Hello, 2011!

Sat down to type out some business goals for the new year last night and I was completely blindsided by writers block. I couldn't think of one thing that was more important to me than another- which is most likely the result of too many goals instead of a lack of goals so I stepped away from my computer to regroup. I grabbed my journal instead, hoping that my hand would write better than it was able to type. My business and personal life are often one in the same and sometimes I forget that there are two parts of Meg. Photographer Meg and Meg. It's hard not to let you career define you- especially when it involves giving your clients so much of yourself. So, once I opened my heart to focus on who I'd like to be instead of what I want my business to be the words started flowing pretty freely. We'll get to business goals another day, I guess. (Did I just create a goal up there? Find a balance. There done. Goal one, find a balance between Meg and Meg Perotti, Photographer) For now- hello, 2011! While I simply cannot believe you are here I am so happy to see you! Let's see what you've got for me.

Happy New Year, guys! So blessed to have you all on this ride with me. Do any of these personal goals ring true to you? What personal things do you want to accomplish this year?

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Alex & Jeff : Cafe Pinot : Los Angeles Wedding

My dear Jeff and Alex,

Sometimes an "about this wedding" blog post just doesn't cut it. While most of my clients remain my friends after their wedding, not all of my clients start out that way. One of the most lovely things about being a wedding photographer is getting the opportunity to share your craft with the people you love on one of the most important days of their lives and I couldn't have been more thrilled to have been there to document your day. We were engaged within weeks of each other and married within weeks of each other and the nonstop celebrating was almost too much happiness to handle. Thank you for sharing in all the wedding planning decision making, last minute planning stress, and all the excitement. You two mean so much to both Tim and I and we are so excited to share many more memories with you in all that life has yet to bring us.

Exploding with love,

Meg

Thanks to Heather Kincaid for coming out and shooting alongside me and taking over after the ceremony so Tim and I could get our party on! Jeff was the drummer in the band formerly known as Phantom Planet and he rocked out some songs with the band Haim during his reception. Heather made a super fun stop  motion video .. check it out!

Papertape Films shot a bunch of footage that Jeff edited .. check out their adorable wedding video here.

Venue: Cafe Pinot, Los Angeles

Flowers: Peony and Plum

Dress: Carolina Herrera

Coordination: Miriam Yoo

After this- we partied!

and then at our wedding a couple weeks later :)

Love you both to the moon and back!

A new December.

Exactly a year ago today I wrote this farewell letter to Los Angeles. The move was welcomed but we both were nervous and had our doubts about leaving the city that started our story and the people that filled the pages. There are things in my letter that still ring true, fears that we're still working on letting go- but what a year it's been! Rather than having started a new chapter, I'm pretty sure we've started an entirely new volume. Reflecting on this year is almost impossible for me- it's been an emotional roller coaster for so many reasons and I experienced so many moments filled with much joy and sorrow alike. Life is so beautiful and whether I was crying, laughing, terrified, or excited I did my best to simply revel in the ability to feel. Letting ourselves get lost in the pure experience of emotion is one of the most lovely aspects of being human and I hope I never lose the ability to stop and breathe. While I was twirling around on the dance floor at our wedding with my best friend and husband I could almost feel all of the years stressful moments pouring out of me and being replaced by love- I've never felt such a high and I've never experienced such joy!

It may have taken a year, but we're settled in our home now. It's warm, people drop by, photos are hung on the wall, it's messy and lived in. I know which floor boards will creak underneath my tiptoes, how to open the windows that stick, and the quickest route to Trader Joes. I don't dream about 4602 Los Feliz much anymore and I no longer feel like a ghost when I walk through our old neighborhood- I just feel like a visitor being welcomed back in with open arms. Change is hard no matter how welcomed it is and, for me, I've learned,  it's most certainly a process that takes time to accept. I'm so thankful for all of my friends and family that have let me lean on them this year- you know who you are and I hope you know that it would have been a much rougher road without you.

To Meg of December 22, 2009 I say: Brace yourself for lots of laughter, travel, tears, new friends, stress, joy, work, love, failure, and triumph. Know that while it will most definitely feel like a roller coaster you must take your hair down and enjoy the ride!

To Meg of December 22, 2010 I say: Brace yourself for lots of laughter, travel, tears, new friends, stress, joy, work, love, failure, and triumph. Know that while it will most definitely feel like a roller coaster you must take your hair down and enjoy the ride!

All we can do is keep breathing. - Ingrid Michaelson

Making candles out of teacups to brighten your holiday home!

Turned some of my wedding decor into gifts for friends/family/colleagues with a little help from Aubrey and Martha Stewart for the idea and them, them, and them. I'm a pretty crafty gal- I've always loved laying newspaper out on the floor on a rainy day and getting down to work with my hands making something pretty. These were relatively easy to make- check it out...

First you'll need teacups (we found most of ours at Salvation Army or Goodwill for around $2/each) and candle wax. I prefer natural wax candles, such as soy, and found some great cost effective options on etsy.

You'll need wick and wick stabilizers- cotton is best for soy .. I found both of these at Michaels and used a tiny amount of hot glue to adhere the wick to the base of the teacup.

I bought a special crock pot altered to have a spout for easy filling- it made the whole process super simple. Be careful when melting the wax, though, make sure its on a sturdy surface that is completely covered. This can get messy! Don't be afraid to melt large amounts at once and add scents is as desired. I used a Phthalate-Free & Nitro Musk Free Oatmeal milk and honey scent and it was perfect!

Get some skewers (regular bbq once worked well for me!) to hold the wick in place once you're ready to pour.

Fill 'er up!

Leave a little space at the top for spillage and let it set.

Voila! Easy :)

Happy Holidays! xoxo