Long Beach Island Wedding: Haley + Dave

Where do I even start with this wedding… It’s one of those weddings that’s hard to put into words, because everything about it was so wonderful. From the extraordinary setting, to the gorgeous bridal party, to the perfect details and stunning florals, and most importantly, the undeniable and adoring love the couple shares for each other. It was pretty much a dream to document! I really wish we could do it all over again :) Haley Dave, thank you again for the incredible honor of being your wedding photographer!! I can’t say enough about how kind and welcoming your families were to me, how lovely you two were to work with, and just how amazing your wedding was! I’m so glad I can now call you guys my friends :) So much love and appreciation!! XO

Haley&DaveWedding-1
Haley&DaveWedding-2
Haley&DaveWedding-4
Haley&DaveWedding-3

Haley&DaveWedding-8

Haley&DaveWedding-6

Haley&DaveWedding-5
Haley&DaveWedding-9
Haley&DaveWedding-10

Haley&DaveWedding-7
Haley&DaveWedding-11
Haley&DaveWedding-12
Haley&DaveWedding-13
Haley&DaveWedding-14
Haley&DaveWedding-15
Haley&DaveWedding-16
Haley&DaveWedding-17
Haley&DaveWedding-18
Haley&DaveWedding-19
Haley&DaveWedding-20
Haley&DaveWedding-21
Haley&DaveWedding-22
Haley&DaveWedding-23
Haley&DaveWedding-24
Haley&DaveWedding-25
Haley&DaveWedding-26
Haley&DaveWedding-27
Haley&DaveWedding-28
Haley&DaveWedding-29
Haley&DaveWedding-30
Haley&DaveWedding-31
Haley&DaveWedding-32
Haley&DaveWedding-33
Haley&DaveWedding-34
Haley&DaveWedding-35
Haley&DaveWedding-36
Haley&DaveWedding-37
Haley&DaveWedding-38
Haley&DaveWedding-39
Haley&DaveWedding-40
Haley&DaveWedding-41
Haley&DaveWedding-42
Haley&DaveWedding-43
Haley&DaveWedding-44
Haley&DaveWedding-45
Haley&DaveWedding-46
Haley&DaveWedding-47
Haley&DaveWedding-48
Haley&DaveWedding-49
Haley&DaveWedding-50
Haley&DaveWedding-51
Haley&DaveWedding-52
Haley&DaveWedding-53
Haley&DaveWedding-54
Haley&DaveWedding-55
Haley&DaveWedding-56
Haley&DaveWedding-57
Haley&DaveWedding-58
Haley&DaveWedding-59
Haley&DaveWedding-60
Haley&DaveWedding-61
Haley&DaveWedding-62
Haley&DaveWedding-63

Ceremony Venue: Pearl Street Beach | Reception Venue: The Boat House | Rentals: Rustic Drift | Catering: Taste Catering | Bakery: Moesters Bakery | Late Night Donuts: Dunkin’ Donuts | Florist: Reynolds | DJ: Enchanted Celebrations | Bride’s Gown: Mikaella via Brickhouse Bridal | Shoes: Nine West | Earrings: Kate Spade | Bridesmaids Gowns: Adrianna Papel, Donna Morgan, Nouvelle via Bella Bridesmaids | Groom’s Suit & Tie: J. Crew | Shoes: Cole Haan

Published: Bay Magazine

I’m super honored to have some of my photos printed in this summer’s issue of Bay Magazine!! I had the immense pleasure of working alongside Rustic Drift at Haley and Dave’s wedding earlier this year, and they were featured in the magazine as an incredible custom rental company in Long Beach Island. Well deserved, too, because everything they do is amazing!! Including ALL the beautiful details they provided for Haley and Dave, who’s wedding I will be blogging later this week. You might want to check back for this wedding, it’s a stunner!!! Until then, here’s a sneak peek with a few photos from the magazine :)

Published-1
Published-2
Published-3

Always exciting to see your photographs in print :)

Also, the winner of the $25 gift card is Samantha Taylor!! Yay Samantha!!! You can never go wrong with Target :) I’ll be emailing you soon so keep an eye out for that! And I want to say thank you sooo much to everyone who gave me feedback about my blog!! I wish I could send you all gift cards… Because truly, hearing your opinions means a ton to me. Thank you all!!! XO

A Little Survey

Hey all you lovely folks who read my blog! I need your help :) I’m currently working on a huge rebrand for my business and my photography for the coming year (get excited!!!) and I’d really appreciate getting your feedback as I work on the blog portion of this rebrand!! I’d love to know what brings you to my blog :) What are the kinds of posts you enjoy the most? What makes you want to come back?? If you’d take two seconds to vote in this poll I’d be ever so grateful! 

