Seattle is full of excellent grade schools.That makes choosing one very difficult. Once we started exploring private school possibilities we narrowed it down to Meridian School, UCDS, and Bertschi. All of these are fabulous choices. Meridian stood out in several ways for our family. We mattered to them. Both admissions director, Ted Holmes, and Head of School, Ron Waldman, treated us like they wanted us there. Ted recognized us each time we visited . He listened with clear interest to our thoughts, concerns and enthusiasm. For a family who is involved in the community this was one sign glowing brightly in favor of Meridian. We were excited too by the curriculum, teachers and physical environments inside and out. To see other parents input on grade schools or to contribute your own, see my former post on the subject.

Gently this worm was moved during a weeding fest

In addition, the families blew us away with their openness. I could see the involved parents and students were an intelligent, warm, welcoming community. Thank goodness we were accepted! The fact Meridian is located within 11 acre Meridian Park doesn’t hurt. (fabulous playground, apple grove, open grassy fields, gardens, large covered shelter, Seattle Tilth is here so the entire park is Pesticide free-something I WISH we could take for granted everywhere.)

Have community, grab a rake

Once accepted we were introduced to our Buddy Family, who turned out to be yet another excellent match, thanks to Ted Holmes’ intuition. So much fun has been had with their intriguing foursome.

There's our Buddy Family's 1st grader, 3rd from right. We're so lucky!

Meridian’s social integration also provides play dates all summer, ice cream socials, new family coffee, a skating excursion, movie night, and any activity the classroom Social Coordinator creates. My favorite event occurs each Friday; an all-school gathering to which families are invited to join in song (where Head of School Ron Waldman occasionally plays the guitar), presentations, dance and all Spanish games. Community building and involvement is a family value we build daily, hence Meridian School is It for us.

Yes this is Ron Waldman, Meridian's Head of School. He gets his hands dirty!

Like any proud parent, we want the best for Ellie. Academically I can already see the zeal with which the many specialist and teachers share their talents. I almost didn’t mention academics, thinking it’s a given priority. Socialization is equally important and harder to come by in a schools mission. Meridian has what we want and need. We’re proud to be part of this extraordinary community.

These photos are from Meridian School’s Community Service Day where parents, teachers, staff and students work together to take care of our neighborhood, including those creatures and plant life we live among daily.

That pesky photographer ASKED us to pose. We WERE working hard before she came along.

Oh so carefully

Modeling preparedness!

Taking a close look at nature and neighbor

Playing in order to understand roots in the garden, math, history...

Should we really go back inside?

Scalpel please

Developing the right tools at Meridian School!

And I thought brushing my teeth was tiring

Take good care. It will grow

Monica Khurana and Vikrant Duggal put on a 4th of July extravaganza. Not only was theirs an above average wedding, it soars above even my (formerly) favorite Indian weddings, many of which are lush and exotic.
No white or blue to be found, but red was present in a thousand folds. Gold folds too. Between the attire and the draping, this lush event was one of my favorites to date. “Honored to be a part” feels trite. I was blown away. Above all, Monica and Vikrant handled this multiple-ceremony celebration with elegance and grace (and stamina too).

Behind every great event is a great team. Naturally Monica’s wisdom lead her to Janel of Occasions LLC- a fabulous event planner. She took care of hundreds of details on the day-of. Even before that, Janel and Monica were often seen attached at the hip pre-planning this event. Janel makes herself available, from her core being. The fact that she cares so much comes shining through. I’ve raved about Janel again and again, and after each event we participate in I only have more to rave about. Monica and Vikrant chose to commend her during their reception thank yous. “Our friend” came affectionately from their lips describing the culmination of their journey together.

Everyone of the vendors were carefully chosen to fit this grand day. If you care to, see the list below their sneek-preview images.

Thanks to Janel Schlitt for providing this list of choice A vendors, and for introducing me to Monica and Vikrant.
To see the list (more…)

Phinney Ridge is such a fabulous neighborhood. Here preschool, groceries, parks, zoo, Greenlake, bakeries, and friends are less than a 10 minute walk away. We’re lucky beyond my dreams to live in this politically aware, socially conscious neighborhood where neighbors help each other and the urban village thrives.

