new painting: pomegranate blooms

To read about this piece go to alesiart.com blog.

Golden Nectar farm in Windsor, California

On my recent trip to Northern California I was lucky enough to be able to visit the Golden Nectar Farm in Windsor, California. This place was a dream come true for me. They had so many varieties of fruit trees, berries and vegetables it was dizzying. If you want to see a few more of my favorite shots visit my art site blog, alesi art.

Thanks to Randy for making this happen, and Tammy for driving me out there, and of course Golden Nectar Farm for being so gracious and showing me around.

Tammy's 50th birthday celebration at the Lynmar Winery

About 3 weeks ago my sister called and asked me if I wanted to come out to California to celebrate her partner Tammy's, 50th birthday. Being that it was a 105 degrees in Austin with no relief in sight, and that I love those two, it was a no brainer. The surprise birthday event was held at the Lynmar winery in the beautiful Northern California town of Sebastopol. The food, the wine, the music and the company were all perfect and made for a wonderful evening. Plus for an added bonus, the evening turned chilly and I got to wear a sweater and scarf, heaven.

Happy Birthday Tammy!

Amy and Andy's Austin Seventy One wedding

Amy and Andy were married at the Riverbend Chapel and then celebrated at Austin 71, both such beautiful locations.
The details of this wedding were flawless and I am very pleased to have been part of such a fabulous vendor list. Here it is:

florist: Verbena floral design, (LOVED that orange color)
cake and cupcakes: Simon Lee, (soooo good)
caterer: Word of Mouth, (no one better, both presentation and taste)
videographer: Crescent Video, (always a pleasure to work with, which is very important for us)
band: Fried Ice Cream, (WOW!)
transportation: Austin Trolley

Congratulations Amy and Andy!

Alyson and Karsten's Austin Club wedding

It was a hot day in June when Alyson and Karsten were married at the Austin Club in downtown Austin, Texas, but to tell you the truth we hardly noticed the heat. We met the bride and groom, wedding party and family in the lobby of the Hyatt Hotel, where they all were staying, 2 hours before the ceremony. It served as a cool and attractive backdrop for the more formal of the wedding day photos. Then on to the Austin Club for ceremony and reception. It was a great night filled with wonderful music and crazy dancing. Two highlights for me were one, the Bruce Springsteen song their friend sang during the ceremony, and two, the Jayhawks song for the first dance.
Oh, and wasn't Alyson's dress just awesome?! I love the pleating at the bottom.

Here's the list of vendors that help make this event so special:
coordinator: barbara's brides
florist: verbena floral design
band: professor D
cake: sweet tempered

Diana and Harrison's Star Hill Ranch wedding

It was just about a month ago that Diana and Harrison were married at the Star Hill Ranch. As to be expected it was a hot day, but they planned well and the heat did not keep anyone from having a good time. For example, as the guests arrived they were greeted by a Jim Jim's Water Ice cart, fruity flavored natural ices to keep everyone cool. The ceremony took place in one of the Star Hill Ranch's many Texas styled buildings, while the cocktail hour was held outdoors on the green grass, as the sun was setting and the day cooling.

Erin Knipp of Rosehip Flora served as both florist and bridesmaid. I love how she included minature pomegranates in the brides bouquet, (I was told the pomegranate is a symbol of fertility). The many blue and white ceramic vases were from the bride's own collection and were used for the ceremony and table arrangements. I also must mention the beautiful hair pin the bride gave as a bridesmaid gifts. It looked great on everyone.

Congratulations Diana and Harrison!

Allison and Ryan's Green Pastures wedding

Allison and Ryan's wedding ceremony was held at Saint Catherines of Siena Catholic Church, and the reception at the historical Green Pastures. I think from the photos below you can tell that a good time was had by all. Say Cheese photo booth created some outrageous moments, as did the Original Recipe Band. Oh and I can't forget the beautiful flowers done by Craig Fuller of Photosynthesis.

Thanks for including us Allison and Ryan, you and your friends and family were an absolute pleasure to photograph.

Congratulations!