Blue Skies Ahead {road trip - part 2 - nashville}

Welcome to part 2 of a 7 part series of my recent road trip.

 

We pulled into Nashville at dusk. The patios downtown were filled with people casually lounging. The expected blue jean skirts, boots, and cowboy hats were prominent.

Eyes Open {quote + photo = inspiration}

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” 

– St. Augustine

I leave tomorrow morning for London, Paris, and Normandy - I am giddy with excitement!! 

I have worked out itineraries from personal recommendations, books, and of course the handy little internet. I look forward to coming back renewed and inspired. 

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Wonderlust Photography by Jona

Masculine Minimalism {EK Designs}

We happily re-introduce designer, Emily Koch (formerly known as Emily Browne). Do you remember her home tour? It was one of our very first posts. She has had a busy year, establishing herself as a designer and planning her recent May wedding. In addition she now has a new website where you can learn more about her and her work. 

Liana Photography

Earlier this year she completed the design of a home for an Atlantan bachelor. The achieved look is both classic and masculine, suiting the client's needs and personality. 

Creativity {image + quote = inspiration}

Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts. 
And never hope more than you work. 

- Rita Mae Brown

Sometimes going the less traveled way in life can be incredibly scary. But you just might just find something amazing around that corner, so maybe it's time to take the unfamiliar route. 

We would like to say a big "THANK YOU" to all of you for your patience while we take time to repair posts and focus on things outside of Wonderlust. Be on the lookout this week for part 2 of our roadtrip series.

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Wonderlust Photography by Jona

Summer's Full {image + quote = inspiration}

There came a day at Summer's full, Entirely for me.

- Emily Dickinson 

Jona and I have decided for the sake of work/life balance to take some time off from posting new content to the blog. Jona started a new position this week and I need some time to brush up on my French for my upcoming trip (high school French class was 10 years ago!) and do some things for myself (like read a book!). During the break we will still be working to repair posts that are missing images as a result of the technical issues we recently experienced. We promise there are a lot of fun projects in the works, so please stay tuned! I hope you also have a little down time to enjoy the summer sun and catch up on things.

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Wonderlust Photography by Jona

Working for Luck {image + quote = inspiration}

I'm a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.  

-Thomas Jefferson

This has become our motto as we work to restore Wonderlust. Initially we had planned a post for today that was about taking a break and a few days off from the blog so that Jona and I could focus on family and friends. The day before I left for Florida we discovered, much to my dismay, that I had accidentally deleted a large portion of our hard work. I joined Google+ this past week and when I saw that Picasa albums (which were linked to every image on this site including the title) would be available for everyone to see I deleted them without hesitation. I had no idea that deleting these albums would instantly delete all of the images from our blog. 

Oh No!

Source: piccsy.com via Katie on Pinterest

Please pardon the technical difficulties Wonderlust is currently experiencing. Due to flaws with the new Google Plus, we are having complications with the images that were linked to Picasa albums.

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A Little Birdy Told Me...

Follow our adventures in Atlanta, travels around the world, and explorations on the web through each of our twitter accounts:

Jona @wonderlustpics and Melanie @wonderlustlife

Tweet Tweet! 

Out in the Sun {image + quote = inspiration}

I long to be out in the sun with no work to be done.

- Irving Berlin
. . . 
Wonderlust Photography by Jona

Scouting at Scotts

We decided to see what all the buzz was about and took a short drive OTP to Scott Antique Market. We came across a lot of interesting pieces, but to be honest one could easily shop around Atlanta's large offering of antique and vintage stores for interesting finds and better deals. The $5 entry fee, however, is definitely worth what turned out to be an afternoon of inspiration.

Blue Skies Ahead {road trip - part 1 - chattanooga}

I have a goal set for myself to see all 50 states before I hit 30. So, when the opportunity arose for me to travel through several states with my childhood best friend, I could not pass it up. This is part 1 of 7 of my road trip adventure. Enjoy!

MA11 - Home Tour {sneak peek}

What's behind door #1? Be on the lookout for our little gems from Modern Atlanta's 2011 Home Tour, coming soon.

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Wonderlust Photography by Jona

Travel Style

 It's been some time since I have done a Catalog Love post and had planned to use the most recent J.Crew catalog for inspiration when it arrived in the mail. However, as soon as I began flipping through I felt as though someone had been reading my mind. The catalog is dominated by a carefree vacation style very in line for what I have been imagining for my upcoming trip. Being the planner that I am, I have already been researching the appropriate attire.

Celebrate! {new year - new me - new dress}

This birthday is special for me because I have finally let go of the things that have been weighing me down. Without of the mental clutter I am open to experiencing all of the wonderful things that are just around the corner.

