I got to work with Cori & Aviva of the the Adventure School last night at a birthday party. They do untraditional events and parties with a twist. Last night there was bicycle powered spin art, psychic readings and huge balloons. I'd love to see what they'd do for a wedding (yes, they do those too). If you're looking for something memorable, fun and different, these are your ladies!

One of my wedding clients invited me to her bachelorette party last Saturday and I just couldn't resist taking out my camera. At Venus Karaoke in the International District you can rent out your own private room with your own private karaoke machine. Secure a banquet permit ahead of time ($10 at any liquor store) and you can bring in your own alcohol and food. I had the best birthday of my life at this place a few years ago (for those of you that don't know me, I'm a bit of a karaoke lover).

Lately I've been setting up a strobe by the DJ/band at wedding receptions and triggering it via wireless receiver to get some great off camera light for dancing photos. I thought these shots would benefit from a similar effect so I strapped a Pocket Wizard to a Sto-fen covered Canon 580exII speedlight and placed it on top of a speaker hanging from a high corner, aimed where the majority of the action would be taking place. The real magic started to happen when one of the girls grabbed a fan from the hallway.

As I was heading up to do old standby, Fame by Irene Cara (below for your solid golden pleasure) I gave my camera to one of the girls and told her to shoot whenever I came between her and the light. She nailed it!

 

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Every year around Valentine's Day my girlfriends get together and throw a party to make sure everyone gets some love and attention. Each lady submits her lingerie sizes and preferences (e.g., yes boycut, no thongs), which are then assigned a number and given to another lady anonymously to buy for us. We are given the number, sizes and preferences of yet another lady. This culminates in an evening of food, drink, and dress up at Pretty Parlor, where they let you swing from the chandelier in your new panties. I'm super stoked because that evening is... sorry, it's a secret!

I of course bring my camera to document the fun and no, I won't tell you where the password protected photos are. I can, however, share these two of Erin and Carly. Erin unknowingly had Carly that year and gave her some Yoshimi designs; items from her clothing line. Carly had been lusting after Yoshimi (it's sold at the Parlor) but didn't know Erin personally. It was so much fun to watch these two connect for the first time. They were glued to each other the whole night and posted for a series of photos in their matching outfits.