveler! Rooms overlook Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. It is also a 0.9 miles from the Texas Capitol building
Heywood Hotel – This small 7 room hotel features individually styled suites for a unique Austin stay
WHERE TO EAT:
COFFEE SHOPS
Figure8 – Owned by a couple who have over 20 years of experience running coffee shops and pulling shots. The owners say that they want Figure 8 to feel approachable and that no one should feel intimidated going inside their shop
Jo’s Coffee – There are many locations throughout Austin but their SoCo location is an Austin staple! Great coffee, great location (grab a coffee then go shopping), and great people watching! Be sure to snap a photo with the “I love you so much” wall art on the side of their building
Cenote – A really cute setting to enjoy their famous iced coffee on tap
La Patisserie – A french inspired bakery and coffee shop which offers traditional French sweets, savory croissants & sandwiches
Flitch Coffee – An inviting and relaxed coffee shop which offers local pastry served from a quaint, retro camper with patio seats
BREAKFAST/LUNCH
Gardner – A truly beautiful Scandinavian design restaurant with incredibly delicious food. Enjoy a five course meal all hand prepared with the freshest of ingredients
Hillside Farmacy – Decadent brunch or sandwhiches in an old world setting
Elizabeth St. Cafe – A can’t miss if you are visiting Austin. Such a cute setting for great French inspired breakfast bites & creative Vietnamese plates for lunch & dinner! Also, don’t forget to try their Funafuti or Strawberry macaroons! Delicious!
Sawyer & Co. – 60’s style breakfast diner re-envisioned. Enjoy your food coma by taking a power nap in their lawn chairs!
Takoba – Incredible modern Mexican food and amazing mimosas
La Barbecue – Arrive by 11 a.m. or be prepared to wait a while. Don’t worry, the barbecue will be worth it!
Cenote – A little coffeehouse full of people scribbling away but go in quick and grab one of their amazing tacos to go!
Counter Cafe – Just down home good classic diner food
Quickie Pickie – Best sandwiches and tacos, beer bar and a great patio for people watching!
East Side Cafe – Classic Austin. Farm to table before it was trendy! Serves all the breakfast classics!
Tacos Deliciosos – A food truck with some serious tacos! Don’t plan on staying long – it is mainly to-go only.
DINNER
Lamberts – I had my Sunday wedding brunch here. Absolutely delicious food! Fancy Barbecue and Southern food with a great bar and music upstairs!
Elizabeth St. Cafe – Enjoy their delicious, hand-made Vietnamese dishes!
Justine’s – French yumminess with decadent cocktails! Definitely arrive before your dinner to enjoy a cocktail on their beautiful outdoor patio
Launderette – Gourmet southern food in a converted Laundromat
La Traviata – Truly authentic and good Italian food
Buenos Aires Cafe – Rich, modern Argentinian food in one hell of a cozy setting
Jacoby Mercantile – Southern classics elevated by farm-fresh ingredients in a rustic space with a lush garden & a shop
Sagra – Relaxed setting. Italian pastas & mains, plus a wood-burning stove for house-made pizzas.
La Condesa – Contemporary Mexican dishes and a vast tequila selection! Try the Pisco Sour!
Perla’s – Best and freshest seafood in Austin. Beautiful patio under hanging tree lights
Uchiko – Japanese Farmhouse & sushi (great choice if you want sushi)
Swift’s Attic – American/gastropub. A great place for fancy hamburgers and steaks
LATE NIGHT
East Side Show Room –A fixture on the “Best of Austin” list since opening in 2009. One feels transported to Paris in the 1920s with its artistic interior design, French bistro menu, vivacious live music and long list of pre-Prohibition cocktails
Weather Up – east austin – Don’t bother looking for a sign, there isn’t one — but there are expertly crafted drinks (the comprehensive menu’s broken down by spirit and preparation) and an atmosphere that lends itself to casual groups outside or an intimate date inside
Péché – vintage ambiance and a creative pre-prohibition style drink menu. Try it out for their plethora of absinthe choices and then stay for the seriously delicious French food
Bar Congress – The soaring ceilings and sophisticated design make this intimate bar feel anything but small. Posh cocktail lounge with a sidewalk patio serving inventive small plates & many wines by the glass
Drink.Well. – Cozy gastropub presenting eclectic plates & innovative cocktails in a stylish setting
Midnight Cowboy – This unassuming den is a tricky one to spot. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll most likely walk right by it. Make a reservation, ring the buzzer marked “Harry Craddock” to enter, and ease into the dark, narrow bar lined with booths on both sides
Whisler’s – Located in an old 1917 building on East Sixth Street this bar is one to see. With its two-story stone walls bedecked with religious iconography and some of the world’s best spirits you will be in awe as you sip that off-the-menu cocktail
Wonderland – Owned by the same team which owns the decidedly more upscale Bar Congress, Wonderland aims to serve the same quality cocktails in a dive bar setting. Quirky beers, bar food, live music and a comfy outdoor patio keep a down tempo vibe rolling late into the evening
WHAT TO DO:
HISTORY BUFF
Texas State Capitol – Beautiful architectural detail and history! Just don’t miss the basement…
The Driskill Hotel – Step back in time in this landmark ornate hotel. Definitely have a drink at the Saddie Seat Bar!
Texas State Cemetery – Get coffee to go from Farmacy and take a stroll through the historical headstones
Green Pastures (for dinner) – Opened in 1895 and is still running! A 100% authentic old Texas feel
South Congress Shopping District – Tons of unique shops and restaurants. Not to be missed! (don’t forget to try – Georges II, Amy’s Ice Cream, Jo’s Coffee, and Uncommon Objects)
Bats on the Congress Bridge – Sounds eery and it is definitely not for everyone but where else can you see 1.5 million bats in flight (March – November only – 6-9pm)
Alamo Drafthouse (cinima) – An original Austin establishment. Watch a movie while eating dinner
Zilker Park – Take in some fresh air and enjoy the sunny weather! Have kids? Ride the Zilker Zephyr Miniature Train
Hope Outdoor Gallery – A three-story outdoor art project and one of the largest outdoor galleries in the USA. Definitely a place to see and take lots of photos!
