I’m a storyteller at heart, a writer through and through, and I think that my affinity for allegory is present in nearly every creative endeavor I embark upon. My photography certainly, my blogging, obviously, but my fashion, well, probably not. So I was enthralled and enchanted when I stumbled upon a company that allowed story to play a role in my (mildly obsessive) love for fashion as well.

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Id’ like to introduce you to Story Company (and my five minutes in the modeling industry!) Story company, like most things that start small, and with ample heart, had humble beginnings. Started after a trip to Africa, the company aimed to present women with opportunities otherwise not available to them. Women who live in extreme poverty and have no access to the global marketplace. Women – artisans, creators, weavers, potters, bead workers – who create amazing art. Through the sale of their handmade items, they are able to live a different story. A better story. A story with more opportunity and a brighter future.

These women are given the chance to change their story.

But what does any of this have to do with you? Or me? Or this little blog? The short answer is: Everything. It starts with us – each and every one of us – striving to give back. To do more. To act locally and think globally. To support and encourage and promote things that are and do good. And Story Company makes it really easy to do that. Go take a look at some of the incredible jewelry there – and you’ll likely recognize this:

I wear this necklace almost non stop and is one of my most treasured  accessories. I love it so much in fact, that I have no shame in being a self-proclaimed ambassador for it.  Story also has an incredible Home Goods line, worthy of it’s own blog post. But we’ll save that for another day.

Because today….I have a circle dot necklace to give away!!! Yes. Story Company has graciously sent me a necklace to gift away to one lucky winner and I’m soooo honored to share it with you guys! So here are the details: To enter, simply visit the Story Company website and have a look around. Browse. Window shop. Fall helplessly in love. Then go to facebook (make sure to “like” Story Company) or Twitter or Instagram and let us know which is your most coveted item, making sure to mention @storycompany! Then, leave a comment here telling me you did so!

Because the best way we can give back and pay forward, is by spreading the word about this company – the women behind it – and how each of us have the ability to be a story changer.

xoxo

(Contest will run from now until 11:59pm on Sunday and is open to residents of US + Canada. )

(Top photo by the amazing  j. stoia portrait design)

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TAGS : features, personal

Last weekend I photographed a wedding. In the middle of winter. In Minnesota. When I first met Kate, I was hooked. And when she told me she dreamed of outdoor winter wedding photos, I knew I had to be there to capture her gorgeous Cross Lake wedding. Kate is one of the most beautiful creatures I have seen up close, and the way her face glows when Matt looks at her makes my heart sing. These two-the way they love each other-is exactly why I chase after a photographic life. Taking photos. Telling stories. Sharing the goodness. The love. Their love. I am so honored to have been a part of their beautiful winter wedding, and to call them friends. Here is a preview of their day….

Kate. Matt. Seriously. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. I hope you are having an amazing time in Hawaii.
xo
a.

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TAGS : features, weddings

I’m headed to Texas in the morning for Jessica and Matt’s wedding, and on the eve of my departure, I wanted to reshare their amazing Driftwood engagement session (recently featured over at Perfect Bound)  Theirs was my first engagement session (Ever!) as well as my first feature (Ever!) and I couldn’t have accomplished either without their style, Jessica’s effortless beauty, or their amazing trust. I cannot wait for their wedding on Saturday.

 

A huge thank you to Anne-Marie over at Perfect Bound for the feature. 
 
xo
a
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TAGS : features