Brooke Aliceon

Jennifer & Jessica – {of Linen, Lace and Love}

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:58:04 +0000

I recently had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Jennifer Kahn and Jessica Bailey, sisters and founders of Linen, Lace, and Love. Their business specializes in designing and decorating events from weddings to birthday parties to formal gatherings, really anything. They are also very passionate about working with non-profit organizations. I’ve known these girls since we did Christian Youth Theater (CYT) and I’ve always seen an incredible heart and compassion within each of them. I’m so excited for their business and because of their creativity, talent, and genuineness, I’m certain they will be in high demand. We discussed everything from the beginning of their business – acquiring props from their own weddings, to their personal style – Jen has more “prep in her step” says Jess, while Jess favors the vintage/artsy look. Here’s an excerpt from the interview –

Me: Why this blog?

Jen: We both got married last summer and we had so much fun crafting and decorating our weddings. We have always wanted to work together in some way, but weren’t sure how. Then we started getting Brides contacting us with questions about how we did things for our weddings, who we used, and how to make stuff….well that was our answer. Helping other people do what we already love to do. And so the blog was born. It’s kind of a cross section of who we are; weddings, events, DYIs, and some fashion and beauty tips thrown in for good measure.

Me: What is important about details?

Jess: It’s the little details that capture who the client is. You can use them to tell a story, or just to add a special touch to an event. Weddings, Birthdays, Fundraisers, are all pretty similar…it is the details that set them apart.

Me: How do you compliment each other?

Jess: Jen is the ying to my yang. Being sisters and sharing the same interests, we’re very similar but different at the same time. Jen is really laid back and I’m a bit more OCD. I don’t like so much running the show. I’m more detail oriented, keeping track of everything set up and making sure everything is in the right place. Jen is a great leader. She’s very nurturing but gets the job done.

Jen: I love keeping an eye on the big picture while Jess is taking care of each little detail. My favorite part is when we get to just sit down and brainstorm the event. Bouncing ideas off each other and who we’re working with is so exciting and when it all comes to fruition, it’s very rewarding to see how our work reflects us and our clients. It’s great working with Jess.

Like my business, there are many husband and wife duos in the wedding photography industry, which can make a great dynamic. Jen and Jess have now completely sold me on the sister dynamic. They are right saying they are alike but different. Apart they uphold each duty their business is responsible for, but together they share an interest and passion in creating stylized events. And they are truly amazing at what they do.

If you want more information from these two lovely ladies or better yet want to hire them for your special day/event feel FREE to shoot them an email at: linenlaceandlove@gmail.com

We followed the interview with a quick photo shoot. Here are some of the pictures -

Here is Jen, just doing her thing… and beautifully so!

Look at this beautiful table! Also, Jess and Jen set this up in about 5 minutes… I’m not even kidding. Speedy and amazing?! Yes please!

The beauties behind Linen, Lace & Love! In case you are wondering, yes they did make all of these amazing details. Jess is quite handy with Chalk paint!

Sisters. They have the most beautiful dynamics.

These two girls are truly beautiful yet they are completely 100% humble. Trust me, if you meet them you won’t be able to get enough of their sweet spirits!

This is Jessica… she is fabulous!

This is Jennifer… she is classic in all forms of the word.

Jen, you remind me of a beautiful ballerina.

Jen, can you be more gorgeous?!

Jessica… stop it. Too much gorgeousness. I cannot handle. ;-)

The light was as glorious as these sisters are. Truly spectacular.

Thank you SO much Jen and Jess! I enjoyed every moment with you ladies and cannot WAIT to see what the Lord has in store for you amazing business. BRIDES! Snag these ladies up quick… they are going to be booking up fast!

Richard & Beth {Solana Beach Engagement}

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:37:57 +0000

Richard and Beth are both amazing people! They are so full of life and love each other so deeply. They have so much charisma and are totally the type of people that make you feel welcome and like you’ve known them for years.

Beth is amazingly beautiful and TOTALLY reminds me of Taylor Swift! She is creative and so incredibly kind. I absolutely loved getting to know Richard and Beth during our session and cannot wait for their upcoming wedding!

