pink loves chocolate

Contest: Share the love, win a Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s!

2012-01-30T11:49:00.004-05:00

We've been looking forward for an opportunity to give this cute things away.

image courtesy of photojojo

I guess you can tell how much we love instant cameras. And since it's almost Valentine's day, we want you to share with us a picture of you with someone you love. It doesn't necessarily have to be a significant other. It could be your new baby, your mom, your pet, your bestfriend. We want to open this contest to everyone who's interested. Please note, we're only accepting photos until February 6, 2012 to give way for at least 6 days of voting via our Facebook site. All entries will be uploaded on our Facebook page on February 6th at midnight, to give everyone a fair start at voting. Send us your photos now, with a brief caption of why you love the one you're with in the photo you sent us at adrianandjanaphotography@gmail.com. Annnnd, the contest starts NOW! The winner will be announced on February 14, 2012.

For inspiration, here are some of our favourite lovebirds, who look more like figure skating champs in their cute poses.

These two look like they're on a first date. Love love love!

DIY: Fortune Cookies

2012-01-26T10:06:00.001-05:00

Love this fortune cookie DIY courtesy of Intimate Weddings. This would be a cute favour for your wedding. Enjoy!

source

twitterific

2012-01-26T09:52:00.004-05:00

He tweeted me!!!

I can't tell you how crazy I've been yesterday considering this time last year, I wasn't even on Twitter. I refused to be bullied to sign up just because everybody else was on it. I guess I was sort of a non-conformist. Originally, I thought creating a Twitter account would be a good move in promoting our business and creating a buzz about our love for photography but recently it's turned into a chaotic web of obsessive celebrity hunting.

A laughs at me and says I'm crazy because I have a new-ish crush. It doesn't help that he's a celebrity and a younger guy, but I guess somewhat comparable to any previous Ryan Gosling obsession, I can still say I'm somewhat normal. He is after all, an admirable guy. Quoting Kim C. "not many guys these days are like him". Love that he's an old soul, the epitome of every girl's idea of a romantic guy. So funny how a silly thing like Twitter brings us an inch closer to people we admire. Although what could be more romantic and admirable than A supporting my Xian Lim addiction by helping me find a magazine that featured him on the cover -- now that's true love =)

Share ko na. Kahit wishful thinking. Haha =)

photo courtesy of MINT

“@janapearls: Miss ko na si andy wu :@XianLimm http://yfrog.com/ocqgpbej”
MISS NA RIN KITA! :-))

have a twitterific day!

Vendor Review: Cake Rolls

2012-01-24T13:06:00.000-05:00

In December, we were commissioned to take cake pictures for my bestfriend's cake shop. Here are some of her creations.

We grew up loving different kinds of cake rolls which was a popular party food in the Philippines.

This bake shop was a dream come true for Rowena. It was a long time coming but I never doubted that she would one day carry out this dream of starting her own cake shop. I'm so proud of her!

Visit them at Cakerolls.ca

5487 Dundas Street West #3

Toronto, ON

M9B 1B5

Phone: 416 231 1292

unique food: nian gao

2012-01-24T12:39:00.000-05:00

As a kid, I remember knowing when it's Chinese New Year because my mom would buy plenty of niángāo or tikoy during this time of the year. Niángāo is made from glutinous rice flour and is very popular in the Chinese community in the Philippines. It has been said that eating niángāo during this time of the year will bring good luck. My bestfriend found this at the Asian market, imported from the popular Chinese community in the Philippines called Binondo . I haven't had tikoy in a while so I was very excited to get the chance to cook it again =)

We usually would dip it in egg and fry it. I'm not sure I did this right. I'm sure my mom would know how to do this better, but it was good nevertheless =)

Happy Chinese New Year to all of you and may you all have the best of luck this Year of the Water Dragon!

recollections of the past

2012-01-23T15:21:00.001-05:00

Would you believe if I told you that I originally started a blog to inspire me to write more? Although this blog has sort of turned more into a photo blog, in the past, I've managed to blog solely for the purpose of writing and getting my thoughts and feelings out there. It was a way to let go of things that would have otherwise made me crazy if I kept thinking about them. It was a way to reach out to people who I wanted to say something to but could never get myself to really talk to. It was my escape.

Over the years, I realized that my blog had become more and more personal, self-deprecating even, that I knew I needed to learn to detach. Back in the day when I used to write about heartache, sadness and disappointments, I didn't really think of how being so open about my life in the web will affect my life outside the internet. And so I learned to detach. Instead of disappointments, I wrote about things I accomplished. I wrote about things I thought would be interesting to share. Instead of sadness, I wrote about things I thought were helpful and amusing. I wrote about things that I think people would be more interested in reading.

I can honestly say that I'm glad at how this blog has turned out. In my quest to write about interesting things, I taught myself to learn new things, to aim high and think about how I can make my blogposts better. I feel accomplished when I am able to successfully try a new recipe, or enhance my knowledge when I try new things. I feel as though I am able not simply to accomplish the task I have challenged myself to do, but also accomplish in documenting how I was able to do this particular task. It's something I can use to look back and see how much I've accomplished in my quest to better myself.

