Misti Morningstar Photography

Pete Wins 2013 International Hermes Creative Award : May 10, 2013

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:42:32 -0400

Pete Wins 2013 International Hermes Creative Award : May 10, 2013

Pete Wins 2013 International Hermes Creative Award : May...

Mon, 13 May 2013 21:56:56 -0400

Pete Wins 2013 International Hermes Creative Award : May 10, 2013

HERMES CREATIVE AWARDS ANNOUNCES WINNERS FOR 2013

The winning entry, “Strawberry Meow Flower…

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The Corvair Show : Northern Virginia May 4, 2013These...

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:33:42 -0400

The Corvair Show : Northern Virginia May 4, 2013

These beautiful and classic cars take you back in time. A Corvair is ever so retro-stylish and the…

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Corvair Car Show : Northern VirginiaCheck out the Corvairs...

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:14:10 -0400

Corvair Car Show : Northern Virginia

Check out the Corvairs from the Northern Virginia Corvair Show : May 4, 2013 in Leesburg Virginia.

And the winner of the 2012 Canvas Giveaway is…..The winner...

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 21:12:18 -0500

And the winner of the 2012 Canvas Giveaway is…..

The winner of 2012′s Canvas Giveaway Contest is…. Jennifer and Randy.
They will receive a FREE 16×20…

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Vote for Newlywed Canvas Giveaway Contest 2012 View Post shared...

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 19:57:00 -0500

Vote for Newlywed Canvas Giveaway Contest 2012

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Misti Morningstar Wins Gold and Honorable Mention at International Hermes Awards for Photography

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:08:59 -0400

HERMES CREATIVE AWARDS ANNOUNCES WINNERS FOR 2012

DALLAS, TX– Hermes Creative Awards today announced winners for the 2012 international awards competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional and emerging media. Hermes Creative Awards recognizes outstanding work in the industry while promoting the philanthropic nature of marketing and communication professionals.

There were over 4,700 entries from throughout the United States, Canada and several other countries in the Hermes Creative Awards 2012 competition. Entries came from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers.

Hermes Creative Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. The international organization consists of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, media production and free-lance professionals. AMCP oversees awards and recognition programs, provides judges and rewards outstanding achievement and service to the profession.

AMCP judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

Misti Morningstar won two awards for her photography. The first entry was titled, “Here’s Looking at You Kid”, which won Gold. The second entry titled, “Wedding Bliss in Sherwood Forest”, won Honorable Mention.

Here’s Looking at You Kid

Wedding Bliss in Sherwood Forest

Winners were selected from 179 categories grouped under advertising, publications, marketing/branding, integrated marketing, public relations/communications, electronic media and pro bono. About 15% of the entries won the Platinum Award- the organization’s top honor. Nineteen percent won the Gold Award. A list of Platinum and Gold Winners can be found on the Hermes Creative Awards website at www.hermesawards.com.

Yalixa and Tim : Comus Inn Wedding

Tue, 08 May 2012 21:15:34 -0400

Yalixa and Tim had the most gorgeous day for their wedding at The Comus Inn. These two lovebirds are both charismatic with sunny dispositions. You can’t help but love them both - they’re such a genuine pair full of energy. The ceremony was held outside in the lawn under a vine and floral arbor with beautiful lush views of the Sugarloaf mountains.

Much of the decor was created by the bride and groom. The wooden centerpieces and the cake stand were all created by Tim. The river rocks in the orchid vases were incorporated because they represented a memory from Yalixa’s childhood in Puerto Rico. It always adds a nice touch when couples add their own creativity to the atmosphere for their wedding. I’m always impressed by the final outcome.

Yalixa and Tim work for the Federal Government and they met online like most busy singles do these days. Yalixa said, it was divine intervention. She had participated in online dating in the past and was very hesitant to do it again. But after asking her best friend for her opinion, the friend shared she had had a dream about online dating which she could not understand because she is happily married. They talked about it and decided it was the right time in Yalixa’s life to give love a chance. So during a sleep over with her girlfriend they worked on her online profile… Within weeks she met Tim. After many long conversations and long emails, they had their first date at a local Italian Restaurant. Yalixa said she felt such peace in her heart on her way to see him. He was waiting for her with a big smile and a dozen roses.

