It began last summer. A bunch of photographer girls getting together at the gorgeous Ace Hotel in Palm Springs – it was to be a simple chance to relax, to mingle, to interact, a quick break in the craziest moments of wedding season.

But how did it become so much more? Because this time, up in a cozy cabin in the snowy peaks of Big Bear, we met up not as colleagues or acquaintances, but as friends. On our last night there, we sat around the dinner table, sharing our stories, our thoughts, our dreams. Some tears were shed. Hands were held. Encouraging words were exchanged. Because as much as your closest family and friends can love and support what you do (which is so so amazing), there is still something different about having someone sitting right next to you who shares the exact same experiences, and knows exactly why you do what you do. To live and breathe your business, to pour your entire heart into something you love so much, to work so hard to build something up from the ground. And to have a group of amazing friends who understand every piece of that, and who are there to support each other unconditionally through our experiences, photography-related or otherwise, is nothing short of amazing.

Our four days together were spent shooting, cooking, eating, drinking, tobogganing, hot-tubbing, X-Box-Dance-Central-ing, and laughing til our bellies hurt. These are seriously some of THE most intelligent, kind, warm, ambitious, silly, funny, creative, and wonderful girls I have ever met in my life. I feel beyond blessed to know them, and so so honored to call them friends.

Where will our traveling heart take us next? :)

The Traveling Heart Society from Floataway Studios on Vimeo.

Stop motion created by the amazing Mary, featuring Ala, Amanda, Diandra, Gladys, Heather, Heidi, Jordana, Meg, Megan & yours truly {Ashley and Jackie, you were missed!}

This new look has been a long time coming (years? years!!) I’ve been aching for a brand that says, this is me, this is my work. Soft, whimsical, clean, fresh, romantic, modern. With the help of my dear friend Jane at Olive Hue {seriously, this girl is amazing}, this logo was finally born, and I love it to pieces.

Thank you to everyone for being so patient during this slow blogging stint – I have lots to share and hope that since I now have someplace shiny & new to do so, the blogging will pick right up! 2011 has been a whirlwind so far with a visit to Big Bear, 2 trips to norcal, 2 more to Vegas (one for WPPI, a yearly photography convention), and lots of sweet weddings & engagement sessions sprinkled in. I’m so excited to share it all with you soon!

As a follow-up to our Palm Springs trip last July, some lovely photographer ladies & I will be heading out to Big Bear for a fun week in the snow! This time there will be 12 (TWELVE!) of us bundled up in a cozy cabin, armed with our cameras and ready for snow ball fights & s’mores parties & crazy pajama nights.

As I’m not sure how much access to civilization I’ll be having all up in the mountains, all emails & calls will be returned upon my arrival back in LA on Thursday the 27th. In the meantime, grab a cup of tea and follow along on all our adventures on our tumblr!

{awesome banner courtesy of Ala}