Our community revolves around the PNA where members can borrow tools for home projects, and classes cover an enormous array of interest. A tiny portion of the class list includes yoga, pilates, swing, tap, belly dance, computer, musical instruments. Weekly gatherings include Spanish conversation, book clubs, social, political, musical and neighborly events. The recent embracing of the Greenwood Senior Center has added an additional wealth of opportunity for old and young to learn, play and bond together.

Some of my favorites Phinney Ridge / Greenwood establishments include

CLOTHING for Women: The Frock Shop, as if the owner has been sent from heaven to be my personal shopper- unique, trendy yet affordable. Wish packs-in adorable funky items to mix and match, Hip Zephyr for designer clothing in a casual boutique setting, Lemon Meringue for high end wear with an eye toward casual. Small but hip maternity collection too. Tweed represents local designers (funky casual) at still affordable prices.

CHILDREN’S Mimi Rose featuring owner-designed clothing and select toys, books. Rising Stars for adorable new & used clothing, books and gifts. Top Ten Toys is first to come to mind when I want a classic toy or I’m stumped for creative project ideas. playmatters, an indoor playground for kids, networking and seminars for adults. My daughter Ellie gets her hair cut at Beach Combers, where she gets to ride on a turtle while watching a video. Such a treat!

CAFES: The Asian infused Fresh Flours (The azuki bean- green tea cake is second only to their blueberry stuffed muffin) , The happy to be politically correct Green Bean (caters to those with kids. Super comfy atmosphere and tasty treats), Herkimer Coffee (best without children or when you need to work on your laptop) .

RESTAURANTS:

DINNER: Santa Fe Cafe for a flavorful Southwestern treat, Carmelita for vegetarian food (seasonal NW) and hip atmosphere, Il Giardino for tasty Italian, Chef Liao serves Asian fusion in a family run, casual setting.
SMALL PLATES with interesting drinks I choose Oliver’s Twist or Tigertail.
MEDITERRANEAN is popular here: Yannis’, Gorgeous George’s, Olive You, Georgia’s.
SIMPLE BUT TASTY Red Mill Burger, 74th Street Ale House, Crash landing Pizza.
BREAKFAST eateries: Phinney Market for Sunday Brunch, kitschy Mae’s Phinney Ridge Cafe or the sweet family run Pete’s Egg Nest.

OTHER valuable assets. We’re also home to the Phinney EcoVillage, lead by former Seattle Times writer and activist Paul Andrews. Phinney Farmers Market at the PNA. Woodland Park Zoo. Greenlake for swimming indoor, outdoor and all things done comfortably around a 3 mile trail. (Biking and rollerblading at a leisurely pace due to throngs of people enjoying this popular park.)

Come visit Phinney Ridge. Everyone is welcome here.

In the ever-present struggle to regain balance between personal and professional life, life as momma to Ellie and wife to Tim, Thursday night has been carved out as “MY” night. Granted one Thursday each month I’m at an informative PUG meeting, or an educational Woodland Park 3-5s co-op meeting, or occasionally an inspiring Soulumination meeting. Still, 1 to 3 nights each month are for doing as I please. This tiny freedom rejuvenates.

I usually spend that time with friends, so much do I miss being social. Now it’s easiest to build friendships with other working moms who are also motivated to go around Greenlake at 8:30 in the pitch blackness.

But last Thursday, oh my! I had forgotten the sheer pleasure of nestling into the warm sands of Olympus Spa. Blissful, rare relaxation overcomes me as I bake in the mud & jade room, then cool down to warm in the charcoal room. I don’t know the exact purpose of these “earth energy” rooms. Who cares about energy anyway. Give me it’s antithesis!

Then into the mugwort steamroom. Yuck. Slimy on the butt! Might that be why they gave me an extra tiny towel? With towel in place, mind off the slime, my pores couldn’t be happier, my breathing easier. To cool off, into the freezing waterfall pool. Gasp! Then into the hottest of the pools to soak before I have a 50 minute Korean body scrub.

1) Mud & Jade room 2) Relaxation lounge with foot message 3) Waterfall pool surrounded by 3 other warm to hot pools.

Why work if you can’t splurge now and then? Use of the spa for a day is $35 in Lynnwood, $30 in Tacoma. The bodyscrub is $65/60 Lynnwood/Tacoma. I’m so happy Tim and I figured out a way to have some time for each of us. I’m ready for another week.

