Nessaja Camille Presents: THE PAPARAZZI PARTY

I love my girl. She's a beautiful person from the inside out. Selfless, giving, sweet & full of hugs just for me. In celebration of the wonderful young lady she's becoming, we decided to go all out for her birthday this year. Not the usual Incredible Pizza/Flip 'N Out/Mini-Sleepover affair, but something that just could be the talk of the playground. After much brainstorming, phone calls to my sister, and discussions with the birthday girl, we decided on:

Nessaja Camille Presents: THE PAPARAZZI PARTY

I decided to work with a wonderful event coordinator, Oneika J., Principal Event Designer at Stylëvënts. Now let me tell you, the timeliness, professionalism & creativity of this lady were out of SIGHT. I knew I was asking for a lot when I told her about the concept, but Oneika made everything breezy. Oneika, may I just say that you are phenomenal! If you are ever planning an event in the Houston area and are looking for some quality event coordination, look no further.

Now that the concept was solidified, it was time to get to work. First order of business: invitations, created by Papillon & hand delivered to 10 superstars.

Once the RSVPs began to roll in, we knew we were in for a great time. When the big day arrived, I took the little lady of the hour to the salon for a mani/pedi. (Sidenote: the nail technician was looking at me like "Why aren't you getting one for yourself?!?" lol! I know I could use it, but it wasn't about me that day.)

Once we got back home, we had about an hour or so before the superstars began to arrive. And when they did, they entered in grand fashion. The first stop was the Superstar Salon, where the ladies received manicures & mini make-overs. Next stop, the Red Carpet. Paparazzi were eagerly waiting with cameras/camcorders in hand, and a reporter was there to speak with the superstars as they made their grand entrances (Angie, you were AWESOME! You made the day so much fun!).










Check out the pose below on the right!!! Baby girl is only 2, but she's already working it!



Looks like the birthday girl & one of her guests are having an intense conversation about lip gloss...

What a gorgeous group of superstars!


Next on the itinerary: Break for Cake. Cotton Candy Cupcakes & a Star Cake created by Jennifer of Sweetopia Desserts was the perfect addition to this Superstar celebration.


After the superstars enjoyed their refreshments, they had a bit of time to brainstorm about their upcoming "performances."


Some chose to dance as a group, some chose to dance separately, and others decided to act. All of the performances were worthy of standing ovations!

Once the superstar performances wrapped, it was time for the premier of "The Paparazzi Party." All the little ladies enjoyed being able to watch each other on television (from their Red Carpet entrances, to their talent showcase). After that came a bit of dancing, presents, the distribution of "Swag Bags", then it was time for the superstars to make their Grand Exit. It was a beautiful, (tiring), fun day. I call it a success because my Baby Doll had a smile on her face as big as Texas. Usually in our family it's all about the little things, but on this day, it was okay to do it big.

I'll leave you with some detail shots 'cause, hey, a LOT of time went into them! I hope you enjoyed our little adventure. Stay tuned for a video & Saja's "Thank You Mini-Magazine" from her Paparazzi Party.


The "Swag Bags" included a bracelet, lip gloss, nail polish, notebook & pen in a customized canvas tote.

Talk about detail oriented, Oneika even had Superstar Punch to match the party theme! That punch went QUICK!!!



Live in Love!
Keda

April 18, 2003...

...was one of the most momentous occasions of my life. It was the day I became "Mama." It was the day I met the most beautiful girl in all the world. It was the day I realized that my heart could exist outside of my body.

That day was 8 years ago. EIGHT YEARS! Where did the time go? When  I look at my beautiful work in progress, I marvel at her character, her selflessness, her creativity, her heart...and I'm certain that I know what love looks like.











Live in Love,
Keda


*Stay tuned to see how we celebrated her big day!

Meet Me In St. Louis

What a beautiful day it is today! The sun is shining, a cool breeze is blowing, and my heart is still...granting me a moment to reflect on how grateful I am for the gift of life. "Live in Love" - it's a lifestyle that I'm embracing with every fiber of my being. I hope you are, too.

On to an exciting announcement:
*drumroll*
Papillon is coming to St. Louis! So if you or anyone you know in the Saint Louis area would like to hang with me for a bit, have a few laughs, and have some of those memories transformed into photographic treasures, send me an e-mail, or visit the contact page on Papillon's website. See you soon!

It's A Celebration! {Oneika & Jamar}

Those words rang out non-stop throughout the day of Oneika & Jamar's wedding. And it really was. Joy and beauty were abundant and I'm convinced the sun was shining just for them.

The ladies began the day at the church where Simply Flawless by Brandi was on the scene for make-up application. The name doesn't lie. The ladies were, indeed, flawless.


If there is one thing I know about Oneika, it's that her shoes are always BAD! So it was no real surprise to me when she whipped out these bad boys...


While the beautiful bride was preparing herself, her little gentleman was waiting patiently. It doesn't get any cuter than this.


Isn't this a handsome group of fellas?


Then the time came for Oneika to step into the dress, with Mama, Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor there to help her.



Isn't she stunning? She just blew me away.


I caught Jamar just as he was entering the church. When I asked him if he was ready, a sincere smile spread across his face. He was ready to become the husband of the lady of his dreams.

Love is the most beautiful thing in the world to me, and I was extremely fortunate to witness Oneika & Jamar's expression of their love for each other.


When Oneika & I spoke about her wedding, she let me know that she wanted a photo of her whole family - which is VAST, to put it mildly! After the ceremony, everybody filed into the aisle of the sanctuary, squeezed in tight, and put on their brightest smiles. A pretty good looking family, huh? You guys were wonderful.

Before the brand new couple headed to the reception, I stopped them for a few more photos. Look at that ride! Nice, right?


This may be my absolute favorite of the day...



After fighting a bit of traffic, we finally arrived at the beautiful Column A Banquets & Events. The owners Vera & Robert Wright are one of the most wonderful & genuine couples I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Mrs. Wright also designed the florals for Oneika & Jamar's day. Thanks also to Couture Cakes and Perfect Petit Fours for the wonderful desserts.



Jamar's groom's cake was an ode to New Orleans.


Oneika's angelic coordinator, Tristan Mathis-Caldwell, was so wonderful to work with.


Before the food was served, Oneika, Jamar & their attendants snuck across the street for a few more photos. The light was LOVELY and there was just enough shade to make things work perfectly.

I just loved the colors. Mix silver and fuchsia, toss in the various shades of brown skin, and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a stunning photo...


Work it, ladies!


Back inside, the celebration really began.

I don't think the dance floor was empty once the entire time. I had a blast watching it all go down through my lens.




Oneika, I really have no words. Just look at you!

Just when I thought the day couldn't get any better or contain any more joy & laughter, the Second Line began. With a brass band playing, parasols twirling and hankies waving, Oneika & Jamar brought a little piece of New Orleans to Houston in grand fashion.



After the music died down, the newlyweds were able to rest their feet for a bit.


Oneika & Jamar, thank you so much for allowing me to feel like a part of your VAST family. Your love is beautiful and your new life together will be a perfect reflection of it. Here's to a life full of peace, joy, adventure, togetherness, and each other. Cheers.


*Special thanks to Elena for second shooting for me. YOU WERE AWESOME! Woosah. :)