BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Dear Blossom Studios

I've been hinting over the past few months that I had something exciting in the works... and I can finally reveal what it is! My close friend and frequent collaborator, Emma, and I are starting a new venture: Dear Blossom Studios, a photography and content creation space located in the heart of the Flower City (our hometown of Rochester, NY)!

Both Emma and I have always loved the opportunity to take natural, captivating photos and to tell compelling stories through those images. We decided on the name Dear Blossom Studios to indicate our connection to nature and our desire to help others blossom into their best selves in front of the camera. I'm totally enamored with the name and with our branding, especially since I think it fits so perfectly with both of us individually and as a pair.

We've been working so hard to bring this beautiful space to life and to get everything ready to launch today. Our studio has two separate rooms and several great spots for shooting. We're starting out with senior portraits, headshots, and branding sessions, but we have a bunch of other fun offerings in the works to be launched in the near future. I'm also planning on using the studio space for my own photoshoots, videos, and brand content creation. I'm so excited for all of the possibilities and about working on something new and creative!

It would mean the world to me if you would check out our website, follow our Instagram, like our Facebook page, or share our posts with friends and family. Even if you're not based in Rochester or the surrounding area, your support can make a huge difference. (Plus, Emma often travels to photograph weddings and other events – so it's entirely possible that we could work together, no matter where you're located!) And if you have any questions, suggestions, or want to book a session, please don't hesitate to email us at hello@dearblossomstudios.com! 

It's been a tough year, but it's appropriate that I feel like I'm blossoming, too.

Please Come Home For Christmas

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

Well, it's Christmas Eve. It's finally here. I've really been looking forward to having a quiet celebration with my parents. We open all the major gifts (apart from the "Santa Claus presents" that are saved for Christmas morning) and eat a lot of appetizers. It's changed a lot from the Christmases we had when I was young, but it's a nice tradition. The last couple of Christmases weren't what I imagined, and yet I'm still anxious about what this one will be – and how I'll feel once it's over.

I'm not normally one to feel melancholy around the holidays. At all. I'm hoping that by the time this post goes live, I'll feel a lot more excited and a little less lonely. I know I'm very lucky to be spending the holiday with my family and I know I'll be spoiled with gifts. I'm so thankful for both of those things. But I also can't help feeling a bit blue. All those sad Christmas songs on the radio give me the impression that I'm probably not alone in that. The bottom line is that things change and it's hard and I'm trying to make the best of it. Cheers to that.

Speaking of making the best of things... I recruited Emma to come with me to the Christmastime event at the Genesee Country Village and Museum this year and she was sweet enough to oblige and snap some photos of me (in the pouring rain, no less!). It's such a great place with so many historic buildings that have been transplanted to their grounds. I wish I could live in one of these darling houses! I decided that while this emerald green outfit isn't from the right era at all, it would look perfectly festive in this environment. Emma was a real trouper and a true friend to take these photos of me in the cold and the wet. It's a testament to her skill and her positivity that they turned out as well as they did!

Outfit Details

Katie Dress and Jacket Set: Tatyana

Poinsettia hair flower: Stardust Dames Boutique

Gold heels: B.A.I.T. Footwear (similar)

Wishing the happiest of holidays to you and yours, my friends.

Magnolias

All photos by Emma Rizzo

I guess I have to face facts: summer's starting to wind down. I'm not totally ready to say goodbye to this season yet... especially because I still have photos from the spring that I haven't had a chance to share yet! I guess I'd better hurry up, huh? But I think these ones were worth waiting for.

I love going on photo adventures with Emma. We actually had a very thematic evening when we took these. We had dinner at Magnolia's (one of my favorite places – and not just because Obama ate there!) and then sought out all the magnolia trees we could find.

I finally had a chance to wear this darling dress from the Barbie x Unique Vintage line. When I was little, all I wanted was for my Barbies' outfits to come in my size. I used to wish for it all the time (like so many other kids, I'm sure!). That desire really never went away, so you can imagine how excited I was when this collection came out. My mom actually owned the doll version of this dress and recognized it instantly! I think it's such a beautiful, fun dress. It does run a bit tight in the bust, but I actually found it to be quite comfortable and supportive. Although it's been a while since this collection came out, this dress is still available at UV – so if you've been sleeping on it, don't wait until it's gone!

Outfit Details

Suburban Shopper Sundress: Unique Vintage

Bag: Bettie Page by Lola Ramona

Boater hat: ASOS (similar)

Flats: Aerosoles

I had a really wonderful weekend (and took a ton of photos!). Things have been difficult over the last couple of months in terms of my mental health. My physical health has been suffering too, as I haven't been taking good care of myself. But I feel refreshed and my heart is full. I feel good about what this week has in store. I hope you all have a wonderful week, too.