“I’m thinking balls are to men, what purses are to women. It’s just a little bag but we’d feel naked in public without it.” — Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw (“Sex And The City”)

I’m not nearly as fashion-hungry and purse-spoiled as Carrie, but I do love a great bag! I’ve recently been on the lookout for a unique and utilitarian addition to my collection. I was a huge fan of the over-the-shoulder, messenger-type bag during my college years, opting more for handbags and clutches of late.

I’m the type who weighs all the factors and considers multiple options when faced with a decision. Often I end up choosing the safest option when I can’t stall any longer. I literally spent 20 minutes choosing a nail polish today…and ended up with red (OPI Big Apple Red <3).

We had the occasion to hang out in St. Pete/Tampa for the day – America’s favorite pastime in the afternoon followed by one of my all-time favorites, Dave Matthews. I couldn’t wait any longer! I wanted a cute bag for the day that I couldn’t possibly lose :) The shops on Central Avenue in St. Pete did not disappoint.

After trying on every purse on the block (and exhausting my man), I took the plunge with a @SkunkFunk at Cozette’s Boutique. I love the colors, and the leather hand-rest-strap-thing is clever and comfortable. But what really excited me is that it’s made from recycled materials by a company that cares about sustainability. My bag was made with plastic bottles and tires, and it smells great :) Learn more at www.skunkfunk.com/sustainability.php and check out the other great bags at www.shopskunkfunk.com.

And what a great little boutique! So many lovely aromas! I also picked up a divine, all-natural artisan lavender soap from Sweet Harvest Farms (Tampa, FL) and a Fleur de Lys Soy Patchouli Ginger candle from Himalyan Trading Post (Decatur, GA). The entire experience was a pleasure. Many thanks, Cozette!

Caron Cooper Photography @Skunkfunk

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“Let’s go surfin’ now
Everybody’s learning how
Come on and safari with me.”
—The Beach Boys

I am knee-deep in wedding photos and preparing for holiday portraits, so I thought I would share a commercial shoot I did earlier this year for Villon Surf — a super cool line of surf attire and gear. It was actually a pretty chilly day in February. During downtime and costume changes, the models took cover in the tent and some of the guys pulled out their puff jackets — Florida style! Gotta love it!

Many thanks to Mark for the opportunity and to all of the beautiful people for making my job easy.

Villon Surf — Clothing. Surf. Culture. Or check out Villon Clothing on facebook.

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“Absence makes thy heart grow fonder.”
-Anonymous

Though they both attended Penn State, Teela + Scott’s first close encounter was a couple years ago while visiting Avalon, New Jersey, for some sun and fun. And something told them then that it was love. Their only problem was geography — she was living in Philly, he was in Manhattan. If time was to keep them apart, distance would not, and the two cities became the setting for their storybook courtship. For more than a year they took turns traveling back and forth every weekend until Scott could call Pennsylvania home once again and be with his gal for good.

In June the couple returned to New York City to visit Scott’s friends. Little did Teela know this trip would be the start of their next chapter. Scott planned a romantic evening, which began at the Highline, an elevated park in the Meatpacking District and the scene of their first NYC date. It was there he proposed, and where she’ll always remember the feeling of pure happiness.

They ended this summer with a trip to St. Augustine. Their hope was that I would capture their affectionate and fun personalities in an artistic manner. No problem. Scott made his love for Teela look like an art form and she was his inspiration, like a painter and his muse. And the beauty of St. Augustine didn’t hurt!

Cheers to Teela + Scott — may your love always look like the work of art I witnessed that day.

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“Love, and do what thou wilt…let the root of love be within, of this root can nothing spring but what is good.” —St. Augustine of Hippo

I traveled to St. Augustine last month for Nicole + Justin’s engagement session. There’s nothing better than shooting in a new location, particularly one as old as St. Augustine, Florida. And it did not disappoint. It had been years since my family spent one of its classic vacations in the old city, so it was like I was seeing it all again for the first time — this time through appreciative eyes.

And what I saw through the lens was perhaps one of the sweetest couples I have met. Not only were they calm, cool and collected, but they were also playful, loving, in love. Justin proposed to Nicole in St. Augustine at Castillo de San Marcos. The fort is a symbol of strength, protection, everlasting — the perfect foundation for a successful marriage. They’re off to a good start, and the rest will soon be history.

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When Will returned from active duty overseas, there were three very lovely ladies waiting for him. And all three are ready for the wedding. Will + Tawanna will be married at 11 a.m., June 11, and he’ll make her and her daughters the happiest women on earth. Congratulations to a beautiful family!