I know, I know….

I’ve been a really bad blogger. =( October was my last post? It went by way to fast.

But I should probably explain myself. Maybe?

I am super lucky to have a beautiful horse that lives at a local stable. This barn is a fabulous home away from home and over the last year, I’ve began managing the facilities and daily care of the rest of the 28 horses as well. But that hasn’t been the primary reason I’ve been slacking….

We’re having a baby! And not just any baby…..but a little BOY!!! Can you tell I’m excited? Because I really am. So excited I could burst!

Being pregnant has been a challenge that we’ve faced a lot of ups and down’s in. But I’m super excited for this next chapter in our life and to get back to what is really the most important thing in my life…my family.

So watch out world. Another Widen is making his debut into the world around September 19th. =)

Nothing accompanies a beautiful outfit like a chunky necklace. And these beautiful colors? Um….in love!!!!

When finishing your t’s and blazer outfits, be sure to accessorize with a chunky necklace in a beautifully bright color. You’ll love how it will complete your outfit for a sophisticated twist!

And my second favorite? The boyfriend jean with the short heels! But beware! Worn wrong, this look can make a shortie like me look REALLY short. For those of you with the stunning long legs, DO IT! =)

This is one pretty girl. And I am pretty sure its genetic. Because she’s my niece! Kylie is an incredibly sweet kid who makes her grandparents beam, makes her family proud and is nothing short of one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. And her laugh? It makes me giggle. =)

For Kylies session, we went to her friends house in Big Lake and enjoyed a fall afternoon on the water. The docks, the fall leaves and the beautiful backgrounds were to die for.

I was super happy that Kylie decided she wanted professional makeup. Choosing professional makeup really made her eyes pop!! And did you notice Kylies freckles? All those days in the beautiful sunshine playing ball has brought out the cutest freckles!!!!

I had been planning on this for a while. Knew it was coming but it really didn’t sink in. I knew I could expect the ocean, some palm trees….but this? It took me completely by surprise.

It’s honorable to be flown out to a remote island in the Caribbean Ocean. No, it’s more than just an honor….it’s this insane privlege that someone had entrusted me with.  This trip marks the first (of hopefully many) of my international career. And more than hopefully, it gives me a chance to step back and truly appreciate how far I’ve come.

So I wanted to share with everyone, the view of the beach on Sunset Bay. The planes of the travelers coming to and from the island passes overhead into what is the worlds 4th most dangerous airport. But I really don’t mind….The smell of the ocean and the 80 degrees is nothing short of perfection.

Oh how incredible this trip really was. More from this destination wedding in St. Maarten in the French West Indies will be on the blog very soon!

I get the question everyday. And I have the same answers everyday.

Do you sell digital files?

My answer could be simple.  But I feel it deserves some explanation.  This digital age question deserves contemplation and honesty. So I will tell you a story and explain my whys….

A few years ago, my grandfather passed away.   He passed away from cancer in his 80′s and left behind a wife that loves him deeply.  My grandmother suffers from dementia and had a very hard time once he passed.  The grieving for her was of her husband, her best friend and her caretaker.  He was her everything. And she was his.

After grandpa passed away, we started going through old photo albums. Images of him during WWII, their wedding, and their vacations. Images of their entire life bound in safe keeping and for all the world to see.

And then, my mom, aunts and uncles found all the slides from their childhood. Slides of them in school, growing up and more. But it required a special projector and a screen. Both of which aren’t easily accessible these days. Thankfully, my grandparents were savers. They had that old projector ready to play their home movies and slides of their childhood.

But what if they didn’t have that projector? What if they had to spend a lot of time and money tracking down the right projector to play their memories?

Technology is obsolete. It is always changing, evolving and becoming better. Remember film negatives or floppy disks? Do you plan on saving your old computer to access it 20, 30 or 40 years down the road?

So the answer to this question is… no. I don’t sell digital files for portrait sessions. And it isn’t because I want to be difficult. Not at all. The reason is because I want your memories to be accessible all the time. I want you to be able to see your portraits on the wall, on the book shelf and in an album the same way that the previous generations did. I want to create heirlooms.

Ed was a little twirp growing up; the kind of kid that just muscled you into what he wanted. Literally. That kid could pack a punch. And I was just close enough in age to encounter his wrath quite a few times. But I’ve got him where I want him now…..cause I’m backed by his uncle Ryan. All 250 pounds of muscle ready to pounce when he gets a little wiry.

Congratulations to Quincy on her senior year at Burlington Edison High School. Being a part of her senior portraits was better than I could have ever asked for! I still can’t believe that she turned from a cute little pony tail kid into this stunningly gorgeous girl. I am truly shocked. From her cattle and ponies to playing ball, Quincy is truly one of the most genuine kids I have ever met. My sisters kids, all small and cute at the time, introduced us to Quincy and her family as they showed their cattle and goofed off in 4H. I always knew she was a cute kid but then she suddenly became this gorgeous girl!

I am so excited to see where life takes this girl. And if its to Montana State University, Quincy, don’t expect me to stay home….I will be there to visit. =) With Ottey in the passenger seat.

Enjoy a few more sneak peaks from Quincy’s session here. She truly is beautiful, inside and out!

I just had to throw this last one in. They sure aren’t kids anymore! =)

Have you enjoyed Quincy’s senior portraits? Be sure to contact brianna@briannamwiden.com for more information on creating the perfect session just for you.

This is an image taken from my favorite store’s catalog. Pottery Barn! I love Pottery Barn. The ides, the colors, the warmth and coziness of everything they have. But this one bothered me. Don’t get me wrong.  I ::::LOVE:::: the beautiful wall colors, the strategically placed pile of wood.

So just for kicks, stare at this picture for me. Just look at it closely and let me know what you see. Do you see it? No? Look closely at each image in the wall collage. See it now?

Now, Pottery Barn probably did this because they’re selling the frames. They aren’t selling the warm, happy feelings of beautiful family photography. Their main goal was to encourage the purchase of a beautiful wall collage and let you fill them with what you want. I love that they are encouraging a large display.

But my goal?  To have you fill them with images of warm, happy memories. Put the apple blossom in the 3×3 and your children’s smiling faces in the beautiful 20×20. Cherish that fading childhood, moments from your wedding or even your high school seniors memorable last year before they’re off to college.

Take a look around your home. Does your wall decor represent you as a family? Is it full of your moments in life?  If it doesn’t, make time to change to change it.

Next week, I will address the importance of coordinating your wardrobe to your home so that the new images you hang truly can be viewed as artwork.

One of my new favorite quotes is from Richard Carlson, the writer of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. He says, “Ask yourself this questions: will it matter a year from now?”

This one quote resonates deeply today. I sometimes feel like I just can’t catch a break, letting my feelings get hurt and then wishing it didn’t affect me so much. Right now, I can’t help but take a deep breath, take a look around at my accomplishments and think, will it matter a year from now?

So, I challenge you to do the same. Sit back and look around. Has life been a little rough lately? Have you been like me, wishing life’s success came without tears? And enjoy your life, one day at a time.

xoxo!

Fall is truly my favorite time of year. It really is! The beautiful color, the gorgeous light and the stunning wardrobe options. Mmmmmm. My mouth is watering already. =) ::::Gasp:::: and the JEWEL tones!!!! They just make my heart melt!

But the greatest part about fall fashion is that its eclectic. These bracelets and bangles are a testament to how beautiful a few accessories can be when paired with just the right outfit. And the belt? I love how its “nontraditional” tie brings the eye even more so to the waist, making it appear thinner.

I love fall fashion. Want a few stores to check out for looks just like these? Shop local!!