Melissa & Frank

We're just absolutely tickled to welcome Melissa & Frank to the wedding family at BBP!!! First because they're a great couple in their own right and also because Melissa is the sister of former BBP bride Julie! Julie and Angelo are a fantastic couple and we just loved photographing their wedding and also consider them friends and BBP family members. Melissa and Julie's parents are wonderful people, we're so excited to be able to work with the family once again, especially at such a happy time!

So, Melissa and Frank, welcome to the family, it is a privilege and an honor to have you as part of the gang!

Miss Spring

I miss spring------ I mean, technically it is STILL spring, and with a high of 70 today and spring showers in the forecast that fact can't be denied. I mean I miss the blooms that sprung from bulbs, the daffodils and tulips, as well as the forsythia bushes of brilliant yellow and the blooming trees in pinks and whites.

How can you not wish that even a small part of spring color would remain all summer long?

We recently had the opportunity to photograph Amy and Dan's engagement session:

........ and Amy's daughter came along. What a sweet and enchanting little girl!

If there WAS a Miss Spring, I'd say we have a contender?

Kate @ 2

We've known Miss Kate since before she was born, her parents are great people and we even love the family dog! Recently BBP was honored to photograph Kate at 2 years old and capture this precious moment in time.

What a sweet girl! We look forward to many more sessions with Kate and her parents!

Photos So Fab You'll Pray 4 Rain!!!

We LOVE Jennifer & Shaun, I'll just start with that!

The weather this past Saturday in STL was, well............. to say it was "wet" is a gross understatement. Crazy weather, just crazy. We were fortunate to have Lisa and Will McDowell along for the day and what a special day it was!

How cool is this shot? There was no shortage of puddles and lots of water everywhere!

Both the bride and groom as well as the wedding party never groused a peep! Not one word. It rained off, and on throughout the day. Luckily after the beautiful ceremony at the Jewel Box, the rain was light and everyone wanted to go out on location for photos.

And the photos are just beyond special. The ring above is one Shaun had made using the wedding logo!
Another groom "special touch" shot would be Shaun's socks------------ lawsy, gotta love and deeply respect a man in pink and black socks! Jen rocked out gorgeous hot pink shoes as well, minus the striped socks thank heavens!

Jen wore a very pretty veil for the ceremony and when the veil was lifted, this really great headpiece remained.......... exquisite!
Of course a vid-slideshow to come, but I just had to bring you a Sneak Peek as Jennifer and Shaun wing their way to Maui.

Shaunnifer!

To say we're excited today for the wedding of Jennifer and Shaun would be an understatement! They're known to us (and all) as the fabulous Shaunnifer------- a couple that truly does complete the other (no nod given to Jerry!).

The weather looks to be a bit iffy but that won't dampen the spirits of this great bride and groom or their family and friends, they are ready for the day and prepared to take everything that comes as the gift it is.

Congrats Jennifer & Shaun!

Earthday Wedding Goodies

It's Earth Day! On this day we thought we'd choose a few wedding themed offerings that are vintage, repurposed, or nature inspired..................... fun things that offer Wedding Prettyness while respecting Mother Earth!

What a fun pin/corsage.............. repurposed from zippers! Found at Etsy by handcraftusa.

How can you not love cufflinks that are also repurposed---- and very cool at that! At Etsy from dustdesignco.

Boutonnieres can be predictable, or downright stuffy. This one is dapper and dashing, very environmental and earthy, no? At Etsy from pompandplumage.

How about a sweet and everlasting pin/corsage? Made from earth friendly felt and handcrafted. At Etsy from shopkissingtoads. Loads of colors too!

From thefrenchmouse at Etsy comes another boutonniere option, love this one with feathers and pussywillows!

Another take on the boutonniere from thefrenchmouse, the gingham leaf shown here could be created with your fabric of choice as the shop does a lot of custom pieces.

Above is the Birds Nest Boutonniere.......... pompandplumage at Etsy. If that doesn't say Earth Day, I don't know what does!

From desicra, also at Etsy, comes this paper wrist corsage. Available totally custom. You know how mama's and grandmama's love to keep things forever? I'm just sayin'!

