The Norah Burrows Blog!

I had a very special meeting with Tracy and Jason over the Holiday Break. Special because this was our very first meeting and I probably will not see them again until the middle of next year - on their wedding day!

Tracy and Jason are getting married at Paradise Ridge Winery on June 25, 2011. This happens to be my wedding anniversary as well. By the way, Spencer, my husband, and I could not think of a better way to spend our anniversary than during a day celebrating the love of two people.

Carrie and Kevin’s wedding was the most blissful, sunny day Occidental has ever seen … in my humble opinion, of course, though I think there are many attendants who would agree.  Their wedding was held at a private home - a home that is no stranger to wedding bliss, as the owner’s own daughter was married there a few years ago. They rightfully call the home “The Haven.” It sits on top of a tall coastal hill, full of green meadows, lush and loved landscaping, and also comes complete with the owner’s own Redwood Groves. Are you in jealous yet? Well, you will be.

[one happy bride and groom]

[the details. vintage purse and blue scarf found locally at Aubergine Vintage Emporium

[family portraits adorn the walls

and spencer plays the grand piano while the bride was getting ready upstairs]

[gorgeous flowers]

[the ceremony site with Redwoods and cute poppies from the yard]

[carrie and kevin couldn't stop smiling when they saw each other for the first time]

[this image i captured as the rings were being passed across the aisle. carrie and kevin wanted to give each of their guests the opportunity to send their love and energy to the rings and their marriage. And the kiss!]

[the united families]

[sweet first dance]

[carrie and kevin wear superman and superwoman bibs to protect themselves from the super-yummy, super-entertaining dinner provided by Black Bean BBQ]

[friends]

[and fun]

[let them eat cake]

[congratulations!]

Last Wednesday, with my newest partner-in-crime, aka: my assistant Susan, trekked up highway 101 north into Healdsburg. There we met with Lannie and Alan for a little session full of love. Luckily, we had a beautiful afternoon complete with wild ducks, an accidental fall a la Norah, and a warm summer sunset over the Russian River.

Here’s a little sneek peek:

After nearly two-weeks of a dormant phase a la blog, I am back!

And with a better studio than ever!

Some pictures to prove that I have been working my little fingers … and breaking some jig-saw blades along the way:

[nearly the start of the project: the carpet was ripped out and the start of putting in the flooring]

[before and after and the most awesome faux brick wall! ]

[I am so proud of this little window]

[i love the little iron star detail] 

[the view walking into the studio and my animated amour]

[now only two amps!]

I really have to thank my husband for saying “yes” to the project. For us this room symbolizes a “horse of a different color” … before this project one day it would be a rockin’ studio for his music school (the great burro studios) and other days all of music equipment would hid behind long flowing curtains and voila (!) it would become a photography studio. 

However, since the beginning of the year I’ve been visualizing what I would like my studio to look like and how it would function. After collecting ideas it was overly apparent that I really wanted hardwood floors and brick. I really loved how brick and wood looked in portraits. More than anything I wanted a place in which I could photograph against anything and not be limited by the number of different canvases I had. 

My wish (one of them at least - the year is still young!) has come true. 

Also, much graditude to my handy parents who helped with drywall, flooring, and lending me all the cool tools. To Mekaela, who proved she is more than just a good assistant and friend, she can also paint a darn good yellow wall! 

I’m also very excited because I was lucky enough to photograph two sessions last Saturday using the new room, so those I will be sharing soon!

Also, keep your eyes open for an invitational open house day!