Augusta Wedding Weekend

Last month, my dear friends were married in Augusta, Georgia. I love a good excuse to head south to God's country, and I'd never been to Augusta, home of the Masters.

Owing to direct flights and close-ish proximity, a good number of our D.C. area friends were able to attend the wedding. 

via Tim Will Photography

It was a great weekend for catching up with friends and taking a break from the city. We stayed at the historic Partridge Inn, wandered around downtown and the River Walk, and ate some delicious Southern-inspired seafood (if you're ever in Augusta, you must head to Sheehan's Irish Pub).

NYC: Then vs. Now

You may have heard of Evan Joseph, or you may not; Joseph is one of New York's leading photographers of architecture, and he took these amazing "now" photos of New York landmarks. I was first introduced to his work via MyModernMet, which is where I borrowed the context for this post: 

Take a journey with us, if you will, back in time to see how one of the most important cities in the world has evolved. Evan Joseph, one of New York's leading photographers of architecture, had previously given as an incredible birds eye view of New York City at night by precariously dangling out of a tiny helicopter. He's now back with a new book called New York Then and Now. Not yet released to the public, this is your sneak peek. 

Out December 3, the book shows how Joseph is still pushing himself, creativity and technically, by meticulously setting up shots to match ones taken in the previous century. Every image in the book was shot from the exact same angle as the historic image it is being compared to. Also, Joseph would go so far as to wait several hours until he could match the lighting. 

Comparing the old and new photos is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of diversity of New York. Not only do we get to see how iconic places like Wall Street, Grand Central, and Union Square have changed, we're presented with a visual story that tells us that while New York's massive skyscrapers have come and gone, the dynamic and energetic feel of the city will live on forever.

Central Park, 1933 vs Now

Grand Central, 1941 vs Now



Union Square North, 1903 vs Now

Columbus Circle, 1912 vs Now

New York Stock Exchange, 1921 vs Now

The Highline, 1950 vs Now

Brooklyn Bridge, 1905 vs Now

East Midtown Skyline (Chrysler Building), 1930 vs Now

World Trade Center, 1976 vs Now

Tip of Manhattan, 1935 vs Now

Evan Joseph's website

'Til Zombies Do Us Part

There are a wide-variety of options for wedding photography these days; some are sentimental, some are very traditional, some are kitschy, and some are just downright scary.  Take a look at the wedding photos below to see what I mean.

Amanda Rynda Photography

Be My Valentine

I have a confession: Valentine's Day rivals the Fourth of July as one of my most favorite holidays. I'll tell you my secret--I was born on Valentine's Day 20-something years ago. Yes, that's right, regardless of whether I actually have a Valentine, I get flowers and presents. As much as some people think Valentine's Day is a cheesy holiday manufactured by greeting card companies in collusion with florists to sell more products, I think it's a day to remind your loved ones that you do, in fact, love them. Sometimes life gets busy and we forget these simple things!



Spades

Photos of the Spades's (Andy and Kate, natch) have been making the internet rounds of late, but I love all things Kate Spade so I'm posting them, too.  Enjoy!

 

(more images via The Selby)

Nikon International Small World Competition

I thought this was such an interesting competition, and I enjoyed most of the photography in the contest (the bug eyes sort of freaked me out, no lie).

The Nikon International Small World Photomicrography Competition recently announced its list of winners for 2010. The competition began in 1974 as a means to recognize and applaud the efforts of those involved with photography through the light microscope. Peering into the small worlds of animal, plants and minerals using many techniques and different instruments, this year's entries brought us images of crystalline formations, fluorescent body parts, cellular structures and more, valuable for both their beauty and insight. The lovely folks at Nikon were kind enough to share some of their images here with us, be sure to click the link above to see all the winners.

I posted some of my favorites below, based purely on visual interested, with captions indicating the subject matter. 

recrystallized sulfur

two human cancer cells seen just before they divide into four cells

snow crystal

patterns of light seen in soap film

Autumnal Equinox

Today is officially the first day of fall, even though in DC we've been having cooler temperatures of late.  By cooler I mean in the high 70s and sometimes high 80s, but anything is better than the 90+ days we've been having.  (I know, I know, I'm from Mississippi where it's NBD to hit summer temperatures of 105 or higher, before you add in the heat index.  Still.)  Most of DC takes a break during the summer, but work and other activities start back up in September; I'm looking forward to the coming season since I know it will fly by as it always does!

This time of year is one of my absolute favorites; watching football with friends, pulling out fall clothes from storage, shopping for cozy sweaters and leather boots, bundling up on the couch with a warm blanket and a good book, pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks (they should pay me), Halloween and pumpkins, upcoming Thanksgiving plans with family, and early Christmas shopping.  Growing up in Mississippi and living on a lake, the Canadian geese would always begin their flights further south around this time, "hooooooooooonnnnnnking" so loud you could hear it inside with the TV turned on.  I grew up loving warm apple cider and now I like mine with a bit of spice... whisky warms it up a notch.

The one and only Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

I could drink these year-round.



cozy and warm



My dogs loved "chasing" the geese in our backyard.



apple cider...

... with a kick.

 

As for Thanksgiving, I will spending the week in the happiest place on earth, Seaside, Florida.  My family and I have been going to Seaside at least once per year since I was about 6 years old... two decades.  It's a special place for us and since we're a bit spread out now, Thanksgiving is one of the best times for us to travel together.  Now that my younger is sister is of legal drinking age, we'll probably be spending some quality time at the Red Bar.  I can't think of a better way to spend a week.