I love the colors in this Baby Bluebird Rosette Pin------ repurposed, very vintage looking and fun! It's at Etsy and is from polkadotbungalow.Finally------ the Antheia headpiece from pompandplumage. It's sort of................ different............. but the idea is interesting.

Happy Earth Day------- do something nice for your Mama E today!

Alecia & Caleb

Such a happy bride and groom----- and great weather to boot, all in all a fantastic wedding day in Washington. Missouri, that is!

Enjoy the vid-slideshow of some fun images from their day!

Monday---- Monday-----

The weekend flew by, as always during wedding season! What a gorgeous Saturday for a wedding in Washington! Everyone was out and enjoying the sunny and still cool weather. Location photography was loads of fun and one stop in particular was to spend a bit of time with Alecia and Caleb and their wedding party at Balducci's (one of my personal favorite local wineries!), it seemed that everyone in the world was there--- man was that place packed. Suffice it to say that the hard working crew at BBP did not get a chance to enjoy the fruit of the vine.

Cooler weather coming in this week and lots to do as well as new brides to meet.

The weather makes me think of baking, why is that????? Maybe Bourbon Bread Pudding???? I think so too! Decidedly un-springlike.........You know what they say, a little for the dish and a little for me! ;)

Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

2 cups whole milk (don't skimp on this!!!)
1/4 cup butter (no plastic tub stuff, this IS bread pudding after all)
2/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on taste preference)
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups bread with some oomph, tear into chunks

Directions:

1. In medium saucepan, over medium heat, scald milk. Combine butter and milk.Cool.

2. Combine sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed for 1 minute. Slowly add milk mixture.

3. Place bread in a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole.

4. You can use raisins if you like------------ personally I think they're nasty but it's up to you!

5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes or until set. Serve warm.

If you make the sauce to put on top of your bread pudding, adjust the sugar in the bread pudding recipe, change it to 1/3 cups sugar (the sauce has the other 1/3 cup in it).

Bread Pudding Sauce

Ingredients:

3/4 cup whole milk
2 Tbsp. butter
1/3 cup granulated white sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. flour

¼ cup bourbon (the good stuff) You can omit this of course............. but why?????

Directions:

Have a shot of bourbon. Mix everything except bourbon together and bring to a boil for 3 - 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Add bourbon the last minute, maybe have a little more for yourself? Set aside for 5 minutes, then pour on warm bread pudding.

Alecia & Caleb

On a beautiful Saturday in April, THIS Saturday in fact.......... today............. Alecia and Caleb will marry. To their delight, to the happiness of their family, the joy of their friends and all around thrills, this is their big day! The air is cool and crisp as spring seems to have made a return, the skies are blue and no doubt all is right in the world. Congrats Alecia and Caleb, we're excited to be a part of this very special occasion! Happy Wedding Day!

Michelle & Brad's Wedding Day

It truly would be impossible to have a more glorious day for a wedding than last Saturday when Michelle and Brad were married. Despite the allergies of many. The sunshine was bright, the bride happy and smiling, the groom with a grin, the flowers all over town in their glory------ absolutely beautiful.

In the photo above, poor Brad is not sure at ALL about Michelle cheerfully posing with my knitting (Tina's knitting of course!!!). It's always the highlight of my day spent with a bride and groom (past the I Do's) when a bride that I've gotten to know and enjoy takes a shot with my project du jour. I love our brides--------and aren't I lucky that they love put up with me!!!

Enjoy some highlights from their special day in this slide show, it just makes me smile!

The Bees Knees- Ashley & Mickey

I've heard it said that nobody except the bees are happy in St. Louis right now! With pollen at all time highs, the thick coating of yellowish pollen laying on everything (including people), and various blooms, blossoms, bits and flowery parts floating on every puff of wind, even those that aren't normally bothered with allergies are suffering. Ahhhhhh Chooooo!

There are exceptions to the Bees Knees Rule------ that is, other things to be happy about in the gloriously blooming city of STL. The Cards won their home opener and the city was a sea of red, as well as smiling faces. Some faces were both red and smiling but that is a story for another day! The blooms abounding despite their sneeze inducing reactions are gorgeous! The tulips seem exceptional this year!

