Thankfully this trip had much nicer weather than when we visited last year!

Since we didn’t have a car this time, we spent more time hanging around Jackson Square and the French Quarter, areas we’ve visited innumerable times. But as any photographer can tell you, a patient shooter viewing a spot with fresh eyes can come up with some really nice images. Shockingly though, we really only took our big fancy camera out one day and even then didn’t shoot much. For some reason this trip, we just wanted to take it all in without having the removal from a scene one can get when behind the lens. We concentrated more on scene setters from around the city this time around for a little project we’re doing. Of course, we know find ourselves a bit bummed we didn’t capture more of our adventures “in print” on this trip. Guess we just have to go back. Darn.

We hope you enjoy these! As usual, they are available as fine art prints for the discerning collector (or fan of the city–lucky you if you happen to be both).

Hotel Monteleone is one of the best places to get a sazerac. If you’re a whiskey drinker, try this traditional drink when you visit the hotel’s carousel bar.

This cat hanging out inside Cafe Beignet ruled the roost (and served as a Keep Out sign for nearby birds).

Love, love this shot that Bill got of some teenage boys laughing. Pure joy.

We love the irreverence of this bumper sticker, and that they placed it on their front door, no less.

Just love this little guy in a drum line getting ready for a parade in Jackson Square.

The St. Louis Cathedral with the statue of Andrew Jackson in the foreground.

The tourist shot…

Anne’s shots….

This store is an explosion of pink. I’m pretty sure we were not it’s target audience.

Best burgers in the city right here, and loaded baked potatoes as big as your head. Oh, and their Monsoon’s aren’t too shabby either. Good thing the ‘quarter is so walkable!

Only in New Orleans can you expect to find mannequins shaped like this. Look closely. Ok, maybe you don’t have to look that closely!

Until we meet again, ‘nawlins.

xoxo,
…a&b

Have a fantastic weekend!
…a&b

The card. We could only find one of them. What to guess who kept theirs in a safe place? ;-D

Flash forward thirteen Valentine’s days later, and still true to form, we independently chose cards for each other with die-cuts in them. Go figure.

Can you guess which of us received each card?

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! We hope that your celebrations are romantic, enjoyable, and stress-free. (The last one is particularly for those going out to eat tonight!)

xoxo,
…a&b

Congratulations, S&C! Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

xoxo,
…a&b

Now that we’re back, we’re so excited to share one of the super fun projects that kept us busy last month – the fourth annual Washingtonian Bride & Groom Unveiled show held at the the Washington DC Mandarin Oriental! Not only did we have a booth (our very first bridal show if you can believe it), we were so honored to be asked to photograph the event on behalf of the magazine. Seeing as how it’s one of our absolute favorite wedding mags and the fact that the super duper team at Simply Chic Events would be designing it, how could we say no. (Is that really a champagne glass chandelier, ladies?!? Whoa!)

The show was filled with so many talented DC area wedding professionals, many of which we’re grateful to call friends. (Only those on the Best of List are invited to exhibit.) Seriously, most of the “booths” were off the charts gorgeous. (See a short slide show of a few favorites on the Washingtonian Bridal Party blog.) The highlight of the day, though had to be the runway show filled with the latest bridal fashions from Reem Acra via Saks Jandel. The fabulous and so sweet, Reem herself, was even on hand to greet brides to be and help orchestrate the flawless fashion show.

A special thanks to Rebecca Schwartz, Katharine Ragsdale, Eleni Savopoulos and of course, Jill Hudson and Catherine Merrill Williams for inviting us to be such a special part of this incredible event. You ladies have some serious talent and we couldn’t be more thrilled to get to work with you all. Be sure to check out more event photos on Washingtonion’s blog!, as well as some behind the scenes shots on Washingtonian’s blog.

And last, but not least, a big thanks to our fellow production team vendors:

Jamie Sears, Jessica Brown, Kate Harlan, Claire Ward & Cara Collins at Simply Chic Events
Booth-o-Rama
Suburban Video
Bialek’s Music
Edge Floral & Event Design
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Kelci House
Regal Limousine
DC Rental
Linder & Associates Event Architects
Say Cheese Props
Mandarin Oriental
Carl Ray at George Salon
Christophe
The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel
Pamela Brown of WJLA
the aba agency

A few of our favorites from the day…

Numbers associated with the door prizes were hung with crystals from a “floral tree” at the entrance.

Our booth! Thanks to Fabrication Events and AFR for the draping and furniture and to Multiflor for the flowers.

Maggie Austin is the house baker for the Mandarin Oriental and cranked out yet another beautiful, delicate cake for the event. She’s a powerhouse!

The registration area greeted attendees as they descended the escalator steps.

Our awesome team! Thanks so much to previous brides (l-to-r) Karen, Maya, and Liz for manning our booth while we were off shooting the rest of the event. You. Ladies. Rock!

Acrobats on stilts cut down glasses one by one for attendees to fill with champagne as they entered! Crazy cool.

Panel Discussion lead by Kim Forrest of Washingtonian with Ray Bialek, Terri Eaves (Bash), Steve (Edge Floral) and Heidi Kallett (The Dandelion Patch)

Carl Ray and Cristophe took care of all the models’ make-up needs prior to the show.

Wiling away the time.

Reem Acra and her team put the finishing touches with direction for the dresser in preparation for the runway show.

Reem gets a spritz, as well!

Bill loves the shots Anne got backstage at the runway show.

Bill rocks the main runway…

while Anne rocks the side.

We also had some absolutely delighted door prize winners. We were talking about holiday trips out of the country for some of these lucky winners!

What an incredible show to be a part of. If you’ll be getting married in 2013 and beyond, we highly recommend attending the next Unveiled show. It’s sure to be gorgeous, inspiring and fun!

With Joy,
…a&b