This summer marks the 30th anniversary of Jerry's parents. These two have been through so much together, that I don't even know where to start. But besides that, Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Donna have loved each other through every bit of their journey as husband and wife. While getting excited about all that awaited us in France this summer, Mrs. Donna asked if I would take portraits of them, since some of the most recent portraits of them are from their wedding day. So in went the tripod and all the photo gear to prep for a beautiful Provençal sunrise photo shoot of my in-laws and then some of the family together (gotta love a tripod and built-in intervalometer!). I even shot a little bit of film, although, I will admit I do need some more practice with that new-fangled color stuff! It was an experience photographing family in a way I photograph clients, as most family shots are truly just on the fly documentary-style and not posed portraiture. However, these shots are something to cherish. Not only do they serve as a reminder of love and of the beauty that this Earth surrounds us with, but they are also a new family heirloom that can be hung in a special place for future generations to see. It was an honor to photograph this love and an honor to be part of this family, so thank you for letting my camera win the race to be in your face before your daily croissant and espresso, and letting "Screech Owl" make an appearance to make someone wake up, haha!

Have you ever just walked into a shop and stopped in awe because eclectic beauty was dripping from everywhere you looked? That was my reaction walking into the Rubanesque Pop-Up Shop in July in Lacoste. Lacoste, a small artsy village in the Luberon region of Southeastern France, is home to Ruth Ribeaucourt, creative mastermind behind her "artisan antique French silk Jacquard ribbon jewelry." Ruth started making jewelry when she moved to France from Ireland. Her family, the Faure family of St. Etienne, had an acclaimed silk factory, Les Freres Faure (now Julien Faure) in the 1800s and 1900s, which became the inspiration for her jewelry after she got a plethora of 120-year-old (and older!) antique silk ribbons from her husband's family as an engagement gift. Full of antique and vintage motifs, Ruth uses these ornate fabric echantillons, passementerie trims, and ribbons in her jewelry to create one-of-a-kind, glamorous standout pieces. Decorated in rich gold thread and stitching, Swarovski crystals and luxurious vintage and antique beads, her eye-catching jewelry has been featured in Design Sponge, Cosmopolitan, and her silk fabrics and ribbons sought after by Vogue editors and designers.

Ruth welcomed us wholeheartedly into her shop and elaborated on the history behind her miniature masterpieces. Her pop-up shop, while temporary, was an inviting space filled with color, sparkle, beautiful antique photo displays, and her hospitable nature. Please visit her Etsy shop to buy your lovely and unique piece of jewelry or look for her sparkles in Anthropologie later this year! Thank you so much for allowing me to photograph and feature your unbelievable creativity, Ruth! It was truly a pleasure meeting you!