The engagement

As the saying goes, when you know, you know… Five months into the relationship, Tim asked Yalixa out to the same Italian Restaurant and asked her to wear the same dress she wore on their first date (as Tim would describe, a cute short black dress which showed off her legs). On her way to see Tim that night, Yalixa had a car accident right on his street. A woman pulling out of her parking space, did not see her coming and caused thousands of dollars in damages to her new vehicle. After dealing with being upset about the incident, insurance agents and police officers for a number of hours, the magic finally started to roll… and that night Tim proposed!!!!

The one date they most remember is Yalixa’s birthday weekend. Nobody had ever done anything like it for her. Tim flew her to Boston, then drove her to Maine where they visited many of the lighthouses… She said he treated her like a queen the whole weekend.

Wedding Theme: Lovebirds in a rustic garden, inspired by their love for nature and the country setting of our venue overlooking the Sugarloaf Mountains.

Colors: Blues and White.

Unique things about the wedding: Since they both have children, they wanted to incorporate the children into their ceremony and reception. So they had a sand ceremony representing the blending of our families. They also had treats and special cupcakes for the children. They even invited their children’s best friends to the wedding. They wanted their girls to have an unforgettable time. The day was not just about Tim and Yalixa.

Favorite Details: All the wood burning design done on the wooden centerpieces (tree slices) were created by the Tim, the groom. The simple elegance of orchids inside simple vases with river rocks. Orchids were Yalixa’s deceased mother’s favorite flower and the river rocks brought childhood memories from back home in Puerto Rico.

One of their most favorite details: the cake stand (a large tree slice).

In their words…”On our awaited Wedding Day, April 14, 2012, we choose a tree slice cake stand to represent this moment in time where we reflect on where we came from, where we are and where we are going. The rings gently spiral out from the center and journal every moment in our history together ~ the knots where our relationship became stronger ~ the tiny cracks where we learned how to be apart and mend what was weak ~ the imperfections which give our relationship character and life. This rustic tree slice is a beautiful sentiment representing our love and our life together. This rustic tree slice is the story of two lovebirds.”

Three Words To Describe the Wedding: Real, Joy, Passion

Honeymoon Destination: A romantic hideway in PA. Ooo la, la, la….

Florist: Ory Florals

Cake: Karen Carrillo, Cake I Do!

Dress: A MonCheri Bridal Gown, Potomac Bridals

Hair: Giviga Hair Salon

First Dance Song: Halo by Beyonce

Makeup: Aixa Torres (Bride’s Sister)

Here are a few of my favorites from the day. You can see their entire wedding on my website MistiMorningstar.com, under “real weddings”. Let us know your favorites by commenting below.

The flower and ring girls arriving in the limo.

The beautiful bride and her bridesmaids arriving in the limo.

Needless to say, the crowd couldn’t wait !!!!

Watch out Paula Abdul !!

A little bubbly for the bride before the ceremony.

The groom anticipating.

The lovely bride before the ceremony.

The girls just before their grand entrance.

The bride escorted down the aisle by her sister and her best friend.

The groom witnessing his bride-to-be for the first time.

Isn’t it beautiful !

Love this little peak of the bride admiring her man !

And the groom looks equally happy !!

It’s official, woo hoo !!!!

The happy Mr. and Mrs.

Looks like the bridesmaids caught some good shots.

I know words cannot describe their feelings of just being married. They’re so in love!

The wedding party against the backdrop of the Sugarloaf mountains.

This flirty little pose was one of my dear favorites.

Oh my, this is so romantic.

Another cool shot by the Comus Barn.

Oooooo, I love expression on Tim’s face !

A traditional pose by the pink poseys.

The lovebirds exchange a kiss on the back patio of the Comus Inn.

This is charming and shows off Tim’s true gentleman side.

Inside… a private moment before dinner.

The first dance as husband and wife.

The rings atop one of the custom tree plaques.

“Faith” ring inscription.

The toast.

Cheers!

Fun time for the groom as he removes the garter.

