I’m totally domestic.  Like a cat, only I’m allergic to cats.  I’m not the nature type. In fact, in the middle of my crazy cleaning, organizing and purging of the outside storage room, I called Mr. Wonderful and said, “I have two sleeping bags here for some reason I’ve kept and I’m going to donate them. We won’t ever need them, will we?” He replied, “No way, donate them.”  Oh thank the lord for my equally domestic partner who doesn’t care to camp or do any of that stuff.  He would never force me to sleep on the ground.  Reason #4,928,183 why I love him and he’s my soul mate.

I’m not only learning how to cook, I’m also learning how to garden.  Since the weather is getting warmer here in Phoenix, I’m starting to wander outdoors more.  The grapefruit tree is ripening just in time for our backyard reception, one of two.  The theme of our reception, also designed by la Ricki is citrus. We have so many great ideas!

I’ve also started planting herbs, and suddenly I want chickens after seeing Instagram posts from my friend Joy Prouty, and seeing my friend Caroline of Boho Farm and Home’s blog.  Of course this also means that I need to first see if I can with permits and my city limits, then how to care.  Guess I’ll be hanging out at Caroline’s a lot soon!  There is so much I want to learn, and with no kids on the horizon (You know you’ve been all pestering me, no kids for 3-5 years!), I can still do all the fun Holly homemaker stuff!

Row 1: My gardening tools are suddenly growing, I want to plant more! / Picking some grapefruit to gift to Ricki for her new house a few blocks down the street / One of two new tables built by our handyman Dennis with IKEA table legs.  Only $10 per leg, and he stained the wood, amazing!  Each table will seat 8, we can’t wait to entertain outdoors (inspiration and how-to steps found here) / Row 2: Cookies for the Mr. given to us by Miss Ashley Z. I love her so much and her friendship is such a gift to me / Organizing Ricki’s storage room on her move in day.  She has the cutest things, I sorta wanted to take a shopping bag out and leave her some cash.  Good news is we have this philosophy of, whatever I have is yours and you can borrow it anytime.  We share everything / Lazy Sunday of football watching and blogging.  To the left through the double doors is my office.  I know I still owe house pictures. Coming soon. Yes, that is the custom Pottery Barn sectional that finally arrived. / Row 3: Town & Country is mine and the Mr.’s favorite magazine.  Have you ever flipped through? It’s so sophisticated and I love the photography. / Spacing out herbs for the raised herb bed.  Realized I had to go to the store and get more. / Rocking the preppy look before a lunch date with Amy of Page & Mason Invitations.

I know all I’ve blogged about lately is being married.  December and January are off seasons for me, and everything picks back up in February, and then the ball is rolling!

Don’t forget to sign up for my online workshop, Creating the Image that begins this Wednesday.  $160, 4 weeks, 1 hour each week, LIVE video and chat.  5 pm PST which is 6 pm for you Arizonians here.  I love teaching so I can’t wait to meet you all in class!

Diana Elizabeth loves that she hasn’t burned anything lately.  Mr. Wonderful did say that he likes some things burnt.  Perfect.

Personal

You know the feeling when you just know?  Whether it’s finding that perfect dress, the sassy shoes, or the love of your life, you just know?   I sorta knew that about the perfect clients, Lizzey and Trevor.  Lizzey’s emails were bubbly, full of happiness, and I just knew she was in love.  When I saw her and Trevor come in with cheery smiles and arms full of clothes I knew we’d have a great time at the Arizona Biltmore, their future wedding spot.

“Give her a kiss,” I suggested to Trevor from behind my camera.
“Oh that’s not a problem, that’s all we do,” joked Lizzey.

And, every time I positioned Trevor first he would hold out his arms like he was about to catch a football, waiting for Lizzey to cozy on in up to him.  It was adorable.

Lizzey and Trevor, you both give me butterflies.  You make me laugh, you give me a wonderful peacefulness within my soul and your love is contagious.  I cannot wait for your fabulous Cinco de Mayo wedding at the Arizona Biltmore.  Lizzey, don’t cut your gorgeous hair, and Trevor, I’m glad we found your “good side” or rather, Lizzey’s favorite side of you. *wink*  On all sides, you both are just so so lovely.

To see more from this session, CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW!

Pow.  Lizzey, you are gorgeous.

A little Cinco de Mayo wedding preview I suppose…

Diana Elizabeth and Lizzey and Trevor escaped a Haboob (that’s a ridiculously fancy word for dust storm for those of you who are not from Arizona).  It was just coming in before they wrapped up their session.  Phew!

Engagements

In case you haven’t heard from my Twitter or Facebook fan page status updates…

Mr. Wonderful asked me to be his Mrs. Wonderful.

Yep, I’m getting married! We’re having a private ceremony in Sedona this December and two receptions in Phoenix and Champaign, Illinois in the new year.

Stay tuned for the planning details, turbo speed!

Oh and of course I have my wedding photographer already.  It’s Ryan Ray!

Diana Elizabeth will soon tell you the story of how she met Mr. Wonderful.

My Wedding, Personal

We have the same heartbeat, Ricki and me.  It wouldn’t surprise me if we had the same blood type – our hearts are intertwined with Anthropologie and J. Crew.  Not only do Ricki and I love the same things – clothing, burlap, natural organic goodies, hand crafted goodies (but not overly stenciled scrapbook mom-like).  We squeal and are inspired by the same things.

This might be the reason why when Ricki Uster of la Ricki event design is the brain behind a wedding, engagement session or anything that is in front of my lens, I know it’s going to be aaaaahmazing.  And, a reason why our sessions together end up being featured on popular event and wedding blogs.  She also was the set designer for my promo video that you see featured on the top of my blog.

Take a peek at some of our work together:

- Orange Anthropologie Inspired Wedding featured on Wedding Chicks
- Mini Cooper Themed Baby Shower featured on On to Baby
- Orange & Green J.Crew & Anthro Wedding
- Tropical Inspired Wedding Reception

This good friend of mine is also helping me design my new studio at the new house.  I have the furniture layout pretty much set up however I need Ricki’s eye to help with the functionality while also making it clean and beautiful.  Meet Ricki, the mastermind behind many of my lovely shoots, and if you love my photography style, hire her for your next event to make it lovely.

Of course I have to ask her a few questions!

What made you decide you wanted to be an event designer?
After planning my own wedding!  I did it all myself, with the advice of one of my dear besties, stayed up until wee hours of the night making favors, decorations and the like.  I know what it is like to love so many things and what a challenge it can be to streamline them into a cohesive and beautiful day. It is so important to have someone that understands your passions, wants and “most importants” on your special day.  It helps when that person isn’t part of the wedding party, a family member and can remain impartial and oh so helpful in turning the event into your dream day!

Seeing two people share such a special day and all their guests enjoying the moment, there just isn’t a greater moment to be a part of!  That moment always me to continue to enjoy my work and live a little bit through them.

What trends are you seeing in wedding design this fall and into summer?
An overall trend in weddings whether the season is fall or summer is doing a reinterpretation on weddings.  Bride & Groom are finding the things that are special & unique to them as a couple and expressing that throughout their event.  For example, they may not have their 1st dance at a specific time in between courses and instead their 1st dance is they come down the aisle newly married.  Or instead of a traditional cake, the Groom loves pies and offer an assortment of pies for guests to enjoy.  It truly becomes whatever the couples heart’s desire!

Another trend is the idea of a rustic, vintage or anthro-inspired wedding.  These are expressed with arenas like farms or farmhouses, backyard and barns.  Couples are finding a real love with re-used or re-purposed items to decorate their venues.  With this trend, any color palette or special theme can transfer easily.

What is the trend in regards to shower gifts, bridal or baby showers?  Are they to be opened at a shower anymore?
There is a trend towards not opening gifts during a shower.  Many feel it is more enjoyable to socialize, as well as, do a fun & creative craft project as a way to pass the time together.  Yet it is a delicate change in trend as it is seen as a tradition to open gifts and show one’s appreciation.  So if the shower is more modern and the majority of guests are open-minded then opting out is well-suited.  But if the event is on the more traditional side, opening gifts may have to happen.

Share with me a few things you love.
I live for old and re-purposed pieces-old drawers, birdcages, glass jars, fabrics-all things that have or potential to add character and meaning.  I absolutely love paper and the amazing things that are made from them, especially the items I can create.  The best complement is when I’m asked where did I buy something and my response is “I made it!”  Also, I adore floral arrangements.  I am continually, blissfully impressed by the bouquets and centerpieces I find on blogs-they are stunning.  Flowers, that go with the season and colors of a wedding, make an enormous impact to the eye.  And guess what?  We can even create the bouquets + centerpieces out of paper, vintage broaches, or fabric.  Just a suggestion!

Diana Elizabeth did shoot this lovely portrait session in her backyard.  So nice to have a go-to place!

Portraits, Weddings

You could say it was every one’s plan for Kristina and Tim to end up together.  One of Kristina’s older sisters had met Tim and knew that he was perfect for her younger sister even though she already had a boyfriend.  The same thought occurred to one of Tim’s buddies.  As fate would have it, a future meeting would happen a few months down the line in May, and sparks flew.  They were inseparable having spent every day that weekend together.  When Tim hopped in his friend’s car after Kristina dropped him off to head to the airport, (the same buddy who knew they’d be perfect together) he said, “I’m going to marry her.”

The two carried on a long distance relationship, Kristina in Arizona, Tim in Virginia.  They hopped on the 4 hour flights for a good while, then a job opened up in Arizona and Tim made the big move.

“It was from the Holy Spirit,” Tim recalls when he was driving on the 303 this past spring.  He remembered exactly where he was.   Out of nowhere, he felt someone, something, God, was telling him it was time to propose.  A little hesitant only because he hadn’t quite planned on it being only a year after meeting Kristina, he waited a week – just to be sure it was from up above.

Then as he was preparing to propose, he accidentally dropped the ring.  Scrambling, Kristina wasn’t sure what was going on.  Then when she saw the ring as Tim was in the middle of asking her she blurted out, “YES!” before he finished saying, “…marry me?”

Tim, not being a huge date person like myself, was suddenly reminded that evening by Kristina that it was exactly that very day they met a year ago.  So you could say it was every one’s plan, most importantly, God’s.

So much cuteness I can’t stand it, click here to view the session’s slideshow!

Location: L’Auberge de Sedona / Lace Dress, Necklace & Scarf: Anthropologie / Bracelet: Dillard’s / Zinc Letters: Anthropologie / Cupcakes: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Diana Elizabeth works closely with brides for their shoots – including wardrobe.  When Kristina text her a picture of the lace dress Diana had just looked at the dress a week earlier at Anthro then she just knew they were going to have an amazing shoot together.

Engagements

Aside from the video, another important part of my rebranding included hiring the ideal graphic and blog designer.  Once I had the right designer on board, I knew I had to design a special mailer had to go out to vendors I’ve worked with and former clients.

The Blog

I’m also a graphic designer in case you didn’t already know.  I’ve been trying to do everything myself.  And yes, the old blog was my own creative creation from a WordPress template that I tried so desperately hard to customize.  I know, most of you loved it, but isn’t this a thousand, million times better?  On with the story!

The funny thing was, I knew about Renee Swigert, owner of graphic design boutique Ribbons of Red in Ohio, long before I’d finally meet her in person at WPPI Las Vegas. I admired her work back in my corporate working days.  My friends asked why I couldn’t just redesign myself.  My answer – some things are just better left to the real professionals.  And some things are better to give to others you trust so you can concentrate on other things.  Like my case – photographing my clients, marketing, shooting for PHOENIX magazine, teaching my online course, and setting up the new office in the new home. And, that’s just my business life, forget about my personal life!

I’ll tell you this – Renee was worth every penny.  She researched my pins on Pinterest, asked me a ton of questions, and we had a phone consultation to go over every blog I liked.  We laughed, we joked, and we had so much fun.  When I opened up my first draft I kept it open all day on my desktop as I worked on other things.  It just inspired me as I took what Renee created and attempted match it through the rest of my collateral (because that’s what good graphic designers do, we know how to keep branding consistent).

HUGE thanks to Ribbons of Red for this design – for creating what my heart and mind wanted to convey but just wasn’t quite sure how.  Thank you for your sweet emails, design expertise and designing a blog so beautiful I’m running out of pretty, lovely words!

The Rebranding Announcements

My five years of marketing background tells me that every occasion is a marketing opportunity waiting to happen.  Especially when it comes to rebranding, you need to announce it to the world! I created some of these files before my initial consultation with Renee, so she had a peek of what I was envisioning which also helped her design the blog you see now.

There were two different sets of announcements, one for vendors I’ve worked with that was more in depth, four pages. Clients received a smaller announcements, two pages.  The difference was really the two additional pages that showed where I was published and a front page that had fit the design of the inner envelope.

Vendors around the Valley received:

DEP clients received this two page version:

These were sized 4×6 and printed on photo printer paper that I printed in my office.  How perfect was it that the weight was 64 cents and the stamp was a butterfly?  I totally squealed at the post office counter.

Diana Elizabeth Photography Blog Designer: Ribbons of Red / Announcement & Business Card Design: Diana Elizabeth / Design Program: Adobe Illustrator / Announcement Paper & Envelopes: Paper Source / Lace Punch & Threaded Yarn: Martha Stewart line at Michaels / Printer Paper & Label Sheets: Staples / Mini Translucent Envelope: Action Envelope / Intern: Tabitha Peterson

Diana Elizabeth wants to create news just so she can find creative ways to announce it!

Photography

You are probably noticing there’s been a few changes on this blog – new colors, new identity, well, it’s the new look of Diana Elizabeth Photography!  This week, I’m going to blog about all the new things going on with my business and all the wonderful people that helped launch my new brand, starting with my promo video!

I was so nervous.  Nervous not because I didn’t trust one of my best friends Rachelle McCray, owner of Shelley Lynn Productions, but nervous that I’d either (1) Talk faster than the Micromachines Man (2) Have a totally bad hair day (3) And makeup day (4) Not say the right thing (5) Be too serious (6) Or not be serious enough.  See the dilema?  I didn’t trust myself.  But, I had to trust that one of my bests would know what it would take for me to loosen up, not go into a state of frozen freeze ice shock and create a video that would compliment my photography style, and most of all, my personality.

There are a million people I feel like I need to thank.  Like first, my mom and dad for giving birth to me.  Then there’s my first grade teacher Miss Girardi for believing in me…just kidding.

Thank you to every one involved in this shoot that I list under this video.  Thank you doesn’t seem like it’s enough.  I appreciate each and every one of you, your talents, your time, and your friendship.  This video is a collaboration of some of my favorite people in the industry, and those who really believe in me and knows how much I love what I do.

I know you can see this in the header of the newly designed blog (please click out and see it if you are reading this in a RSS feed!), but for those who are reading this in their feeds, I didn’t want you to miss this.

I hope you enjoy.  And to those of you who I don’t know yet personally, I hope you feel like you know me after watching this. xx

Production: Shelley Lynn Productions / Set Design: la Ricki / Location: Designer Blvd. / Makeup: Lizzy Marsh / Director: Rachelle McCray / Videographer: Keegan Ead / Sound: Paul Rosario / Diana Elizabeth Intern: Tabitha Peterson / Cupcakes & Three-tiered Glitter Cake: Casey’s Confections / Design Props: Owned by Ricki, Diana, and Designer Blvd.

Diana Elizabeth and the crew headed to Olive Garden immediately after filming.  Diana won the breadstick eating contest.  Well, there wasn’t really a contest, but she definitely ate the most.  By like, 5.  Which means she looks totally different now than she does in this video.

Photography, Video Blogs

It’s shameful I haven’t blogged about this yet because I’ve been squealing about this issue for so long but been so busy!  It’s 114+ in Phoenix.  Awesome.   It’s a dry heat.  Yah, so is an oven.

And so, PHOENIX magazine‘s current August issue is out, and you can find my images on pages: 8, 89, 91, 97, 98, 99 and 103!  I was able to work with fellow FORD Models (always fun to pick models from my own agency that represents me – haha) and my bests, Rachelle McCray and JM.

Five sessions total for the big cover story and had a blast, as always.   I am in love with all of the people over there at PHOENIX magazine and I honestly couldn’t feel more privileged to shoot for such a respectful publication!

Pick up the August issue if you’re melting like me and find out new ways to beat this scorching heat in the Valley.  Or, be like me and escape home to California for the summer. *wink*

Oh, and you’re probably wondering about the composition for some – when you shoot editorial you must always leave enough room for cutlines if your shots get cover or text for stories as well – hence the change in composition and good for those of you who wish to go into editorial photography to know.

Diana Elizabeth was walking around the office of PHOENIX magazine when she walked around the corner and a gentleman in sales recognized her from a google image search of her holding her first cover of PHOENIX magazine.  Super funny, and also a huge thumbs up with the goggle image search, right?

Photography

Eli is 9 months already.  The family stopped by my new home so I guess you could say this was my very first shoot at my new house.

I know, you’re all chomping at the bit to see more of the home – the grand reveal will take place this fall (I’m taking off for the summer to Nor Cal) but for now, enjoy seeing my maple hardwood floors.  I love the natural light my place gets, it’s so well lit!

Diana Elizabeth has a few more shoots in her backyard and new home so you can see more of it very soon as she posts more shoots on the blog.  She still doesn’t believe in before photos, however.

Portraits

Are you ready for part 2 of Jami and Mike’s Orange and Costal themed wedding designed by la Ricki? The private backyard ceremony was adorable and then following evening was the reception at Tommy Bahama Restaurant in Scottsdale.

I love the outfit changes, the little touches and Mike looked just as sharp and stylish as he did on his wedding day!

Enjoy this beautiful couple and the little touches made by Ricki Uster of la Ricki.

To view the wedding and the reception slideshow, CLICK HERE.

Wedding Reception Venue: Tommy Bahama Restaurant at Kierland Commons, Scottsdale, Ariz. / Event Designer: la Ricki / Hair & Makeup: Erica Grossman / Bride’s dress: Saks Fifth Avenue / Bride’s shoes: Kate Spade / Groom’s Suit & Tie: J. Crew / Reception Steel Drummer: Paul McDermand / Floral design, Banners & Props created & styled by: la Ricki / Flowers: Fred’s Flowers / Invitations: Page and Mason Invitations / Vintage items: Rust & Roses, Found, The Willows Home & Garden, Zinnias at Melrose

Diana Elizabeth thinks she now needs to head to the beach.

Weddings