Weekly Collective: Puppy cuts, Tomato Soup & Mad Props.

As you may have noticed, I've been barely making these Weekly Collective posts every week.  Life has just been so busy with working two jobs, weddings, my own business, and being a wife, I'm starting to forget what it's like to have a life. But even though it's been a challenge keeping up with everything, I feel so blessed to have so much in my life to keep up with.  Including this little bugger you see below...

{Before | After}

We finally got our dirty little mutt to the groomers this week.  And boy did she need it! I might as well have a child because this little thing is incredibly high maintenance. This summer we've had to deal with fleas, skin allergies, and vet visits galore. All which was followed by weeks of creams, sprays, pills, and a very unhappy dog to say the least. Because of all the allergy meds she was on, we couldn't take her to the groomers until her skin was less irritated. Oy vey. But, I'm VERY happy to report that she is finally off all of her meds and back to being a happy little pup again. So this week we treated her to a little spa day, where her little shaggy butt was clipped, bathed, massaged and brushed back to life. And yes I did say massaged.  ;)

If you've been reading my posts lately, you would know that I've been trying to get in the kitchen and cook more.  This week I was inspired by tomatoes and my anticipation for fall.  Fall is my favorite season (hence, my reason for getting married in October), and it's always welcomed with open arms after a hot and sweaty summer.  Even though we haven't even really had much heat in California this summer until recently, I'm still ready to be done with it so I can bring out my boots, cozy sweaters and yummy comfort foods, such as this favorite of mine, tomato soup...

I got this tasty Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup recipe here, and it was AH-MAZING! This soup has TONS of flavor, and even a little kick of heat with the crushed red peppers. The only thing I changed was using a blender instead of a food mill to puree it, since I don't own a food mill.  Doing it this way means the seeds and skin of the tomatoes are still in, but honestly, we hardly noticed. And I, personally, prefer a chunkier more rustic soup with some texture.

{Voila! The finished product, along with some whole grain crunchy parmesan french bread. Yum!!}

This weekend I second shot with the uber awesome Gabriel Ryan, whom I've also been working for as their Production Manager. I couldn't have asked for a better guy to work for. He is seriously THE BEST. Of course, the wedding we shot this weekend was THE BOMB, with a gorgeous bride, amazing details, and some of the best vendors in the industry. I am such a lucky gal. :D

Of course we had to hit up the photo booth for some hilarious photos.  I even sported my Team Gabriel Ryan glasses:

{Yep, we love our jobs!!! ;)}

Speaking of awesome photographers, I've been so incredibly lucky to get to shoot/work with some of coolest photographers in the biz lately such as Kaysha Weiner, Melissa Brandman, Marcella Treybig, Kelly Mendoza, and Gabriel Ryan. These incredibly giving people are helping me shape my career and giving me the support and experience I need to help my own business blossom to its full potential.  I don't know where I would be without the support of such a strong community of photographers/friends in my life. So if you're reading this, thank you.

Until next time, Happy Monday and rest of the week!!!

-B