Wine + Cupcakes

During an engagement session a few weeks ago we happened upon the most charming new-to-me tasting room in Los Olivos. Sarloos & Sons was closed when we got there, but they invited us right in & said we take as many photos as we wanted. Real nice people there.

the vintage Enjoy Cupcakes trailer is right outside too - wine, yellow+gray, pretty chairs, AND cupcakes...yes please! Next time I just need to get there with plenty of time to hang around, because I have a feeling it's that kind of "stay awhile" place.









Thanks again to Keith (I think it was Keith we met outside) for being so welcoming & generous with your space. I can't wait for another visit. More photos of Joanna & David's engagement session coming soon...

Lindsay & Raan's Engagement

I'm so excited to share these images & hope they bring you some happiness this Tuesday morning.

Raan & Lindsay are dear friends & I am honored beyond belief to photograph their what I am sure will be incredible wedding at the Four Seasons Biltmore in a few weeks. Raan & Linds have style - Raan being the designer & co-founder of Apolis Activism, and Linds just being her fashion-loving self.

We started our shoot at the top-secret location of this tree, where Raan carved their initials almost 6 years ago when they were just beginning to date. Then to a breathtaking estate witht so many beautiful scenes I didn't even know where to start...and finally we attempted to fly kites, but the wind was not cooperating so we instead took advantage of the gorgeous sunset light. A lovely afternoon with two lovely friends : )

Happy Weekend

Happy happy weekend. This image is from a recent wedding (that I really need to blog). Do you see the bird in the clouds? I did : )

Our weekend involves:
- lounging poolside for part of tomorrow
- shopping for wedding clothes: two black tie weddings in August which I am attending/shooting. How will I be functional & fabulous at the same time? I'll let you know...
- test driving...we are car shopping.
- afternoon wedding in Santa Barbara on Sunday that I'm just a guest at : ) Those are becoming few & far between so I get really excited.
- maybe flying our new kite - B is obsessed.

Hope you have many fun activities planned, or none at all if that sounds better. See you here on Monday : )

Wedding Blog Love

I woke up exhausted, thinking it's not going to be a great day. But then, Sarah & Chase's wedding is featured on Style Me Pretty today! So...scratch that.

This wedding was so beautiful & elegant, I love that it is getting to show off a bit. Abby at Style Me Pretty is featuring the wedding in a series of posts today, so be sure to check it out & send Sarah some love in the comments : )

New Stationery

I am so excited to finally blog about my beautiful new stationery..I have been practically shoving my business cards in people's hands I love them so much.

The creative geniuses at The Decoder Ring Design concern came up with the concept - the business card is inspired by a 60's bus ticket & the rest followed. It is so interesting to see how others view your image & what they take inspiration from - a bus ticket! I would have never thought of that : )

On the card & stationery are little bits taken from my bio + a "raya loves" list. It serves more as a design element, but it also a little treat if you look close - a little insight to who I am & what I love.

Everything was printed by Vertallee Letterpress - ah, letterpress...it's been my dream for so long. I love love love it!

Hope you enjoy : ) Click any of the images to see them larger & definitely check out The Decoder Ring & Vertallee. Decoder sells posters too, one of which I have hanging above my desk and am always inspired by. Happy Tuesday!

New Inspiration

I finally put up my new inspiration board next to my desk & made more fabric covered push pins. I feel inspired already!

There's also a little sneak peek of my new business cards that I am so excited about. Full post on my new stationery tomorrow...one word: letterpress!

Mantel Inspiration

3 1/2 years later we have a mantel over our fireplace. Miracle! My dad came down a few weeks ago & built this from scratch for us. I'm so excited to decorate - there are so many directions to go in. Here are some favorites from my magazine collection:







Credits from top to bottom: 1. Domino mag via sfgirlbybay 2. via sfgirlbybay 3. Domino Mag Nov. 2008 4. InStyle Home Fall 2006 5. InStyle Home Fall 2006 6. InStyle Home Fall 2006

Any without links are images I have scanned - I will put them on my flickr with more specific credits.

Random scanning tip: When scanning a magazine page or any other two-sided page, place a piece of black matboard or contruction paper behind the image. It will keep the other side from showing through : )