Seriously Beth, you are SO gorgeous!

You two are such a beautiful couple.

I adore this warm, hazy light. So magical!

Jeff & Christine {Temecula Engagement}

admin — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 07:17:55 +0000

Jeff & Christine are absolutely fabulous people! When we met at Starbucks to discuss their upcoming wedding I knew right away that I wanted to work with them!

They are so perfect for one another and definitely bring out the best in each other. They both have an amazing sense of humor and I must say that our session was FULL of laughter.

Jeff’s Aunt had suggested a cute winery in Temecula and I was thrilled to shoot in a place that I’d never been. I always love new locations! The winery was absolutely beautiful and the light was divine! It was SO cold and windy though and they handled the freezing perfectly! Based on the photos, you would never know! Good job guys!

I cannot begin to express how much fun I had with you two and how excited I am about your wedding. :-)

Now for some photos:

Excuse me Christine… you are so gorgeous!

Love this winery! And of course this adorable couple!

Jeff is actually a photographer as well. He brought these amazing vintage cameras.

Christine, you are gorgeous!

Christine and Jeff love to travel! I totally loved that they bought these globes. :-)

Ryan & Elise – { Just because }

admin — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 18:15:05 +0000

It’s always such a blessing for me to be able to photograph… just because.

Don’t get me wrong. I adore my clients and job more than words can describe. Seriously. But every so often it’s such a treat to photograph some of my best friends and just do what I love with people that I love. Cheesy? Probably. True? Totally.

So I asked Ryan and Elise if they wanted to shoot with me for a little bit because I wanted to try some new(ish) poses and just kind of work the kinks out and just see if my ideas/inspiration looked like what I thought it would. Sometimes… it didn’t. Haha. But thankfully, Ryan and Elise make everything look beautiful and effortless.

So here are a few photos from our quick little shoot!

Elise… just stop it with the gorgeous. ;-)

Ryan, you are quite the stud. Just sayin’.

Can they be cuter??

Thanks for the fun, guys!

Paloma – {of Paloma Lisa Photography}

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:44:06 +0000

Let’s just start this post out with how blessed I am. This business (photography) can get pretty crazy and at times discouraging. I’m SO blessed to have friends in this industry. Ones who understand everything I’m going through. Ones who know how much my day changes by one simple comment on my blog. The ones who know how far a good job really goes. The ones who know how many times a day I want to beat my head into a wall because I feel like I’m not “creative enough” or “good enough” or “special enough”… and then they stop and tell me to shut up, and that I am all of those things. I am blessed.

Enter Paloma. :-) She is that one. She is encouraging. She is always the first one to give me creative and constructive feedback. She’s honest with me. She makes me aware of things I don’t always see. She sheds insight. She’s a blessing. Paloma is someone in this industry that I have upmost respect for. Her and I started our businesses around the same time and we’ve truly watched each other grow. It’s been a beautiful thing.

We’ve been malling around the idea of doing sort of a Q & A blog post, so instead of going all techy we decided to just ask eachother some questions that were interesting and important to us… and we want all of YOU to know and understand about us.

We hope that by this post you can get to know us a little better. Be sure and check Paloma’s blog for my photos and questions!

Okay… lets get to know the beautiful Paloma!!!

What is your favorite thing about being a photographer? (Why Photography?)

Paloma: I absolutely LOVE seeing the beauty in things, because it’s there. I love capturing what makes someone beautiful, the way a couple interacts, the way a mother looks at her newborn baby. There are so many special moments in life, and so much beauty in those moments, and I love trying to seek them out and capture them in a way that does them justice. I get to show others how beautiful life is! And I get to have so much fun doing it!

How would you define your style?

Paloma: This is always a hard question for me to answer, mostly because I’ve always had a hard time classifying things. But in regards to my photography I would hope that my style is honest, fun, sweet, and just plain pretty. In general I would say my style is colorful, a little funky, and comfortable. So maybe between those two answers it all makes sense!?

