Food Photography - Marcoot Jersey Creamery

It was love at first taste.  

When my friend Amy of Marcoot Jersey Creamery encouraged me to try some of MJC's yummy quark, I spread a tiny bit on a piece of bread and fell in love.  Quark, a soft spreadable cheese more well known in German communities is just one of the deeee-lightful Artisan cheeses Amy & her family of seventh generation dairy farmers produce.

While visiting the Marcoot Jersey Farm & Marcoot Jersey Creamery last month I got a good sense of appreciation for how hard dairy farmers work.  I may be a suburban girl through & through, but I can mostly definitely tip my hat to the small farmers of America!  I made sure to show my utmost appreciation by sampling everything I could:  fresh mozzarella, gourmet flavored ice cream, havarti, cheddar, and of course my personal favorites quark & cheese curds.  Friends, you haven't lived until you've eaten quark & curds from MJC!

Food this good is a work of art, so I enjoyed doing a bit of food photography. It was fun to experiment in a different genre of photography, and I really enjoyed showcasing their delicious products!  Never have I had a more tasty shoot!

Chi-town dreams

The way some people dream of the Big Apple is how I've always dreamed about Chicago.  This January I got the chance to visit the windy city & make  that dream a reality! While visiting a friend in Southern Il, we took a whirlwind roadtrip to Chi-town.  

And. I. Loved. It.

Brief though it was, I loved every second of my visit. As we drove down the Mag Mile (I know, I sound JUST like a local ;)) I glanced to my right and left in glee.  I loved the vibe of the city: urban, fast paced, & rich in culture.

I perused a guidebook and collected tons of fascinating facts to sprinkle in conversation (because I'm nerdy like that). For instance, did you know Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented in a Montgomery Wards store in Chicago?  If you make it to Who Wants to be a Millionaire someday and that question earns you big money; you can thank me then :)

NO visit to Chicago is complete without sampling some deep-dish pizza; and sweet mother of pearl Giordano's was divine!

I got lucky & got to enjoy the first heavy snowfall of the season.

I also made time to visit Sue the ginormous T-Rex at The Field Museum.

For those of you taking notes, I ticked off 3 whole items from my 101 in 1001 list!

#5 Visit Chicago

#15 Take a road trip (we drove from St. Louis to Chicago) &

#94 I also visited a chiropractor while I was in Illinois.  Don't worry, I'll refrain from showing off those images :)

Here's my favorite photo from the trip: my friend Amy & I :)

Akin + Abi's Wedding

I love how Akin first got Abi's phone number.  

While a group of students were sitting in the school cafeteria for lunch on campus at Abilene Christian University in Texas, Akin got phone numbers from everyone in the group; supposedly so he could get everyone more involved in the African Students Association.

There's just one catch.

ACU didn't have an African Student's Association.

Abi found this out later that evening when Akin confessed to only wanting her phone number.

Smooth, very smooth.

Akin's approach definitely caught Abi's attention, but she still took her time in letting him get close.  Akin eventually won her heart, and in his words when they officially started dating he felt like he had won 3 marathons in a row.  Years passed and their relationship grew closer despite Akin's move to Dallas and the long distance trips to Abilene.  A sunset dinner overlooking the Dallas skyline was the perfect setting for Akin's proposal.

Their wedding was full of color, tradition, class, and most of all love.  Abi & Akin, it has been my supreme pleasure to work with you and document your love story.  I hope your story continues to inspire others & that you someday travel the world together; maybe even that world tour!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*update

Here are all the fabulous vendors that did such a wonderful job on this wedding

Planner:  Elegant Nuptials and Events // Baker:  A Slice of Life and Romano's Bakery // Caterers:  Afro Kitchen Catering Services, Chrisco Catering, Cooking Pots Catering Services, His Glory Catering Services //  Head-ties:  The Perfect Look by Olayinka Ojo // Bride's Make-up Artist:  Kassie Coleman // Photographer:  Izehi Photography // Reception Decor:  Elegant Affairs, High Fire Designs // Reception Entertainment // Kebe, Genesis Band // Videographer:  Bosfem Productions // Venues:  Ceremony - Reedemed Church of God Household of Faith Arlington, TX; Reception - Sheraton Hotel Arlington, TX // Bride's Wedding Dress - Demetrios // Men's Suits - Al's Formal Wear