Sneak at a styled engagement shoot with Chris and Lauren

   It's always fun to spend a Sunday working with fabulous people. This Sunday two of my partners in crime photographer Manya and MUA Lucy re-teamed for this fun little shoot. We were blessed to have a breeze at time of shooting. This is just a glimpse at what we accomplished that hot and humid day

Single life single wife

  It's hard to believe that it's been 8 yrs since I was someone's wife. Crazy to think but now I'm at the place where I'm trying to figure out just what I want.  People who get married straight out of divorce have zero time to think and reflect on what they want from their new life. I on the other hand, have dated, not dated, been happy, been sad and always end up content with my choices. But a day doesn't go by when I'm asked,"do you have a boyfriend?"  9 times out of 10, the answer is no. Trying to figure out how a man fits into my busy schedule of work and kids is that nagging question I have.   So no I don't have a boyfriend and no I don't know exactly what I want, and that's ok! 

     

Single Moms deserve a night of fun!

   I hear from single moms all the time that they get bashed for going out and having a good time. It made me think. When I was little my parents would go to friends homes for cards, dinner and concerts and no one thought twice on their parenting skills. What is with people in this day and age that find it ok to comment on a woman's parenting because they choose to go to dinner or a concert. Are kids not allowed to be babysat by a older sibling these days? I say poppycock! (My new favorite word)  Was divorce suppose to turn you into a spinster and make you die a 1000 deaths ten times over. Jealousy is my only conclusion!  Plain old fashioned, she looks good and having fun and I'm not jealousy! 

     I say enjoy life with your friends and when you can take your teenager with you to see Train. 

Senior Workshop part 1

     Nancy and I hosted our second workshop a couple of Sundays ago.  We decided to focus on Seniors and step for a moment out of the bridal world.  This was a fun and crazy shoot. 10 great kids ranging in age from 16 to 19 all came together to help us create this wonderful day. Our them was Abercrombie meets Hilfiger.  I wanted a look that encompasses all the different aspects of the classic Americana Preppy look.  Dogs, bikes and car where hauled in to make this shoot memorable    

Thank you to all the individuals who made this shoot possible

Hair: Briana  Naylor and Suzzanna Hawkins

MUA : Sara Martinez

Concept and wardrobe: Hope Stanley

Coordinators: Nancy Orozco and Hope Stanley

Details Details Details: Giracci Vineyard and Farms Styled Shoot Workshop

This was an Amazing Day! Nancy and I had such a blast putting together this wonderful workshop. Thank you to all the vendors, models and artists who made this workshop possible.  A special thanks to Giracci Vineyards and Farms that where so gracious to us!  What a magical venue

Giracci Vineyards and Farms, Venue Hope Stanley, Bridal Stylist/Concept Stylist Nancy Orozco Photographer Sarah Toner, Florist Mary Me Bridal, Wedding Gowns Sugar Press Invitations, Stationary Jordan Richey & Cortney Helaine Clifford, What A Dish Cafe & Catering Rebecca Leigh, Hair Design Natalie McCracken, Esthetician Paul Santiago from Boffo Video, Videographer Persiano Event Rentals, Furniture Dresses on the Models: Saison Blanche Couture, Lazaro, Watters, Jim Helm, Pronovias, Cymbeline and Friar Tux for the groom’s tux.

Q

Brain Tumor Part 3

I remember when I went into the room for my CAT scan, there was only one technician behind the glass. But, as the test progressed one person after another flooded that tiny little room. I could see them looking, talking and then on the phone. I knew, I knew right then and there that I was sick. After the test was completed they asked me to sit in the  waiting room. Judge Judy was playing on the television and people where coming in and out carrying film. Then walks in this tall thin man. He had salt and pepper hair and beard. He was wearing dark pants and a vest. He calmly said Hope come with me. I followed him down a hall that seemed like it would never end. We entered a small room with a metal desk and a phone. I sat down on one side of the desk and he sat on the other. The phone rang he picked it up and the man she is here. He handed me the phone and my whole world crashed down in a matter of seconds

Bouquets

I've always had an obsession with bouquets that make a grand gesture. I love seeing the bridal bouquet that makes the guests go wow! Does it take away from the bride? Absolutely not! It's a wedding when else in life can you carry dozens of roses and peonies. A bouquet is the only floral accessory, besides the boutonniere that will be seen for generations.


Images via pinterest

My great week

This was one of those weeks when I actually thought, dam life is good. I was feeling great in my own skin. Hair was doing what I want, clothes where fitting good and I got to hang with my best friend. What could be better? Well let's just wait and see what's around the corner. Have a great weekend

Xoxo

Hope

Part 2: my brain tumor

My then husband had a meeting that Friday morning and called his mom to take me to see the Dr. We couldn't get into a normal appointment so I had to go to a group appointment. It was so strange sitting in that room with all the chairs in the round. My head was throbbing and all I can remember is this guy who was a year older then me in High School was 3 chairs over. I listened to wives describing their husbands high blood pressure and men complaining about their backs. I just wanted to leave, I wanted to run out Of the room and disappear forever. My turn came and I don't even know what I said. I was already outside myself looking down. I was sent to the Hospital for CAT.

Wedding Jeannie Blog: Ceremony Magazine - Maritime Wedding

Wedding Jeannie Blog: Ceremony Magazine - Maritime Wedding: Last summer we shared in the joy of Julie and Sean's wedding at The Balboa Yacht Club. Of course I love every one of my amazing clients, but...

Surviving a Brain Tumor: Part I

There have been many moments in my life that have made an impact on me, but non as much as being diagnosed with a Brain Tumor. I remember that day a little over 9 years ago as if was yesterday, right down to the Ralph Lauren sweat outfit I was wearing. (I threw those sweats away).

It was Oct 16, 2003 Exactly 4 weeks after giving birth to my third daughter! I was in and out of the Dr's office with headaches and dizziness, we chalked it up to an Epidural and Lack of sleep. This morning was different, I woke up and I knew I was going to die. It's very odd to actually feel your body giving away. It's not at all scary. It's almost like you are on the outside looking down on yourself . Then my life began to move so rapidly over the next two hours !

Inspiration in black and brown

Black and brown is a color combination that is sadly overlooked. It can be a bit gritty and somber. It's a very interesting and dramatic statement. The color combination evokes feelings of rain, late night old movies and alone in my thoughts.

I love The Drug Store

I love the Drug Store. I think the local drug store gets a bad rap by people who feel that fancy packaging and a glass counter top means better quality. Remember you are paying more for packaging, advertising and store placement. The Drug store allows you to try new products and not soak you dry. Here are some of my favorite Drug Store product:

A Bridal Stylist: French Buckets

A Bridal Stylist: French Buckets: Floral Design: French Buckets- www.frenchbuckets.com one of my favorite styled shoot!  Crazy Amazing this is what happens when grea...

French Buckets

Floral Design: French Buckets- www.frenchbuckets.com

one of my favorite styled shoot!  Crazy Amazing

this is what happens when great people work together!

Hair: Diego Ortega – www.diegoortega.com

Makeup: Jennette Pulecio – www.facebook.com/muljp
Photography: Christopher Todd - www.christophertoddstudios.com
Bridal Stylist: Hope Stanley – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hope-Stanley-Bridal-Stylist/303881145141

Vivienne Westwood heart shoes

     I think form the first time my eyes gazed upon these adorable Vivienne Westwood shoes, I was forever in LOVE!   My two favorite things in one little pair of shoes.... Love and Whimsy.  I have yet to find another pair that has so captured my heart!  Retail for around 210.00.



Photos via Pinterest