I seem to have a lot on my mind for this installment of Tidbit Tuesday. Visual or otherwise, I am a story-teller by trade. :) So ready, set, GO!
I’m realizing I like to give death stares. Not because I’m a meanie, but because I like to keep my nostrils in a state of perpetual flare, my lips pursed tight, and my eyebrows furrowed. This is my concentration face. When I’m editing. When I’m reading. When I’m eating ice cream. You know, the serious stuff. Maybe one day I’ll let you see it. :)
On Sunday, I learned what “eggs over easy” means. I also learned that I love them. Smothered in hollandaise, of course.
This week’s disses go to creepy men on planes who are so creepy you have to run to the back of the plane and shut yourself in the hind lavatory with the stewardess so you can inform her of the suspicious creepage while said creep hides in the business class bathroom for much longer than need be. Sure, I jest now. But it was probably the most terrifying experience of my life. So terrifying, I actually sent Dylan a “Please pray – Scared of guy on plane” text at 33,000 feet, which of course, never even sent. It’s another blog post altogether, really. But when has that ever stopped me? :) I’ll suffice it to say, the captain was informed, and my seat was moved up front since “my stomach hurt due to turbulence.” Yeah right, skeeve ball. I just wanted to get away from your creepy sentiments about “cherishing your memories” while you simultaneously hinted at your hate for America. I have never been SO happy to hear that loud thud of wheels hitting the ground. Thank You, Jesus!
This past weekend, I shot a b-e-a-utiful wedding in Rochester, NY (hense, the flying). And yes, I cried. Because I’m a girl and an artist, and I love love. I cried because shooting weddings reminds me of how much I love my husband. And in turn, how much I love my job.
I ALSO love my husband because over the weekend he informed me there was a “surprise” waiting for me back home. Now usually, a “surprise” means a pack of gum, or a paper flower. You think I’m kidding.. But this time, I walked in at 12:40AM and woke Dylan up with an, “Are you KIDDING ME?!” As I entered the hallway, I noticed a piece of unfamiliar furniture. More precisely, a GORGEOUS wooden and upholstered chair that is so beautifully vintage and wonderful. Pics will follow when I finally get to blogging our new home. :) Be excited!
If you know me personally, you know I’m quite easily fascinated. By the fact that strawberries can taste THAT incredible all by themselves. That lasers can “read” circular plastic disks to make MUSIC?! What the heck is up with that? Well, I’d like to dedicate this next tidbit to Zingiber Officinale, of the family Zingiberaceae. Yes my friends, ginger – My favorite plant and source of YUM. I could eat pickled ginger all day long. And I’ve been guilty of stealing Dylan’s share of it on sushi dates more than once. What amazes me most about ginger though, is its natural healing properties. Don’t mean to go all hippie on ya’ll, but when I suffered the death that was mono my junior year of college, I found ginger to be the ONLY thing that made me feel better. God just plain amazes me. To think He created such a plant with all of this in mind? BAM.
So, the other night, I walked into the wrong hotel room. Not embarrassing at all..
Which brings me to my next tidbit. (Not really, but I do love me a good transitional sentence!) One of the most rewarding parts of my job is learning that more people than just my mom actually read my blog. Every once in a while, readers come out of the woodwork, be they long, lost classmates from Teddy-Bear Time preschool, or complete strangers from Wooloomooloo, Australia. So for the fun of getting to know you all a little better, and with Alyse French Photography experiencing a rebrand in the near future, we are wondering…
Who are you? A bride? A fellow photog? A buddy ol’pal? What first led you to read this blog and what keeps you coming back for more? What would you like to see more/less of? I’m really interested to see who of you will respond! Everyone who responds via the comment section below will be entered into a random drawing for a $25 iTunes gift card (to be announced next Tuesday). And who doesn’t like more music? Hollaaa.
In conclusion, here’s a tiny sneak of Pete and Niki’s wedding. I’m ploughing through these images like never before, and am hoping to have their post up shortly!
.jpg "Peter and Nicole_Houston Wedding Photographer_1081")
Happy Tuesday!
Nancy - I got to your blog via your mom. I’m a lifelong friend of hers, and I met you a few times when you were a little girl. Do you remember that crazy orange round chair at my garage sale? The one that wasn’t really in the sale but up in a bedroom and we took it out of the room so it could go home with the French family?? LOL I can’t remember if it was you or Alyse that got possession of it. Do you know what ever happened to it? I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog because 1) It ALWAYS makes me smile 2) Your pictures are phenomenal and I’m so miffed I didn’t know about your talent when I got married four years ago 3) You write about things that go through my head too! You make me realize I’m not the only one who thinks things like how lasers read music on a disc!! LOL Tidbit Tuesday RULES!!!!