Talk about a huge success. Not only has Luly Yang Couture taken Seattle by storm, and thrown a world-wide net around her captives, but I– the jean wearing, boot stomping momma from Phinney Ridge have been spell-bound and taken captive. Why should I care about fashion so much, living the active lifestyle my 3 year old requires? Because Luly makes ME look good. I’m not referring to stepping-out for my Valentine dinner with sweet hubby Tim. (hint hint) I’m talking about when my portfolio features her gowns. After 23 years of being a pro-photographer I now give credit where due.  All I have to say is that if you’re donning a Luly Yang creation, hiring me is all the more important to help save the dignity for your bridal party and family who would otherwise look woefully drab next to you.

Gorgeous as Luly Yang’s gowns are, they look even more so because David Galliett of Rented Elegance helped create this sapphire inspired ambiance.

Photographing Vera Wang’s Fall 2008 collection I witnessed the talents of Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events who planned this fashion-infused champagne brunch. This man is pure elegance. Aside from the obvious impeccable attention to detail, his calm in-charge demeanor would put the most demanding mother of the bride at ease. Judging from the ambiance created in each space, it’s clear Bryan Rafanelli is equally in-touch with the bride and grooms individuality, encouraging a bold or gentle emergence, as best suits. I would recommend Rafanelli in a heartbeat.

Other top vendors at this exclusive event were: Dresses by Vera Wang, The Ritz Carlton, Boston Common, Claudia Kronenberg Photography, Hair & Makeup by Luiz Filho , Flowers by Spruce Floral, Music by Music Management,

The man himself, Bryan Rafanelli.

Erwin Schinnerl, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common. Erica Ann Arkin, Vice President of Bridal and Maids, Vera Wang, New York, in the background.

Claudia Kronenberg and Brea McDonald

Luiz Filho, Hair and Makeup Artist

Outside the Ritz Carlton, Boston

Photographing the Vera Wang Fall 2008 Bridal Collection in Boston I learned first hand Vera’s creative prowess. Luxurious ruffles and ribbon sashes. Jewel crimson, magenta, and cream. Garden accents of cabbage rose bustle, forest duchess cabbage rose, and wine wintergarden corsage. What I liked best was her dress-in-motion. Since my photography often captures personality-in-motion, I loved her selection of individuality: Mermaid, strapless column, ruffled layers, silk & wool , pleats, overskirts, and swagged ballskirt. I found her dresses both elegant and playful. Just what the Dr (or Event Planner, Rafanelli Events) ordered. Just what every girl dreams of.

Granted, my first impression was tainted. I rushed full boar to get to Ummelina International Day Spa. Hurry up and relax. My life’s motto.
Still, I had been savoring the thought of this day. Knowing I have a message as often as schedule allows, the talented Heather Quintans gave me this incredibly generous gift after photographing her family. (No bonuses please! Just tell your friends.)

Chik and Heather Quintans’ adorable family. Thank you, from every muscle and tendon in my body!

Feeling good to arrive on-time after a hectic day, I was confused upon entering the building. Where do I enter? Then I had to wait 20 minutes to simply access a dressing room.
From then on, Ummm. Soft light, calming music, lightly scented candles dancing from nooks and crannies. The best part was the divine Molly McMartin, Massage Guide extraordinaire. In a co-ed parlor (bring you sweetheart!) she starts with a lightly scented foot soak and hydrating rub. Then off to the private room. Heat pad under torso, heated towl on my back, she begins applying just the right pressure to the carefully chosen spots. She asked good questions and listened intently. After leaving in a state above reality, I was led next door to the private Monsoon Shower, stocked with many of Ummelina’s bath products. Finally, we end the session back in the parlor, heated neck pillow seeping into my much used shoulders. (Think “heavy camera bag”.)

Congratulations to Ummelina’s on their new business location: Yakima WA wine country, nestled inside the same building as the Hilton Garden Inn! This means you can use the pool and exercise equipment too.  Take a dip, sip some wine, message divine! Hope to see you there!

Aaron Horton created this video clip to illustrate how Janet works. We love working with Aaron. Great eye, attitude, and bends over backwards.

Dress designed by Luly Yang. Hair and Make up by Tiara’s on Location, Models: Sandra Kord and Nick Skinner. Location: The W Hotel, Seattle. Ring: Green Lake Jewelry Works.