How do you prepare your clients for their photoshoot? Do you have any fail proof advice you give? (What’s one thing you wish clients knew?)

Paloma: Before your shoot I try to make sure you understand the basics of what will make the biggest difference, and it all comes down to putting in some effort. By that I mean that if you, as a client, spend time thinking about what you want your photos to look like/feel like and then make choices based on that it will help you to 1-feel more comfortable once you’re in front of the camera, and 2-get better looking photos. Think about your location- is there somewhere special to you, unique to you and your fiance/family, or just somewhere that you think is beautiful? Think about your outfit choices- you want to look like yourself, but the best version of yourself! Look at your favorite clothing company’s catalog or website to see what outfit pairings you love (and think about why) so you can recreate that kind of quality in your outfit(s). Along with what you will look your best in, think about what you will feel your best in. The better you feel, the more confident you will be, and the more you can rock your photoshoot! And ladies, think about your hair and makeup!! Put in the extra time and effort to look amazing that day, or even have it done professionally (If you’re a bride to be, and this is your engagement shoot, you can use your hair/makeup trial to kill 2 birds with 1 stone). Regardless of how you make it happen, that extra pizazz will make you feel stunning, which you ARE, and if you feel beautiful the whole experience will be so much better!

Who inspires you/Where do you draw inspiration from?

Paloma: It sounds cliche, but honestly I kind of get inspired by everything! The little details in things, the light pouring in from the window, the way your laugh makes your nose scrunch or your eyes twinkle, the way a couple looks at each other when they think I’m not looking… there is SO much inspiration and beauty in life if you’re looking for it! I feel like my brain is like a little file cabinet of moments I’ve noticed that were just beautiful! I’m a walking Pinterest!

Pinterest…friend or foe?

Paloma: Funny you should ask! I think it can totally be both! Haha. I think it is super fun to look at and find and collect lovely ideas, and it can be an amazing way to gather your visual thoughts for an upcoming event or even your photoshoot. I also think it makes it harder in some ways to think for yourself creatively. I’ve seen so many repeats, of varying quality, that it sometimes makes me sad because it seems like people are getting a little too comfy with just copying someone else’s idea. Use it as a starting point, chew it over on your own, and do it your own way :)

Do you pick locations, or have clients do that?

Paloma: I LOVE LOVE LOVE when my clients pick their location and have put thought into it (meaning it isn’t just “the beach”)! It adds soooooooo much to the photos if it’s a sentimental place, or just a beautiful spot that hasn’t been done 500 times before. And if my clients have a connection to the location, they feel more at ease and more inspired themselves!

Props?

Paloma: Go big or go home! Meaning, if you’re going to bring props, or go for a theme, do it and do it well. Make sure their unique to your idea, fun, and well executed (not cheap looking). If it makes the client feel more comfortable because they have something to “do” I’m all for it. Have fun with it though, don’t just show up with a cheap, little, random toy and expect it to look amazing. Haha.

When do you have the most fun doing your job?

Paloma: When I’m photographing a couple that is so in love that they flirt the whole time (while still listening to direction from me, of course)! Hehe. It is so fun when the couple is just in tune and giving each other little looks, kisses, hugs, and sweet nothings the whole time. It keeps them focused on why we’re photographing them, it allows me to capture the way they really are together, and heck…people look good when the one they love is making them feel beautiful/handsome! Think of it as a time to connect as a couple, while looking amazing, and capturing it on film!…errr, memory card!

What have you found is the hardest part of being in front of the camera? How does that help you be a better photographer?

Paloma: Being in front of the camera. Haha. Oh, you mean specifics? Well then. I’m a dork, and I sometimes have a hard time taking myself seriously. By that I mean that if the photographer (the amazing Brooke, for example) is guiding me and suggesting that I make a serious but sassy face, it’s hard for me to do that without turning into a goofy face. And honestly, I think that it comes from not fully feeling beautiful, or believing that I could be. And I think most of us girls have a hard time with that. Most of us women get so caught up in thinking about all of our insecurities that we lose sight of the fact that other people will not be nitpicking us nearly as much as we do to ourselves, and we also forget that honestly, we’re all beautiful in our own way. I once heard Jasmine Star say that before a shoot, she’ll sometimes have a little chat with her female client giving her permission to be and feel beautiful. I LOVE that! It’s like we need someone outside of our head to say, “You ARE beautiful. And it’s okay to feel that. And it’s okay to BE that”, if that makes sense. So how does that make me a better photographer? I try to help my clients feel comfortable with me, to talk about things that make them laugh and draws out their personality, and I love to give genuine compliments, because we all need to hear them!