I found an old book I have compiled out of old online blogs. I am amused at how much more carefree and open I used to be when my feelings are concerned. I guess I miss that old me. The one that used to not care about what people would think if I wrote the things I really wanted to say. JM says "Knowing you'd be better off instead if you could only, say what you need to say." (If you haven't followed me enough, JM is John Mayer, my one true love -- don't tell A haha). Anyway, in light of the things I've realized lately, I think I will start a page in this blog to post some of my old stuff. Not to stir trouble, but more for recollection purposes. I think seeing my old stuff will also make me write more. And who knows maybe at the end of it all, there will be more lessons learned, more stories told. I could maybe even write a book.

So thank you, because your patronage has inspired me to be better everyday. I couldn't have done it without you.

Wedding Trends: Long Sleeved Wedding Dresses

2012-01-21T16:13:00.000-05:00

Who knew that long sleeved dresses could look so royalty, romantic and sophisticated? Love the Kate Middleton/Sara Burton inspired wedding dress worn by Kim Chiu for the My Binondo Girl TV series finale. She was absolutely stunning!

source

Could these two be any cuter??

Images from pinoyexchange forum.

Here are some more romantic long sleeved dresses from my favourite designer, Monique Lhuillier.

source

Sneak Peek: Melanie and Ian

2012-01-18T17:25:00.000-05:00

Sneak peek from our January wedding! There's more pictures to go through but so far, this is my favorite =) Love these two!

stuck in the soaps!

2012-01-18T11:18:00.001-05:00

Two more days and I think I'll be back to my normal self! I've been semi-glued to the TV these past days (or should I say months) because of (funny enough) a Filipino soap opera haha =). I'm sure my twitter friends are probably wondering what the heck am I talking about and why I'm getting so agitated/anxious/a-little-crazy these past few days. It's almost a year now since our last visit and I can't believe how fast time flew by. It really is more fun the the Philippines =) I miss it so much more now!

Anyway, if you're a My Binondo Girl fan like me, I found a site where you can view past episodes of the soap. Too bad you can't use your mobile to watch the videos though. I find myself hyperventilating at work sometimes thinking about the next few episodes. I'm sure A would appreciate it as well. I haven't been able to concentrate on chores/errands/paperwork and editing until this soap is finished. Last two days of MBG!! Very excited about the finale and I will most definitely get the DVDs haha =)

Okay, enough madness. Our January Promo is ending this January 31st. Have you ordered your photo products yet??

Promise, I'll be posting more after Friday when I am back to my real self. Haha. Meanwhile, I'm stuck in TV mode.

Happy Wednesday!

Wedding Trend: Letterpress Invitations from Bella Figura

2012-01-14T16:40:00.000-05:00

If it was up to me, I would have had letterpress invitations for our wedding. They are just beautiful! Here are some stunning selections from Bella Figura

*all images from Bella Figura website. No copyright infringement intended*

vendor review: Toby's Floral Arrangements

2012-01-09T01:10:00.002-05:00

It's so much fun to come across the same vendors when covering different events. We've already worked twice with the wonderful ladies of Toby's Floral Arrangements in less than a year. A true evidence that word-of-mouth networking really works. Here are some of their sample floral arrangements. For info regarding Toby's Floral Arrangements, scroll down below.

I love this bouquet! Can you tell I'm a hydrangea fan??

Very creative centerpieces!

Contact:

Toby's Floral Arrangements

592 Miller Way

Milton, ON L9T 6G4

T: (905) 864-8593

T: (416) 300-2795

E: toby21960@yahoo.ca

Need DJ services?
Check out: http://djtolitz.vpweb.ca/

733 Caldwell Crescent

Milton, Ontario

L9T 0H5

Canada

Mobile:   647-402-9847
Home:   647-930-4551
Email:    djtolitz@gmail.com

new year, new chances

2012-01-09T00:55:00.002-05:00

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.

-- Oprah

a and j in t and c

2011 is long gone, like a beautiful sunset reminding us that though the darkness will come, the promise of a new day will soon begin. My new perspective is that, the time is now to leave regrets, grudges and resentment behind and instead replace disappointments with gratitude. I hope you all had a peaceful and blessed new year with your loved ones, and I wish you all more prosperity and love in the coming year.

our 2011 in review

2011-12-28T19:01:00.000-05:00

2011 was a year of growth and learning for me and A. Through your love and support, we are encouraged to better ourselves and improve knowledge of our craft. We are eternally grateful to these couples who have trusted us to document and be a part of one of the most special days in their lives. This time of the year makes us reflective and appreciative of all the love and blessings we have received continuously, along with the new friends we've gained along the way. Here's to more years of friendship and love!

holiday baking

2011-12-17T22:39:00.000-05:00

I've been doing quite a bit of baking lately. Some for birthdays and some holiday themed. At least the warmth of my oven is keeping me at home and not the warmth of shopping mall crowds hehe. Not that shopping wouldn't be awesome this time of the year =)

Football themed

For a Christmas party/Thomas the tank engine themed birthday party

This is supposed to be the little mermaid. Don't make fun haha =)

current promotions

2011-12-12T12:24:00.000-05:00

Along with our 30% Year End Sale, we're offering a $250 voucher, just for referring us to a friend. See below for more details!

and we're back....

