Did you ever see Only You? Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. flit around Italy in this fabulous 1990s romantic comedy which, even though totally ridiculous, has a place in my heart. There is this short segment which takes place in Venice. I remember losing my nine year-old mind seeing this enchanting city crisscrossed by canals and an older, slower way of life that even as a child I longed for. I've wanted to visit this city for so long, and a few weeks ago... I did. With the love-of-my-life by my side, and our sassy Poodle (who literally attracted picture-taking crowds wherever we stopped), we wandered hand-in-hand through the narrow alleys, popped into shops selling 'Venetian glass' imported from China, and ate buckets of pasta. It was perfect. Like, better than I could've imagined.

When you go, I have a few suggestions on packing... You will be walking everywhere. Venice was made for foot-traffic. Bring your favorite pair of leather walking boots, or shiny oxfords. Be fancy. As much as I love the style of Parisians, Italians have them beat. Tailored suits, silk blouses, and patent leather shoes... Not to mention the eyeglasses! So many bold shades perch atop Roman noses. It's fabulous. Though I felt perfectly dressed in my black-and-white-with-camel-boots uniform, I couldn't leave Italy without a pair of Italian-made sunglasses in a pastel/minty/lime. They are delicious and have this retro vibe that I can't get enough of. Make sure you buy some honest-to-goodness, made-in-Italy frames when you go! 

Though the colors in this city are warm and vibrant, there is something really special about a place where a black-and-white photo actually works today as much as it did in 1900... 

 

Without a doubt, one of the very best things about portrait photography is giving people the ability to see themselves in a new light... Especially women. I think we ladies tend to have a far-too-critical eye when it comes to our appearances. So many times I look in the mirror and feel deflated... I wish I were a little thinner, had longer legs, a smaller nose, etc... But, when my husband looks at me, he wishes none of those things. He tells me I'm gorgeous, that he likes my short fingers, and loves my turned-up nose...  Under his gaze I feel beautiful.

 

 

I feel like it's rare to meet someone who speaks your same language in regards to humor and life outlook... I always treasure it when it happens...

When we first flew to our new home in Spain, I chanced upon an Instagram account filled with adorable shots of two little girls, taken by their lovely mother, Nuria. We started chatting and eventually I had the pleasure of meeting Nuria for coffee... Five hours later I left so much richer... I had made a friend! Not just any friend--This woman is AMAZING! She writes a brilliant blog called The Adventures Archive and you can find her on Instagram @soynuriaperez. I urge you to check out her pages. They are filled with fun photos and ideas for making everyday an adventure! She has great tips for moms and has brought many people together through her fun projects that often include mailing items around the world.

Moving to a new country was incredibly intimidating and I missed having close girlfriends more than I can say. I have been so, so, so blessed by my friendship with Nuria. She is encouraging, inspiring, hilarious, and has one of the most open-hearted outlooks on life I have ever seen. Not only is she fabulous, her sweet girls are clever, loving, and filled with joyful, mischievous spirits. They adore each other and have the cutest little elfin faces when they share a giggle!

Last week, we met in the gorgeous Retiro Park to take pictures, and the girls embraced all the loveliness fall has to offer.