What kind of blog posts do you like best?

As some added incentive, and also since it’s just been a long time, I’m making this a giveaway!! Because fall is around the corner and I’m basically aching for it at this point (Texas heat is REAL), how about $25 to Starbucks to get your pumpkin spice latte on OR $25 to Target for a new scarf?! Ok, maybe just an iced latte or a floppy hat since it’s actually still summer and you probably won’t want to wait to use the gift card. Either way :) All you have to do is vote and then leave a comment below to let me know you voted, and which place you’d like a gift card to! The winner will be randomly chosen and announced next week.

Lastly, since every post is better with a picture, here are a few more fall favorites because I’m suuuuper excited to head back to Park City in September!! (If you missed the memo and would like to book a session while I’m in town, the dates can be found HERE!)

HaleyDaveEnagements-5
CannonFamily-15
AmyGarett-26
KimbleFamily-13

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!

Renee Richards - August 14, 2015 - 6:11 pm

I love everything you write, but I especially love seeing Natalie! Gift card to target would be awesome!

Whitney - August 14, 2015 - 6:11 pm

I voted. I love your blog! Makes me miss you and the high school basketball days. I’d never turn down a gift card to Target!

Angela Viswanathan - August 14, 2015 - 6:22 pm

I love everything you share, especially the photos of Natalie! You have such a gift! As stated above, I would never turn down a gift card to target! :)

Lindsey Fether - August 14, 2015 - 6:28 pm

I voted. :) I love reading your blog and the variety of posts! I especially love reading about and seeing pics of your family though. :) I’d love a gift card to Target! But wouldn’t turn down one to Starbucks either. ;)

Colleen - August 14, 2015 - 6:28 pm

I voted! I would be alllll about a Target gc :) As for the blog, I think all of the posts are fun! I know I’ve said it before, but I’m just in love with your photos. Keep em coming in whatever form makes you happiest!

Lauren J - August 14, 2015 - 6:36 pm

I voted!! Love all your updates. And girl, Target!! :)

Danielle - August 14, 2015 - 6:37 pm

I voted! I love everything about your blog. Your pictures are amazing! A gift card to Target would make my day! :)

Kali - August 14, 2015 - 6:51 pm

I like the variety of posts, but I know you so I like to see what you’re up to! I can see how maybe people who just want to see your work might just photo updates? I don’t know…it’s all great. And I would love Target! :)

Amanda - August 14, 2015 - 6:54 pm

I voted! Hehe. I love your blog and your creativity in every single post! I also love Target. ;-)

Leah Huhnke - August 14, 2015 - 7:14 pm

I love your photography (obviously ☺️) and I love seeing what your cute fam is up to!! And I love coffee & shopping so either is good!! 👍🏻👍🏻

Samantha Taylor - August 14, 2015 - 7:42 pm

I love reading EVERYTHING you write, Carissa. You have such a real and down to earth way of saying things. I always look forward to seeing new posts. Love you! My vote is in, and as heavenly as pumpkin spice latte’s are….. target is probably a more practical choice for me.

Amy Ennis - August 14, 2015 - 8:10 pm

I voted!! I never turn down a Gift Card to anywhere. So either is great!!

Amanda Dondiego - August 14, 2015 - 9:39 pm

I love both the weddings and hearing about your personal life (mostly the adorable pictures of Natalie!). And I would love a gift card to Starbucks ;)

Brittany Thomas - August 17, 2015 - 4:19 pm

I voted! I love reading your blog and keeping up with that cute daughter of yours! 😄 Starbucks! ☕️

Shelly Brainard - August 18, 2015 - 1:46 am

I voted! I do love your blog because I like seeing your family, etc, because I know you, but as a prospective client think that maybe more photos and portfolio is what they are looking for? So more photo heavy posts? What you are doing is great though!

September Dates in Park City!

Hey all my lovely Utah clients!! I’ve got some exciting news… I’ll be back in Park City for the month of September!!!

dates

And I would LOVE to photograph you while I’m there. I’ll be taking a limited number of shoots from September 9-15 and September 26-30. Family sessions, Maternity sessions, Engagement sessions, Anniversary sessions, and everything in between!! It’s pretty much the most perfect time of year for photos. Brightly colored leaves, the crisp air, boots and scarves… Don’t be surprised if I try to coerce you into getting a Pumpkin Spice Latte with me afterwards ;) Email me (dulcephoto@gmail.com) or use the Contact Form above to get in touch and secure a date!! CAN’T WAIT :)

aKimbleFamily-1
bNichollsFam-1
cLindseyTadEngagements-14

eHuhnkeFamily-9-1
dCannonFamily-1
fErinBryanEngagements-21
gMaxNewborn-20
HermanFam-7

Suzanne Torfin - August 14, 2015 - 1:33 pm

Hi Carissa its Jacki’s neighbor Sue. I would love to book a session in September. That first week would work for us. Maybe the9,10, or 11?
How are you guys doing? How is adorable Natalie? We will you in Sep you can meet our little man!

