Feb 15 2012

Wedding Wednesday | Vendors

Posted in Wedding Wednesday

Hello, readers! I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine’s Day! Today I wanted to feature a few lovely vendors. They all have some amazing products – definitely fit for a bride who wants something unique on her wedding day. There are so many talented vendors out there who can help  make your big day special…Here are a few that have caught my eye:

Invitations: Love Vs. Design

These invitations are by Love Vs Design – they have a great variety of invites and paper goods with some amazing designs. They even have a section of free, ready-to-print templates! Seriously drooling over some of their stuff! You can check them out on Facebook here.

Accessories: Twigs & Honey

This beautiful mini veil is from the new 2012 Twigs & Honey collection. Their vintage-inspired and handmade pieces are to-die-for! Goodness, I would love to photograph some of their work some day. You can see more of their beautiful pieces on Facebook, and on their website.

Cakes & Desserts: Petunia’s Pies & Pastries

Petunia’s is a Portland based bakery that specializes in gluten free and vegan desserts. I’ve tried tons of their treats – you’d never guess they were dairy free, gluten free, etc….so delicious! Check them out on Facebook for all of their updates.

Gowns, decor & more: BHLDN

BHLDN is Anthropologie’s wedding line! They have some beautiful bohemian wedding gowns, wedding decorations, bridesmaids dresses, accessories, and more. They just opened their second store location in Chicago – so exciting! See more of their updates on their Facebook Page.

So who are some of your favorite new vendors?

no comments

add a comment
link to this post
Feb 12 2012

Cassie | Portland Senior Photos

Posted in Senior Portraits

Here is one of my favorite senior sessions from this summer. Cassie was SO fun to shoot, and such a sweetheart! We had a great time exploring this urban area in SE Portland and getting to know each other. I have to say, I absolutely love her style, don’t you? Those high-waisted shorts are to-die-for!

Thanks for the wonderful session, Cassie! You were a fantastic model.

no comments

add a comment
link to this post
Feb 09 2012

A Challenge to my Fellow Artists

Posted in Personal Work

To my fellow artists & creators,

I know it’s Thursday, and you’re expecting a style post…but I’ve had something else on my mind today. Within the past few months, I have had some amazing opportunities to showcase my artwork. Absolute dreams come true.  Throughout the process, I have learned so much – I thought it would be valuable to share.

The first big opportunity was having my photograph published on a HarperCollins book cover. Here is the original photo:

And the book cover:

This was such a dream for me – and the first thing I’ve crossed off my bucket list. When I took this photo 5 years ago, I had no idea that anything like this would happen.

Recently, I was also featured in an international photography exhibit, in Hamburg, Germany. The amazing Franzi Ebert chose two of my photographs to be displayed, along with the work of 11 other young photographers from around the world. The show was called “You Are My Favorite (2).”

Over 400 people attended the opening, and both my pieces were sold! I could hardly believe it. (And side note: Germans are so stylish!! I wonder if they know they are hipsters…)

I’d like to share the most important thing I have learned through all of this, something my photography professor has said all along: Do what you love & good things will come.

Here’s what I mean:
I have noticed lately that there is such an emphasis in this social networking world to have the most “followers,” “friends,” or “fans.” There are countless posts about contests won, photos published, awards awarded, etc. It can leave you feeling inadequate, or like you should go out and spend huge amounts of money advertising your work, or entering contests. But honestly, the best thing you can do to “get your work out there” is simple: keep creating, and create what you love. The rest will follow. Both of these opportunities came to me when I least expected it. The three photographs featured were ones that I created simply for myself. So here is my challenge to you: Create work that inspires you and helps you grow as an artist. Create work that makes YOU happy, and don’t count your success by facebook comments or followers.  Hard work and passion are what make art good, not the number of “likes” you get. Why compare yourself to others?

Do what you love & the rest will follow.

5 comments

add a comment
link to this post

Amanda K - Wise beyond your years…YOU inspire me. XO

Nana - Congratulations!

I am really happy for you. Really!
I live in Brazil, and I’m beginning to work as a photographer and what happened to you certainly is an ispiration to me.

wish you the best

Branden Harvey - This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thanks Allegra!

Ashley "Bambi" Royse - First of all, thanks Allegra! Love this bit of wisdom from you. And congratulations! That is so exciting and I am so proud for you/of you!

Secondly– Germans are hipsters? ALLEGRA. You MUST help me get all the German inspiration I can then for clothing, because I’ll be going there on Junior’s Abroad (with Tim) and I have no idea what to where that won’t make me stick out like a “dumb American.”

Hahahaha. I am only poking fun! But hey, maybe an international-fashion blog post or something would be a fun idea for you!

Amy Abelein - Thank you for this, Allegra. I have been feeling more than a little discouraged about my artistic abilities recently, and that sweet, encouraging blurb was just what I needed right now. It’s difficult to remember that I love making art, whether masses of other people love it or not.

Feb 08 2012

Wedding Wednesday | Unconventional Bouquets

Posted in Wedding Wednesday

To my fellow brides & everyone else who loves weddings — Happy Wednesday! I thought I would round up some of my favorite “unconventional” bouquet ideas. Don’t get me wrong, lilies and roses are lovely…but if you’re like me, you want something with a little more character. Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking about your perfect, one-of-a-kind bouquet:

I think these are beautiful. I love how they included artichoke – so fun!

 

Here is a gorgeous bouquet made of vintage broaches. What a great idea! Never too early to start collecting : )

Another non-flower bouquet – this one is made of paper:

I’m still totally loving the idea of succulents too:

And here is one of the most original bouquets I have come across so far. Feathers, sticks, and cutlery:

So what’s in your perfect bouquet?

2 comments

add a comment
link to this post

Danielle - ooh I LOVE this post!
I love the one the girl with the tattoos is holding… of course. :)

zachary - I reals like the paper bouquet!!

Feb 02 2012

Thrifted Thursday | DIY Dreams

Posted in Thrifted Thursday

As Zach and I have been dreaming about our perfect home, we have been so inspired to do some DIY projects. I am so thankful that Zach appreciates my “thrifty ways.” In fact, he is one of the most resourceful & creative people I know! We can hardly wait to work on decorating our soon-to-be home together…and we’ve decided there will be LOTS of DIY projects involved.

We are four months away from the wedding (!!!) and both still in school…so there are no projects started, YET. But I thought I would share some of my DIY Dreams: projects I’ve been inspired by and hope to create one day. My hope is that by this summer, I’ll be posting our projects on Thrifted Thursday — sharing our experiences and thrifty ideas as newlyweds : )

1. Mason Jar Soap Dispenser. Perfect since we already have so many of these jars! Here’s a previous Thrifted Thursday post on Mason Jars.

2. Pallet Shelves. Love the rustic look – but these would also be cute painted!

3. Old Crates as Storage. Zach and I have been keeping our eye out for old crates for the wedding decor. They’ll be perfect for storage later, too!

4. Pallet Coffee Table. I think this would be SUCH a fun project! Definitely a conversation starter.

5. Distressed Desk. Zachary LOVES distressing furniture. We will definitely be doing this at some point!

So these are just a few of our ideas for DIY decor! Hopefully in the near future, my Thrifted Thursday posts will feature some of the projects that Zach and I decide to take on! Until then, I’ll continue with the outfit posts & thrifting tips. Anything else you’d like to see?

 

 

 

 

*please note, all images are courtesy of Pinterest. Click on the photos to view their original source.

 

1 comment

add a comment
link to this post

Danielle - DUDE. someone was just telling me about the pallet coffee table last week!
I love your posts. happyyy :)

F a c e b o o k
T w i t t e r