2011-12-07T18:20:00.001-05:00

I'm having a hard time concentrating this morning, realizing I can no longer go outside, wear shorts and tank top, bury my toes in the sand or walk along the shore. A little depressing coming back to rainy Toronto, but I did expect the weather will be worse. It wasn't, so I guess we're lucky. I do want to share with you the amazing views of Grace Bay Beach.

I can't put into words how much I miss walking along the shore!

I was lying on a beach chair, waiting for A when I snapped this picture, using our old point and shoot. It gave me the weirdest idea....why not parasail? We haven't done that yet and though it's scary, I'm sure it'll be exhilarating.

....and so we went. The view is spectacular from up there. I was also surprised at how serene and calm it was up there. I didn't expect the peace and quiet. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

So there we were enjoying the view...and not more than 15 minutes later, we were wondering how the heck can we tell them we're ready to come down now?? haha.

Anyway, I'll be in travel blogging/bookmaking mode the next couple of days, and because we're in such a good mood, we're offering a 30% discount on all our photo products!

and I mean ALL.

Interested in Flushmount albums??? 30% off!!!

Need holiday or Thank You cards??? Also 30% off!!!

Contact us or send an email at adrianandjanaphotography@gmail.com for more details!

beautiful turks and caicos

2011-12-04T20:33:00.000-05:00

We're having a blast celebrating A's 30th birthday at T & C. How are you doing?

happy birthday, adrian!

2011-12-02T09:40:00.000-05:00

taken yesterday on our arrival at our suite at TCI

Woke up to the sound of light rain and calming sounds of leaves rustling. It's been awhile since our last island vacation and I almost forgot what it was like. Today is A's 30th birthday, and although, this wasn't our original plan, I can't say this isn't a better way to spend his special day. We've got lots of things planned for the day, so we'll definitely have plenty of things to share later =) Hope you're all well and having fun wherever you are in the world.

Happy Birthday, baby!

I hope you know how lucky and thankful I am to have found someone as special and amazing as you.

on hiatus....

2011-12-01T01:01:00.000-05:00

We're taking a little bit of a break to celebrate A's 30th birthday at sunny T & C. We'll be back in a few days!

Meanwhile, here's a shot of Michaella and Paulo. We just recently finished all our editing. The idea of going away feels much better when work is somewhat done =)

free stuff: cute e-cards

2011-11-27T12:42:00.002-05:00

Do you remember the last time you got an e-card? Haha, I know, it's so 1997. But hey, check these out. I stumbled upon BoldLoft. and found tons of really cute couple gifts, along with these FREE e-cards. Want some cute stuff for your honey?? Come and visit the site now =)

Sneak Peek: Michaella and Paulo

2011-11-22T12:25:00.000-05:00

Fall weddings are so beautiful. Here's a sneak peek of what we've been working on from Michaella and Paulo's wedding last month. Enjoy!

new ventures

2011-11-21T22:17:00.000-05:00

So excited to share with you, our new business cards!

Love the pearl paper and the nice shimmery texture =) Thank you, mpixpro!

Speaking of new ventures, my bestfriend's cake shop opened on the weekend. Welcome to your new favourite cake store: Cake Rolls!

Her store was custom designed by the very talented interior designer, Ms. Marife Nepomuceno. Love the decor and coordinating colours and accents she used to put together Wheng's second home.

Wheng created custom cake samples all throughout the store to inspire future cake buyers.

Sisters from another mother. The girls who laboured and worked together all week to help with clean-up and start-up.

I can't tell you how proud I am of my bestfriend. I remember talking to her many years ago about our dream of putting up a cake shop and here she is, living her dream, without fear of whatever challenges that may lie ahead. She is truly an inspiration to all of us who dream of being successful in doing the things we love. Bru, I hope you know I'm here to support you every step of the way. You're the best!

Come and visit her store and her temporary website!

Cake Rolls

5487 Dundas Street West #3 | Toronto, ON | M9B 1B5 | Phone: 416 231 1292

happy birthday, sis

2011-11-16T11:52:00.001-05:00

Thinking of you today, and wishing you're having an awesome time island hopping. Hope we can celebrate soon.

' love you, sis.

xoxo

bird illustrations

2011-11-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm having waaayyy too much fun! =)

drawing fun with illustrator

2011-11-08T02:57:00.003-05:00

I'm learning how to draw using Adobe Illustrator. How do you like these??

Will upload more cute things soon =)