Amber Jacoby - UM!! hello! Alyse this image is so happy and wonderful, and gorgeous! oh my. SO lovely! :)
p.s. I can’t wait to see the chair!
Rebecca - I knew your sister Lorae through BCM at SU and found your blog. Plus I love professional photography blogs. Makes me wish I had all that talent.
Andre (dad) - Okay… so let me respond by saying that I’m an avid connoisseur and admirer of your blog. Of course I understand that family members are sure to be shut out of any iTunes card giveaway on matter of principle. Be that as it may, there is nothing that can stop me from broadcasting your talent and sharing your storytelling. It puts a tidbit smile on my face every Tuesday, just to know that regular readers, having never met Alyse French, know Alyse French just the same, because your writing and your capturing of life so represents who you really are! Bravo! Love you honey. :)
Emma Clements - Hello!
Well I am neither a bride, fellow photog or a buddy ‘ol pal but I do love reading your blog!
I am entering my senior year of high school and photography is a passion of mine but I guess it is more of an off to the side thing I do in my spare time. I actually sort of kind of met you at your brothers graduation party for a moment…you led my friend and I to Cameron? yes. Well. Any who like the creeper I am (not for real) I looked you up on facebook but I found that you had a blog….so I decided to check that out and to my amazement you turn out to be an amazing photographer and silly writer which is my kind of blog to read! You lured me in with your quirky statements and interesting photography style. What I love most is how very humble,passionate and driven you are and you love what you do….well on that note keep up the great photography and the “tidbits” and I will always be reading your blog!
Riley Woods - Hi Alyse,
We worked together at the Newhouse photo lab. I’ve been meaning to comment for a while and a good old fashioned contest seemed the perfect opportunity. I look at your blog every week and marvel at how you’re only a year older than me yet you’re already shooting weddings on your own and I’m only interning with a wedding photographer. You’re at a place that I don’t think I’ll be for a few years at least, and I really admire that! Reading your blog makes me wish I had gotten to know you while we were still at school together – your little thoughts on life are hilarious.
I wish you continued success and am looking forward to seeing more of your photos!
stephanie - Ohhh my Lysiie Rene. I’m a buddy ol’ pal and I follow your blog because A) you are probably my number one source of photog inspiration [besides max wanger and jose villa :)] B) you’re one of my most awesome-est friends and C) Your stories and pictures light up my life. For reals. I miss you tons and millions, anddd…. i may or may not have sent you a lil’ somethin’ somethin’ in the mail ;) LOVE YOU!
Kate Wolcott - Alyse, I claim the status of “old college friend”, as in “I have an old college friend who is a phenomenal photographer”. I always keep up to date on the ol’ blog and never walk away without laughing out loud and having seen in appreciation.
Carine - I am a fellow ‘Cuse lover — I read your blog because its hilarious….and I loveee your photos. They are simply amazing, I don’t even think those words do them justice!
Mischelle - Hi Alyse,
I am a bride if 21 years (haha). But came across you and your blog because of your family and mutual friends. Before my family moved back to Rapid City, South Dakota, we attended Light of the World for several years. (miss it still!) Mike was friends with and on the worship team with your dad. And We were friends with all the awesome people there like the Guzmans (love them!!) The Heberts, Shepitka’s, The Adam’s (you did an amazing job on Rebekahs wedding btw!)the Beaudion’s (Abby is especially dear to my heart and I adore Melissa!) and so on and so on. What has kept me coming back is the fact that you are so incredibly talented and truly are a story teller. I am moved and entertained every time I read your posts.
So keep them coming. Would love more of everything!
Mischelle Morgan
Kris Milo - I’m a “fellow photog” … though, only a hobbyist. We have many friends in common, but we’ve never met personally. I’m here for the pictures, mostly. I’m a big fan of your style. No photoshop gimmicks, no expensive studio setups, just good solid technique.
I compete in weekly photo challenges here from time to time:
http://www.dpchallenge.com/
My profile page is here:
http://www.dpchallenge.com/profile.php?USER_ID=9821
… but I haven’t been nearly as active on that site as I once was. Having a 2 year old daughter and a son on the way kind of slows the pace on creative photography :)
Since you asked, I’d like to see more “how I did it” explanations regarding your photos as well as behind the scenes shots, but I get the impression that your “target audience” doesn’t care so much … no big deal. I like the blog as-is.
Diane - My Tuesdays would definitely not be complete without your blog! I look for it as soon as I get up..realizing, of course that it’s way too early for it to be up…but I can’t wait….! You’ve got us all hooked! I always have loved your hilarious ways of looking at ordinary things <3
Mischelle - Also, Is the Groom from this last shoot Peter Adams?? It looks like him from the side in this photo.
