NYC : snowed in at the Waldorf

I've been learning recently that flexible expectations can lead to interesting situations. (and unexpected photo shoots.)

I gotta tell you, I had no elaborate expectations for our Manhattan weekend other then a change of scenery from daily life in Chicago.

When my brother, Pete, wanted to surprise our significant others with a January trip to NYC, it sounded pretty good. Especially considering he offered to do allllll the planning. Win, win.

We'd heard bad weather was expected but brushed it off. One of my clients (a former New Yorker) suggested NYC always over predicts "weather" ... I mean how many Chi-beria winters have we survived to date?! No big deal. Hah Ha.

This is the moment you point a finger and laugh b/c this post is late and you already know how the story ends.

Of course, we high five-d after landing Friday morning in lovely Laguardia Airport. (I joke. Even my Maltipoo, Stella, isn't found of this place and she loves anything with equal amounts of stench.)

The welcome to NYC was complete with a terminal of angry faced passengers. This probably should have concerned us knowing these flights had been canceled due to a looming blizzard however, only NY Pizza was on our minds.

I don't need to tell the rest of this story... you already know Manhattan shut down EVERYTHING the weekend snowstorm Jonas visited. Forging for food and exploring the 47 floors of The Waldorf Astoria was not what I expected but I'll never forget it. Here is just an hour of our indoor adventure... Walking down the center of 5th Avenue midday with not a person in sight was just a once in a lifetime experience. I'm sure next time I'll stick to the sidewalk.

Happy adventuring friends! xx- Laura

Styled shoot inspired by Fiji for Bucketfeet + Jack Muldowney

A few video clips to go along with our photo shoot for Chicago designer, Jack Muldowney. His original design, Savusavu, was inspired in the midwest by way of his travels in Fiji. Thanks, Jack for asking us to highlight one of your four Bucketfeet styles. Art direction by Sasha Faye and Laura Rose Davis. Filmed by Laura Rose Davis at Parson's in Chicago, IL.

Hope you enjoy a few clips we shot on Friday for our friend and Chicago designer, Jack Muldowney. More to come! xo- Laura

Is eloping the wedding trend for 2016?

---

I have a story to share with you...

Everyday Charming, began by chance in 2006. The first few years were spent blissfully creating portraits in my tiny studio in Eureka, IL.

I truly had no idea where my camera would take me.

The Southern part of the states became home for a moment. Then my world started to spin. I found myself exploring through Canada, California, England, Italy, Finland, France and then finally landing in Chicago in 2013. 

Through life, love and heartache I was slowly learning to ignore fear and follow my heart.

Chicago began to feel like home, especially after living out of a suitcase for so long.  I eventually fell in love. On February 25th, 2015 Mr. Davis and I eloped between the marble grandeur of the Chicago Courthouse. It was the sweetest day.

Enter Charming in Love.

Every love story should be told, especially the quiet ones. This one just took a little extra time to tell. My days are spent (coffee in hand) pursuing fabrics, flower shops, lip colors and intimate venues to style my clients stories.

My hope is to create imagery that will take each couple back to the honest and tender moments they shared.

---

I've been behind this camera for over ten years now but I feel like the best is still yet to come. Today I released a new website for Charming in Love and I'd love for you to be the first to take a look.

I'd love to continue this conversation with you. Pop your name in the little box below to follow along. Cheers! Laura Rose

70 degrees with a chance of cutoffs.

Heard your jetting outta this cold weather?! I know you don't wanna over pack but you also need something to toss over that swim suit for a few days. This week we dug out my denim cutoffs and Clint's vintage Calvin Klein jacket both from The Lightning Co.  It was fun to get back to playing with some warmer weather outfits, all of which could fit in your carry on.

Vintage rosebud sweater from Retrofit Culture / denim cutoffs and over sized jacket The Lightning Co. / cropped tan H&M sweater + beanie / black and white flannel from Target / cutout black top/cover-up from Banana Republic / black leather jacket, tan heels, black sneakers and backpack from Zara / Patagonia cap

Safe travels and catch you next Sunday at 7pm. - Laura

Style me charming.

Most of my spare time lately has been dedicated to product shoots. I've been sneaking them into my schedule between our regular portrait sessions for Everyday Charming and Charming In Love. This is becoming my creative bliss. In fact, during my early morning "mental time outs" I'm finding myself wondering into creative la-la-land, dreaming up plans for my upcoming shoots. It makes me wish for more gym time. Hah, certainly a first.

Anyways, this was a crazy day last month we shot three back-to-back sessions for The Lightning Co. and Retrofit Culture. It's always a good day when you get to work with your old pals plus meet new ones too. Say hello over on Instagram @adventurer_al @thelightnighco @retrofitculture

Before I forget! Allison's delicate gold jewelry is complements of Rocksbox - if you love getting sparkly things in the mail like I do - stop by their site and pick out 3 of your favs. Make sure to use my code at check out -  LAURABFF707 - for a free month of bling, no strings. Enjoy!! 

See you next Sunday at 7pm! xoxo Laura Rose