Motherhood & Elle

Well, hello there! Long time no talk. I wonder why...Maybe because of this little munchkin...

Miss Elle has kept me VERY busy. It may be an understatement, but I can sum up my first month of being a mom in two words - LIFE. CHANGING.

Taking a shower where I actually shave my legs, eating more than a handful of cereal for lunch, wearing something more than concealer, going outside for more than the mail...Those are all rarities right now. I know it's to be expected for the first month, but it's still hard to adjust to such a HUGE change in 30 days.

We're starting to get the hang of things though, and soon enough I'll be back out there with a little sidekick. To see some pictures by Session Nine Photography of our first week home with Elle, click here. To see pictures of her nursery and newborn shoot by Mike Olbinski, click here.

More life updates to come!

*All photos by Mike Olbinski

Featured on Babble.com

Babble.com is an amazing resource for new parents. And while discovering this new world of parenthood, I was pleasantly surprised to see an email in my inbox asking to feature my maternity session with Gina Meola. After two sleepless weeks of being a mom, it feels extra special to be featured on this awesome parenting resource. Thanks Babble!

A Photographer's Perspective On Using A Stylist

Gina Meola is mentioned a lot on this blog because we work together often, and have become good friends because of it. I asked her if she would be interested in contributing something about fashion photography to the blog since she's a photographer, and instead she wanted to share how working with a fashion stylist has helped set her business apart. =) Now, can you see why I love her?! Enjoy!

--- For us, offering personal styling services to all our clients is SUCH a bonus! When a couple hires us, they believe in our values, they care about an amazing experience, and they trust us to capture them BEAUTIFULLY! Alex of AVE STYLES has helped solidify all those areas!

For most couples, engagement photos are the first time they are being professionally photographed together. It can feel unfamiliar, a little intimidating, or even awkward without the right guidance. So why not let an expert in fashion help put your clients’ minds at ease? In the end, they feel more confident in themselves and are more trusting of YOU.

These are just a few ways having a stylist “on staff” has changed Gina Meola Photography::

• This is one more way our couples are cared for because we include this service in our collections.
• Marcus and I spend less time preparing for photo sessions, and more time growing our business!
• Our couples arrive stress-free to shoots because their ensembles were selected far in advance.
• Our couples can focus on lovin’ each other instead of worrying about their outfits. This, in turn, helps us create natural, authentic photographs.
• The overall experience AND image quality are enhanced tremendously!
• Fully trusting Alex ensures our clients look and feel their very best!

The verdict is out, and having a personal fashion stylist makes the process much more relational, unique, and special! THANK YOU, ALEX!!

All images by Gina Meola Photography and style by AVE Styles.

AVE Styles' Newest Addition

Say hi to the newest addition to AVE Styles, Miss Elle. My husband and I are completely smitten and couldn't be more proud. I plan to share her birth story and all of our fun since we've been home from the hospital. But for now, I'm soaking up precious newborn moments with my little girl and will talk fashion a little later.

I have some friends of mine that will be sharing some awesome stuff in the meantime.

xoxo,

Alex

Fall Picks by Petit Joy Vintage

I thought it would be fun to have some of my stylish friends share their fall picks and favorite trends while I'm away falling more and more in love with Elle.

So, today my friend Shelly from Petit Joy Vintage is sharing with you some of her fall shopping picks. She is a lover of all things vintage and owns a vintage clothing shop on Etsy. She is brilliant at home DIY projects, hair tutorials and regularly posts awesome outfits on her blog, so make sure to check it out!

I love fall. Actually I think it is safe to say that it is my favorite time of year. Not only does it mean that I don't break into a sweat as soon as I walk out the door, but it also means fall fashion. All of the layers and deep colors. During the summer it is more about simplicity, ease, and making a statement using minimal things. However, in the fall season, it's more rich and complex and there are more pieces, patterns, and textures to play around with. This isn't to say that it is any more difficult to pick out an outfit, just simply that you have got more options to have fun with. Since vintage is what I do and what I know, I decided to put together my fall picks using modern pieces with a vintage twist. - Shelly

1. Burgundy Cardigan from J.Crew. It is basic, yet versatile and can be worn in multiple ways.

2. Mosaic Blouse from Modcloth. This is more of a statement piece, but gives you a lot of options with color and it is simple enough in shape to also work in multiple ways and silhouettes.

3. Tangerine Mini Skirt from TopShop. I just love this. The front, scalloped pleat sold me right away.

4. William Tote Bag by Shana Luther. Because a girl has gotta have a good-looking bag to get her from fall to spring.

5. Polka Dot Stockings from American Apparel. I think socks are a very underrated accessory. They come in so many colors and patterns these days and can really add something unexpected to your outfit, not to mention just keeping those legs warm!

6. Black Velvet Loafers from Lulu's. I had to add these because I am obsessed with loafers at the moment. Sleek, comfortable, and classic.

7. The Sartorialist: Closer by Scott Schuman. Everyone should own his books. This is the second one to come from him (which is out this month actually) and they really capture the fashion of our generation from all over the world. It is an inspiration go-to for me if I am ever feeling uninspired with my wardrobe and the photographs are just beautiful.