A Hidden Gem- THE SHANE CENTER

Have you heard of the Shane Center in Miami Beach? Neither have I. One of my bride's is having their wedding in May there. I was intrigued that I had never heard of this reception site, so I made an appointment with the event coordinator, Rosalina. I have to say the website pictures do not give it justice. My favorite part of the site is the view. It overlooks the bay and private homes (mansions I should say) and you get a view of the sunset. The ballroom is a clean slate, no red velvet drapes or tacky carpet, just white walls and wood floor. Whether you are having a tiffany blue color scheme or a beach theme; this room allows you to have total control, you can make it your own. Did I mention there is an outside veranda for a ceremony, lounge or cocktail hour. It really is a hidden gem. For those of you searching for a reception/ceremony site, the Shane Center is definitely worth checking out.

-patty

Nicholas' Announcement

Earlier this month I photographed newborn pictures of Nicholas'. I thought I would share with you the announcement I designed. So many people are either ordering their announcements from the hospital or using an on-line announcement site. Why? The way I see it, newborn photos are priceless. Whether its your first or third child, these photos are so special. Don't get me wrong the on-line announcement companies have such cute designs, but what about the photograph. Newborn photo sessions are not only about the announcements. The photos from this session will be the beginning of your families memories. SOOOOO with that being said, ppplleeassssee don't use that hospital photo of your child screaming in a plastic box that a teenager took to be your photo for the baby announcement.

-patty

I love our brides!!!

Here's another compliment from one of the best brides ever!!!  She is so nice and sweet!  I love it!!!  It feels good to hear how appreciated your art is!  

"Hi Susie and Patty: 

I saw the pics last night when I got home around 11 pm and went to sleep around 1:00 am. my sisters, cousins, friends, and family have been in your website all day long, they are in love with them. i have to tell u my mom was so sad b/c she thought there were no pics of me and her by ourselves and when I saw that you took some; i called her to let her know and she is like i am going to call them to let them know that they are the best photographers in the WORLD!!!, and i have laughed so much b/c she got so happy. just wanted to share it w/u.

-Naisleth"

Lady in Red

Lately I have noticed more quincenera's are opting to dress casual rather than the poufy dress. I must admit, I kinda like the idea. Don't get me wrong, I realize the quince dress is part of tradition; but why not have a second outfit change. In this case, Gabby was totally against a formal quincenera dress. She had three outfit changes and two session locations. I love the difference in the clothing she selected. She had the gorgeous RED dress which was formal and perfect for the Coral Gables Granada Entrance Park. She then changed into more casual looks for the beach. One thing that was common, is her sense of style. I think her personality shows thru her clothes. Being a teenager it's all about style and individuality and I feel I captured all of it!

Every time I photograph a teenager/quincenera/senior I remind myself how much I enjoy it. I hope to find the time this coming year to market this genre of photography. So much I want, and so many ideas...just need to find the time. ugh!

-patty

New Metal Cover

P.S. Photography is now offering a metal album cover from our album company, Album Crafters. Sounds cool, but it gets better. A picture of your choice is sandwiched in between two sheets of metal. The result is a super modern but simple look for your wedding album; or in our case we made a boudoir album with this cover for the studio. Just to give you a sneak peak I included a photo of the inside of the album. As you can see we really went all out with this studio album. The photos were printed on metallic paper and the book opens horizontally. This will be an upgrade to our packages, please call for details. Also, just to keep you guys excited for more, we are also experimenting with a photo cover album... I will give you all the details soon.

-patty

The Usual...What's that?

As most of you blog stalkers know, we strive to be unique. With a location like this it's not that hard! That is why this has been our favorite engagement session yet! I know that it's a pretty bold statement, but we just LOVE how these pictures came out. It also helped having two awesome people to photograph. Nicki and Steve are both photographers... which is a first. This is also our first engagement session in Vero Beach! We're moving on up...the coast that is! So for those of you wanting to know a little about the backdrop of this session, it was an old diesel plant. Nicki was able to get us the keys so we could get in. This building, by the way, is in the middle of being restored, which makes this session even more special. We also tested out our brand new freaking awesome 85mm 1.8 lens. Oh yes we are proud owners of a prime lens which is now called "our baby". Now you know why this is my favorite session yet. I want more!!!

---patty & susie

So SWEET!

There is something about a father and son connection that is so sweet. Every time I see my son in my husband's arms my heart melts. It is a side of my husband that I never knew he had until Aiden was born. The few photos I have taken of my husband and Aiden are so special, for the reason that my husband does not like to be in front of the camera. Go figure? This photo was taken because I was kinda sneaky. I told my husband make Aiden laugh, do something ... and CLICK here it is!

