Photos by: VANESSA.RAE

Some times we tend to over look the simple or obvious choice.  We are constantly caught in a net of what is trendy, what we should look like and how to act… when the answer is so simple and obvious.  Do what makes you happy and wear the things you love.

Why go buy a bright, pink mini skirt and high heels when you’re a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl? Guys, I know we don’t always know what to wear or necessarily care, but same thing applies.  Why wear a t-shirt and shorts when you really love your suit and tie?

A lot of the time we see things in magazines or on T.V. that we love and wish we could have or look like.  My goal is always to take that magazine clipping or that image from the T.V. that you love and twist it, flip it and turn it around to fit you exactly.  Therefore, when your pictures are done and edited, its you, but the greatest version of you.  Not every woman can go out and have a glamorous photo shoot with a big ball gown and crystal chandeliers all around her, while lounging in a plush velvet chair.  If that’s your dream photo shoot, I would love to make it happen.  On the other hand, not every person understands how to put together an outfit.  You may own a stylish skirt and a cute cardigan and never wear them together because you don’t see them as working together.  Its my job to find those items that you love and make an outfit which makes you confident and feel like you.

Whether its the end of the day, getting ready for a big event,   a night out on the town, or your next photo shoot, the answer is simple and obvious…

Do what makes you happy and wear the things you love.

Picturesque Beauty

I recently had a chance to work with one of my greatest friends, Annie.  I knew this shoot would be a blast.  She had said she just wanted to do a fun photo shoot.

With two looks, lots of clothes and a good chunk of laughs, Vanessa and I were able to make her dream come true.

The first look was simply her.  A cute outfit and a few accessories, followed by some simple set design to bring a story to the picture.  As we went on, I changed her outfit up simply by mixing accessories and using them in unconventional ways.  The shots turned out simple and gorgeous.

Finally, we came to the look I had spent time coming up with and meticulously constructing a gown and accessories for.  I asked Annie a few questions of what she saw for her dream shoot.  From her answers, I took her thoughts and mine and came up with something we both loved.

This shoot was dramatic, elegant and had moody appeal to it.  She mentioned feathers, so I gave her feather epaulets and feather hair pieces.  I already new she loved a red lip.  So, I came up with a make up design that would include one.  Smokey eyes, a hint of gold and a beautiful, bold lip.  We simply mixed things I created and loved with great pieces she already had.  Her final look was exactly what we wanted.

Dramatic.

I then was given creative freedom to come up with a set design which would fit what we had talked about.  I took articles which I had built for me and items I already custom made, with a set and accessories that set us in a regal and longing story book.  The final look had exactly what we wanted.

From this shoot I was able to experiment with some fun ideas.  I was reminded that the best things come when we are passionate about what we do and those who surround us.  I can say I have found a heavy passion for designing and creating a moment for your pictures.  Each set is individual to you and I hope to make you feel that.

*I was so excited when Chase came to me with this idea. I always love fun concept shoots that let me step out of the box. Amazing job my friend…loved this!

“I’m torn
I’m all out of faith
This is how I feel
I’m cold and I am shamed
Lying naked on the floor
Illusion never changed
Into something real
I’m wide awake
And I can see the perfect sky is torn
You’re a little late
I’m already torn”

Love to hear from you…don’t forget to click the Facebook “like” button below

peace.love.xoxo…~V

Introducing…CHASE.WISE

I have always believed in finding the beauty in the life that surrounds me.  There is never a moment when I don’t see something that sparks an idea for something grand.

As a child I was always painting, drawing and helping my mom decorate for the holidays and everyday in between.  Art in general has always been a part of my life.  I think art is who makes me who and what I am.

A creator.

I want to constantly create new and exciting things, or take something drab and update it with a new twist.

I’m a fun guy who wants to make beautiful things in a crazy and chaotic world.  Being able to create something so special for someone, whether that is a bridal/engagement shoot, or senior portrait, or helping you plan your wedding day, or something as simple as what outfit to wear for your pictures, there is an understated beauty to that.  I want to help make your moment with someone you love (whether that be a partner, friend or just yourself) beautiful.