The 2007 Urban Bridal Fashion Infusion was made possible by the generous contributions of the following Seattle vendors:

Luly Yang Couture
206.623.8200

David Galliett of Rented Elegance
425.462.2244

Tiara’s on Location- Hair & Makeup
206.818.0341

Darcy Camden of Styled Seattle
206.349.3401

The Tux Shop
206.363.5020

Merry Beth Turpin of Aisle of View
425.427.2277

Bella Umbrella
425.844.8461

Green Lake Jewelry Works
206.527.1108

Pravda Studios
206.728.1177

W Seattle
206.264.6000

The Heights on Capitol Hill Apartments
206.838.5558

Aaron Horton Productions Videography
206.679.8784

A tremendous thanks also goes to our models who played “Bride” and “Groom” for the day: Sandra Kord, Tricia Benzinger, Elisa Pupko, Marcio Catalano, Michael Reese and Nick Skinner.

Seattle is blessed with many fine jewelers. Still, when I was looking for a jeweler to participate in Urban Fashion Infusion, I immediately thought of Green Lake Jewelry Works. I was thrilled when owner Jim Tuttle joined the growing crew of collaborators.

Over the years, my clients have worked with talented Green Lake designers to fulfill each unique vision. You have no vision to speak of? A jaunt around the custom studio will have you wishing for 10 more ring fingers to satiate your cravings.

My daughter, Ellie, turns 3 in June. Surely this is a big enough event to inspire gift giving (and I don’t mean for Ellie).

Feel free to forward this post to my husband!

The selection of dresses, gowns and accessories displayed at Luly Yang’s 4th Ave studio is what dreams are made of. Darcy Camden and I were tickled to enjoy this fashion dreamland while selecting dresses for Fashion In Fusion. Luly runs her business with the utmost care and attention to detail, and given that we were treated like queens, just imagine how YOU will be treated!

Remember this name, as if you haven’t already!

These are a few of the Luly Yang dresses we are considering. This is an inventory shot only with the lens and flash on hand, but you can still get a sense of how glorious these designs are. Just wait until they are well lite and on a gorgeous Bride!

Details make the difference, but nothing matters more than having a master designer!

I am guilty of not knowing Luly’s full scope until now. This is a complete salon with jewelry, shoes, wraps, veils, and party dresses. Remember, these shots were taken without the benefit of good lighting. There’s nothing like seeing them in person. — Well, perhaps in the upcoming fashion spreads…

Darcy envisioning which of our brides or models might wear this particular gown in which of our urban settings.

The sessions are coming up May 22 and 23. We’ll post some images within the following week. Stay tuned.

I was thrilled to meet make-up artist Erin Skipley of Bellatrix Studio at Monday’s ABC meeting. She’s talented, hip, and a gentle soul. I looked at her book. WOW! I’m trying to come up with a reason to have her do MY hair and make-up. (Can changing a diaper be considered a special occassion?) Erin’s client list is as impressive as her work.

Erin has also agreed to be part of the Urban Fashion in Fusion photo session. I can ‘t wait to work with her!

My sweet Hubby and I are going on a date tonight! Ah, the freedom. Thank you, PEPS. An amazing resource for new parents, PEPS matches families with kids born within months of each other. With similar child development concerns, we’ve learned to rely on each other for support– even now with our kids closing in on 3 years old, and most of us with a second child.
Together, we’ve taken weekend trips to Fort Worden, disco dancing (tomorrow night!), gone bowling, picnicking, snowshoeing and hiking. But mostly I’m grateful for the babysitting support we provide each other.

I don’t know about you, but I like having romance in my life. Thanks PEPS, for my date night tonight.

PEPS has a fun infant/toddler music CD too.

Here are a few samples of the Gehrke’s Coffee Table Album. They had glorious weather for their elegant yet natural wedding at Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal. This is a unique venue for those dreaming of a destination within a simple drive. Party with your friends and family all weekend, or all week for that matter. Indulge in the Spa! Your get-away vehicle can be a float plane, and your wedding shoes, either something delicate and gorgeous, or rugged Wellington Boots for a trek into the tide pools!

I put in a couple of single shots too, since this presentation is small and was designed to be a 10×15 Coffee Table Album.

We custom design each album in-studio to keep the design personal and exactly how we (and of course YOU) want it.