Lori Fenn is Phoemale

Lori Fenn is making Phoenix a more colorful city one painting at a time. She is one of the most talented, creative souls I know. She lives a life of creativity. So much so that I imagine when she's doing something as mundane as brushing her teeth she somehow makes it a work of art. She's really inspirational. I also imagine her as a living rainbow - happy, colorful, bright, and kind of magical. We spent some time together  recently in her current work space. It's a colorful little nook filled with so much vibrancy plus an exercise bike dating back to (probably) the 70's, so of course we had to ride it!

She started painting as a teenager, but really got into it about ten years ago.  Being creative is just who she is - whether it's cooking, sewing, painting, etc. She loves thinking up intricate designs. Painting helps get to get those ideas out of her mind and onto something tangible. You've got to check out her work at lorifenn.com. She is obsessed with color (obviously, she IS a rainbow, after all) and that really shows in her work from her paintings to her wardrobe to her skincare line...Oooo skincare line, you say...read on.

Lori is probably most well-known in the valley as a painter, but her skincare line, Lua skincare, is growing rapidly, deservedly so. Skincare is something she has been passionate about for twenty years. She's always leaned towards a more natural lifestyle and wanted to create something for her own skin that worked and used pure ingredients. Her passion turned into a business idea and Lua was born. She loves the concept of combining her art (labels, logo, etc) into a product that she created; combining all of her passions and ideals to create something that inspires and really comes from the heart and soul. To continue on her path of combining creative passions, Lori is working on a cookbook! This will be reflective of her natural lifestyle using bright, colorful, nourishing ingredients. I'm super pumped about this project! Follow her on Instagram to keep up on this and all the beautifulness she keeps so lovingly sharing with the world. 

 

Lisa Olson is Phoemale

Lisa Olson was one of my first female friends when I moved to Phoenix six years ago, so it's fitting she would be my first subject for my Phoemale photo series. Lisa was born and raised in Phoenix and has been an entrepreneur since a very young age. Currently she owns and operates Practical Art on Central Ave in Phoenix. Practical Art is a beautiful gallery and retail space housing goods from over 100 local artists. Lisa and her shop give back to the community in so many thoughtful ways. They host a charity pie night once a month, host a community craft night, offer yoga classes, monthly gallery shows, and much more. Lisa is also involved in the local Valley Leadership program on top of all the amazing things she does with her shop.  

I photographed her in her cute, eclectic Spanish style bungalow which is gorgeously decorated with art from her shop and around the world. She's a gem of a gal. I highly recommend a visit to her shop to say hi.

Visit my Phoemale page here for more details on this project. 

February Project 365...

Seeing as it's almost April I figured it was about time to blog February's Photo of the Day project. It was a very long month of waiting and hoping to go into labor. I was so ready to not be pregnant anymore. We spent our days pouring lots of love on Sloane since we knew she wasn't going to be our only baby for much longer. 

January 2017 Project 365 .....It's been too long....It's good to be back!

Let's me preface this by saying I'm very, very, very, very pregnant right now and even the simplest task of sitting at my desk building a blog story is exhausting...I'm not going to lie! I've been sick almost every day since mid-July and that has taken it's toll on me mentally and physically. I don't feel like myself at all. Creativity sparks are few and far between when all you can think about is trying to feel better. So, I'm pretty proud of myself for staying true to my resolution of doing another 365 Day In The Life of my family and life. It's February 22 and I've not missed a day - hooray! Baby #2 is due anytime now and I can't wait for all sorts of reasons. I figured I needed to get the images from the month of January out in the world before I'm busy doing things like laboring. Enjoy, my friends. xo

Natalie + Ryan // Phoenician Wedding // Scottsdale, AZ

Natalie and Ryan tied the knot in a simple, loving, and private courthouse ceremony on a Friday afternoon. They later celebrated their marriage with friends and family at the gorgeous Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. There was a hint of old Hollywood, lots of glamour, and so much love that night. Natalie is the essence of poise and beauty. Ryan has such calmness and grace about him. The two of them together is something wonderful to witness. A force to behold. I felt very lucky to have been there on that magic evening to share in the love and happiness. 

Hanna + Andrew // Scottsdale Wedding // Shemar Arts Center

It's been a few months since Hanna & Andrew's beautiful morning wedding and brunch reception. Looking back through the photos to create this blog post, all the emotions of that day came flooding back. I may have even got a little teary eyed. The warmth and amount of love this couple has spills out onto everyone around them. You can feel it in their images. It was a truly beautiful and heartwarming day. 

Big shout outs to Shemer Arts Center for once again being a spectacularly gorgeous venue, to The Rustic Prickly Pear for the incredibly beautiful decor, and to my tremendously talented second shooter, Courtney of Inloveness Photography. THANK YOU! 

 

 

Project 365 // March // Phoenix Lifestyle Photography

It's only March and I'm already getting a little behind on editing and posting my Project 365 images. But, that's ok. I'm still shooting them everyday, so I'll catch up eventually.

March was a extra fun month. Margaux turned one year old. There were fun birthday parties and rock climbing. We had family in town for a full week. Sloane got to connect with her cousins that she so rarely gets to see. It was really special to watch them get to know one another. They quickly bonded and had a blast together. 

 

Project 365 // February // Phoenix Lifestyle Photography

February. I'm glad it's said and done, honestly. We were sick most of the month, but we managed to have some fun, too. We taped hearts to our dirty windows for Valentine's Day. We went to the zoo and the Renaissance Festival. We went to urgent care and the ER, as well. What a month. Here's to maybe some cooler temps (please weather gods?!) and healthy bodies in March. 

Sugar & Spice // Phoenix Baby Shower

Jodi's baby shower couldn't have been any cuter. Her details were perfection. Her guests were lovely. The cake was the most delicious thing I've ever tasted. And most importantly, she was a glowing goddess! Chestnut was the perfect backdrop for a beautiful little shower. I just love the pops of yellow everywhere.  Mama's Cold Brew is my favorite local cold brew, so I was so excited that they provided yummy beverages for everyone. Congratulations Jodi! I can't wait for your little girl's arrival...