Last week we went to LA for a few days. If you have been visiting our blog for a while, then you know we make the trip out there a time or two a year for photo sessions, and for fun with Brett’s brother Jason. :)
This go round we had the pleasure of going to a super awesome workshop too. BONUS!
Most of our time spent in LA revolves around food. The variety of food out there blows my mind. AMAZING.
Here is one of our breakfasts….which is my favorite meal of the day.
We went shopping on Melrose, and checked out the Vader Project, where artists’ customized replicas of the actual Darth Vader helmet from the STAR WARS™ films.
Some were cool, some funny, some….um, interesting.
Back at the house the boys geeked out on the cube. J was trying to teach Brett “the technique.”
Later that night we went to the hotel cafe and my heart {nearly} exploded. Not only was it my first time there, but we also were able to see Greg Laswell and Brian Wright. 
After the show we went to dinner and as we were walking back to the car we hear someone AMAZINGLY playing the piano. Jason knew it was Brother Sal, whose music he had introduced us to just a few months ago. Jason makes a year end compilation (click here to listen to it) and Brother Sal was on that compilation. We got to hear the song “I Will Tell” live….
….in a piano bar.
And it was flipping GOOD.
{I walked back to the car on cloud nine….”only in LA.”}
Next day….
We gathered a few friends and after another amazing meal at another amazing LA restaurant (I can’t say amazing enough on this topic people), we went on a little photo exploration.
We had a shoot scheduled while out there which was taking place that evening, so we did some scouting around.
First up is a place I have wanted to visit since I first saw it up close and personal in “500 Days of Summer”……remember this building at the end?
This is the Bradbury Building…and it is such a beautiful architectural work- built in 1893.
We explored some tunnel near the Los Angeles River. It was pretty rad.
As we set up this shot with a timer, we see 3 police officers on bikes racing down the tunnel towards us. We were standing there hoping it would take before they got there.
They were very nice- advised us to scram unless we wanted to hang out with gang members that frequent the area. We moved on.
We went over to the Los Angeles Union Station and decided….this is where our shoot should begin. 
The shoot happened (and will be blogged SOOON!) and then we went to dinner at this swanky place.
The macaroni made me cry. I do not lie.
Bacon Banana ice cream with jalapeno fudge sauce anyone?
The next day we had to say goodbye to Jason and move south….
We ended at a hotel touching the Pacific coast, and I felt like the waves were going to roll right in.
We did a ridiculous amount during the 4 days we were in California. We had an amazing time.
I am a California girl at heart.
{ThE EnD}
jess
Artist, wife, mama of four.
Lover of life
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Gah! The cube! The Elijah!
Jess and Brett, you are a very big part of my massive crush on L.A. (and you’re Ohioans…Ohionites…Ohioers?) Can’t wait to see what kinds of fun pictures you could have taken at Union Station. ;)
Oh, and you must give me more details on this mac and weep. I would be remiss if I didn’t steer my husband that direction immediately.
All I can say is, “HOLY CATS!!!”
Wow and holy wow. I frequently follow your blogs, love your photography – but this is hands down my favorite post. Greg Laswell and Brian Wright?! @ THE HOTEL CAFE?! I’m all kinds of wonderfully jealous. I saw them in Denver not too long ago, so at least I’ve had a recent fix. And I’m so thrilled for you that you were able to catch Brother Sal. He IS the real deal. I was at SXSW this year and followed Brother Sal around like a puppy. I just can’t get enough of him. If you haven’t seen this already, you will love it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY1WeXigcaU
Blessings!
Beautiful shots!
The picture of the breakfast alone is amazing…wish we had that kind of fresh selection here in the south all the time!!! Wonderful photos….and I LOVE LOVE your dress, please do tell where you snagged it!??!
Jess, is that Elijah Woods and Dom from TV series Flash Forward? :O I know this is a “duh” qx. but I had to ask.
You guys are too cool for school.
Do you even KNOW how much I wish I could have been in your pocket for this trip?!! GAH!
Where to start with the fun: The FOOD (jealous), the places (SUPER jealous of the 500 Days building visit — and was that river tunnel perhaps where they shot the car chase scene in “Grease”? Random I know….), the people, the shoot…..
I loved living your trip through these photos!
PS – I just bought that striped tank you’re wearing at H&M during a run there with Bets. Wish you could have joined us for that. We all need to shop together!
I may or may not have been stalking your blog for a few months now {j’adore you folks} for a daily fix of artistry, creativity and fun! I have to agree with Amber above, I believe this is my favorite post… every inch of those shots is purely divine {although, I also REALLY appreciated the session you did with the naturally available light} ! Love the shot of the boys in the tunnel and i’m also terribly drawn to the hotel room shot with the chair and the ocean. I will stop gushing now. True fan here.
Fun photos!!! I love that building seen on 500 Days of Summer!!
how seriously fun jess! let’s go to california together for sure! love these pics and can’t wait to see more!!!
Love those last few shots of the beach…
Did Jason ever finish that Rubiks cube? Or is he still staring at it?
AMAZING!! Every time you shoot in LA, it’s like the best pictures ever!
I always love your vacation photos! You two seem to have such a great time! Was the Bradbury Building in 500 Days of Summer? Can’t remember the scene but feel like I saw it!