10 Random Things - Stephanie | Bella Marie Photography

1. There are certain activities that I typically only do once or twice a year but every time I do them I always say that I should do them more often… golf...curling…
2. I tend to only buy things that are on sale.  I just cannot resist those bright discount stickers.
3. I am somewhat of a worry wart.
4. The only province I have yet to visit is Saskatchewan but I heard that I’m not missing much.
5. I love dairy but dairy doesn't love me. :(
6. Need a gift wrapped? I'm your gal! I always have a stash of gift bags and tissue paper for every occasion.
7. I am a little obsessed with the weather. I am always interested in the temperature and forecast.
8. Instead of saying goodbye to someone, you can often hear me say "Safe travels!".
9. I blush quite frequently... I guess it comes with the territory of being a redhead.
10. I much rather prefer a nice home cooked meal over a meal in a restaurant.

Thanks for reading!

Stephanie

Halifax Family Photographer | Bella Marie Photography

10 Random Things - Stephanie | Bella Marie Photography

1. A fast workday is awesome… but what is even better is a slow weekend that seems to never end.
2. I am afraid of clowns.
3. I always tear up whenever I hear bagpipes… not too sure why…
4. I am a dog person.
5. I am most happy when the people around me are happy.
6. I love dance movies, musicals and movies from the 80’s… Girls Just Wanna Have Fun…Footloose... Dirty Dancing… Rent…
7. I love Broadway musicals… the last time I was in New York I saw three!
8. My favorite shows that I can’t seem to get enough of are True Blood, Dexter, Glee, Bones and Modern Family… they are all so different but oh so good!
9. I have a thing for numbers. I love sequences or visually appealing combinations.  My birth date is 28/6/82. Nice, huh?
10. I like things in 3’s… even when I am in the grocery store I typically buy things in three… 3 apples, 3 pears, 3 boxes of Kraft Dinner… even though there are only two of us in our household.

Thanks for reading!

Stephanie

Bella Marie Photography | Halifax Family Photographers

10 Random Things - Stephanie | Bella Marie Photography

1. Whenever my husband and I watch a movie at home, I am guaranteed to fall asleep on the couch. Even if I am totally into the movie…
2. I worked in Calgary for two summers during university at a trust company.
3. The first big ticket item that I saved up all of my pennies for was a CD player.  I thought I had enough for a CD but didn't factor in tax and was so disappointed. I think my dad felt bad so he bought me my first CD, Ace of Base.
4. I will admit that I am somewhat of a photography blog stalker.
5. I received a pillow cover years ago that said, “Interruptions to my sleep will not be taken lightly”… it couldn’t be closer to the truth for me.  A girl needs her beauty sleep!
6. I am not a big fan of hot drinks… no coffee or tea for me, please.  Although I will drink a hot chocolate during a cool, evening at a football game or by a campfire.
7. I am a minimalist when it comes to décor and fashion. Simple and classic.
8. I love Sudoku.
9. A Christmas tradition that I’ve kept alive in my family, even though I moved out years ago, is a puzzle must be assembled around the holidays.
10. I love reading trash magazines at the cottage.

Thanks for reading!

Stephanie

Bella Marie Photography | Halifax, Nova Scotia

10 Random Things - Tina | Bella Marie Photography

1. I am scared to death of walking though the parking garage at work on a daily basis mainly because of crazy birds that come out of nowhere...I have screamed as if there is someone coming at me with a knife one too many times...
2. I once hit a pheasant on the NS/NB border and drove it all the way to Halifax in my grill...I am a city girl and no one ever told me that pheasants can't fly!  I cried...my husband laughed really hard...that is just one example of his many insensitive moments!
3. Birds are attracted to me...I swear...there have been too many close calls to call it coincidence!
4. I climbed Gros Morne Mountain with my hubby - pregnant!  It's 806 m high and I am pretty sure that I had a panic attack half way up the mountain.
5. I have milked a cow the old fashioned way...it was on my list of "Things to do before I die".  It's harder than it looks!
6. I am a mommy of two cats - Furbs and Ben...they love Stephanie a little too much...
7. I'm obsessed with the TV show Dexter.
8. My first job was at a shoe store but not just any shoe store - Naturalizer!  It's just not the most popular store for a 16 year old to work at.  One important lesson that was learned was to take proper care of your feet...they can get nasty if you don't...just saying!
9. I have owned three dogs in my lifetime - Lucky (German Sheppard), Bruno (German Sheppard), and Pokey (A Mutt - miniature sheltie mix).
10. When I was a kid, my favorite story was "The three little pigs" and I faithfully listened to a book on tape version of it every night before bed.

