Portfolio Building Workshop Finally Revealed!

 As promised I wanted to share with you some of my favorite Em the Gem images from the incredible workshop we were a part of at Kunde Vineyards.  Amanda from One True Love Vintage Rentals put together this workshop and lucky for you, there is more where this came from!  If you are interested in being a part of it you can sign up for the next workshop here.

We showed up at Kunde Vineyards to tons of goodies from some of the most talented vendors the Bay Area has to offer.  From the lucious florals to the delicious sweets there was something in every corner of the Kunde Ruins to be photographed.  Each set up was more inspired than the last.  One of my favorites was the whiskey bar that was tucked away amidst the trees.  It made for the perfect backdrop to showcase Amanda's adorable details and the charming calligraphy by Little Miss Press.  

Amanda carefully curated every detail down to the last piece of silverware.  Each handmade detail was better than the last.  The attention to detail is what makes Amanda and the One True Love Vintage Team so unique.  I mean, can you handle this silverware?  Even the napkins were hand painted!  Huckleberry Karen's florals were to die for and completed each vignette beautifully.

We styled two different looks for the photographers to capture.  I wanted to compliment the color scheme and add a more fresh, modern and untraditional bridal look to the shoot.  Sarah Seven's Goldie gown was the perfect gown to do just that.  The textured metallic lace has that extra something special that photographs so well.  I also love how structured Sarah Seven's bodices are, while still giving the feeling of a bohemian and free flowing gown.  This dress proves that you don't have to be in white to walk down the aisle in something breathtaking and unique.  I added a large statement druzy earring from Margaret Elizabeth that I'm still drooling over!  I worked closely with Priscilla Francine Makeup to complete both looks.  Priscilla's work is so lovely.  I'm totally obsessed with this fishtail braid and berry lip combo.  

Our other look was for a bride who likes a fun and flirty short dress.  It's also perfect for a bridal brunch, engagement pictures, bridal shower, or even a bachelorette party!  This Anthropologie tulle skirt adds a romantic bridal element but by pairing it with metallics, gorgeous curls and maroon booties it's dressed down enough to work for any occasion. 

We also brought another Sarah Seven stunner that we decided to feature in a different way.  With the sun shining on "Golden Lights" it truly made for a magical photo op.  Don't you think?

As mentioned before, this was actually a photography workshop.  I'll be featuring a few of my favorites from the other photographers who were there to capture all the beauty soon, so keep you eyes pealed!  Now, you should probably start pinning these images on Pinterest!  AAAAND GO!  =)

xoxo,

Melanie

What I'm Loving These Days

Photo by Abi Q

I am constantly finding inspiration everywhere I turn.  It could be on my daily walks with Lola or over a lovely lunch with friends.  The inspiration hits me and I can't wait to find a way to translate it.  The smallest thing can influence a whole photo shoot.  I'm that girl documenting her food, or instagramming a picture of a wall (what if I forgot how beautiful it was?!).  This new series is called "What I'm Loving These Days" is there to record these little inspirations for sometimes they can be fleeting.  Especially with this pregnancy brain!  I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments space below!  Let's keep the conversation going!

Most of today's inspiration involves a little bit of "link love".  Something about Valentine's day made for so many great blog posts and photo shoots!  Not to mention all the new businesses that launched and website redesigns!  

I can't get enough of this adorable photo shoot on the new 100 Layer Cake-let.  I mean... hipster babies hold a dear place in my heart!

I had the amazing priviledge to style Sarah Jenks for her new website.  It launched on Valentine's Day and it is absolutely fantastic!  I love the message she spreads and am a huge supporter of her.  She also happens to be one of my closest friends and deserves a little plug on this here blog!  She'll be getting a big plug next week when I share the plethora of outfits I styled for her shoot.  Head on over NOW and show her some love!

Speaking of new sites... Amanda from One True Love Vintage Rentals is expanding her business and we couldn't be more impressed.  She also launched her new website Amanda O'Shannessy Creative this week!  How impeccable is her styling?  

The VineApp is a new app that Twitter has come up with that is pretty addicting.  It's a video sharing app that allows you to cut and edit 6 second videos.  I know this sounds short, but you would be surprised how much you can pack into these little shorts!  Follow me there under Melanie Kluger.  Warning!  It's mostly puppy videos of Lola and food. Enjoy!

Heather of Poppy Haus is an amazing mom.  She manages to create so many fun DIY projects that are great for kids but still fun and easy for adults.  Also, there is always a little bit of sophistication thrown it.  I always read her blog and think.... "Yea, I hope I'm that cool of a mom!"  Check out this sweet Valentine's DIY!  Also, how adorable are her kids?!