Homemade Nutella Poptart Recipe

You guys!! Boy do I have a scrumptious recipe to share with you today. Just in time for your weekend sleepovers and festivities! Make yourselves some Homemade Nutella Poptarts.

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-2

Yes, you read that right. Homemade. Nutella. Poptarts. Cue mouthwatering. When I found a poptart recipe on Lark & Linen, I was both excited and skeptical. Excited because they looked sensational. Skeptical because the recipe claimed they were easy to make. And you all know how fantastic (note the sarcasm) I am in the kitchen. But I decided to give it a go because I figured if I can make them and they turn out decent, it pretty much means anyone can make them!! So read on if you’d like to find out how to make some delicious Nutella goodness.

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-19

INGREDIENTS

Pastry (Makes 9):

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 Tbsp. sugar
  3. 1 tsp. salt
  4. 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into rough 1″ squares
  5. 1 large egg
  6. 2 Tbsp. milk
  7. 1 additional large egg, whisked (to help assemble)

Filling:

  1. 9 spoonfuls of Nutella (or however much you want to load your poptarts with)

Frosting:

  1. 1 Tbsp. cream cheese
  2. 1 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  4. Approximately 1 Tbsp. water (or however much is needed to make frosting slightly runny)
  5. Sprinkles (optional)

(The original recipe was for Strawberry Poptarts, but I decided to change it up just a little and make Nutella ones… Because Nutella. Need I say more?)

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-17

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour into a mixer, add the chunks of butter, and mix until butter is broken down into pea sized chunks and the mixture holds together. (The original recipe I found then instructs to pour mixture into a food processor, but I don’t have one of those. So I just used my KitchenAid and it seemed to do the job!)

2. In a different bowl, whisk together milk and egg.

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-1
3. Move flour mixture to a different bowl, add milk/egg mixture, and mash it together with your hands until just combined.

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-3
HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-4

4. Split the dough in half, flour your rolling surface, then use a rolling pin to roll out the balls into two 9″x12″ rectangles. (I legit used a ruler because I was very concerned about making the rectangles the right size. Haha.) This was probably the hardest part for me, because I am a perfectionist I had to keep rolling the rectangle, then pushing the sides in, then rolling it again, and pushing back in again, until I was satisfied with the shape and consistency of the depth of the dough. Perfectionist alert. (Also, you might not want to do what I did and use your countertop, because you’ll have to cut your dough with a knife in the next step, and even I know you’re not supposed to cut directly on granite. Oops.)

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-5

5. After you have your two rectangles, cut each one to divide the dough into nine 3″x4″ rectangles. (Yep, definitely used the ruler again.)

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-6

6. Transfer 9 of the squares to a parchment-lined tray, and whisk the second egg. Then brush the egg over those 9 poptart squares. (The original recipe called for a pastry brush, but because I’m fairly certain I don’t have one of those, I just used one of Jake’s meat brushes. Resourceful.) 

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-8
7. Top each half with a spoonful of Nutella. It’s a little hard to spread because of the egg, but it melts so it’ll fill the poptart.  (I definitely had a few spoonfuls Nutella during this time. Doooon’t worry, I used a different spoon than the one I was using for the poptart.)

8. Cover the 9 bottom rectangles with the other 9 tops. Then you can use a fork to seal and make the cute little pattern on the edges.

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-9

9. Bake your poptarts for 350 degrees for 15 or 20 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. (Mine took 20 minutes.)

10. While they’re cooling, whisk all your frosting ingredients (minus the sprinkles) together. (I’d add the water last so that you can add as little or as much as you need to make it runny.) 

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-11

11. Once the pop tarts are completely cooled, spoon the frosting on and immediately add the sprinkles. Give them 15 minutes or so for the frosting to harden. Then enjoy!!

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-12

And there you have it. 

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-14

A completely delicious (And maybe nutritious? No probably not.) breakfast treat!!

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-15
HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-18
Goes best with a steaming cup of joe in my opinion :)

HomemadeNutellaPoptarts-21

Happy Weekend!!