When you’re not behind the camera, what would you be found doing?

Paloma: Sifting through Clearance racks, listening to my favorite music a little too loudly, watching lame Reality TV shows, talking with a friend over a delicious latte, spending time with Jesus (I think He’s pretty awesome!), or thinking about the next time I get to pick up my camera.

What is your “can’t live without this” beauty product?

Paloma: Can I choose two? Maybelline Falsies mascara (such a time saver and a great price) and Burts Bees tinted lip balm in Rose. Simple, effective, cheap, and pretty! ha.

If you had $1,000 dollars to spend in one store, where would you go?

Paloma: Target. Hands down. Love that place. You could get so much for a thousand bucks: cute things for your house, clothing, accessories, necessities for my business, groceries, and a few things you never knew you needed! All for a bargain. Love it.

Favorite movie and musician!? Only pick one!

Paloma: Movie: for sure Pride and Prejudice ( the Keira Knightley, Matthew McFayden version)! The most beautifully shot movie ever, such a sweet story, and Mr Darcy. Swoon!
Musician: such a tough choice! I’ll go with my favorite at this very moment (because I have SO MANY) and say The Fray. I just got their latest and I LOVE it. SO many amazing layers and crescendos and emotion and yeah. Loving Scars and Stories right now!

Biggest overall accomplishment/ Most exciting experience in life so far?

Paloma: Honestly? Pursuing this dream. It’s been a long road and not always easy. I haven’t always been as dedicated or brave or confident as I should have been in pursuing my Photography, but I’m doing it now, and loving every minute! (Ok, maybe almost every minute) It’s scary, exciting, fun, challenging, inspiring and absolutely what I know I was made to do!

So now that you know Paloma better, make sure you check out here amazing work!!!

http://palomalisaphotography.com/

Annnnd for a few photos!

My friend is beautiful.

Paloma, can I have your gorgeous smile??

Anthony & Lauren – Solana Beach Engagement

admin — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:58:27 +0000

Anthony and Lauren are fabulous. They are fun, wonderful and wildly in love.

Anthony loves Lauren so sweetly. He is so complimentary of her. The whole session he kept remarking about how beautiful she was… and who could blame him?! Lauren is absolutely stunning! She’s so full of life and has the brightest smile!

It was such a treat to get to know them and document their love!

I absolutely adore this warm rosey light! I especially adore the my beautiful clients!

Lauren, you are SO beautiful!

This is so them. Completely in love.

Anthony is a pro at making Lauren laugh. :-)

We headed down to the beach for the rest of the shoot.

Oh, Southern California sunset… I love you!

Be sure to click here for a slideshow of our session!

You two couldn’t possibly be cuter together!!! I’m so excited for the wedding!

Dallas & Sam – Oceanside Engagement

admin — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:15:25 +0000

My best friends wedding.

I’m stupidly excited that I get to say that. For real.

Sam is my best friend and when I found out that Dallas was “the one” I couldn’t have been more thrilled. Their relationship is so special to me. I totally set them up… kind of. Well, mostly. I’ll just take credit because I’m the reason they know eachother so THERE. ;-) I’m getting to play two roles in that I couldn’t be more honored to be filling. I get to be matron of honor and Sean and I get to shoot their wedding.

