Renn Fest First-Timers

We went to our first Renaissance Festival over the weekend! We met up with our more "experienced" renn friends, Katie and Derek, for a very merry tyme. The Maryland Renaissance Festival is located in a wooded area near Annapolis. We wandered about watching jousting, eating turkey legs, and throwing knives, stars and axes. GA almost took out Eric when her axe throw went awry - it bounced off a wooden poll and backwards into the crowd, which Eric blocked with his camera lens! whew. It was a hot day with a very costumed crowd, many of whom were dress for Pirate Weekend. We even caught up with Jack Sparrow! HUZZAH

Fabulous Audrey Hepburn Original Movie Posters

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." — Audrey Hepburn


Movie Posters: they sure don't make 'em like they used to.

elements of an epic camping weekend

Tents + grilling + cameras + man-made archery + a foster dog named Ham + great friends = our campin' essentials for Lake Anna Park

A Peachy Wedding Day

GA's dear old friend, Ashley, was married in Portsmouth, VA over the weekend. Her beautiful wedding included a 3-tier wedding cake she made herself - complete with fresh peaches and applying the fondant the morning of, and sentimental DIY decorations at the reception. She scouted her ceremony site at a park, and her dress was a consignment shop treasure with her own original touches (the lace-up in back). Peach rose bouquets made by her cousin and fuzzy navel drinks complimented her radiant red hair. GA was a busy bridesmaid and Eric was the photographer. It was a jam-packed, joyful day.

The Proposal

So maybe the ring wasn't a surprise, since we picked it out together... But Eric adamantly wanted to plan a secret proposal outing. He prepared a gourmet picnic of seared tuna salads with mango salsa, several cheeses and strawberries and sparkling blood orange juice. He drove us into the countryside, and I was delighted when I realized he was driving to Shenandoah National Park. He had mapped out an overlook with a beautiful sunset view. Even thought it was an overcast afternoon, we saw glimpses of burning pinks behind the mountains.
With the help of another photography friend he had created an awesome painting with light video which he played for me on his laptop. The lights spelled out "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" with lots of adorable dancing heart shapes. While I was watching it, he realized the ring had fallen out somewhere along the path! He told me later he ran and luckily grabbed it out of the grass without my noticing, and held the ring out to me at the end of the video. He spoke words that were so simple and filled with love. The were very happy and giddy, and we took way too many photos after that. It was a beautiful afternoon. I am so blessed to have such a romantic, genuine fiance.
Here are some shots from the day using Eric's Nikkormat EL with 35mm film! -GA

GOCCO-RAMA

We're getting a Gocco Printer! GA helped a friend design her wedding invitations, and now she is giving us the printer! We are so excited. Gocco is becoming a precious rarity like original polaroids. We've blogged about our love and appreciation of letterpress, and now we'll be able to screen-print on our dining room table. We look forward to making our own unique holiday cards and invitations.
Here are a few sweet gocco prints found on etsy:
1. twoguitars
2. artsharkdesigns
3. MisNopalesArt
4. katep
5. edisonrex

The Ring

We found The Ring on etsy. It is an original by natashakahndesigns. The 1.7 carat rose-cut diamond is a charcoal gray color! We love how it changes from silver to dark in different lighting, as well as how the clean, modern setting contrasts with the elegant vintage-cut stone. The ring is recycled white gold; we did our research to find a ring that is both eco-friendly and conflict-free.

We're Engaged!

Just wanted to share.... on the top of a mountain... Eric popped the question! GA said YES of course :)