They met on a beach seven years ago. I can totally picture it- two kids, barely in high school, first introductions. He’s shy- she’s outspoken. They became friends. Friends into a couple. And now wedding bells are in in the future. Manna and Jaakko were fantastic. And up for anything- no matter how cheesy. Didn’t they rock it? Let’s start with the slideshow. Because I love it so much and I haven’t shown you one in AGES. Make sure your speakers are on. I also recommend the HD and full screen viewing. :)
Bachelorette parties are way fun. Photographing bachelorette parties is way funner (ps. Google Chrome thinks “funner” is spelled correctly. I always thought it was more fun? Is it really funner?) Here’s to rocking and rolling outside Finland’s Parliament House. Hooray for no open container laws in Helsinki! :)
They got married on Friday. It’s good they didn’t get married on Thursday or Saturday, because the weather was only good on Friday. Christina and Oliver spent time in Finland on a work assignment and both fell in love with the country. So much so that they chose to fly back just to have their civil ceremony (part of me, admittedly, is shocked by this. But then I stop and think, “Yeah. Actually. Finland IS pretty rad- in its own way”). Their big wedding will be back in Germany in August. Here’s hoping the awesome Finnish sunshine follows these two lovely newlyweds to Germany, and shines with gusto in August!
I’ve got some photos here that are going to make you drool. Maybe even literally. I apologize in advance if you were silly and gave up something like sugar or chocolate or sweets for Lent. I, for one, am happy I chose to add thankfulness, because if I had been silly and tried to give up sweets, I would have FAILED today. Big time. Today I was lucky enough to hang out with Regina the Cupcake Goddess at Aalto’s Venture Garage. Sidenote: If you’ve never heard of Aalto’s Venture Garage, you should check it out. Organized through the Aalto University, it’s a space for start up companies to hang out, throw around ideas, get business help, network. The whole space has a great vibe of creativity and adventure. I loved being there. And now on with the show… So, I’ve already talked about the Cupcake Goddess, but I’m here to reiterate her awesomeness. Today, I kid you not- no exaggeration- I had the best cupcake of my life. Make that the 5 best cupcakes of my life. Her strawberry cupcake (made with actual strawberry puree) with buttercream frosting pretty much melted in my mouth. I’m not exaggerating. It was heaven in a little black wrapper. With green frosting. Because green frosting just tastes better. I got there, though, just as she was frosting those suckers, so I didn’t get to
Outside was bitterly cold, but inside we had love (and radiators) enough to keep us warm. Welcome to the world, Baby Ellie. To book your own newborn session, call +358 50 349 4460 or email sarah(at)pikkuarkki.com. Remember, have work- will travel!
It’s exciting to photograph siblings who are at the beginning of the getting-to-know-you phase. Someday Owen will read Piper’s diary. Someday Piper will have a crush on Owen’s friends. Someday they’ll fight over who gets to push the elevator button, who gets to ride shotgun, who gets control of the remote. But not yet. Now they’re just dueling over the same cookie
The weather was gorgeous. Sunny, warm, breezy. The perfect autumn day. As I was in my last minute rush to get out the door, I called to my sister in law (who was acting as babysitter for the afternoon), “Suvikki, is it still sunny?” “No,” she replied apologetically. Mean storm clouds had magically appeared in the last thirty minutes. ”NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” I groaned, dashing down the steps and outside to see the full extent of the damage. I was devastated. It looked like it would pour at any minute. And I still had 45 of them before their bridal shoot would begin. The whole tram and boat ride I cursed the weather. I thought about different covered locations on Suomenlinna we could shoot at. I hoped the bride’s dress wouldn’t get too dirty. As soon as I arrived on the island, I saw the bride and groom pull up. Katri’s gorgeous presence and Mikko’s excited grin instantly washed away any doubts I had about the session. ”It’s fine!” she assured me. And it was. The dark sky provided an amazing, dramatic backdrop to the photos. The cool breeze added energy and spirit to the bride and groom. And their evident love for one another made it a true joy to photograph them. Thank you, Katri and Mikko for allowing me the honor to photograph your wedding portraits. It was perfect from
Last week I had an excuse a work commitment that brought me to Stockholm for two days. I love Stockholm. It’s bigger and prettier than Helsinki. And has better food. Sorry to betray my dear Helsinki, it’s just true. My purpose wasn’t to wander the streets of the old town, stopping along the way to eat gorgeous food, drink excellent coffee, and read a fabulous book (I read The Help in 24 hours)- although I did all of the above. My purpose in going to Stockholm was to make Elizabeth feel as beautiful as she is in a More than a Mother shoot. In between shoe shopping, appetizers at Friday’s, and a fair bit of gossip, we managed to find the time to get some fab photos taken. I’ll show them to you in just a minute. But first: Elizabeth is an excellent mother. She doesn’t quash her son’s high spirits, but also doesn’t take any guff. She encourages him to learn without forcing anything upon him. She clearly, clearly loves him very much. BUT she’s more than a mother. Elizabeth is also: kind generous direct honest sensible a vegetarian an avid reader a handicrafter (just made that word up) currently employed at an English speaking daycare- which STILL makes me laugh, since I know her so well adventurous (maybe initially out of necessity, but perhaps the adventure is
I was greeted at the door by a boy in goggles, missing two front teeth, still in his pajamas. It doesn’t get much more beautiful than that. He and his brother then eagerly showed me every toy in their collection before settling in on the couch for some snuggle shots. When I mentioned the pack of balloons I had brought with me, they were uber excited. So we quickly headed outside to blow them all up and see what fun ensued. These kids made me smile. I hope they make you smile
I like to come prepared to shoots. Even if I don’t use my preparation. It makes me confident knowing that I have a plan- we won’t spend an hour in awkward silence just looking at each other. I’ve brought watermelon to shoots, flowers, balloons, guitars, cameras- I’ve made sure the parents had bubbles or money for ice cream. SOMETHING. Something I know kids will like- something that will make them come out of their shell and not look at me with disdain. Or even dislike. Or even apathy. Today I decided on balloons again. But because the store didn’t sell normal latex balloons with helium, I just bought a pack of ten for 99 cents and figured we’d blow them ALL up and have a balloon fiesta. It worked better than I ever could have dreamed. Look at these genuine, beautiful smiles. Ps. Click on the photo to see a bigger version of it.
Yesterday was a momentous day in the history of Finland. My children’s children’s children will hold May 15, 2012 up as a day to be remembered and celebrated for all of time. Someday, we will find it hard to believe we ever lived in a time BEFORE May 15, 2012
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So, here’s how it’s going to go down. First, I’m going to finish this final slice of Lovebird Pie. Then I’m going to wake up tomorrow and head to Starbuck’s for their Grand Opening and a Salty Caramel Latte. And THEN I’m giving up sugar again. It’s not so much
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If my kids and husband are ever looking to top this Mothers’ Day, they’re going to have to pull out all the stops. Because this has been the best day for a long time. For starters, everyone slept in their designated beds last night all night long. AND both kids
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Quick note: I spelled consciousness correctly without the help of spell check. I rule! Today it’s raining. Yesterday it wasn’t raining. Yesterday, I was supposed to go to the brand new Starbuck’s that just opened up at the Helsinki airport (just a 35 minute bus ride away!). This is the
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