Face to Face

In recent months my photography focus has changed directions, which has forced me to UP my portrait game. In the process I have found it to be equally challenging as it is satisfying. I am so grateful for these new opportunities and find it a blessing to be challenged in my field of expertise after all these years of photographing.

My weekends are filled with mini photo sessions that range from family portraits, models, engagement sessions, to headshots and pet portraiture. It keeps me on my toes and allows me to tap into that creative space to bring my subjects personalities out as well as provide them with a unique and fun photo session. It is very reminiscent of my old Wedding Photography days. Which has peaked my interest and desire to photograph more destination ( and elopement) weddings again! So, keep me in mind if you or someone you know is in search of a wedding photographer ! I have examples of past weddings on my blog and in my archive section on my website :-)

In this blog post I have a few images from some of my favorite sessions with Shoott. My clients have all been so amazing, and I have fond memories and stories from each of them. So, this is a thank you to you all that have trusted me with your time and I hope your photos are cherished for a lifetime.

Ambassador Love

Starting 2019 off with some shared love from some companies I adore.

Recently I have joined the Ambassador team to three companies : Bangs Inkkas & Lively

Three very different companies, with unique and wonderful products. But what is most important about these companies is their purpose and underlining message & cause. Scroll bellow to learn, or click on the links to read in full about their mission statements and browse their product line.

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Inkkas is a fair-trade company that’s product is made by local artists. It is an online shoe store where they have promised to plant a tree for every pair they sell. “ Inkkas are crafted with respect for the environment and the people who make them.” The shoes are funky, unique, comfortable, and hold up! I own two pairs currently, and highly recommend them. If your interested in trying a pair for yourself or gifting to someone you know would love them, use my code to save 35% off!! Andrea35 at check out

Lively is a bra & undies company that is inspired by women. Products made for women to feel sexy, comfortable, bold, smart, and healthy. To encourage that and embody that! To showcase that :-)

If your curious about their products and want to save some money please use :

AMB-andreacoanphoto at checkout to save $10

image courtesy of WearLively

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I would like to add one more company that is worth mentioning, Eddie Bauer. 

I have partnered with this company for my reasons. The most obvious is their love and respect for the outdoors. Being an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast I can back this company up 100%. They make incredible products and they know it bc they have a lifetime guarantee on all of them! They also have an award program for those of you that are adventure seekers!

They run deals often, so be sure to just pop on over time to time : EddieBauer

Lastly, BANGShoes!

This company has an incredible story and makes an amazing product. They have helped 3000 entrepreneurs start their dream by investing 20% of their net profit in helping people start businesses. Message me if you are interested in a discount code to pick up your BangsShoes today!

Bang Shoes

“Because your adventure helps others find theirs.”

Wander & Discover : Croatia

Last Fall I attended a First We Eat Workshop that filled my heart with so much warmth and my tummy full of local ingredients. It truly was magical.

Then the magic continued as I my husband flew out and joined me for a week exploring this beautiful country.

I would be lying if I said we knew what we were getting ourselves into. Neither of us knew much about Croatia. And this is actually my favorite way of seeing and exploring a new place.

I don’t have expectations or images in my head to live up to. I just go! To me that is being FREE.

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So, the journey began in Zagreb.

Once Joel arrived we jumped into our rental car and headed to our Airbnb downtown.

We were greeted by a pup that was being framed by a wall of beautiful vines and greens covering the building. The dream state was already sinking in.

After a good nights rest we were ready to drive on and explore the next town.

We had our week planned out with some hikes in mind, long drives, and what cities we wanted to explore during our stay. And with each stop our love for this place grew. Quickly we noticed our pace slow down, and the level of appreciation for such a unique country grew more evident.

Plitvick Lakes

I was very excited to make a stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is a forest reserve in central Croatia. Walkways wind around the falls and lakes as you settle into a zen state following the wood planks. Their are 16 terraced lakes, that are connected by waterfalls, that extend into a limestone canyon. And depending on the time of year you go, your experience will be completely different. We enjoyed the Fall colors and deepness of auburn and yellows hues. But look forward to returning to the Lakes some summer to soak up the warmth of the sun and rich and lush greens this place would provide.

DIOCLETIAN’S PALACE

As soon as we entered Split we knew our venture had just begun. Our Airbnb was located in Old Town. Little did we know the roads to get to this area and our ‘apartment’ for the night were nearly un-driveable. But, Joel went into the streets winding through old stone buildings as the street narrowed and narrowed. Oncoming traffic for a barely one lane road would approach, and only way out was to drive the whole windy road back in reverse to allow locals to pass. It was nerve racking and impressive to say the least.

