I just asked this question on my twitter and facebook and am getting some great responses. I would love to hear what your planning on eating for thanksgiving... and if you had only 3 items to eat what would you choose?
Here are clearly some of the favorite Thanksgiving feast items that have been suggested (in no particular order).
- turkey (duh)
- mashed potatoes
- wine
- stuffing
- cranberry sauce
- pie
- gravy
- dinner rolls
Anyone got any other favorites... such as...
- jello mold
- green bean casserole
- yams
- sweet potatoes
- salad.... does anyone even eat salad on Thanksgiving?
Why? Oh, because for the first year I'll be cooking Thanksgiving with the help of Josh. And for 2 people why make all the fuss? I want 3 items I should cook. That's it. So, maybe dinner rolls and wine don't count....? Maybe I'll even document our feast. And I'm even thinking we'll eat at a normal hour... like 6. Wouldn't that be nice?
Happy THANKSgiving.
Melissa Tomeoni with Soul Mates Photo.
Inspiration is a tricky thing. It comes and goes and can be found in the most random of situations. It requires you to think, analyze, and record. Mine? It comes in the most random of times. I may be walking on the street, putting on my gym socks, looking in a vintage store, shopping in general, other artists, or online. Funny how life works, isn't it?
And as Lauren states below, these things "deserve to be up in a gallery"... or I would be happy if they are out in the world. Therefore, I have hand selected a few images from the past year or two that I would love to be up in people's homes. This gallery will only be on sale for 2 weeks. They would be perfect for holiday gifts for someone you love or yourself. If you want to check it out click here to visit the Inspiration Fine Art section on soulmatesphotoshop.com
The last wedding I just posted, Lauren and Andy, was extremely inspiring to not only me but to the clients as well. I asked her if I could re-post her email from her perspective on this image. Here is Lauren, the bride's perspective.
"He literally woke me up at some god-awful hour... to come see what he stumbled upon because he knew I would love it. And I did. We both do. Andy and I agree: this photograph looks like it should be in a gallery, not just a wedding photo album.
As you can imagine, that's one of the hugest compliments an artist can receive. To have someone inspired by their work.
Happy Friday and Big Smiles, Melissa Tomeoni with Soul Mates Photo.
I fear I might be going crazy. Might be. I'm yet to be a full fledged crazy lady. But I "might" be going crazy. This week Josh and I were going over our Strengths Finder test. I learned more on this test than on any other personality mumbo jumbo quiz. And, I might add, as I get older I seem to wiggle myself deeper and deeper into these said categories. Some are so true they are hysterical, some, on the other hand, make me fear for my friends!!! How could I be so crazy as to not notice?
Speaking of fearing for my friends, I also fear for my unborn children. I am turning into a crazy lady who not only collects random objects for which I have no use, but to top it all off I photograph them too! To make matters worse I don't even wear perfume. I try, I really do. I love the little bottles that are filled with promise to make you sexy, irresistible or attract 5 little golden Labrador puppies. Whatever it may be I still want that promise of a better life.
Because doesn't everyone want to attract golden Labrador puppies everywhere they walk? I do. Anyway, I like this image so much I might just hang it in my bathroom... the one with the bottle collection. Genius. Or maybe that much more crazy.
PS. just in case there is any confusion I'm not currently pregnant. I knew someone was going to ask :)
Big Smiles, Melissa Tomeoni with Soul Mates Photography.
Lauren and Andy. Sigh. I can't believe my last couple of 2009 is married and I couldn't imagine a more perfect way to end the wedding season. One lovely Lauren marring one lovely Andy on a lovely November day. These two are so in love with each other words can't begin to describe. As Lauren so accurately said on her wedding day, "The gods are smiling on us." It was true... Sun was shining, she was beautiful, friends were helpful and Andy was charming. Never have I before seen a couple care so much for each other and their guests. Even I, as their wedding photographer, felt loved, fed and cared for.
Transportation has played a bit role in their relationship. Let me explain. They met on a cruise ship; Andy from England, Lauren from the US. They spent their dating days on the ship where which would seem all fine and dandy until... Lauren was transferred to another cruise ship when they became engaged. Hence, their engagement was spent on the road, in the air and out to sea. Are you getting my point yet? Having said that they decided to tie the very thing that kept them together or apart- transportation.
Lauren and Andy, Thank you for being so kind, loving people. Thank you for taking care of me on your wedding day when I was there to take care of you. Thank you for being stunning on the inside as well as the outside. I wish you all the travel and happiness one could want.
All the ladies got ready at The Nines
Love this ring shot. It's tied to Lauren's something blue which is in the bustle of her wedding dress.
The guys hanging in The Nines lobby
I really just can't stand how I love this image. The stripes match! They match! Need I say more?
And back to the girls.
Can you tell I thought the bride was gogeous... cause she is!
The first look was done in the most private spot available, a room at The Nines.
During the first look Andy arrived with a gift for his beautiful bride... a diamond bracelet.
The Party. Hayyyyyyy.
Andy and Lauren were married at The Academy in Vancouver, WA.
This was the moment after the placed the rings on each others fingers.
LOVE.
