Annie & Travis | Pensacola, FL | Beach Wedding | Wedding Photographer | Pensacola Wedding Photographer

Annie & Travis. They compliment each other like crazy. While Annie & I were planning out the schedule of the day via phone months before the wedding, I already had a great feeling about being a part of their day. Annie shared with me some of her excitement for the wedding, finding her dress, and that being around a small group of friends and family was just enough for her & Travis.

The church venue: beautiful. Their sunset beach walk: beautiful. Capturing their laughter and love brought so much joy to my heart! I have to share one example of their giving/loving spirits… For the first time EVER, the bride offered to make me a plate of food during the reception. My jaw was on the floor. How could the BRIDE during her wedding day even think about making her photographer's plate?! Her sweet humble spirit literally floored me. Of course, I quickly made/ate my own and we continued on with the festivities, but that gesture is something I will never forget! 

Wishing you two a lifetime of love, happiness, & health. To Annie & Travis! 

                          

An inspiring friend, artist, and lover of the Lord... Meet Kelsey!

Where to start?! Even before meeting Kelsey Kelly, I had actually heard of her from 2, maybe even 3 people... If that's not an incentive to finally MEET someone, I don't know what is :) But the truth is, sometimes when I hear of talented people, I tend to be intimidated and afraid I don't have much to offer them, because well, they're talented and probably too awesome for me... ?! That is the crazy thought that goes through my mind every now and then.  

But lately, I've been learning a valuable lesson. We all have something to offer each other, whether in a creative field or just meeting people at random. Once meeting someone new and breaking that barrier of "first date" or new friendship status, the fear of the unknown fades pretty quick. Now, both of us just laugh at the fact that we wanted to meet for so long but never did. 

Among other talented ventures, Kelsey owns an Etsy shop called RustCollective where she sells her graphic art. She's a full time designer at our church keeping all marketing & web design on point with the media team. Her general creativity in fashion, art, design, & life totally draws me in. Sorry guys, she's happily married to an equally talented and genuine man! ;) 

Keep your eyes peeled for some projects we'll be teaming up with for Little Miss Creative Studio. For now, here's a quick glimpse of her art! 

Free Your Mind print: for purchase HERE

The Man in Black: for purchase here

Kelsey so kindly gave me the opportunity to photograph her using some rustic buildings near our hometown. Check her out here, finding inspiration, doing a little design, and just having a great time modeling for me... Hey Kelsey, maybe this is a new talent to add to your list... Just a thought! 

Interview time! 

What is your oldest memory in loving art? In elementary school art class. My teacher Mrs. Hillman introduced me to the wonderful world of art. I used to stay after school with her and help her clean and grade art pieces. That relationship forever influenced my love of all things artistic.

What got you started in design or art? I have loved art my whole life and always leaned on the creative side even when I was really young. When I decided to go to college, I knew I wanted to go for something in the creative realm, so I chose graphic design. I chose that route because I worked at a music venue and seeing all of the album covers, t-shirt designs, and posters really inspired me. It was a way to do art in a more modern way.

Do you have any favorite design blogs/sites currently you're swooning over? Just a few websites/blogs I get inspired from are Oh Pioneer, Promise Tangeman, Treasures and Travels, Jane Reaction, Jeremy Cowart, and of course, Pinterest!

What is your favorite part about the design process? When I feel content with what I’ve accomplished. As a creator and perfectionist, everything can always be improved…so when I feel I’ve expressed what I needed to express to the fullest, that is very satisfying.

Who is one of your personal heros in art? One of the most gratifying realities is knowing that The Creator above all creators made me creative. The most overwhelming inspiration is my heavenly father, and to get to experience just a glimpse of His work can leave me speechless.

XO - Fantasia & Kelsey

How I stay CREATIVE; 5 ways to boost creativity that are often forgotten

#1 - Always be learning something new:

Learning something, anything new -- whether it's a recipe, painting technique, sport, or even some type of education. Being in a constant state of learning teaches your brain to accept new information and also helps you expand your world to what is out there. 

#2 - Always be meeting someone new:

Joining different social networks (not to be confused with social media) exposes you to different personalities, different ways of thinking & different lifestyles. Being in a constant state of meeting new people isn't about "getting ahead" or just "networking" it's about learning from others & connecting, so that in the long run, we are able to understand and help others in life & in business. 