But this introduction to Split was intimidate and gave us an immediate impression of the area. Within its white stone walls and under its courtyards are a cathedral and numerous shops, bars, cafes, hotels and houses.

Its full of life, history, and old! Very Old. Incredibly breathtaking.

I could walk these side streets for days

A must visit in Split is the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St. Domnius. It is regarded as the Oldest Catholic Cathedral in the world that's still in the original structure. The bell tower architecture started in the 13th century with reconstruction that took place in the 20th century. It stands at 57m high.

And if your not afraid of heights, I recommend climbing the stairs to the top of the Bell Tower where the views will take your breath away.

After two days in Split we planned a boat ride to the island of Hvar.

We understood that Hvar island may be a tad more sleepy this time of year ( October ) but it worked in our favor of enjoying the area with less people and chill vibes. Dogs were wandering around loose and greeting people. Last minuet boat tours had space available, and no need for reservation at restaurants. All in all, it worked out okay!

Amfora Grand Beach Resort was the first ‘real’ hotel we had stayed in during our stay in Croatia. When entering our room, we noticed a kind note wishing us a Happy 10yr Wedding anniversary and fancy dessert. It was such a nice touch and made our stay feel personalized.

As much as we have been enjoying the old romantic towns, small streets, ancient history, and incredible structures, we were so excited to spend the day on & in the water. We booked a day tour with Hvar Tours where they took us to cliff jump, the smallest beach, and the blue caves!

Next stop on the agenda was Split!

And this is when I am at a loss for words. This place.

Most know it from Game of Thrones.

View out our bedroom window

I am happy to have a partner that is willing to stand on the edge with me - THE BELLTOWER

Hvar Hotel

blue cave

After returning from a full day on the water we took a hike to catch the sunset.

Because we were traveling at the end of peak season not all the tours or boats were running. So, instead of taking a ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik we had a driver take us the long way through the villas and towns.

It was such an amazing way to cover more ground and see more of the country side of Croatia.

Our tour guide recommended we headed up the tallest hill to reach the Fortress at the top of city that overlooks the islands.

Little to our surprise the sunset that night would color the town pink.

Dubrovnik was our final stop on our trip. It is a popular city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea that is known for its Old Town. Along the water sits old ancient city walls that were completed in the 16th century. These walls create a city within the city. Dubrovnik’s uniqueness is so charming with its limestone streets and stairs that fill alley ways for the most romantic of night walks.

The Dubrovnik City Walls Walk is the perfect way to appreciate the structure of this wall along with all of the rich terra-cotta roof tops and lively square.

After a day of wandering around the square and walking the wall we took the Cable Car to watch the sunset from above.

We spent our last two days eating pasta with truffle and exploring these great walls… it was a lovely way to end a trip that I in conclusion feel was simply magic. A place I would recommend anyone go visit.

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Zion & Friendships

When your struggling to get through an East Coast Winter and your husband suggests you leave town and visit your best friend, in Utah, YOU GO!

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There are two really wonderful parts to this weekend escape.  

I will start with with the 1st: Jess

Jess and I have been friends for nearly 12 years.  Throughout those years she has become someone I can trust my life with.  She knows me so well, that sometimes it scares me.  ( in a good way )

But our relationship didn't start as besties.  It was a slow brew.  In time our hangs developed beyond getting together and coloring  each other's hair or having coffee dates.

I truly feel like this really occurred when life got real!  Between Jess having a spouse that was in the army and overseas, and then becoming a new mom;  I was simultaneously going through some big life changes as well.  I was newly married and just got the news that my father-in-law was diagnosed with brain cancer.     SO...Life set in real quick.  And all of the struggles of balancing emotions, relationships, and responsibilities were in full effect.  But the beautiful part of 'life happening' is what comes out of it when life slows down a bit for you to see.

And one of those beautiful things was a friendship that I hold dearest to my heart and continue to nurture and be amazed by it. 

This beautiful person and I have been through so much together and seeing her grow and change into who she is today is inspiring and beautiful to see.  We are each other's cheerleaders and support on any given day.  

Now, this may not stand out to you if you have been lucky enough to have friends like these in your life, and always have.  But for me, I had always bonded more with the boys.  I had girlfriends come in and out of my life.  It always bummed me out, and I couldn't understand it.  But nonetheless, I accepted it.  

Then I met Jess.  And she is pretty damn great.

The second part of this weekend escape was that I was in desperate need of some solid hiking and mountains.  The bonus was being able to actually share that with Jess.