-patty

Oh Boy! Another Boy!

Elaine is a proud mommy of another boy, Nicholas! I have had the honor of photographing her first born (Eddy) newborn and one year photos, and now Nicholas' newborn photos. Nicholas is adorable and not to mention really good. He was so tolerant of me moving him around and big bro playing with him. He is now 6 weeks old and weighing 14 pounds, so he had lots of chunk to squeeze! It was so nice seeing Eddy interact with the baby, he was so gentle and curious. Elaine said it was the first time that she allowed Eddy to play with him so closely and I got to capture it...How cool is that? I love that I have become their family photographer, to see this family grow is such a privilege.

My Meeting with D42

I met with Sandra and Fortuna of Design 42 Monday morning. D42 is an event company specializing in event design, coordination and everything else. Their designs are very elegant and innovative. We have worked together at a few weddings, but as you can imagine we hardly have time to talk. I left the meeting thinking I really need to do this more often. It was so nice talking with others in the same industry. We got to pick each others brains on subjects like marketing. Not to mention I left feeling encouraged. These two women are so talented and so sincere. I just love seeing two young women, like Susie and I, being so successful. GIRL POWER! I look forward to working with them in the future and I wish them continuous success.
-patty

Naisleth+Roberto's Wedding

Naisleth came in to our studio the same day that Aiden was born!  I was so nervous for Patty, that I rambled on and on, and the interview went on for over 1 hour.  But, I knew Naisleth was going to be our bride.  We instantly clicked and the rest is history.

Patty did Naisleth and Roberto's E-session in Calle Oche, and the chemistry was amazing, so I just knew that their wedding would be no exception.  

The ceremony was in St. Patrick's, which always lends itself to fabulous pictures.  Naisleth and Roberto showed eachother so much love.  We were able to capture so many of their glances and giggles.  It's always so inspiring to have a couple that is that much in-love and not afraid to show it!!!

The reception was in the glamorous Miami Beach Resort&Spa, where we took advantage of some great backdrops for some great portraits...  We couldn't take full advantage of the hotel because there happen to be a huge Salsa Convention that same night.  The lobby (which is awesome) was full of salseros dancing the night away! 

Naisleth and Roberto, your wedding was full of excitement and emotions, and we only wish that your marriage be just as passionate!!!

---Susie

What's more important?

When planning your wedding, what is most important to you? I like to ask this question because it makes a bride think.  What is most important?  Is it the dress?  The food?  The photography?  I feel that many bride's cut corners in the wrong places.  Your wedding is one of the most important events of your life.  And it goes by in a blur.  By the time you realize it, the dj is playing the last dance.  And, what is left after you whiz off to your honeymoon?  Your pictures.   

We have gotten 3 different brides call us in the past few months telling us that they wish they had booked us over the photographer they did book.  Because of cutting corners here and there, they had decided to book a photographer that either charged them less or gave them more bang for their buck.  Well, they are now so unhappy with their pictures; we even booked one for portraits of her and her husband back in their wedding attire. 

So it's just a thought...  Make sure you know what is most important to you.  Once the wedding day is over, it's the memories that last.  You need to have someone you can trust in charge of those memories...  You don't want to regret it once your day is over.  

---Susie

PEACE

I love looking or I should say staring at my son sleeping. He looks so peaceful and sweet. I love how his lips pout out and how he snuggles his face into his hands. I am so ridiculously in love...can't you tell!?

-patty

Oh how I love compliments!

Last week I met with Cynthia and Jovanni to talk details about their upcomming wedding. I usually can tell within the first 15 min. if I click with clients. Click meaning the conversation is flowing and I am having a good time talking. Well this particular couple was at the studio for 2 hours! I felt so relaxed and comfortable talking to them. Well I was happy to hear they felt the same way. Read this e-mail Jovanni sent me, it made me feel so happy...I am still smiling. Who doesn't like to hear compliments?

"Cynthia and I are very excited to have you and Susie as our photographers for this event. I did photography for around a decade and went to art school; with that in mind I wanted to say that I was genuinely impressed with your work. Cynthia and I felt really at ease with you, which was something we were looking for in a photographer. We look forward to talking further. Thanks for being awesome. Talk to you soon."

Cynthia and Jovanni,
I really can not wait for your wedding. I can not stress how important it is to click with who you are working with. I know I am going to have a blast working with you both!
-patty