Thanks for reading!
~T

Bella Marie Photography  |  Halifax, Nova Scotia

Favorite Fridays - Stephanie | Bella Marie Photography

I only thought it was fitting to add this photo because Tina and I will be attending the most talked about game of the season - Patriots vs Jets at Gillette on Monday night!

Stephanie
Halifax Family Photographer | Bella Marie Photography

10 Random Things - Stephanie | Bella Marie Photography

1. For the most part I am a store brand girl but there are certain brands I love like Dove, Colgate, Heinz Ketchup, Kraft Dinner - substitutes just won't do.
2. Speaking of Kraft Dinner, I love to experiment with my KD and it drives my husband nuts.  I’ve tried adding salsa, tuna, ketchup, slice cheese, hard cheese, hot dogs… sometimes it works out and other times, not so much.
3. Which brings me to “KD” - I think I was the one who started it as my sister’s nickname.  Caitlin which turned into KT but she loved Kraft Dinner so much that it started to sound like KD and it stuck.  Sorry KD!
4. I never really had a favorite color but I wear a lot of brown. Although, who wants to say their favorite color is brown.
5. I love coupons but I seem to misplace them and only end up finding them once they expire.
6. I always wish on a shooting star.
7. I only get two haircuts a year.. my spring cut with highlights and my winter cut for Christmas.  I cut my own bangs in between cuts.  haha Weird, eh? This year I spiced it up for my wedding, I squeezed in a third cut.
8. I love to dance. My dream is to be a part of a flash mob.  It would be amazing and absolutely hilarious.  Don't know what flash mob is?  Go to youtube.com and search "flash mob".  Awesome!
9. My favorite meal of the day is breakfast.  My dad makes the best breakfast, especially his blueberry pancakes.
10. My first job was at an educational toy store which was a pretty cool job.

Thanks for reading!

Stephanie
Bella Marie Photography | Halifax Family Photographers

Favorite Fridays - Tina | Bella Marie Photography

I took this photo of my friend, Ulanda, this summer near Queensland beach.  This is my absolute favorite photo from that session and is still one of my all time favorite photos to date!  I just love the tall, vibrant green grass and the wind blowing just right...not to mention the obvious - that Ulanda was a beautiful pregnancy model!

Her long awaited and very loved baby girl was born last friday so I thought it was a perfect opportunity to showcase her maternity photo this week.  Congratulations to the new Mommy, Daddy and Baby!

Thanks for reading!!
~Tina
Bella Marie Photography | Halifax Family Photographers

10 Random Things - Tina | Bella Marie Photography

1.   I am still a kid at heart and absolutely love Disney movies.
2.   On the other hand, watching the same Disney movie over and over again can really grind my gears...For
      instance, the Lion King a.k.a. "A-Ga-Ga"...all the time...seriously?!
3.   I worked in the garbage industry for 4 years while I finished my degree and was nick named "Trashy
      Tina".  We all had garbage related names in the office - get your mind out of the gutter people!
4.   I can't stand the sight of wiggly teeth and am frightened of the day my son starts to lose his baby
      teeth...what am I going to do???
5.   I am well cultured - my parents are from Portugal.
6.   Speaking of culture - I can really relate to the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"...it's my family to a T!
      I can especially relate to the following quote from said movie - "When I was growing up, I knew I was
      different.  The other girls were blonde and delicate and I was a swarthy 6 year old with
      sideburns"....hehehe..it's so true!
7.   I have an obsession with buying toys and books for my son.  I just can't seem to get enough.  I have to
      consciously think about not buying any baby related items when I'm at the store.  My husband would tell
      you that I have failed miserably in my conscious efforts and I guess I'd have to agree with him.
8.   I love to cook but hate to bake.
9.   I am secretly playing Christmas music and have been for the last 2 weeks...shhhhh...
10. My favorite movie is Braveheart and I think I am going to re-watch it tonight for the millionth time :)

Thanks for reading!

