Spring Wedding Special! Free Upgrade!

Who doesn't love saving money....Through April 24th, book your wedding with us and get a free album upgrade. Just think, your IRISpure book becomes an IRISsoul, A Soul book bumps up even higher to IRISluxe or Leather Craftsmen. The only qualification is you have to book by April 24th. Pretty easy, huh? That's how we like it at Marcia The Art of Photography ;)

101 Goals in 1001 Days - Update

It's been a while since I have worked on my goals list, but a couple recent forays up north gave me a chance to achieve a very easy one and start the process toward another.

I went winetasting. Goal #80 Visit an Arizona Winery. On a recent afternoon we spent an afternoon at Alcantara Vineyards and Winery in Cottonwood. The wine was wonderful and the tasting room brought back memories of all the times I had spent in Iris's kitchen in the old adobe at Rideau Vineyard back home.

We were in the middle of our flight when who should show up but the very hands on owner of the property, Barbara. It was like old home week meeting her because she has family on the California Central Coast in the wine business! We chatted for a long time about winemaking and in the end a bottle of her good Viognier found it's way into the back seat of our car.

A second trip up introduced us to Page Spring Vineyards. So pretty with it's balcony overlooking the vines. I know I'll be back here soon.

While I didn't take photos on these afternoon adventures (the vines were in hibernation) I know I'll be back. Goal #81 is Do An Arizona Winery Wedding[!] and after not being around wineries since moving from the Santa Ynez Valley 4 1/2 years ago, I'll be working extra hard to market myself for doing vineyard weddings here. I simply can't be away from it any longer ;)

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To date, I have accomplished 41 out of 101 goals, found that a couple are no longer achievable, and a couple are simply not important anymore. I'm almost halfway through my 1001 days and it'll be interesting to see which goals are accomplished and which ones simply don't matter any more.

Meet Me Tonight At The Boojum Tree Open House

6pm to 8pm...beautiful venue, guided tours, moonlight and me. If you are planning a wedding or event you've got to check this out. Come over, take a walk through Phoenix's own little rainforest and then hang out a while, we always have a few vendors ready for a casual chat about your wedding needs and sometimes there's even cake.

See you there.

Freebie Friday ~ Puppy Love!

ATTN: Puppy Mommies and Daddies...It's Freebie Friday! The first Dog Lover to comment on my blog wins a Puppy Love Portrait Session from Marcia The Art of Photography.



Here's the fine print:

Dog Owners Only (I'm allergic to Cats, sorry)!!!
Puppy Love Session location is Scottsdale, AZ only.
Puppy Love Session must be completed by April 9, 2010

What you get:
Pre-Session Consultation
Puppy Love Session
Viewing Session to select your images
Personal Website for one month
3 Artist Choice watermarked images to use on Social Media to share with your family and friends.
1 5x7 of your choice.

Winner, you have 5 days to connect with me, after that your prize is null and void. Make sure you leave your full name, email address and daytime phone number in your comment. I promise I won't publish your contact info on the blog. If you don't leave your contact info you cannot win so make sure I can reach you!

Meet Me Tonight At The Boojum Tree Open House

Yup, I'll be there, will you?

This is a gorgeous event venue in North Phoenix, a rainforest in the heart of the desert. Come by from 6pm to 8pm for guided tours and then hang out with me and the other vendors. Maybe there'll be cake. Check it out, you'll love it. And if you do love it, book it, dates sell out fast here.

Wedding 101: On site Liaison or Independent Coordinator – What’s the difference?

Great article by Natasha Miller, onsite coordinator at The Boojum Tree:

There are many times when a bride books a wedding site and misinterprets what the site affiliated coordinator does or is responsible for. The planners that are included with your venues are merely there to assist you with questions that you may have and act as the communicator between vendors the day of the event.
They may go above and beyond for you by helping with the setting up (centerpieces, favors, guest book, and other details like that), getting the bridal party lined up for the processional, moving your gifts and helping with the clean up. This is something that you want to go over with your liaison from your selected wedding site. If they don’t do it, then guess who does… a friend, family member or even worse you! Trust me when I say you do not want that stress the day of your wedding. Give yourself the ability to enjoy and relax that day. So hire a professional coordinator!
A coordinator will work with you in a close partnership for all phases of your wedding. They will guide you through your decisions and help you plan from A to Z. These wonderful professionals will also attend vendor meetings, assist with ordering supplies and contacting vendors. They can keep you calm and organized so you will not stress on the happiest day of your life.
Believe it or not but a wedding coordinator may also be able to save you money. They already know, have worked with and have created a strong relationship with vendors. So they will be able to get the best deals and steer you straight to what you are looking for.

Cool Things My Clients Are Doing

One of the best things about what I do is getting to know the people I meet because of what I do. This week I am so excited to share what a couple of clients have going on ;)

One of my favorite people in the world is David Sheehy. He is a national recording artist with such a gift for songwriting. I was fortunate to be his choice for the cover art of his latest CD, "Let Go", of which the title cut (and because of it, my image) is now being distributed worldwide on i-Tunes! Let Go is a powerful and haunting song that stays in your head long after you hear it. Check it out at i-Tunes by clicking here.




On New Year's Eve I did a wedding in the snow for a marvelous couple, Myk and Regan. Myk Watford is one of those guys that you see everywhere...in movies, on TV....Tonight and later this week Myk will have guest starring roles on a couple of highly anticipated episodes on the tube. You can catch him tonight on Cold Case (CBS) and Tuesday Night on Justified (FX). Can't wait to see you Myk, even if it's only on the TUBE!!!

Meet Me Tonight At The Boojum Tree Open House

Come to one of the most beautiful and unique event locations in AZ, The Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens. Tonight, and every Tuesday the nice people at Boojum Tree throw an open house party with tours and vendor tables.

I'll be there tonight from 6pm to 8pm and looking forward to meeting you. Do stop by my table and say Hello.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

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SIMPLE PLEASURES: Town and Country Farmer's Market

It's often the personal part of a photographer that wins over the person on the other side of the camera. Simple Pleasures is that personal side of me.

Part of the inspiration for a photographer is in everyday things. Immersing oneself in a situation and documenting the moment. Last week we went to the farmer's market, a kaleidescope of scent and color in fresh air. My bag quickly filled with tomatoes and cukes, celery and radishes like I'd never seen...French Breakfast Radishes. I was told to slice thin, spread butter and salt on them, mmmmmm. I've never been much of a radish fan, but these changed my mind (and it didn't take that soft sweet butter to persuade me). These radishes taste as good as they look. Crispy with almost no bite and very slightly sweet.

An adventure with my camera that brought a new delight for my table ;-)

It's Back! Spring Portrait Special

If you've been wanting to get your family photographed and save money, too, then there has never been a better time than now! All of this rain here in the valley has given us some of the greenest hills and parks in recent memory, so now is the time to take advantage of everything Scottsdale has to offer for a beautiful background to showcase your family.

This special is good for families, children, engagement, canine, maternity and seniors but sessions are limited so book yours now!

A Little Something For You

This month's desktop image shows that you don't always have to show a face in a photo. Please feel free to download and enjoy.

Is this not adorable? Click on the image to download a copy of your own and freshen up your desktop!

Keep checking back for new images. Sometimes bridal, sometimes something different, but something always for you.