And here at the always happy BBP, we're thrilled as can be to welcome another couple to the wedding family at Bobbi Brinkman Photography! Ashley & Mickey--- we're all so thrilled to have you on board and are looking forward to getting to know you better, counting you as lifelong friends, and of course capturing your wedding with "Images from the Heart..." Welcome Ashley& Mickey!!!

The blog pic today? None other than our favorite photographer, Miss Bobbi Brinkman herself, camera slung around her neck! Most of us don't recognize her without a camera or two! The photo was taken last month in Zion National Park. Not a bride in sight-------- go figure!

Aloha Sarah & Nick

Warm welcomes from everyone at BBP to new wedding family members Sarah & Nick! We couldn't be happier to have this really wonderful couple in the fold! It is a distinct pleasure to photograph this wedding as we were honored to have photographed Sarah's sister in 2000. How time flies! We'll have a lot of fun with this cute couple and enjoy working with them as well as their families as we move forward.

On this glorious Saturday (hasn't spring been wonderful????), we celebrate the wedding day of Michelle and Brad. As always it is an honor and a privilege to be present on such a special day, and to capture their wedding images, to tell their special story with "Images from the Heart..."

Mani Pedi Anyone???

So, upcoming bride Jennifer asked about nail polish. Bright color vs. Pale color vs. Sheer Color vs. French mani??????

The options are of course endless------ and the BBP Opinion is just that, our opinion. There are of course others! (Note: Other opinions while freely stated are likely to be less magnificent than The Party Line!!)

We've seen it ALL------- and giving a nod to:

• Bride's Personality
• Current Trends
• Photography

... we feel that a couple of things hold true. No matter the personality of the bride, or current trends, classic always holds true. Always. If you opt for say a bright pink nail polish on your hands, it might look fresh and current NOW, it might be very dated in a few years. As much as we love the super dark colors now, they are better for everyday wear and will be on the top of the list for things that date a wedding photograph. Think avocado green kitchen appliances.

The classic french manicure always looks good, clean, fresh and pretty. It is to be noted that it is also the super safe choice!

For hands we also like a clean sheer polish, a nice soft pink, peach or nude. The polish color should be a sheer wash of either the color of your wedding dress or the colors of your bridesmaids dresses or color theme of your wedding.

Having said that, toes? The toenails can PARTY! Often a bride chooses either a fabulous shoe style or color (or both) for her wedding look. The hands are seen and photographed much more often than the toes. Pedicures are an absolute MUST, but the color of the polish can be super fun if that is the personality of the bride. (Think hot pink!) Or more muted as well. If you are the kind of bride that likes that pop of shoe color on her wedding day, you're likely to love a happy toenail polish color as well.

Mani Pedi is best done the day before the wedding giving time for the perfect dry time, but it will still look fresh on the wedding day. Ask for two coats of top coat and allow PLENTY of time for drying. When you go to bed on your wedding day don't forget a good slathering of top quality foot cream and a little pair of cotton socks. When you wake up on your wedding day your feet will look gorgeous smorgeous! The same goes for hands but many brides can't sleep in cotton gloves. Either way, don't forget lots of really good hand cream!

The bottom line is plan ahead! Try out different nail colors and mani pedi's you think you will love. Ask your manicurist for ideas! Give a thought to different shapes or lengths or fun things. Remember that a classic semi-short oval nail is the most classic although many brides do still go with extentions. You have the opportunity to read a lot of nail color resumes and give them all a chance to see if they will make the final cut!

Go shopping for nail polish----- purchase a few of your favorites and take them with you to your manicurist. The choice of colors at your shop might be somewhat limited and if you bring your own color (and top coat!) you're assured of a super fresh bottle of polish that will deliver excellent results.

Nails we love:

• OPI- Pink I Love You and Otherwise Engaged
• Lippman: I'm Not Innocent and Shape of My Heart
• Essie: Main Squeeze and Show Me the Ring
• NARS: Pussy Galore
  
• Joan Rivers: (best base coat and top coat EVER)- Clouds
  

Toes we love:

• Lippman: FEVER!
• Essie: Turquoise and Caicos
• Joan Rivers: Lipstick Red
• NARS: Rebel Yell
  

Future Husbands? They need manicures too! Leave off the Fever polish though!