I am excited to be apart of this new journey and hope to get to know you all better…here are some fun random things about me.

* I’m allergic to fruits and vegetables (except corn and potatoes)
* When I’m driving in my car I like to pretend I’m in the music video to whatver song is playing.
* I have never broken a bone.(knock on wood)
* I love showers.
* I have an obsession with Trees and branches.
* I love birds.
* I have never had just one favorite color.
* I’m a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer.
* My favorite movies are chick flicks.
* I once won a flatscreen tv from Rc Willey.
* I love to decorate my house… it changes all the time.
* I use to play basketball, baseball, roller hockey and I ran track in High School.

-Chase.

Jumping in my seat with excitement…many great things in store.

Tomorrow on the blog, a creative style shoot by Chase and myself…tune in, you don’t want to miss it.

Thank you for all your support and love. Lots of goodness heading your way…peace.love.xoxo…~V

*Don’t forget to click the Facebook “like” button…it always makes me so happy.

light

music

words

this day you sit alone

soft whispers from a melody

quiet your mind

think with your heart

dream of small ventures

as he carries you away…

“For me, the only things of interest are those linked to the heart.” -Audrey Hepburn

Happy Monday!

Please Click the FACEBOOK “like” button below…

peace.love.xoxo…~V

In the shuffle of your daily life…there are these tiny moments that will stop you.

They will make life slow down…time stand still…

Moments that stay with you.

To look back on, and be glad that you were there…really awake to the joys, in what we call life.

My life now, I wish I had more time with my children. But right now, it just can’t be that way. And everyday I carry around the guilt of missing these types of moments. But, when I get the chance to slow down…this is what I see. Two amazing children, that love life. I can see the glimmer in their eyes. I can hear  the sound of their laughter. I get the opportunity to be apart of their sweet souls. And I cherish every second.

I am blessed to have two special kids that love each other. They play together, help each other out, cheer each other on. Every night before bed they give each other a hug and say  ”sweet dreams.” When we drive in the car, I will often find them holding hands. It brings tears to my eyes every time. They have silly little sayings with each other. Silly little games that they create. And lots of time drawing and coloring together. Now…don’t get me wrong, they are pretty great, but of course, they have their moments. Like any close brother and sister do. They fight, and pick at each other. And the lesson they learn every time is that even though sometimes they drive each other crazy, they always know they love each other. I am so glad that with the past couple of years we have gone through, they have had each other to hold on to. To comfort one another. And know that they will always have each others back. Two little buds, just doing what they do best. Being each others best friends.

As a mother, do you ever get the sense that your children have a certain type of personality just to teach you something? I feel that way all the time. Isabel is quiet, thoughtful, and wise. She teaches me to think, be patient, and not be afraid to just be different. Jack is heartfelt, energetic, and courageous. He brings the inner child out in me, how to show simple love, and to laugh. Each of them, have qualities that I hope they always keep through out their lives. They continue to explore. To challenge themselves. Always believe in magic. And keep a piece of their childlike imaginations. Because without the dreams we had as children, greatness and thinking out side the box would never continue into adulthood. The creativity of the world would stop. Innovation would cease to exist.

Dream. Discover. Explore.

I believe, as children we lived life with curiosity. We questioned, we thought, we felt, and we approached everything as if the world around us changed into what ever adventure we were on that day. Don’t you wish we could as adults go back to that. To believing that whatever we set out to do that day we could do it. There was no fear, no pain, and no worry. We lived life as though nothing could stop us. We were on the greatest adventure everyday….

I get a small piece of that childlike life again, every day through my children. And I hold onto it tight. Because its purity leaves to quickly in this world. Innocence fades fast and we as mothers have a special mission to keep it around as long as possible.

So to my two precious angels…lets stay in Neverland as long as we can. Live on the island of pirates and lost boys. Play with small tinker fairies and fly. Fly until the stars and the moon lead us home.

I love you both to the moon and back…and back again.

