{image by gladys jem, styling by lld for last year’s valentine’s shoot}

valentine’s day to me means homemade valentines from my family, and conversation hearts. lots of them. my mom used to surprise us every year with a little box of those sweet little heart-shaped candies and it would always make me feel special. she would also make these cute little mini cupcakes with pink frosting and put a larger conversation heart on the top of each one, and i would bring them to school. that was probably one of my favorite memories about valentines day.

{image by gladys jem, styling by lld for last year’s valentine’s shoot}

nowadays though, living across the country from our friends and family back east, valentines day is more than candy hearts and gifts. it’s just a reminder to say “i love you” to those who we don’t see everyday. life is short and sweet, and with some family health problems right now, this reminder resonates more than ever. so friends, if not for the flowers and chocolate and pretty homemade cards, remember to give an extra hug and say “i love you” to those who you hold near and dear.

this year’s valentine’s inspiration came fast and furious, with the glitter guide shoot last week, plus the impromptu “love shoot” i worked on with the gorgeous and ridiculously-talented gladys jem a few weeks ago. it all started with an email from gladys, “i’ve been dying to take some pictures in the light of a bride and groom on the beach” and of course i was excited to participate. if you don’t know gladys by now, first of all, go visit her website asap, but second of all, you’ll notice that she is all about finding the light in images - something i absolutely love. so i would never pass up an opportunity to have pictures taken by gladys! here are some of the pictures from our day in the light on baker’s beach here in san francisco. hair/makeup by camille monique, dress provided by haute bride, styling & florals by lovely little details, all images by gladys jem.

DIY chandelier instructions will be posted later this week, i promise!

thanks amanda for letting me trade in my black hunters for your pink ones for the day :)

and of course thank you to my husband for being so patient and going with the flow for these impromptu shoots and crafting/floral mayhem that usually ensues before and after :)

happy valentine’s day, everyone :)