Stacy Kirkland - I was roommates with Kate Wolcott my freshman year and kinda sorta knew you from Cru, and somehow you AND your business friended me on facebook (because you are SO sweet). Anyway, I’ve read your blog ever since – even while i was abroad in italy last semester! I find myself talking about you to my friends and family and sharing your photos with them, and they think i’m crazy… but I genuinely appreciate that you love your work and the people in your life. It’s inspiring, so thank you!
Kristen Padula =) - Alyse baby! I’ll go with the “buddy” status. I wish I knew you even better…you’re sweet, hilarious, and a super duper photographer. I read your blog basically every Tuesday coz it’s adorable anddd you have stellar pictures, which I always like seeing more of. Plus I’m interested in photography myself. I like when you’ve done “how-to” type things in the past. Ohh and I’m excited for when you blog your home!! And after this I’ll stop – Wooloomooloo, Australia? Paha that’s amazing =) <3
Jessamyn - Yupper – your blog is plugged right into my google reader so that I never miss a single post!! I look forward always to what beautiful and captivating moments will next cause my mouth to water, or what fabulous little tidbits made you happy this week. Your Tuesdays always encourage me to find beauty and inspiration in the little things in life. I’m sad that you don’t live here anymore – I would absolutely love to follow you on a photo shoot and learn from you. You are my favorite photographer :)
Jesslyn - Alyse–
I’m a beginner photographer out of Tennessee. I was randomly searching for photographers one day, you know, looking for inspiration, and I found you! I will be honest, you are the most memorable photographer I came upon and the only one I keep up with weekly. You’re inspirational and fun! I love reading your blogs not only to see your recent work, but to read about your week. As creepy as they sounds, I promise I’m not a stalker. Your blogs are just funny, uplifting, and interesting to read! Keep up the amazing work!!!
P.S. The only thing that I’ve been dying to see…is your hair!!!!!
Alexa Rose - Well I started reading your blog through seeing posts and followers on facebook, since we are facebook friends. I love your photography!!! Now that I am a bride-to-be I am especially interested in your wedding and engagement photos :). I also enjoy reading about your life, and of course your humor. You are a beautiful person in Christ and an example to all people. I love your love for God, Dylan, and for your career.
Missy - Haha…Ok, so Im the cafeteria lady from your High School. Working in the Sharon Springs Central School District for 16 years, I have seen a lot of students come and go. Although all students are special in their own way, there is always a few that just have that extra “something” about them. You Alyse, are one of “those”. I really have found you to be so fascinating since the day I met you! I do indeed follow your blog. I just absolutely love the way you tell a story. When I read your words, its like I can see your facial expressions right along with the story! Really, I can!! And then there are your photos. It’s like looking in a magazine everytime! You really have an eye for art and I just find your work to be as amazing as you!
Noel - Hey Alyse
Great photo!!
Miss you!
Jessica Ortiz - i’m pretty sure i know you from LTW and you are hilarious and crazy talented! i love photography and my dad has his own photography business. i love your artistic veiw on photos. it’s quite fantastic. =]
Anay - I am Dylan’s slave (not really). i have a bride-to-be, you already knew that. i also take pictures, sometimes. i took a photo class in hs, i was in that class when i found out about sept 11th. Dylan told me to join your fb fan page when he first created it (or so he claimed at the time), now i get all your updates. it’s cool. Pictures are pretty freakin’ cool too. I’d like to see more pictures of Dylan, i don’t think there are enough. Make sure they’re embarrassing.
On a side note, your boy tells me you’re finding business a lot of business around H-town so, congrats with that, that’s awesome!
Also, I would like to win.
And perhaps I’ll be seein’ you around town again between monday and thursday.. baseball game? dinner? other..?
jessica - …I amways respond;) hehe…1. who am i…a fellow pretty pretty princess with rockstar on top;) hehe..really i am a lover or Jesus and someone honored to be your friend!! that’s that! and 2. i am craving eggs over easy with hollandaise sauce…and pancakes with a side of Alyse…3. and Dylan is a rockstar for that awesome furniture piece move…and 4. i can’t wait to see the rest of your pics thursday and 5. i love the brides dress! and 6. I love you! you inspire me!! you’re invigorating and ooze passion and pursuit! and i love and admire that about you!!!
Mikey Jim McGee - I tend to fall asleep in boring lectures by Patty Cox Miller. Also I read your blog because Facebook tells me to every Tuesday about four times in a row. :) P.S. Sorry I never sent the lock of my hair.