ACL Live at the Moody Theater – Home of the long-running Austin City Limits PBS series, the Moody Theater is also the site of big-name concerts. Even though there are 2,750 seats, each one is within 75 feet of the stage. With 12 bars, you rarely have to wait in line for a drink
Rainey Street – What started as a few old houses turned into bars has grown into a full-blown entertainment district on the southeastern edge of downtown. The oddest venue goes to The Container Bar which is made out of recycled shipping containers stacked on top of each other
Downtown Farmers Market – On Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Republic Square Park at 498 West 4th Street is transformed into a lively farmers market. Whether you’re in the market for fresh fruit, artisanal cheese, kimchi or other locally made specialty foods, you’ll find just about anything you can imagine at the farmers market, plus live music and a festive vibe
Paramount Theatre – This historic theater hosts red-carpet movie premieres, plays, live music, ballets and stand-up comedy. Opened in 1915, the 3,000-seat venue still has many of the original Art Nouveau stylistic touches, including an elaborately ornate ceiling.
SWIMMING HOLES
Barton Springs –No list of swimming holes would be complete without Barton Springs, the refreshing sanctuary in the middle of the city
Deep Eddy –Just around the corner from Barton Springs is Deep Eddy, another spring-fed escape. Perfect for kids
“Secret” Beach – Right along the Colorado River you’ll find beach that’s perfect for lounging around/hanging out all day. Looking to float down the river? This spot is perfect! It is also dog and kid friendly
Hippie Hollow – The infamous Austin spot where clothing is optional. Beat the heat by taking your clothes off for a refreshing swim. And when I say clothes off, I mean all of them! *must be 18 to enter
Jacob’s Well – One of the more famous and beautiful swimming holes around Austin. Due to new regulations to protect the area there are now admission fees and restricted swimming hours. ** Plan ahead, because you must reserve a two-hour slot for swimming the Hays County website
Hamilton Pool Preserve –This picturesque lagoon is fed by a small, sprinkling waterfall. There’s a 10-15 minute walk down to the pool, so bring appropriate shoes. Arrive early: A limited number of folks are allowed in
Paris is the O.G. when it comes to cocktail bars. What you see in almost every city now originated in the city of love. Yup, those Parisians have one upped you! And because the scene is so crazy good I decided to narrow down the list for you and share my favorite spots in today’s post – Paris Best Cocktail Bars! So cheers mon ami! Enjoy that delicious, hand crafted, often times one-of-a-kind, pure goodness!
This bar has a very special place in my heart. It happens to be right across the street from a bar I went to in high school while on a trip to Paris with my sister and cousin. Years later while on a trip to Paris with my then boyfriend (now husband) we found ourselves strolling around this area and popped in Prescription. We ended up having an incredibly fun night. When I left I didn’t know when I would be back but come to find out my summer apartment was right down the street! So I got to walk passed it almost daily and enjoy another fun evening their with the husband. I seem to find myself gravitating toward it each trip I take. The atmosphere is great! The drinks are strong! And it is always a guaranteed fun night.
Address: 23 rue Mazarine, 75006 Average price for cocktail: 13-15€
Experimental is the O.G. of the Paris cocktail scene. This insanely popular spot is quite small and always full so try to get there early. Just tell the bartender what you like and watch them create magic!
Address: 37 rue St-Sauveur, 75002 Average Price Per Cocktail: 13€
Silencio is the “seen and be seen” bars of this list. This David Lynch designed club offers pricy cocktails and a 99% chance of celebrity sightings. But don’t hold your breathe to get in. It is members only before midnight and after that you are subject to a very strict door. However if get in and are ready to shell out for a drink the decor could make that extra € worth it. With rooms with fumoir, movie theater, and stage for bands to perform you will be fully entertained through the night.
Address: 142 rue Montmartre, 75002 Average price for cocktail: 18€
This club is different than others as it offers incredibly delicious food! Upstairs, The Beef Club is a stylish steak house and downstairs, the Ballroom du Beef Club offers a sexy setting to enjoy an aperitif or a place to cozy up to late into the night. I recommend getting here before 9pm to insure a table or after 10pm as the second cocktail room opens. As this club is a modern take on an old tradition be ready to pay a “modern” price. However, word on the street, it is all (meat and drinks) worth it.
Address: 58 rue Jean Jacques Rousseau, 75001 Average price for dinner: € 35-49
This bar is rich in history and authenticity. Right before prohibition, a New Yorker dismantled his Manhattan bar and rebuilt it stone for stone on Paris’s Rue Daunou. Come here to enjoy classic décor, 300 whiskies, and oceans of different beers. Located near the Opéra Harry’s often is flooded with tourists who want to enjoy a drink in the same place Hemingway often found inspiration, or just foggy vision. TIP: Head to the underground piano bar and enjoy a specialty cocktail at the same piano Gershwin composed the tune ‘An American in Paris’ and where jazz concerts are held every Thursday and Friday nights.
Address: 5 Daunou street, 75002 Average price for cocktail: 15€
An incredibly chill place to enjoy an incredibly delicious cocktail. Located near the Bastille, this bar is a whiskey lovers dream. After years of studying cocktail bars the owners of Sherry Butt have perfected it! **Fact: It is located across the street from the apartment the Doors band member Jim Morrison died.
Address: 20 Rue Beautreillis, 75004 Average price for cocktail: 11€