I love hiking! I love the mountains. I love getting my body moving.  I love standing at the top of a cliff and taking pictures of the world below me. I love slowing down and really seeing around me.  Being awake in the moment.  And I love that I can share this with my best friend.  

         Rejuvenating. 

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Angels Landing

I highly recommend a visit to Zion National Park  if you have never been.

It is such a magically beautiful place with a mix of terrain and textures.  The colors are so warm and soothing and hikes at all levels.  

We personally had our eye on Angels Landing. We were checking the weather up to the hour before hitting the trail head.

It is a difficult climb with multiple switch backs and a narrow ledge to climb to the top. Just a few days before we headed to Zion a young girl had fallen to her death.  Sadly she was not the first who lost her life hiking on this trail.  So, as much as we wanted adventure, we wanted to be smart! 

And this my friends, is one of the many reasons why I adore this human being ------ >

We spent a total of two nights and 3 days in Zion.  And my favorite spot was this nook that was onto of a hike but on the other side of the lookout ( where most people stopped and then hiked back down).  But, when we got to the top we started to wonder around and explore.  Then Jess found this awesome little hideaway stone.  We spent so much time here reflecting and appreciating that we were able to be together and have this weekend.

It was a bless moment that I still reflect on and beyond thankful for.

Croatia {First We Eat}

Villa Sancta Maria

I had the pleasure of attending my first FWE workshop with Eva & Carey two years ago, held in Iceland.  My expectations were totally exceeded and I was left wanting more.

So, when I saw that they were hosting a  food & styling workshop in Croatia, I jumped at it! 

The weeks and days leading up, I was connecting with fellow attendees via social media, and making plans to stay in Croatia to explore once the workshop ended.  I was unsure what to expect of Croatia or how this workshop would differ from the previous one I attended but, I was ready for anything!

There is something to say for when you get the opportunity to be in the midst of someone you admire in your field.  To spend a few days watching how they work, listening to their advice and soaking up as much information as you possibly can that leaves you feeling blessed. 

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This is how I felt after attending the First We Eat workshop held by Eva Kosmas Flores. 

Upon arriving in Croatia, I met up with 3 other gals at the airport.  Our 3 hour drive through the Croatian countryside to Istria county, where the workshop was being held, was filled with laughter and great conversation. A perfect start to an amazing journey.

We were all so excited to learn and be amongst like -minded individuals, creating art and sharing our passion with one another.

Tournant : boutique catering

Driving through Istria County is a treat in itself. It is filled with windy country roads, beautiful trees, rolling hills, and small narrow streets lined with vineyards.  

Once we pulled up to the house we all gasped with awe to how stunning and romantic the villa was.  Eva & Trisha came out running with a warm welcome and showed us to our rooms.  The following few hours were spent meeting with everyone and dining by candle light.  We were served with Incredible food prepared by Jaret and Mona -which was the perfect way to end a day of travel. 

The next few days were all planned out for us.  They were filled with food styling demos, Lightroom overviews, learning social media strategies, eating wonderful food, wine tasting, truffle foraging, exploring, late night chats by fire, and of course- Photography!

Besides the wonderful food & beauty that surrounded me daily I was amongst some of the most amazing ladies.  The talent, joy, enthusiasm, passion, and drive that sat around the table daily was the biggest reward of this workshop.  Coming from all over the world, with different levels of experience, we came together and shared our passion for Photography.

Tri lukne ceramics 

Lets not forget one of the most important elements of the workshop- FOOD.  We were spoiled by the most amazing food prepared from seasonal ingredients by Chefs, Mona and Jaret of Tournant.

These two individuals were simply incredible.  Yes, they knew how to cook, but their passion for cooking is what left a lasting impression.

Every meal they prepared had us running for our camera's. Then our forks.  Then for seconds. 

picnic overlooking town of Motovun

When you sign up for a First We Eat Workshop you are getting a whole experience filled with knowledge, adventure, and inspiration. What goes on behind the scenes is pretty remarkable.  On behalf of one of my favorite food photography inspirations, Eva Kosmas Flores from Adventures in Cooking, Trisha Hughes of Eat your beets blog, and  Danielle Firle of Tendue, Thank You!  Your hand in all of this truly makes the experience special. 

local truffles

The lovely Miss Mona

styling food

parting gift

The morning of our departure we decided to stop in the town of Hum.  

 Hum is located on Istrian peninsula of Croatia and in the Guinness Book of Records as the 'smallest town in the world'.  It is recorded to only have 17 people living there.  The streets are not drivable but perfect for exploring by foot.  And that is just what we did.  With hot coffee in hand, we walked around the town of giants and castles.

Then it was goodbye...

Motovun

Our truffle pups