Guest Post | Time Lapse Awesomeness

It's easy to get jaded nowadays.  We have little devices in our pockets that can access the sum of mankind's knowledge to date in seconds.  We can soar around the planet in metal tubes just as easily as we would lay on the couch.  We can capture reflected light, transform it into 1's and 0's, and change it back into light again to be viewable world-wide with a few deft keystrokes.

But, in the case of this week's finds, I stumbled upon a couple of gems that reacquainted me with "wonder" and "awe" for a few moments.  We hope you enjoy!

And here's my own try at a little bit of time lapse and tilt shift during our vacation last year!

~Brian~

 

Engagement Trailer | Chapel Hill | Crystal & Zaac

Most people hate this time of year. In fact there's a study that is trying to prove that this part of winter is the MOST depressing. I can guarantee, though, that viewing our latest couple's engagement is a sure cure for the winter time blues! They are so obviously in love you can't help but smile. So if you happen to be down today, take 2 views of this video and email us in the morning.

The song is "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. It's not only critically acclaimed and super catchy but it felt like a great fit for this couple, especially if you don't take the lyrics too seriously. Enjoy!

~Brian~

 

University of Chapel Hill Engagement | Crystal & Zaac

I asked him that awkward question. You know the one - How did you know she was "the one"? Even Brian looked at me and told me it was sort of a weird question to ask in the middle of a Krispy Kreme. But it really wasn't. Because Zaac had an answer. He knew it from months of texting, talking and making each other laugh. He knew it because she was real and honest and beautiful and laughed at all of his jokes.

He was so sure of it, he proposed twice.

The first time was anything but subtle, since it consisted of a toy ring, a corny song playing in the background, and Crystal in her pajamas. The second time, the serious proposal, the one that would change his life from that point forward, that time he surprised her again. But this time without the toy ring. And no corny song. Just the two of them, being together, being happy. He slipped the ring onto her finger when she wasn't looking and with one confused look into each other's eyes... she said yes. Or at least blinked yes. Either way, it's been a whirlwind of love and wedding planning ever since.

Crystal & Zaac - you guys are so adorable together, and being around you two just makes me happy. Seeing you guys in love puts a smile on my face and I am so excited to be a part of your wedding! Thank you for letting me share in your amazing, incredible love.

With Love,

Ariana & Brian

      

Photographing these two was fun simply because Zaac cracked a joke every 3.5 seconds. 

Crystal, you're so gorge. And seriously know how to smeyez! 

The University of Chapel Hill was a perfect location for this session! 

You guys have nose nuzzling down to a science. 

So fierce!! Rawr! 

And as always, I'll end with my favorite photo. You guys are adorable.    

 

Can't wait to photograph your wedding!

 

On My Bookshelf: Sword Fights and Mysteries

I spent the better half of my high school career in my favorite place - the library. It was rare to not find my nose in a book, and most kids would call me a bookworm. Correction, DID call me. And while everyone is boarding the Kindle and Nook train, I am still obsessed with the smell and feel of a 300 page book. So when my mom took me to this bookshop that had $.25 books - I went ca-razy. Now, 40 books later, I thought I'd share what I've been reading lately!

1. Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, & Inheritance - Christopher Paolini

What isn't in this book? Epic journeys across Alaegasia, dragons and Riders, evil dictators who must be defeated, and everything that makes up a great story. I've been reading these books nonstop and couldn't recommend it more. I'm currently 3/4 of the way through the third in the series and I am itching to get to the finale and see how Mr. Paolini wraps up this amazing story.

2. The Hudson Series - V.C Andrews

When I was in High School, I read Flowers in the Attic. From that point forward, I wasw absolutely hooked to V.C. Andrews. I even got grounded because I hid behind the counter reading, instead of doing my chores! Fortunately I wasn't grounded too long, and thank goodness for flashlights! Well my mother happened to come across a collection of V.C. Andrews book, and couldn't help but bring me several complete SERIES. It's like the Netflix of books. I read the Hudson series this past week and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about the suspense, drama and secrets of these families featured in these books. They're fun reads!

Next on my shelf? A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (which I read in high school already and was SO good!) and The Mists of Avalon. They're the newest editions to my library and I can't wait to start them.

I plan on collecting books until my library looks like this:

Source: delikatissen.com via Ariana on Pinterest

Or this:

Source: viviun.com via Ariana on Pinterest

Thanks for reading! Pun SO intended.

Ariana

Unsettling Coincidences

I had this unsettling thought the other day. Inquiries. They’re a little slow. And this is booking season. What happens if no one else books me this year?! Am I a terrible photographer? Oh my god what if my SEO isn't good enough?! What if people don't like my HAIR?! But I can’t say anything b/c Brian always picks on me and tells me I worry too much. So I’ll keep my mouth shut. Okay? Ok.

Ignoring the fact that I had a conversation in my head AND a mild nervous breakdown, it was another week before the inevitable happened. After bombarding myself with thoughts & worries, I stopped taking my own advice, and worried. OUT LOUD. He was talking about our new portfolio and how great it looks and how he believes in me. He was so confident about this year being awesome that it just slipped out. But we’re not getting inquiries right now. It’s been a few weeks. I’m getting nervous. I regretted saying it, mostly because saying something out loud suddenly makes it very real. But Brian just laughed.

I love it when you get so nervous. Everytime you do we get inquiries.

Okay, he’s crazy, obvs, and I didn’t exactly appreciate him picking on me, but whatever. Except that the very next day… I got two inquiries. My first reaction? WHAT?!!!! My second? Brian is totally setting me up. But after I crossed that suspicion off my list and talked and emailed two fabulous brides, I realized Brian was kind of right. The moment I start to get scared, to question everything, and start reconsidering this business and my life, I’m reminded that it isn’t, nor was it ever, an overnight process. And that, with a little patience, they'll come.

I have considered running around the house chanting, "No inquiries, no inquiries" but something tells me that coincidences don't come around quite that often. So for now I'll just keep working on things and telling myself that this year really is going to be a great year.

And to prove it, here is a sneak peek of our very first engagement session of the year:

Check back into the blog tomorrow to find out where my nose has been lately and on Wednesday for the rest of Crystal & Zaac's Chapel Hill engagement session!

Thanks for stopping by!

Ariana