Looking Back | 2013 TOP 10 Highlights

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

10. THE FLOWER COLLECTION
Launching a new series of fine art photographs was definitely a highlight this year.  I'm so excited for all the new series to come in 2014 and maybe even another set of beautiful blooms :)


9. GLAMOUR & CREATIVE PORTRAITS
I have had the privileged of photographing so many remarkable, talented and beautiful individuals this year (and also some little darlings).



8. PUBLISHED WORK
If you would have told me last year I would have been lucky enough to photograph fun features for these online platforms I wouldn't have believed you!  Very thankful to have been brought along for these features starring fabulous Toronto ladies!




7. GREECE
Whenever I'm lucky enough to visit the homeland, it's always a highlight of the year.  I met even more of Kosta's family this year, we saw a lifelong friend of mine tie the knot in Corfu and we swam in the beautiful Mediterranean sea.  There really is no place like Greece.



6. THE STUDIO
I still pinch myself every morning when I wake up and sit at my desk and look out at my studio.  Kosta gave the green light for the Studio reno's and I must say my new home and studio are a dream come true.  I can't tell you how liberating it is to wake up in your creative space and get hustling!



4. STOP AND SMELL THE PEONIES
A definite highlight this year my collaboration with my fab friend Stephanie for her shop SS PRINT SHOP.  It was a fun idea we came up with and before we knew it we were on our way to mixing fine art with words.  Would have never done anything like this with anyone but Stephanie, she has been such an amazing and supportive friend who wants the best for those around her.  Very thankful for this girl and very excited for more projects like these in 2014!




4. GOODBYE DAY JOB
This was the biggest change in 2013, something I had been slowly planning and dreaming for years.  To be my own boss and run my own full-time business.  Back in the spring I finally made the jump.  I left my day job and am happy to say, I have never made a better decision is my life (aside form marrying Ko ;D).  It's definitely not easy at times, but when you love what you do it's a labour of love.  I have never been happier in my life and if I learned anything about working for others, it's to value yourself and value your work.  Know your worth and don't settle for less.  Beyond excited to start 2014 as my own boss and continue expanding and growing annawithlove.



3. HONEYMOON
Universal Studios (Hogwarts), Magic Kingdom, Caribbean Cruise & Miami.  We had a blast on our honeymoon.  I unplugged, soaked in every moment & simply enjoyed how beautiful life can be.



2. PARIS
Even though I've been to Paris many times this was the first time I went to Kosta.  I could not contain my excitement!  By now, you all know my deep passion and love affair with Paris, so it's no surprise it's #2 on the list.  So much more to share from this trip, it was perfect in every way.


1. GETTING MARRIED
#annakostawedding13 !!! The best day of my entire life.  It was a the most beautiful and humbling day.  Kosta and I were given so much love and support I can't really talk (type) about this without getting teary eyed.  Aside from marrying the love of my life, the best feeling was looking out from the head table and seeing a room filled with everyone we love & of course feeling the love from the heavens above from those who were watching over us.  Grateful and blessed are two words that best described how I felt.  Kosta is and I know will always be my biggest supporter.  Without him by my side I would not be able to accomplish much.  I love you Ko, here we go! (thanks to my family and friends for snapping these the day of the wedding!)


I'm sprinting into 2014 with a grateful heart.
Dreaming big dreams &making them happen.

THANK YOU all for following and reading along, your support, love and kindness truly means so much to me!

Lots of love,
Anna


Are we connected? Join Me!

Read more »

An Adorning Afternoon on Style Me Pretty Living

Friday, December 27, 2013

 There is a very special place in my heart for these ladies above
 My happy placing, wrapping gifts! 

Christmas may be over but I'm still dreaming back to this adorning afternoon party hosted by none other than the fabulous Tiffany Pratt & Stephanie Sterjovski! Was such a fun afternoon hanging out with some amazing ladies (see first photo!).  I was a little hesitant to be in front of the camera for once but Steph assured me it would be fine lol…and it was!! Big love & thanks to Jaquelyn and the entire Style me Pretty team! XO

Flowers: Blush and Bloom
Baked Goods: Tori's Bake shop
Photography: Koko Photo

See the full feature on SMP Living click here!

Lots of love,
Anna


Quote of the day:
“I think that playing dress up begins at age 5 and never truly ends”
- Kate Sapde


Are we connected? Join Me!

Read more »

Disney's Magic Kingdom | Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Goofy is my fave!
Mickey was excited we were on our Honeymoon
 Oh you know...chatting with my gal-pal Ariel
 Selfie's pre Space Mountain (left) & It's A Small World (right)
 When we first started dating we would always joke we were more like Donal & Daisy vs. Mickey & Minnie :P We are cheesy like that!
 Main Street filled with carols, Christmas decor & snow to top it off
 Little girl perched on her dad's shoulders to see Cinderella's Castle all light up
Two things: You are never too old for Disney. It is happiest place on Earth (and where all the happy people are!). This much I know to be true.

When Kosta and I arrived at the gates to get our tickets the cheerful woman excitedly asked "would you like to stay after hours for our Christmas Party?" My eyes widened, glanced at Ko who was already smiling at me because he knew that answer "YEAH WE WOULD!" From 7pm-Midnight the park closes and tansforms into a huge Christmas party/winter wonderland.  Characters in their Holiday get ups, Santa Clause Parades every 30 min, free cookies and hot chocolate all over the park and finally the most spectacular firework show you have ever seen.  Breathtakingly beautiful, it was a day we'll always remember and a perfect start to our Honeymoon.

Hope you enjoyed all the photographs!  Merry Christmas Eve everyone! I hope you all have the most blessed and wonderful holidays!

Lots of love
Anna



Are we connected? Join Me!
Read more »

My Elsewhere

Anna With Love Test © All rights reserved · Theme by Blog Milk · Blogger