The lucky garter recipient. I think he will be saving it for a few years.

The cake cutting.

Ok, this is great! Yalixa had Tim’s name painted on her toenail !!! LOVE IT!!!!!!!

The girls in their shiny silver heels.

I caught one of the darling little girls feasting on a chocolate covered strawberry.

The kids having fun in the lawn.

One of the guests hamming it up in his wife’s shades!

This is such a happy photo of the kids blowing bubbles.

And more bubbles !!!

While the bride changed into her honeymoon dress, I took the opportunity to snap this lovely shot of her gown.

I think they’re ready for their honeymoon…what do you think?

Is she thinking about her future wedding day…. someday.

Tim and Yalixa getting ready to set-off on their romantic honeymoon.

But wait…… look whose coming to dinner? Why does the chicken cross the road? To see a beautiful bride!!!!!

Gotta feed the chickens first. Ok, Tim, now she can leave.

Congratulations Yalixa and Tim! Hugs xox

Sunset in Hawaii - Imgur

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:31:21 -0400

Sunset in Hawaii - Imgur

Cheap Wedding Photography : Are Your Wedding Day Memories Worth Risking?

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:29:46 -0400

I can certainly understand trying to stay within a budget, but when you hear story after story about disasters that people have gone through with their Wedding Photography, it might be worth re-thinking your budget.

Here are just a few examples of what some of my clients and their friends have shared with me.

A recently married bridesmaid told me at her friend’s wedding that she wished she would have know about us because her photographer showed up late and left early without even telling anyone.

Another bride told me her friend hired a friend to take her wedding photos, and 8 months later, still has not received her photos. Which was why she was hiring us so she didn’t have to go through what her friend did.

Two couples I booked this year had unfavorable results with another photographer when shooting their engagement photos. So I re-shot their engagement photos and will also be shooting their weddings.

A recent senior called and ask me to photograph her because the photographer she previously had an appointment with forgot about her appointment and never showed up.

The old adage still holds true - You get what you pay for. Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life so why chance it? Wedding photography is an investment, which is why we continue to hold the highest standards for our services, and products that we provide to our clients.

Is high-end wedding photography worth it?

Ok, so you might squirm at paying a little more. But after you watch this clip I think you’ll agree that having done so, it’s totally worth it. Put your mind at ease, invest in and enjoy your wedding day, knowing that you will not have to worry about going through something like this:

http://xfinity.comcast.net/video/wedding-photo-disasters/2225564279/Comcast/2225806590/

If you had a wedding photography disaster, tell us about it here.

Cara and Mark : Engagement Photos Frederick MD

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:46:00 -0400

Cara and Mark are the cutest couple. She is reminiscent of Celine Dion and he favors french film star, Louis Garrel. You can compare more in the photos that follow!

After a disappointing engagement photo shoot with another photographer, Cara sought me out and booked us without even meeting. It is clients like her that realize there is a difference in photography style and value, then one must act on it by not wasting precious time thinking about it. She and Mark had a great time during their engagement session. Here is her comment after she saw her proofs:

“Thanks so much Misti! The photos are great! You’re very creative - which I love and in so many pictures! It can be awkward posing and having your picture taken (Mark’s hates it – could you tell?), but you made it a better experience for the both of us – thank you and Grant!!”

- Cara Petroski

How they met

Initially, Mark and Cara met in high school through her brother, Neil. They saw each other a few times over the years, but it wasn’t until December 2007 at dinner in Baltimore with Neil, Jen and friends, that any romantic sparks flew. Their relationship developed rather quickly, given our prior acquaintance and their connection through Cara’s brother.