This wedding in particular is probably the most special to me and dearest to my heart. Sam is the most amazing person. She’s fiercely loyal, kind hearted, smart, warm and truly the most loving person. She’s open minded and so full of passion. She’s inspiring. She hasn’t always had it easy and if you know Sam you know that regardless what cards she’s been dealt, it doesn’t matter. If there is something her heart wants it will happen. She’s just amazing like that. I love her more than words can express and she’s more than just a best friend… she’s more like a sister… or a kindred spirit. Watching her light up when Dallas’ name is mentioned or smile the biggest smile I’ve ever seen when he looks at her warms my heart. Her and Dallas have such a wonderful dynamic. They are probably two of the funniest people I’ve ever known but mostly they are two of the most selfless and loving individuals and I thank the Lord daily that I get to be a part of their life.

To my BFFFFFFFFFFF: I’m gushing with excitement for your new life. For everything that you will experience from here on out with the one who loves you most of all. I’m happy beyond expression. I’m sad because I don’t get you all to myself anymore. ;-) But mostly, I’m thankful. I’m thankful for your beautiful heart and for who you are. For the friend you are to me and always have been. I’m blessed by you. You deserve ALL of the happiness in the world and I know that Dallas will be the biggest part of that happiness. I love you both!

Now for some photos!

Yeah, they are good looking. I get it. :-)

Sam, don’t kill me for posting this one. This is your extra happy smile… and I love it!

Sam… you are beautiful.

Haley – Oceanside Senior Session

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:10:31 +0000

Haley is spunky. Haley is an artist. Haley is smart. Haley is a wonderfully kind person. Haley will go far.

I’ve known Haley for a few years now and I was more than honored that she asked me to take her senior portraits. It’s been such a joy to watch her grow and mature into someone who does everything with such grace. Haley is the type of person that literally is good at everything, yet completely and truly humble. She’s beautiful from the inside out and truly wise beyond her years. She’s fiesty and passionate and wildly talented. I’m so excited to see where the Lord takes her… I know she will do amazing things. That’s the way it is with Haley… whatever she chooses to pursue will be amazing.

Thank you for giving me the pleasure of taking your senior photos! Love ya Hay-Bail. ;-)

Haley, flashing her beauty queen smile. ;-)

One of the things I adore most about Haley is that fact that she never takes herself to seriously. <3

Haley, you are stunning. Truly.

Here is one of Haley and her younger sister Siena, who is also beautiful. Definitely love these girls!

Greg & Lisa – Poway Engagement

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:44:23 +0000

Greg and Lisa were an absolute joy to work with! They are incredibly kind and warm people. I was beyond excited when Lisa mentioned she wanted a sort of twenties feel for her photos. I always love when my clients have ideas and suggestions.

When I saw Lisa walk up to me at the park, I could not get over how absolutely stunning she looked. This girl belongs in the twenties. Lisa has expressive eyes and a delicate smile. She’s the nicest person and it’s clear why Greg is head over heals for her!

Lisa and Greg have so much charisma and I’m so excited for their upcoming wedding!! Anything with these two will be wonderful!

Also, thank you to Ty Marie Combe for doing an AMAZING job with Lisa’s hair and make up! She is one of my favorite make up artists!

Okay, enough talk… now for some photos!

Lisa, you are truly beautiful.

Greg you are quite handsome. Good job Lisa!

Love this yummy light!

Yay props! I seriously have the greatest clients!

Lisa, your dress… amazing.

Lisa and Greg had a great idea to do a mock silent movie type thing. Here she is about to get run over by a train… OH NO! ;-)

It’s okay though, Greg was there in the nick of time! ;-)

Will & Sharon – Balbao Park Engagement

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:03 +0000

Will and Sharon are seriously wonderful people!! They are so in love and it’s so clear to see. They have a wonderful sense of humor and when I was with them I couldn’t help but smile the whole entire time! They have so much chemistry and when you are with them, you can’t help but want to be their friends! My favorite thing about Will and Sharon is the way that they interact together. They have such a sweetness about them and I am so honored to be able to document it.

I’m so incredibly excited about their upcoming wedding!

Now for some photos!

Sharon, you have such a wonderful smile!

Will, you are super handsome. Sharon, you definitely have a keeper! :-)

How cute are these two?!

Sharon, you are so beautiful.

Pro dipping, right here!