Don't be jealous....

I know, you wish your living room looked like mine. :) LOL
I normally would not post something like this. My place is a mess. My inner type "A" personally hates it! I think that Aiden watches me pick up his toys. Then he carefully waits until I am distracted to pull every single toy out. He doesn't play with them, he just pulls them out of their basket. I haven't quite figured out why a remote control or cell phone could be more appealing than the bunches of toys that are scattered around the floor.



Today, I am going to clean this place up. But I need to do it before 9:30am because I have someone coming over! Wish me luck!

Dreams

Some of you may know this about me.... I have dreamt of going to Australia for many, many years. I'm not really sure when it started but it hasnt' stopped. Anytime someone would mention they had been there, I was right there listening to all their wonderful stories. When I was in high school I had a few pen pals from Australia. I love to surrond myself with the country. After I graduated from High School I got a job at Outback Steakhouse because, well, it is themed Australian. I worked there for about 6 years. As I have gotten older, the "obsession" isn't as strong. I have added going to New Zealand on my list as well.
-I wanted to go there before I had children but that didn't happen. I am hoping that it will soon because I still really want to go!



For those of you that have been there, could you share with me some of your favorite things. Just so I can get jealous :)
No, really. I would love to know. The more information I have, the better my trip will be :)

Hugs to you all!

I can't deny....

That this kid is adorable.
I love my little monkey!



Taken with my new 5D and 85mm 1.8 lens. I am loving my new camera :) Poor Aiden, he hates it. :)
Until next time

Yesterday I had lunch with Melissa McClure and Jen Harris. Two fabulous So Cal photographers. We met on a photograpy board called Open Source Photo (OSP). Through the last few months, Melissa and I have been emailing back and forth. We shared a quick bond because, well, we are both very cool :)
Jen and Mel have been friends for a long time. Now Jen and I share a bond, our son's have the same birthday. OH, and Mel and Aiden have the same bday too :)
Jen says I am now connected to them :) I hope so! I really enjoyed talking with the ladies. Our conversation was "real". I didn't feel like anyone was "showing off" (does that make sense?)
I really hope to continue my friendship with these wonderful ladies!
I had a great time with you gals. Thanks for driving all the way from Riverside to come meet me Jen!
Here are links to their blogs (I hope these are right, if not let me know ladies)

www.melissamcclure.blogspot.com
www.jennyhair.blogspot.com

Hugs to you both!!!





Jen, Mel and Me :)

Last night my sister-in-law had a Grey's Anatomy Season Premier "get together". I had to bring my camera along :)
I did take lots more pics but I didn't get a picture of everyone there, so I didn't think it would be fair to post them without all that were attending int the picture. ( I hope that made sense)
Stacie made Pomergranite Martinis and we got food from El Portal. I also brought along cookie dough (courtesy of Brianna's recipe) and made cookies.
It was a nice time hanging out with everyone. Last season I think I watched a few episodes of Grey's. I was hooked. It seems like this season will be pretty good. I hope so.
Their kitties Xena and Roxy were also enjoying the evening.
-Tony recorded "The Office" and we watched that afterwards. I love that show. It is so funny. I just get so embarassed for Michael.
Enough about that.
Until next time.
Hugs :)

LaFolie

Here are my first pics with my new 5D. I love this thing. These are pretty much SOOC. I sharpened them for web and that's about it.
I ordered this hat and matching scarf for Aiden for the winter. I figured if Courtney Cox's kid is good enough to wear them, so is Aiden :) No, I saw them on Audrey Woulard's site a while back. A lot of her clients wear them. They are actually worn by the star's kids too. I just love them.
They are called LaFolie Knits.
Aiden did not want to wear the hat. He kept trying to take it off, but I snagged a few with it on him.

I just love my new camera!

Wild Wedding

On Saturday I had the pleasure of second shooting with Masen www.ma5en.com/blog.
When I woke up that day, I wasn't sure how the wedding would turn out. Rain was pouring down. As the day progressed, the rain subsided and the wedding was beautiful.
The ceremony and reception were held at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. What a fun venue.
Here are some shots from the day


















All in all, it was a great wedding. It was a long day but lots of fun. Thanks for letting me shoot with you Masen.
Until next time
Hugs to you all
-M

28

Today I was reminded of how incredibly blessed I am. I have so many wonderful friends and family members that love me.
I am so blessed!
Not only did I receive many email cards and phone calls today, I also received some wonderful gifts.
My husband planned such a wonderful day for me. It was all a surprise.
I am blessed.
-The biggest surprises today were two presents I received. I got some amazing gifts today, but I really wasn't expecting these two.
When I opened my new 5D, I literally cried. I couldn't believe that Mark got it for me. Yes, I might be a baby but I was touched.
Anyway, thank you everyone for making my birthday so special. I am truly blessed.
ps-I have the best husband in the whole wide world! I love you honey!





-In case you were wondering, Aiden will be subject to my testing of my new camera in the days to come :)
Hugs to you all

Jeanne and Jason Engaged

Tonight I had the pleasure of photographing Jeanne and Jason's engagement pictures. They also brought along Jason's son Austin, but he wasn't really in the mood to take pictures. Although I did snag a few cute ones of him. Those are for a different post.
We had a great time. Jason was being silly and making me and Jeanne laugh. I got quite a few pictures of him making funny faces. Jeanne has such gorgeous eyes. Isn't she just beautiful?
I have known Jeanne for quite a while now and I will have the honor of photographing their wedding November.
Here is a sneek peek for Jeanne and Jason.
You two are so great! I can't wait to shoot your wedding in November!
Love to you both!