Patricia W - Loving tidbit Tuesdays! I’m hooked now, and when my addled brain forgets, Facebook reminds me! LTW is my home church, but I’m living vicariously seeing all the photos of weddings I wanted to attend. Bride of 17 years, I love love love your pics, and wish I could backtrack those years and have you shoot MY wedding. Alas, I’ll settle (happily) for seeing your awesome shots, and you’re a great storyteller. I enjoy your candor and honesty! (Oh, and is it OK to say I love your mom, too? She’s so sweet!). Thumbs up for that cameras/hydrangeas connection!
Melinda - Hi Alyse…I found your blog through your uncle “Skip”(Duane) Facebook page. We were classmates through high school in Sharon. My daughter just graduated from Herkimer County Coummunity College with a two year degree in Photographic technology. She is in South Africa right now making full use of her camera and knowledge!!! I love your style of photography and your stories too! Your photos truly capture the moment! No need for the entry in your drawing, just felt compelled to introduce myself as I read your blog frequently. Congratulations on your marriage~sounds like a match made in heaven to me <3
kelly pape - alyse, i absolutely love love love your blogs, and your incredible photography skills! i literally get so excited when i see you posted new pictures. and speaking of new pictures, your house sounds amazing, and i can’t wait until you post pictures!!!oh and in answer to your questions 1. i’ve known your family for as long as i can remember 2. your blog is just amazing, and i’ve been into photography these days so i love looking at the pictures and your perspective on things, and 3. i liked the how-to things and i love hearing all your crazy little stories and thoughts :)
Imani Folkes - hmm. who am i? i would qualify myself as a fellow cru member/friend of friend/person you used to see in random newhouse hallways all the time!
;)
I know you hear this ALL the time… but you are one of the most AMAZING photographers i have ever ever come across. I’ve been following your blog forever. I love your tidbit tuesdays (you speaking about barnes and noble last week reminded me about how much i LOVE spending hours upon hours there!), your personality that shines through your blog, and of course your photos!
Stef - I always read :] I love looking at your pictures. Maybe one day, I’ll have the guts to actually write entries that allude to even .5% of my personality on my blog. Until then, I am too paranoid to blog about things in public, lol. I love that you do that, though, and that you’ve acquired so many followers! It’s pretty impressive.
Amanda Charles - I love, love, LOVE reading your blog every Tuesday! And I love your photography. AMAZING. (another friend from ‘Cuse) :)
Kristin Guynn - Hey Alyse!
I’m a fellow photographer…well..aspiring! I’m a fan of yours on Facebook, which led me to your blog. I have to say, you make me laugh! I think we would be good friends if we ever met!{not to be a creeper!}I love when I find someone who loves LOVE as much as I do!
I think you and your husband are WAY to cute and your style of photography leaves me breathless, wishing and PRAYING I can someday bring my skill level up to yours!
I know people are only writing something for the contest, but honestly, I don’t need it{I don’t even have an ipod or mp3}Archaic I know, but I don’t need it! Why buy it?
I guess that’s it! :)
Jessica Z - Hello to Alyse Morrissey! We are Newhousey photo classmates as well as amazing twin friends. In case you didn’t already know this, I look forward to your blog every Tuesday… although I didn’t read this one until Thursday because I was in NYC (which I took a Greyhound to… and I thought I would never have to set foot on one of those buses again. That was a let down). Anywho- Not only is your blog amazing, but you are amazing and I seriously CANNOT wait until you shoot my weeding one day (Let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later! haha). I absolutely love the sneak peek photos that you post and seriously, the one that goes with this blog post is GORGEOUS! Definitely one of my all-time favorites. Skype date soon FOR REAL this time! I’m getting less hours for work this coming week and I’m done with classes, so free time exists! Mmiss you dear! <3
Breanna - OMG i love that picture! How beautiful, reminds me of Twiliht :)
Not sure if you have seen it but the meadow sceen! Anywho, in
response to your want we want more of.. love what you post i love
the randomness, but i really can’t WAIT to see picture of your new home! LOVE ya,
Bre
… and i am not writing this for the contest, just being a good friend and responding :-)
pam - Hiii I’m a hope to photog! What first led me to your blog was that you’re also in Houston, what keeps me here is your gorgeous photography & sunshine personality!
Kyra - hi alyse! i just wanted to say your blog makes me laugh, in a good way of course, because you’ve got a great sense of humor, and you know how to be yourself. i also love vintage. :) and you do such amazing work. i’m interested in photography, myself, but i don’t think it would ever compare to you! keep it up. :)
1 For Me // 1 For You | Alyse French Photography | Houston-Based Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer - […] upon a time, we held a contest. A contest to get to know you all better. A contest that made me realize even more just how sweet […]
Tidbit Tuesday #40 | Alyse French Photography | Houston-Based Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer - […] always remind me of the adventure life truly is. Not to mention my fear of Chipotle, walking into hotel rooms that aren’t mine, or documenting the crazy things I say in my […]