Last week I told you about the first half of our mother's day weekend extravaganza. Cliff's mom stopped by for a long weekend and on Saturday we drove up to Cumberland. On Sunday, we took Irene down by the ocean (well, what seems like an ocean to us) to Annapolis.

Annapolis is another charming town that Cliff and I absolutely adore! Not only is the bay-side town quaint and picturesque, but this community holds so much amazing history! It's home to the U.S. Naval Academy, played a prominent role in the revolutionary war, and has more original, still-standing 18th century structures than any other American city. One of our favorites is the Maryland State House. Every time we visit, we just can't help ourselves: we make it a point to tour this storied, historic building. 

If you don't already know, Maryland's State House is one of the most unique structures in the country. Not only did it serve as the Capital of the U.S. for a very brief period, but it is the oldest building in consecutive legislative use in the nation. But wait! There's more! (Guys, are you paying attention? This is my favorite part!) It also boasts the largest wooden dome in the U.S. constructed without nails. I'm not sure why, but that fun fact gets me every time. It's just so special!

In addition to our State House tour, Cliff, Irene and I did some window shopping and visited the William Paca House and Gardens. We couldn't have asked for better weather. The day was just beautiful!

This year, Cliff and I got to celebrate Mother's Day in a very special way. Cliff's mom, Irene, came for a weekend visit!

Because she lives in Nebraska, we only get to see each other a few times a year. Cliff and I took advantage of the beautiful weekend weather and showed Irene two of our favorite places in Maryland.

The number-one question I get asked as a photographer by clients and people looking for advice is about what to wear.

On the surface, the answer is simple: wear something that makes you feel fabulous. At the end of the day, a successful photoshoot will leave a client feeling comfortable, confident, and natural so that their true beauty shines through. Looking fierce is a great place to start!

I realize, though, that "fierce" means something different to everyone. When clients ask me for my opinion about what to wear, they're looking for solid answers. So, without further ado, I offer these can't-go-wrong styling tips that will help make your whole family look and feel fabulous at your next photo session. 

When choosing outfits for the whole family, don't think you have to match. Look for outfits and accessories that coordinate or go with each other instead.

Bold solids are classic and always in style. Go with jewel-toned colors that compliment your skin tone and make you feel happy.

Details can make an outfit pop--especially against bold solids. Play up your solids with statement accessories like a chunky necklace, patterned scarf, or your favorite watch. 

Layer it up. Adding simple layers to your outfit with a fitted jacket or blazer can add great visual interest, and makes for a clean, sophisticated look. Layering patterns with solids can add an extra pop of visual interest. A plaid button-up with a solid pullover sweater, or a leopard-print tank with cute cardigan are classic looks.

Wearing pants? Play up the contrast! If you're wearing a lighter colored shirt, go with darker bottoms. If you're wearing a darker shirt, go for something light on the bottom, like khakis.

Ditch the sunglasses and sports hats. These items can cast harsh shadows on your face and make it difficult to see your eyes. Unless you need them for medical reasons, I highly recommend leaving ball caps and sunglasses at home.

Make sure your feet are happy! Sligo Creek is a little slice of nature surrounded by a city. It's beautiful, but also rocky. If you're set on wearing shoes that look fantastic but aren't the most comfortable for the outdoors, bring flip flops or sneakers for those in between moments when we're walking from the car to the park. I promise you'll be glad you did!

BONUS TIP FOR MAKEUP WEARERS: If you regularly wear makeup and have the resources to do so, having professional hair and makeup done before a photo shoot can be a lot of fun!  If you just don't have the time or resources for this, don't worry. I asked professional makeup artist Sev Gedra to help out. Check out these pointers she has about camera-ready makeup!

Earlier this week, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph Taste the World in Fenton Village. While I was out and about, I ran into a good friend who I haven't seen in years! 

Larry and I worked together on Capital Hill and have shared some really unique experiences! We both marched in President Obama's first inaugural parade, we attended an inaugural ball together, and we even spoke at Frostburg University together!

Since we left our jobs, we don't see each other nearly as often as we used to, so it was wonderful running into Larry and his girlfriend, Flor! At the spur of the moment, we did this impromptu couples session. Aren't Larry and Flor just the cutest? 

Those who know me well know I have three passions in life: Food, my community, and photography. My three loves recently came together in Silver Spring at Taste the World in Fenton Village! I had a blast photographing the event. I couldn't have asked for better weather, better food, or better friends to share the experience with!

Highlights from the event are in this blog post, and all photos from the #TTWFV are available for purchase for the next two weeks ONLY. Digital downloads are $10 and high-quality, premium 8 x 10 prints, which will be delivered to you in my special packaging, are $20. $5 from every sale will be donated back to the community.

Don't see what you're looking for? Email me.

Special thanks goes to Sponsors:

• Montgomery County
  
• Silver Spring Town Center Inc
  
• The Blairs
  
• Spotluck
  
• Linowes & Blocher
  
• Landex
  
• Dr. Glee
  
• Pepco
  
• United Therapeutics
  
• Grosvenor Americas
  
• Fenwick Apartments
  

Restaurants:

• Abyssinia
  
• Big Greek Cafe
  
• Fenton Cafe
  
• Firestation 1
  
• Ghar-E-Kabab
  
• The Greek Grill
  
• Kaldi’s
  
• Kefa Cafe
  
• Jackie’s
  
• La Madeleine
  
• Langano
  
• Lesaac
  
• Lotus Cafe
  
• Lucy
  
• Manny & Olga’s
  
• Odalis
  
• Pete’s Apizza
  
• Roger Miller
  
• Sligo Cafe
  
• Society
  
• Thai Derm
  
• Urban Butcher
  
• Vicino
  
• Zed’s
  

Non-Profits:

• Urban Artistry
  
• The Highwood Theater
  
• The Meditation Museum
  
• Sky House Yoga
  

Entertainment:

• Rainbow Joe
  
• The Light
  
• PanLara
  
• Bliss & Friends
  
• Nolan The Magician
  
• Crush Funk Brass Band
  

Looking for some family fun this weekend? I encourage anyone who loves food (and who doesn't?) to visit to Silver Spring for our annual Taste the World in Fenton Village Festival! 

This is truly one of the most unique events I've ever experienced and this year, I have the honor of photographing it! 

For those who aren't familiar, Fenton Village is a neighborhood in Downtown Silver Spring that boasts some of the best family-owned, ethnic restaurants in the country. Yeah, you read that right. IN. THE. COUNTRY. These awesome establishments are part of what makes Silver Spring so special, and during this festival, patrons will have the opportunity to sample select dishes from each restaurant.

But wait! There's more! In addition to great food, the festival boasts a variety of live entertainment and prizes for people of all ages. Seriously. You can't go wrong. 

You can learn everything you need to know about Taste the World, including which restaurants are participating, by visiting this website: 
http://tastetheworld.fentonvillage.org/

I hope to see you there!