The bottom line is of course that it is your day! Listen to the opinion of others but most importantly listen to your heart.

Wedding Game????

Wedding Themed Fun?????? How about a happy hump day game, design a wedding dress with all the bells and whistles:

My Wedding Dress

Note: BBP is not responsible for lollygagging while sitting at your desk when you shouldn't be playing but working in a nose to the grindstone manner!

BB TV

Recently Nancy Pasternak (a favorite television face in St. Louis) contacted a group of photographers who provide infant bereavement photography here in town. Because Bobbi has been an integral part of the group for years and served as area coordinator, Nancy asked her to be part of an assemblage of wonderful photographers in the group for a piece to be aired on television.

Because Bobbi has such a heart for SHARE, the charity where Bobbi Brinkman Photography chooses to give back, she was more than happy to oblige.

The piece has now aired on HEC-TV, it's informative "State of the Arts" program. Nancy reported on this group and the resulting show (appearing at the 37:30 mark in the show, both on television as scheduled or viewed online at the link above).

We were all really thrilled with the show, with the fabulous Bobbi herself, and with the coverage given to SHARE. It was great to see Bobbi, Jennifer, Kim and Jodi speaking about their passion and love for these special families.

I hope you get the opportunity to view the piece, it is wonderful!

You know what we say--------- Count your blessings and pass one on!!!

A Green Easter

So here is the best thing of all, culinarily and perhaps only to me---- the arrival of a certain black and white box. Contents? Green chilis, necessarily frozen as they are not in season currently, and quick shipped to my kitchen. A must have purchase to my thinking!

The cost for 5 pouches of frozen green chilis, one pound each, including shipping (free, riiiiiiight!) was $65.00. Two pouches makes a batch of the best thing in the world, green chili stew. I'm not kidding, it really IS the best thing in the world, amazing, fantastic, nirvana! Computing cost means two pounds of chilis, a pound of pork, a pound of potatoes, chicken broth and cilantro. Let's call it $36.00. Thirty Six dollars for a batch of green chili stew (worth it at any price)----- which let's say makes 4 dinner sized servings. That is $9 a serving. Now I feel so much better, just waaaaay better----- as purchasing the chili of the gods in Santa Fe runs about that.

The weekend is here and I've prepared by laying in groceries for the traditional Easter BBQ (what? You don't have barbeque for Easter?), and making a big pot of green chili stew. The chilis themselves arrived frozen so after thawing them, taking each individual chili and stripping off the burned-y black-y skin from the outside, cutting off the cap and de-seeding them was a happy labor of love. I kept the seeds from one of the chili's for the stew, liking a bit of heat and not knowing how hot the chilis were on their own, it seemed a good place to start. After browning pork cubes and adding stock and potatoes, simmering and then adding in those lovely chopped chilis the kitchen smelled amazingly wonderful. Would it be the same as my beloved eaten 2-3 times each day while in Santa Fe chili? Could it be? Or was it simply $65.00 poorly spent.

Hum the theme to Jeopardy here.................

\ I know, it sort of looks awful------ don't judge!!!!!!

The verdict was a resounding YES------ what a delicious and happy bowl of stew! Worth every step along the way from ordering the chilis to the preparation. I will add that it was HOT, and I like spicy so for me to say the stew had a kick is saying something. Boom! But delicious!! I'll scoop some of the pork and potato-less liquid out, thin with a bit more sauce and have a Saturday breakfast of scrambled eggs, cumin and spice fried potatoes all smothered in green chili sauce. Oh yeah. I'm pretty sure that the Easter Bunny will be joining me for a pre-hop brekky to get him going. No pun intended.

Easter is on the way and it will be bracketed with Green------- mostly chili stew! Cookies have been baked and assuming they make it until Sunday, dessert for the oh so traditional bbq will be ready too. Cream Puffs---- maybe some cream puffs?

Clearly the chili has gone to my head!

Everyone here at Bobbi Brinkman Photography sends wishes for your best and happiest Easter, whether it is green or not!