#3 - Learn to be free spirited:

One definition of "free-spirited" is being independent and not constrained by convention. One definition of "conventional" is based on or in accordance with what is generally being done or believed. So basically, what we have here is that to be free spirited you must not look for answers to questions based on what the general consensus is. Learning to be free spirited, to me, is vital to being creative. Think for yourself. Learn from your own mistakes. Never put yourself in the box that others put you in. Do not be predictable. 

#4 - Give yourself time & space:

For me, time & space is taking a long shower & meditating on positive thoughts. For me, time & space is deep breathing when I know I'm in over my head. For me, time & space is exploring alone for the sake of the adventure. For me, time & space is being active & intentional in my thoughts. 

#5 - Think backwards:

Nope, that was not a typo :) Thinking backwards from your end goal to where you are now allows you to see the steps so much more clearly. If they say "hindsight is 20/20" then why dont' we start from where we want to be & just look back at the steps it will take to get there. That's one way I find creativity. Keeping the end goal in the forefront of my mind, rather than the problem in front of me. 

What are your favorite ways to stay creative? Comment below or email info@littlemisscreativestudio.com to share your insight! 

Hope you enjoyed! XO - Fantasia 

Pinch me, PLEASE. | Welcome to the new office space

Short & sweet. That was my journey in finding the right office space. For about 6 months, I peeked my head in a few different buildings, called a few different owners, jotted down a few different budget goals, and spent a few hours here and there on Zillow & Craigslist. Thankfully, the beauty unfolded when a client and friend of mine shared her new exciting space she created in the heart of Santa Rosa Beach, which just so happened to have one area left for a local business... Ummmmm, pinch me?! 

Here it is, just a tiny portion of the space! The other side is great too, with a sweet, custom "boyfriend-built" white wooden desk with industrial piping legs and a DIY vintage inspired teal and gold painted lamp. Keep an eye out for better photos on the blog coming soon! Why the wait? Well, let's be honest here... My printer is currently homeless & living on the floor. He needs to upgrade soon to a small table, which I have yet to find the perfect one. *Yes, it does have to be perfect.* 

Patterns, anything funky, light & chic is the vibe of the space over here... Check out the recently designed stationary! 

In case I don't say this enough, THANK YOU, to anyone and everyone who has wished me well in business & life, supported my work, taught me something, given me advice, shared their passion with me, trusted me to create something for them, welcomed me into their family, and given me a reason to CREATE something new every day. Lots of love! 

www.LittleMissCreativeStudio.com

Vanessa&Brittany | Block Party Fashion Shoot

Something different... 

Wow, where do I start with this session... First of all, I met Vanessa Jay (blonde) a few months ago at a bridal shower for one of my very best friends. The theme of the bridal shower was to dress "pinup" for the night. I'm being honest when I say, we all knocked it out of the park with our pinup styles... but one girl in particular, Vanessa, stood out to me with her confident nature and her exquisitely bold pinup style. She fit the look to a tee, hands down! Naturally, I begged Vanessa to model with me for fun sometime to showcase her zany style and beauty. Thankfully, she was all about it and introduced me to one of her best friends and style soul sisters, Brittany Wade who matched up perfectly with Vanessa with her beauty, confidence, and dark contrasting wavy locks. Our shoot was soley for the purpose of creating something beautiful with our talents and to share our creative outlets in a free spirited, open minded way. We just went with it and trusted our ideas all along the way. 

The location: For months, I've been driving by these teal apartments reminiscent of an old vintage motel in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. The colorful walls & old school 70's block party feel to the place has been calling my name. Vanessa&Brittany's looks were perfect for something old school and edgy to fit the scene. Side note: The girls fit so well together, I have now combined their names semi-permanently ;) 

Before checking out the images, I beg you view our "behind the scenes" footage shot by my darling friend, Ashley Ferrell, with some of the final images included to show start to finish! The footage will give you a very unique perspective to see just how the scene looked and what we turned it into. So very grateful for all of these ladies and our team effort & not to mention the finished product that everyone helped to create. Enjoy! 

And for the results... Well, they were smashingly gorgeous, as expected! 

Models: Vanessa Jay & Brittany Wade 

Styling: Vanessa Jay & Brittany Wade & some Fantasia here and there ;) 

Photographer: Fantasia McDaniel with www.LittleMissCreativeStudio.com

BTS Videographer/Photographer/Cooler Coordinator/Sweat Rag Maintenance: Ashley Ferrell