The Engagement

It was early Friday morning, December 24, 2010. Cara was awakened from sleep by the sound of a video game. She was rather irritated that she heard it so early in the morning. It was around 7am on a non-work day! Next thing she knew, the lights came on and she called out to Mark, figuring he’d turned on the lights. When she didn’t hear a response after a few progressively louder calls, Cara got up out of bed and walked to the bedroom door. She was getting worried because the lights had come on mysteriously. Still hearing the video game noise, she got to the door and saw sheets hanging from the ceiling. Cara had jumped out of bed fairly quickly…somewhat startled…and kind of irritated, so she did not have her contacts in and neglected to put on her glasses. So she couldn’t see very well, but did notice that a paper was hanging from the ceiling and it read, “Good morning. You are not dreaming but… “Wow!” She didn’t read the rest because she was interested in finding out what was happening! Was she dreaming? Or was there an ax murderer that had gotten into Mark’s house and set up this sheet fort? Despite being a bit scared, Cara walked out of the bedroom and through the path that the sheets seemed to make. There were more papers hanging from the ceiling through the “sheet maze,” but she failed to read them because she couldn’t see them very well and I was getting inpatient. The path/maze ended at the sofa with nothing there but wrapping tape. She was so confused! Cara turned around and Mark came sliding towards her on his knees to propose! She was so shocked and excited! Of course she said yes, and that’s why this is all coming together here now. Cara said, “It was a”maze”ing!” hahahahahaha

An arty black and white shot by Grant.

I dig this edgy graffiti doorway. It made the perfect backdrop for the lovers.

One of their favorite pastimes…. playing spades!

Can you guess what day they’re getting married? :)

Those of you who follow my blog….have you seen these bunny ears before? Yep, since we shot this the day before Easter, Cara and Mark got an extra Easter portrait!

Shannon, a hula hoop expert, was performing on the street and we asked if Cara and Mark could have a try! Sorry Mark, Cara did better at the hula hoop!

But Mark got a kiss for trying! Special thanks to Shannon, the hula hoop gal, for letting us play! I dig her heart tattoo!!!

Things don’t get any better than having a street band play for your engagement pics!

This doorway inspired us to take Cara and Mark “reflected” in “relish”.

This bumper sticker prompted me: Peace + Love + Music + ~ Smiles

I just love the bohemian feel of this shot.

Grant catches a contemplative moment of Mark while waiting in the Sushi Restaurant.

These two love going out to eat sushi so we had the sushi chef at Hinode make us a special heart-shaped sushi dish.

the ring!

Special thanks to Hinode for creating such a beautiful dish for these photos!

Oh the fun in feeding each other!

This kiss on the nose is adorable!

A girl admires the park bench lovers.

Love it!

This was one of my personal favorites. They look so “into” each other.

Love by the garden gate retro-style!

They’re perfect for each other. Congrats Cara and Mark. Hugs xox

Feel free to let me know your favorites by leaving your comments.

Mandi and Jon : The Links at Gettysburg Wedding

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:31:03 -0400

Mandi, an ER registered nurse, and Jon, a detective, decided to do their engagement photos on Mandi’s family farm. They own thousands of acres and I was thrilled to hear about all of the photo opportunities awaiting me there. The painting, “AMERICAN GOTHIC” came to mind. I even had a flash back and remembered when I used to help out on my grandfather’s farm when I was a kid. But that was no comparison to this farm. This place is an impressive operation complete with a misting barn for the cows. OK… now, if I was a cow, this is the place I would want to live. As a cow it would be like staying at the Hyatt!!! The barn has mattresses for the cows to lay on. Yes, you heard me right! Mandi told me that if the cows are happier - they give more milk!

I LOVE Mandi… she’s funny, so friendly and beautiful, and she knows farming, which makes her even more appealing. I can see why Jon fell in love with her because she’s a gorgeous girl who’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. Jon has a great suave look too, and since he’s a police officer, Mandi has no worries about feeling safe and secure with a man like him. Jon does possess a gentleness about him though and I’m sure that is one of the qualities that Mandi fell in love with. Oh, and Jon was so nice - he told me I was absolved of all of my parking tickets…isn’t that great? (hahah, wink, wink, just kidding).

How they met

Jon and Mandi met in the emergency room. Jon had brought a patient in and Mandi was the nurse caring for her. He spent several hours with the patient in the ER. During his time there he was flirting with her and at the time she wasn’t having it- she was playing hard to get. Several months later Jon contacted her and invited her to coffee. He picked her up from her house and it was love at first sight. They said their first date has never been as comfortable as theirs was. They talked liked they were best friends. Within the next few weeks they met each others families and their families shared many of the same qualities. More reassurance they were meant to be.