Thank you Miss Iz and Mr. Jack for this special tiny moment. If being a photographer only gives me this…I got exactly what I wanted from this talent. To capture pictures just like these…

Thank you for looking and love to hear from you.

peace.love.xoxo…~V

Don’t they look like a 1960′s JFK and Jackie…so regal and stunning. Have a beautiful Thursday and let simple beauty and dreamy passion be in your day…

I am so excited to announce that VANESSA.RAE now has a personal stylist!!! CHASE.WISE is amazing at what he does, and has a beautiful passion for style. Make sure to check the blog tomorrow to learn more about CHASE and see another amazing shoot we did together. Many good things to come…

*Shoot Styling: CHASE.WISE

Thanks for looking and kind words….don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook!

peace.love.xoxo…~V

Two people coming together, knowing that there is no one else, holding onto the rarity of love.

Melissa and Taylor are simply that. From the very start of this session, you could see just how much these two are in love. The way Melissa smiles at Taylor, the way he simply stops to stare her way…made my heart swoon. Her laugh can light up a room, his manly stature creating a presence, and the quiet moments their eyes meet…and you know. You just know. It is love.

To be apart of these moments is a gift to me. Fills my hopeless romantic heart. Let it fill yours…

I am you,
You are ready
Like my heart
To be true.

The frost is slowly falling
And my heart it`s calling you
Ice is slowly melting away
Let`s forget all the things that we say.

All the feathers in your hair
We are young
But We are older
With the light we`ve became
In this room.

Let`s forget all the things that we say.
please
I am safe, please
There`s nothing I`d rather do.
I`m certainly, I`m certainly
And there`s no one else but you.

TOMORROW on the BLOG: PT.2 of Melissa and Taylor, PLUS EXCITING NEWS!!!!

*A Huge thanks to Chase Wise for shoot styling.

Thank you for looking…would love to hear from you…peace.love.xoxo…~V

I promise you will want to watch this one! Miss Julia Stone has done it again. Not to mention the filming is stunning…enjoy!

peace.love.xoxo…~V

Just you

I’m runnin’ over love clouds
To you
Blue moon…
Is shining there for us now
It’s followin’ us around

Just you

Even though sometimes family pictures can be more of a chore then we may think they are worth…In the end…they are always worth it. In a world full of chaos, Family is the one thing that remains Pure. Family keeps us grounded and gives love that cannot be found in any other form. It teaches us to be kind and selfless. Something that is real and lasting.

To the Oberg Family, who show just that…

Thank you for your thoughts and kind words.

peace.love.xoxo…~V

think about it, there must be higher love

down in the heart or hidden in the stars above

without it, life is wasted time

look inside your heart, I’ll look inside mine

bring me a higher love…

worlds are turning and we’re just hanging on

facing our fear and standing out there alone

a yearning, and it’s real to me

there must be someone who is feeling for me

bring me a higher love…

I will wait for it

I’m not too late for it

until then, I’ll sing my song

to cheer the night along

bring it…

bring me a higher love…

I could light the night up with my soul on fire

I could make the sun shine from pure desire

let me feel that love come over me

let me feel how strong it could be…

bring me a higher love…

bring me a higher love

bring me a higher love

bring me a higher love

where’s the higher love I keep thinking of?

Truly one of the most heart felt session I have done. Love straight from my heart. Time we all find our higher love…

Thank you to Chase Wise for the AMAZING details and styling, you saw my vision and helped bring it to life. I heart you!

And to Coy, and Chyna, who met 5 min. before we started shooting…thank you for embodying my concept on love.

peace.love.xoxo…~V

Invest. Where do you invest your life? Think about that. If you are not investing in the ones that love you the most, where does that leave you?

I am thankful everyday, that I get to invest my love into these two. They are the most precious blessing of my life. My children make me whole, complete. I find myself being jealous of new mothers and that chance to hold a newborn on your chest for hours again. I hold onto every little thing my kids do, their laughter, the funny things they say, their tears, and just the moment everyday I get to hold them.

Invest. Take that leap, let your heart by your guide, and marvel at where it will lead you. Trust in the one that loves you completely, in them you will never fall. A life with my children and one day…my one and only, is where I want to invest my love forever. Best investment plan of my life.

enjoy your weekend…

peace.love.xoxo…~V