I faced a lot of personal and professional challenges over the past year. I lost of my grandfather and shortly after lost my job (the second layoff I have experienced since graduating college a few years ago). This time last year I had not yet purchased my camera and Wonderlust wasn’t even in existence. I was desperate and felt like my life was slipping through my hands like quicksand. I had no control. I was lost.

Fountain of Youth {image + quote = inspiration}

"There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age."

-Sophia Loren, an Italian film actress.

. . .

Pining Away

Have you discovered Pinterest yet? When I decided to take the leap to join yet another online community, a friend cautioned me to beware. It is too easy to become absorbed and lose track of time pining away.

The thing about Pinterest that is so appealing to me is that I can organize all of my visual inspirations so easily, whether I am sitting in front of my computer or out and about with my iPhone. I have a board for just about everything including inspiration, fashion, and recipes.

Here are a few of my favorites pins...

Source: scottliveseygalleries.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Stars + Stripes

Wonderlust wishes you a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend! We are going to take a couple days off and stay away from our computers and focus instead on being out in the sunshine with family and friends.

We wish you and your loved ones the same. Happy Independence Day!

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P.S. Do you like the above photo? Check out more of our Foodie Style Profile.

London Calling

Source: photograph-london.com via Melanie on Pinterest

After some research I found that flying into London is a better deal than flying into Paris. It would be silly not to take advantage of the ease of travel between London and Paris so I have added in a few extra days to spend in London!! From there, I will take a train into Paris. Swoon. I couldn't be happier!

Lighting the Way {image + quote = inspiration}

“Inside my empty bottle I was constructing a lighthouse

while all the others were making ships.”

-Charles Simi

“A fallen lighthouse is more dangerous than a reef”

-Proverb

Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.

-D.L. Moody

Foodie {style profile}

Introducing our new series, Style Profile! For the kick-off we interviewed local Atlantan and self-proclaimed foodie, Rafael Love. His full walk in closet attests to his other love, fashion.

Imagine {image + quote = inspiration}

A little something to think about as the weekend wraps up. Here's to a productive, inspiring, and imaginative week!

"You can't depend on your judgment when your imagination is out of focus."

-Mark Twain

Antiques in the Afternoon

I recently spent almost an afternoon perusing antique stores for inspiration and a few items I plan to use in an upcoming project. I wandered through the Kudzu Antique Market, Decatur Estate, and The Fainting Couch. 

{wouldn't these would look fantastic paired with a white tulip table?}

Hammer & Iron {image + quote = inspiration}

“Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation...

even so does inaction sap the vigour of the mind.”

Leonardo da Vinci

“I have a hammer! I can put things together! I can knock things apart!

I can alter my environment at will and make an incredible din all the while!”

Bill Watterson

“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.”

Abraham Maslow

Be Ignited.

P.S. The above photo was taken while I was in my back yard trying to figure out a setting on my camera for an assignment. I had a problem and I nailed it!

Sand & Castle

I first met destination wedding photographer Michelle Castle during my recent trip to Florida for my friend Emily's wedding.  I love the passion and spontaneity Michelle captures in her photographs. Every wedding featured on her blog looks like an incredible celebration of love.

Darcy & Josh

Paris, S'il Vous Plaît!

For those of you who know me well, you know I have been engulfed by wanderlust for several years but unfortunately have not been able to travel. Well, my time has come! I am planning a trip to Paris in August and I could not be more excited. Keep a look out for upcoming planning posts! 

In the meantime, I leave you with one of my all time favorites by Carla Bruni. She is perfect for dinner parties, smoothing ruffled feathers, and lovers.

{top image via pinterest}

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Look out for a new "Style Profile" series coming soon!

Westside Walk

Jona recently spent an afternoon photographing the Westside Provision District (part of the larger West Midtown Design District). WSPD is home to on-trend home design resources, art galleries, and variety culinary experiences.

If you are looking for something to make your mouth water check out JCT Kitchen, Bacchanalia, or Miller Union. For something that doesn't hit your wallet as hard there is West Egg, Star Provisions, or Taqueria del Sol.

Be Ignited {Post by Jona}

On a wonderful day in May, I sat in Octane Coffee Bar & Lounge to go through emails and to edit my little gifts of sight for you. The kind barista fixed me a caffeine surprise that consisted of three shots of espresso, chai and something spicy like paprika or red pepper (ironic considering this post). It was quite delish! As I was about to delete the above photograph (because it didn’t go with the theme of the planned post), I realized there was something special about it. The photo had been taken during a drive down to Florida with my friend, Kate, who urged me to pull over to the side of the road and capture it. The scene represents something that, at the time, inspired us to take the time to stop and smell the roses.