I was blessed to have quite a bit of time with Lauren and Andy on their wedding day. I'm thrilled that was important to them- time for lots of photographs!
The reception was held at Wilf's in Union Station.
Lauren is the queen of DYI wedding details. Look how creative and cute this is!
A tear-filled toast from dad. 
A huge shout out to Sara Gray who assisted me. She was amazing! Thanks, thanks, thanks Sara!
Big Smiles to 2009. Melissa Tomeoni with Soul Mates Photography.
Sigh. I just had to get over the fact that I didn't make Foto Friday on Friday. I have to admit I feel like a failure. I feel I let people down and I let my self down... and I'm sorry. I realize time and time again I put too many expectations on myself, to tight a deadline, and too many plans. Sometimes, AKA all the times, I think things can get done in a hour or two when they usually take days. Why do I do this? I really don't think I'm superwoman, so why do I tell myself I can work really fast and get it all done? One of these days I'll learn... I hope! Until then...
There are a few things I learned this week listed in bullet format. I love bullet format! It's organized and clean.
- Time off is fabulous! I had a real, normal person weekend and it was refreshing and rejuvenating after a full week.
- Don't assume you can hike 8 miles at a moderate rate and be totally fine. Not only were my legs jello on Saturday night but since then I've been waddling around cause I'm so sore.
- I was reminded how activities, when done together, really bond people. It is a completely different way of connecting.
- I believe we will burn through our half cord of wood in no time. Real fires can't be beat. Smoke alarm and all.
- People can forgive. I can forgive myself for not posting Foto Friday on Friday. Reality is, when it comes to my personal life I'm always fashionably late. Oops!
This is my favorite... or at least one of 'em. I love the partial story of the marching band among the sea of orange and black.
And this dude! Do you see him? He's totally wearing a costume that makes him look like he's sitting ontop of someone. RAD. Nicly done.
Ok, this IS my favorite. Just look at him! I love it. PS not a costume.
Ok. Happy Monday!
Big tardy Smiles, Melissa Tomeoni with Soul Mates Photo.
Lauren and Andy are in love. I am in love with this image. I hope they are in love with this image too.
When I saw this stream of light and the moment the shutter fired I knew I had a fabulous photograph. For now you get this lovey. I hope it makes you smile today. This image was taken at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Portland, Oregon.
Big Smiles, Melissa Tomeoni with Soul Mates Photo.
What is FACES Foundation? Well, if you've missed the last few newsletters you might be a bit outta the loop. You can visit past posts about the fundraising here and here. FACES is a nonprofit Portland, Oregon based company made up of surgeons who repair cleft lip and cleft palate abroad. As I've said before, they have asked me to join them this on their trip to Peru to document the events. You can read more about FACES on their website, www.facesfoundation.org. I am happy to announce I have completed fundraising for my trip and will be leaving on December 4th! A huge thanks and virtual hug to my supporters who made this happen. You know who you are. Please keep this trip in your thoughts and prayers as flights leave December 4th and surgeries begin December 6th.
Earlier this week I had a chance to meet with one of the founders and surgeons of FACES. Thankfully, I was able to ask him about expectations for the trip and what were the essential photographs and was happy view examples of what they are looking for. Lemme tell you this is a completely different type of photography and I'm excited to stretch my wings a bit. Of course I'm encouraged to do what I do, but pre-operation and post-operation are the most important images for the doctors to review and include in case studies upon return. It's the shape of deformity and look of repair which is needed for reference and documentation purposes. Of course I'll be photographing the events as they unfold but I just thought it was so interesting! I'm thrilled to donate my time to travel to South America, meet the people of Peru and give back this season.... Thanks again to the people who made this possible, my supporters.
Please keep the children and the FACES team in your thoughts and prayers during surgery. I hope to be updating my blog every evening from the days events. That will beginning roughly December 6th.
Just a little visual of the countryside and people...
Copyright google images and various Peru travel sites.
A big thankful smile! Melissa Tomeoni with Soul Mates Photography
Stephanie and Thomas are darling. As in college sweethearts darling. They met while attending Oregon State and have been attached at the hip ever since.
I'm not sure how this worked out so perfectly, but Stephanie and Thomas live in Roseburg... and seeing that I live in Portland I knew it was going to be a drive for the engagement for one or both of us. I casually mentioned I'd be at the OSU's campus on Halloween and wondered if they would like to meet half way... unknown to me that's where they met, and that was the perfect place for their engagement session. They hadn't been back since the gradated. Nothing like a walk through memory lane to trigger some excitement.
Speaking of excitement... this was no dull engagement session. As many of you know A. it was Halloween, and B. there was a game going on. A 41,000 person game. I'm no sports geek but that's a lot of people... in costumes! I'll share more on that later... I'm thinking on Foto Friday.
To Stephanie and Thomas, I had a blast with you guys! I'm so happy you showed me around campus, endured the rain, brought a umbrella, and had smiles the entire session. I can't wait to photography you again next year!
Who knew this existed inside the college buildings!
Thomas, you snagged a beauty. :)
Don't let a little rain scare you away... it was raining buckets.
I suppose it would be appropriate to say..... "Go Beaves!"
Big Smiles, Melissa Tomeoni with Soul Mates Photography.