Have a lovely weekend celebrating love (I know it was Thursday but we can spread the Valentine's day cheer for a few more days no?) and I can't wait to see you back here on Monday for lots of Photo Shoot goodies!

xoxo,

Melanie

Featured on: Green Wedding Shoes

All images by Em The Gem

Happy Vday to us!  Remember that One True Love Vintage Rentals Photography Workshop that we styled a few months ago?  Well today it is being featured on one of our favorite wedding blogs Green Wedding Shoes!  We couldn't be more proud of the way this shoot came together.  Amanda from OTL is truly amazing and everything she styles turns to gold.  We were so fortunate to be a part of it.  To be a part of her next workshop sign up here!

Come back Monday for more of my favorite images from Em The Gem and a more in depth look at the two outfits featured in this stunning workshop.  

Can't get enough of this stunning venue?  Have no fear, we have an exceptional wedding that took place here to share with you as well!  Definitely keep your eyes peeled for that one folks!  It's too beautiful to miss!  But for today, head on over to Green Wedding Shoes  (here)for tons of swoon worthy details and a Valentine's Day color palette that is sure to inspire.  Happy Valentine's day my sweets!

xoxo,

Melanie

Happy Valentine's Day!

From the moment I met my husband Andrew my life has been different.  There was this instant sense of calm.  It may sound silly, but from the moment we locked eyes I knew that I had found the person I was meant to share my life with.  Every hope, expectation or dream that I have had he has surpassed effortlessly.  It's crazy to think that that was almost 8 years ago.  It seems like just yesterday and at the same time, I feel like I was never without him in my life.  We have had lots of ecstatic, intense, sad, and hilarious moments together.  But for me, it's the sweet moments that are my favorite.  They are the ones that remind me that we still have that same spark. Actually, no... that spark has turned into a fully blown flame.  I feel like every day I fall deeper in love and I am so grateful for that.  And for those sweet moments when I watch him talking to our future baby, or playing with our puppy and I see the man he is and the man he's becoming.  And I can't wait to witness it.  It's so hard to express to someone how much they mean to you.  Those words "I love you" never seem to cut it.  I may never really be able to fully show how much he means to me, but I know that as long as I always get the opportunity to try, that's all that matters.

To my favorite person - From Manhattan to Italy and everywhere in between you have been with me every step of the way.  I love you so much and can't wait to spend the rest of our lives experiencing everything life has to offer together.  Happy Valentine's Day my love!

xoxo,

Melanie

Valentine's Day is for Pregnant Ladies too!

L to R: One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Wow have these past few weeks been a whirlwind!  Between our baby moon in Palm Springs last weekend to my baby shower this weekend, I have been one busy lady!  Not to mention all the amazing weddings and photo shoots we have on the horizon!  I have so many exciting things to share with you, I barely know where to begin!  

Let's start with our guest post over at the Collection Event Studio.  As you will see from my posts this week, I love me some Valentine's Day!  I was writing my guest post about fabulous Valentine's Day frocks when I started to get jealous!  As much as I love my baby bump, I do miss being able to wear dresses with fitted waists that I can find anywhere!  There are definitely great maternity options out there, but it is certainly harder to find.  So that got me inspired to find some gorgeous, versatile maternity dresses for us pregnant gals to wear wear on Valentine's Day and beyond.  When I'm looking for maternity clothes I have very specific criteria.  Here are a few of the questions I ask myself when buying something to dress my precious baby bump.

1) Does this item make me feel like a million... no a gazillion trillion bucks!  Dressing a bump is a whole different ball game then anything else out there.  You want to show it off in the most flattering way possible!  It is SO important to feel great in what you wear when you are going through such a huge change.  I think a lot of women opt for comfort and then don't feel great about themselves.  And while I agree that you need to be comfortable, wearing that comfy maxi dress instead of sweats you are choosing to present yourself in a way that will do wonders for your self esteem.  Promise!

2) "Does this look like a great dress?  Or a great maternity dress?"  Just because it's called "maternity" doesn't mean it has to look like it. I want it to flatter me like a maternity dress but look like it's just a great dress.  This will make you feel like you are still retaining your pre pregnancy style as well as give you the opportunity to wear it after the baby is born.  

3) Can I accessorize it?  Accessories are a pregnant girl's best friend.  A good accessory can completely make a look shine.  Don't forget, accessories can be worn after the pregnancy is over so you don't have to feel like their life span is limited.  

4) Does it have longevity and versatility? Let's be honest, as much as I believe in buying maternity clothes during your pregnancy,  I also think these items need to be worn again and again.  It's important that each item you purchase can be worn several times in different ways so you get the most out of it.  The bump is the statement, so I suggest staying away from bold prints or items that can only be worn once in awhile.  By getting a solid colored dress you can wear it with a scarf and hat one day and a cardigan and great pair of flats 4 days later and not feel like you are repeating your outfit.  

With all that said and done, I say you use this Valentine's Day as an excuse to put on your favorite outfit and have a romantic night out with your Partner-in-Crime.  Since it's my last Valentine's Day before the baby comes I am sure going to make the most of it!  

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow afternoon for an exciting blog feature!  I have been itching to share this photo shoot with you for ages.  Believe me, it's a doozy and you do NOT want to miss it!

xoxo,

Melanie