The Engagement
Jon asked Mandi’s father for his blessing Easter morning in 2011. He brought him a box of doughnuts (classic) which remains a joke to this day (Of course the police officer would bring doughnuts!).

On April 26, 2011 they were going on a 4 hour road trip. Mandi was driving to his house at 5:30 am to meet him to leave. As she pulled in his driveway she noticed the driveway was painted. She opened her sleepy eyes to realize there were words. It read- “Mandi will you marry me?” She opened her eyes a little wider and thought is this really happening as her heart was beating 300 times per min. She looked up at the beautiful sunrise. What a perfect morning. She opened the car door and Train’s “marry me” song was being played from inside the house and out came Jon. He got down on one knee, and asked her if she would spend the rest of her life with him? They danced in the driveway (“YES”, at 5:30 am) What a perfect morning!

The wedding and reception were held at The Links in Gettysburg. The ceremony was at sunset and the lighting was just amazing. The reception was very glamorous and Mandi’s parents surprised the two with a fireworks finale!!! Very cool!

Mandi and Jon are the perfect couple and wonderful souls and I’ve gotten to know their family so well. They’re very welcoming people and always made me feel like family.

Unique things about the wedding/favorite details: Wine unity ceremony, mini bottles of wine as favors, golf cart rides for wedding party after ceremony for pictures.

Honeymoon destination: Cancun Mexico as pre-honeymoon and hiking/horseback riding in Pocono Mountains following wedding.

Locations/Caterer: The Links at Gettysburg
Wedding colors: Black and white with accent colors of fuchsia and lime green.
Florist: Megan with A Lily Pad
Cake: Karen Rodney Cakes
Dress: Potomac Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: White House Black Market
Hair: Thomas Scott Salon
Music: Soundwave Productions
Transportation: Diana’s Limousine
Wedding Planner/consultant: Suzanne Thompson- The Links

To follow are my favorite photos from their engagement session followed by favorites from their wedding. You can see their engagement and wedding galleries on my website MistiMorningstar.com under “real weddings”.

Mandi and Jon inside the covered bridge near the farm.

a nice classic black and white.

Mandi is so fun-loving!

This photo is HOT and one of my absolute favorites!!!!!!!!!!

Another steamy view!

This photo just makes you smile :)

Very nostalgic and these guys are so photogenic!

This looks like a shot out of a ‘Lands End’ Catalog! Love it!

The lovers romancing by the pond.

Those lucky cows in their posh misting barn.

A little fun in the corn stalks.

This ‘American Gothic’ photo was one of several taken to be used as a ‘thank you’ for after the wedding.

The barn was awesome with all the round hay bales.

Mandi’s dress from Potomac Bridal was gorgeous.

I love the look on Mandi’s sister’s face while they help Mandi on with her wedding gown.

The bride with her sexy bridesmaids out on the patio before the ceremony.

These shoes are so glam!

Jon, the groom, looking pretty damn snappy pre-ceremony.

The guys on the green pre-ceremony.

The bride anticipating her walk down the aisle.

I really love this shot of the bride and her father.

The groom getting some Father talk before the ceremony.

The bride’s beauty reflected.

OMG!!!!!!!! She’s really going to do it!

The moment she’s been waiting for…..

And the woman he’s been waiting all his life for.

The sunset ceremony was divine.

I love the elegant look of this black and white photo.

The unity wine ceremony.

The newlyweds.

Husband and wife atop the Links bridge.

Extremely romantic …sitting on the bridge with The Links in the background.

This view is just spectacular.

An absolutely beautiful dip in front of the The Links.

Even the cake was glamorous!

The first dance.

The cake cutting.

Another one of my favorites. The couple embracing as they watch their guests.

This garter retrieval is too cute!

Sashaying on the dance floor.

The surprise fireworks finale.

Please let us know your favorite photos by leaving your comments.

Congrats Mandi and Jon! Hugs xox

A peek at one of Staci and Daniel’s engagement photos....

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:45:00 -0400

A peek at one of Staci and Daniel’s engagement photos. Click link below to see more!

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