Behind the Scene with Wonderlust!

For behind the scene photos from our Alice in Wonderlust photoshoot and a few silly outtakes check out our facebook page.

If you haven't already made plans for your weekend and live in the Atlanta area I suggest you check out Summerfest.

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Paper Love

I became a fan of Paper Source while working as a printing consultant in the Paperie department of Sam Flax while in college. During my time at Sam Flax, I acquired a newfound appreciation for typography, printing techniques, and a love for paper.

Paper Source's wonderful assortment of solid paper and envelopes were a go-to solution for many of the unique announcements and invitations I helped clients design. They are available in variety of styles, sizes, and colors that can easily be mixed, matched, and layered.

 

Alice in Wonderlust

Nearly a month ago, we featured a glimpse into our photoshoot with local photographer Michelle Landreau. We are now ready to share our story with you...

One lovely afternoon in Atlanta, two girls set out on a search for inspiration.

On Fire - The Flame Stitch

Move over chevron, the flame stitch is taking the helm. From bedding at Jonathan Adler to Missoni's collaboration with Bugaboo, it seems that everywhere I look lately, I encounter the flame stitch. The high energy of this pattern is usually taken to the next level with contrasting colors, but on occasion one may run across a subtle incarnation like West Elm's Flame Stitch Blanket.

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10

SNAP Photo Hunt

Wonderlust photographer Jona recently partook in the Artist Trifecta Gallery's SNAP Photography Scavenger Hunt.

Participants were given 12 clues, 2 check points, and 24 hours to complete the scavenger hunt. Objective: to snap the perfect picture.

{Away We Go} Seaside, Forida

I have been reflecting a lot lately with all of the changes going on in my life and the lives of those around me. It’s so funny when you take a step back and realize how often life has a tendency to come full circle.

 

{A Quick Glimpse} Photo Shoot with Michelle Landreau

We recently took over a grassy knoll in Piedmont Park for a whimsical photoshoot with local Morning Light (ml x ml) photographer Michelle Landreau.  Michelle's photography is simply stunning, capturing the right light whether it's morning, afternoon, or early evening.

Here are a couple preview shots of what is to come...

My pup Langley's unsuccessful attempt at not being photogenic...

Walk the Beltline

A portion of Atlanta's much talked about Beltline project is not far from my little studio apartment and Piedmont Park.

Nearby Park Tavern

The entire path runs along 22 miles of historic railroad lines, which had been mostly abandoned and unused.

{All New} Behind the Scene with Wonderlust!

Behind the scenes with Wonderlust photos are now available on our facebook page!

If you're already a fan, head on over and take a look! 

If not please "like" us a get a little more wonder in your life.

We Would Love to Hear From You!

Do you have something inspiring to share?

Interested in Wonderlust Photography?

MODA - Museum of Design Atlanta

image from www.museumofdesign.org

I was SO excited when I heard the Museum of Design Atlanta would be opening in a new location directly across the street from the High Museum of Art and directly below the new home of architectural and design firm, Perkins + Will.

Me at MODA's former location in Fall '09

MODA's previous home in the Marquis II tower in downtown was lacking due to it's location, which was off the beaten path for many museum goers. Honestly I also felt that there was something missing within the space.

Decades Antiques and Vintage

Decades Antiques and Vintage is a local gem, located Cheshire Bridge Road, a unassuming destination for food and furniture lovers. The space opened this past year adjacent to long time antique dealer, Antiques & Beyond.

The mid century font on the facade of the building is holds true to both the buildings architecture and the classic styles inside. A variety of businesses have made use of the space since it was constructed in 1946, as a service station.

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles 10 under 40 Party

Every year in their March issue Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles selects locals that they recognize as rising stars in the design industry. This year's list of who's who among Atlanta's tastemakers couldn't have been more on point. In celebration of the 10 successful, stylish Atlantans a soiree was held at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams's Buckhead showroom.
While chatting it up with Editor, Clinton Smith, and decorator and 10 under 40 recipient, Brian Patrick Flynn, we were were snapped by photographer, Kim Link.

Spotted at the AH&L 10 under 40 Party (top, center)

 We also got to catch up with several other stylish Atlantans including uber-talented AH&L Associate Editor and friend, Kate Abney; savvy designer and 10 under 40 recipient, Niki Papadopoulos; and commercial real estate guru and 2006 recipient, Gene Kansas. There are few things better than dressing up and spending an evening with those that inspire you. There is no doubt the future burns bright for these 10, I cannot wait to see what it has in store!

Thank you Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles!