Surprise!

When my friend Amelia invited me out for lunch prior to my travels, I didn't think much into it. After-all, having this lovely friend in the neighborhood means I luckily get to have lots of lunch dates with her. Little did I know she was busy planning a luncheon with some other friends and surprised me good! When I walked into Sam's yesterday afternoon and saw some of my favorite faces blowing noise makers and screaming happy birthday, I was literally shocked. I had no idea the pretties around that table had put together such a lovely afternoon that everyone contributed something towards {never-mind that I had just seen them a few days prior at bowling - these girls are good at secret keeping, even after a few bevey's} I was beyond surprised and completely touched. I don't think I have had a birthday party since I was sixteen and let me tell you...they are still super fun even when you are well into your thirties. So a big THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to these amazing ladies {Lauren, Cambria, Krissy, Kate & Amelia} for completely taking me off guard and making this one birthday I will never forget! I look forward to many more celebrations with you all - xoxo

the amazing treats I got to take home, my floral crown was worn literally all day around the city!

my H balloon now lives perfectly over my bar cart

Let's Get Local - Cambria Grace Photography

Morning everyone! I am SO excited to feature another fabulous friend who is killing it in the photography business. I first met Cambria of Cambria Grace Photography back at Blogshop last winter and since have attended a few events where we mingled and I got to witness her work first hand - enter the flower potluck {how amazing are those photos!}. This beauty is totally talented with her photography skills and is also one of my favorite instagram accounts where I can soak up lots of pretty, especially those from her recent travels. When her responses popped up in my inbox I was giddy to read how she answered my questions and get to know her a little better and so thrilled to share them with you and working with her on a fun little feature coming to the blog soon!

Check out all the details of this gifted gal below!

 Tell us a little about Cambria, the gal behind the lens, i.e. what you like to do on your free time, personal style in fashion or home decor, guilty pleasures etc. 

My ideal day involves my family, a hot beverage in hand, exploring a new town, lunching at a farm stand, and a lazy afternoon reading on a dock. Topped off by a sunset and an ice cream cone or prosecco. I'll take either. I was born in Texas and raised in London and Scotland by geologists who taught me to appreciate the outdoors and traveling. Being in a new place with my camera in hand makes me a very happy girl. To relax, I enjoy going to Picco in the South End with my boyfriend, I am a comfort food lover. Wine, pizza, homemade ice cream... it's just the best. Actually, most of my life revolves around comfort- I dress in jeans, a white tee, a knit sweater and chunky boots. If I could go to one store to buy all my clothes, it would be Madewell. As for shoes, I am a huge fan of Nina Z clogs- sandals in the summer, boots in the winter. My ideal home would be cozy-white walls, over-sized couches, wooden tables and floors, ceramic mugs, colorful rugs, and of course an awesome well-lit studio where I could work and play. As for guilty pleasures.. Scandal, Breaking Bad (did you SEE that finale?!), Revenge, Mad Men, Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars...just to name a few!



above image via Alexandra Roberts

What made you want to start your own photography business and what are some of the services you provide to your clients?

 In college, I always admired photographers, but never thought I would be one of them. I took photos for fun. I was an English major focusing on Shakespeare and his treatment of women. No where near being a photographer! When my best friend got married right after graduation, I took my SLR along with me and took photos throughout her day (I was also a bridesmaid so it took some multi-tasking). I loved it. Her sister encouraged me to make a portfolio/website, and my business grew from there. I taught myself everything, and it was not easy. It took a lot of hard work, but I feel so very lucky to have a career I really enjoy. The main focus is on weddings and engagement shoots, and I also squeeze in some family and styled shoots throughout the year. 

How would you describe your photography style and how what inspires you for photographing details so uniquely?

Natural light is key. I also focus on candids. I love when I capture a moment that surprises the couple when they are looking through their photographs later. It is such a joy to get that memory for them. As for detail shots, I just shoot what feels right. If I see something I like, I photograph it and hope that it looks just as good in the camera!

 

What is your favorite aspect of your job? 

 Oh! My favorite aspect about my job.. There are a couple. The first thing I'd say is taking photos, simple as that. I just love it. I get a thrill from it. It makes me happy. The second thing is all the people I have met along the way. Not only do I like getting to know my brides and grooms, but I've also met a group of incredibly talented people who share my love of weddings. And they have become my friends. It doesn't get much better then that.  

above image via Lara Kimmerer

Now that you live in New England, what are some of your favorite spots to dine & or visit in Boston & surrounding areas? 

 For starters, Picco, Formaggio, Parish Cafe, Giacamo's, Area Four, Drink and the Thinking Cup are all a couple of my favorite places to go for food + drinks. The food trucks at SOWA can't be beat, and just steps away is the farmer's market. In the summer, it's filled with fresh berries, veggies and hand picked flowers. When I need to get out of the city for some fresh air, it's fun to drive up the coast to Rockport or to Carver Hill Orchards in Stow, which has the best caramel apples. Skiing in the winter is also a must, either in VT, NH or ME. As for the summer, you'll find me at Crane Beach right before sunset, and after the crowd has gone home for dinner. Even walking or running along the Charles is beautiful, especially on those late summer evenings.