It was a day filled with snuggles and laughter. An ordinary day in the Koehler household. Aiden was playing with his toys, pushing his new Mickey airplane. The sound of The Incredibles playing in the background. Then, Aiden turns to me with a silly grin on his face. He was in a playful mood. I ran and grabbed my camera. The usual occurred, as soon as I got the familiar object out and in his face the smiles disappeared. It wasn't unusual, typical Aiden behavior. Then, suddenly the smiles reappeared. I grabbed my camera for the second time, too late. He was too smart for my tricks. I decided to be patient. I held the camera up and talked to him. I made a doggy bark and the laughter started. I got it!!!! A smile! Successs.
Who knew doggie noises could be so funny?
Oh to be an 11 month old.....





To commerate this special occasion, I put his picture in one of my new Holiday Templates. I will be offering these this season and I am so excited to show them to you. As you can see, it is very versatile.

ps-for those of you that think I am strange for making a big deal out of a smile, this is the first smile I have gotten from him on camera. It's pretty exciting :)

Hugs to you!

Pick Me

Another photographer buddy of mine does this on his blog and I thought I would give it a try.

-Submit your favorite photo/photos of yours to me. I will pick 3 winners to do some Photoshop Magic to their pictures. I will post the before and afters on my blog so everyone can see your beautiful photos. I will also email you back the newly photoshoped images. :)

So, starting Wednesday the 19th I will be taking submissions for "Pick Me". I will take them until next Wednesday the 26th. Please email the pictures to me at

meli@melissakoehlerphotography.com

Also include your name, why the picture is your favorite and what the picture means to you.

Go through your pictures and send me some to play with. This is a chance for all you blog readers that don't comment to participate. I would love to hear from you!

-This will be fun! :)

Have a great day!

Some exciting news here. I will be doing "The" Premier Wedding Show in San Diego. I am so excited that I was chosen to exhibit there. I have been busy getting everything ready for the show. My Artist Coordiantor and best friend have been working with me to make sure that I am ready for the show. Lots of hours have already been put into making sure I am ready.
This is why you haven't seen much of me lately.

This should be a blast to go to. I will be sending an email out to my brides for 2 free tickets to attend the show. If you want tickets let me know, first come first served. (well, more like first respond).
It will be fun!
I hope to see you all there!

Here are the details...

October 7th from 12-5pm
Hyatt Regency Aventine

Stop by and say hi :)
Hugs to you all

Photographer's lunch

Yesterday I got together with some local photographers here in San Diego. Masen was kind enough to facilitate the event.
It is always nice to talk to other people in your field and share things with them. I am always so amazed at how giving this photography community really is.
We went to Pizza Nova in Hillcrest, which has some yummy pizza!
Here are a few shots of the lunch.
-I have to preface saying that I grabbed my camera as I was going out of the house and didn't realize the lens I had until I got to lunch. Needless to say, the 85mm wasn't the best choice for such an intimate meeting :)












As I have mentioned before, my hyperlink doesn't work so here are all the great people that were there yesterday

Masen- www.ma5en.com/blog
Kim and David Baxter- www.sdohana.com/blog
Geri Goodale- www.casabellavida.blogspot.com
Jamie Lawlor- blog and website coming soon. She has great hair though :)

Thank you everyone for being so great yesterday. It was so fun hanging out with you all and I hope to be able to do it again soon. Aiden had a good time too :)
Hugs!

I have received some emails asking me to do before and afters. Today I took some pictures of Aiden (he is not happy BTW).

-The first picture is SOOC





-The second picture I duplicated the layer to "screen". Bumped the contrast, perfected his skin a bit, and used a Kubota action called " Daily Multi Vitamin" for a little extra pop.
Not too much done to it.

If you have any questions feel free to ask :)

San Diego, Super Chargers!

Today was the season opener for the Chargers. They faced off against the Chicago Bears. What an intense game. The first half wasn't looking so good for the Chargers. Then they pulled through after half time to win the game 14-3.
Hopefully they will have a good season with their new head coach.
Aiden had somewhat of a good time. I finally posted some new pictures on his blog www.aidenkoehler.blogspot.com
I hope everyone had a great Sunday!

Today I got to photograph Princess Bella. We had so much fun playing and being silly. She is such a sweetie.
Thanks for such a great day you guys! See you again soon.
Love to you!

74%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Mingle² - Dating Site

I came across this cute quiz tonight on Justin and Mary's blog (justinmarantz.blogspot.com) :)
Very sad that I am 74% addicted to blogging. I guess it could be worse. I could be addicted to something much more harmful, like myspace :)

Take the quiz here. (sorry my hyperlink isn't working)
http://mingle2.com/blog-addiction
After you take it, post your results in the comments.
Happy blogging :)

Today I had the pleasure of photographing the Lucidi family. We had a great time at the beach. Thankfully the weather has been much better lately. Miss Isabella experienced playing in the sand for the first time. It was so cute to watch her feel the sand in her hands and toes!
You might recognize Tanya and Isabella from my website, they are the ones that are on the main page of the Lifestyles section. It is Joey's first appearance today on the blog.
Here are just a few shots from today. I got some great ones. I hope you enjoy your pictures.
Lots of love to you!

Double Header Saturday

Today was a busy one! I started the day with a maternity session for my friends Kim and Pat. They are expecting their baby on my birthday :)
Kim is such a beautiful woman inside and out. She is so kind hearted and I can already tell she is going to be the best mommy! Pat is such a giver and is so adoring of Kim. These two are such wonderful people and their baby will never go a day wondering if he is loved.
Then later in the day I had the pleasure of helping photograph a wedding with David Baxter (www.sdohana.com/blog). What a beautiful wedding at the San Diego Country Club. It was like the paparazzi at this event. They are sure to have some great images for sure :)
What a great day, filled with lots of fun and photography.

Sorry these are kind of out of order, I am still battling blogger with some issues.
Have a great day everyone!