Tina
Bella Marie Photography | Halifax Family Photographers

Favorite Fridays - Stephanie | Bella Marie Photography

You can ask any family that has a dog and they will say their dog is a part of their family, like another child or sibling but furry.

As a child I always wanted a dog, and I will never forget how it all started. My dad had a handful of lobsters sitting in a sink ready to be boiled.  I had a brilliant idea that if I wasn't going to have a puppy I would have a lobster for a pet. I took one and put it in an ice cream container, full of water and hid it in my room. I vowed that it would be my pet unless my parents promised I would someday get a puppy.  Years later it came true and Mittens came along. Mittens was in our lives for 14 wonderful years and it wasn't until the beginning of this year that his journey ended. In tribute of the little guy and all of the great memories I have as a family with my 'fur sibling', I have shared a couple of my favorite photos of him (and my sister, Caitlin).

I encourage anyone who books a session with us that has a 'fur child' to bring them along. We will ensure to capture their little personalities just as we would your children.

~S

10 Random Things - Stephanie | Bella Marie Photography

1. I love the ocean, beach fires and collecting beach glass along the shore but I hate touching sand. Go figure!
2. The one place I try to visit every year is Rissers Beach. My ultimate favorite place!
3. I love family get-togethers... 'Family is where the heart is'
4. My husband is my best friend.
5. Brady is my dog, my little 'fur child'.
6. I like sushi... okay, I love sushi.
7. My favourite season is Fall.  I love the crispness in the air and the leaves changing colours.
8. I have a passion for travel and I am always planning my next adventure. I've had a picnic beneath the stars next to the Eiffel tower, taken a horse drawn carriage ride through Old Montreal and married my husband in Las Vegas. I’ve tailgated with crazy New Englanders at a Patriots game (4x) and watched the ball drop on New Years Eve in Times Square.
9. I work in marketing and love the creativity and the variety that lends itself to my job.
10. I was in dance for 8 years of my life - ballet, tap, jazz, modern and hip hop.  I recently tried to get back into it and discovered flexibility is not my friend.

Favorite Fridays - Tina | Bella Marie Photography

Howdy all!
Well - I went to the Costco today and noticed that they have ALL of their Christmas decorations out and it got me in the mood!  I was originally only supposed to show off one of my favorite photos on this lovely "Favorite Friday" but I just couldn't resist showing off a collection.

I had to contain my emotions as I selected these photos.  They were all taken last November and Gavin would have been just turning 6 months.  He could barely sit up on his own....oh how time passes without warning!  He is now 17 months old and makes me laugh daily with his spunky personality.  This morning, we were dancing in my bedroom to Katy Perry as I got ready for work.  He just learned how to slap his legs to the beat and I wanted to freeze time!  I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do. 

~T

 

10 Random Things - Tina | Bella Marie Photography

1.   I love love LOVE sour cream and onion chips!
2.   I am not a morning person - I'm a big night owl and that conflicts with my baby's schedule. Which
      leads me right into point number 3...
3.   Coffee is my best friend.
4.   There is really nothing better than good bed linens and lingerie.
5.   I'm a perfectionist and it can stress me out!
6.   I moved to Halifax 10 years ago but I'm originally from NB.
7.   I have 2 jobs, a baby, a husband and began running...things are hectic but I wouldn't have it any other
      way.
8.   My hubby works shift work and I believe that the old saying is true that "absence makes the heart grow
      fonder".
9.   I'm not a fan of poop, pee, or puke but, unfortunately, I see them on a regular basis.....
10. I said that I liked Enrique Iglesias once and it stuck...my hubby thinks I am his biggest fan....It's really not
      true but it's his word against mine now.  His face graced my 28th Birthday Cake....(big sigh)....

Signing out on behalf of Bella Marie Photography, 
~T  :)

Behind the Lens | Bella Marie Photography

In an effort for you to get to know the photographers at Bella Marie Photography we are introducing two weekly posts to our blog! Tina and I will take turns every week to share a little about us. 

On Wednesdays, the post will be called ‘10 Random Things’, which you will learn about our funny little quirks and what makes us tick. On Fridays the post will be called ‘Favorite Fridays’, it will showcase one of our favorite photos from our personal photo albums.

Look out for Tina’s first post this Wednesday!

~S