xo

© Ava Alamshah

The Huntington Library

Recently, my Mom and I spent time at one of our favorite places. This is my childhood. As long as I can remember, she's been bringing me here. This place is full of dreams. I remember rolling down the grassy hills near the cacti garden. Giant palm trees surrounding me. The same statue of a sea horse resides by the lily pond.

all images © Ava Alamshah / all rights reserved 

Two years ago we took some polaroids here!

I couldn't wait to share these photographs. I've been feeling a bit sad to be honest, and I know the reason why. I have this passion and I feel like I'm not doing enough with it. Zinefest was amazing and I got this natural high from creating. Making little books you could hold on to. This outlet has been great, but I have been craving the old school way of creating. I've started shooting a lot more with film again, and I love it. Now what to do with all this film? I want to produce books. Zines, and maybe eventually coffee table books. The portraits of Ema are a work in progress. There is so much more I want to do with those. I have a look book idea in the works for someone I truly admire, and I hope to get that started next month. I'm being awfully candid about my feelings. I'm glad I'm shooting a lot more. I suppose that's what counts. As long as I have the ability to do that, I'm happy. 

your friend,

ava

disposable

E C H O   P A R K   R I S I N G

I tried out a disposable camera for the first time in years (I honestly can't remember the last time I used one). Here are the results! The purest in me loves the nostalgic, dreamy quality. The graininess just adds to these photos of crooner, Gabriel Hart. I work with Gabe, and he is in a few bands. His band, Jail Weddings (best band name ever!), capped off Echo Park Rising three weekends ago. I'm glad I was finally able to see him perform. I was starting to feel guilty, always mentioning that I was going to check out a show, and always, always flaking. 

I ended up going to this show on the night of my Mom's birthday. She showed up to my place earlier, and we had brunch at Cliff's Edge, followed with pedal boating at the lake.  I am a tourist in my own city. I realize that I've blogged about the lake several times now. It's all I can talk about. It has given me peace of mind, and I've fallen in love with Los Angeles again. 

Mommy & Me being tourists! I love you, Mom.

life vests are so hawt right now

©Ava Alamshah

Recently, I was told that the city dyes the water blue. I was kind of bummed to hear it, but it certainly looks extra sparkly! And check out that r a i n b o w !!
 

your friend,

ava

Huntington Library

 

 Yesterday, my mom took me to the Huntington Library, to celebrate my belated birthday.  We reminisced about the times she took me there when I was little. She talked about how I use to roll down the grassy hills and sit on sea horse statues. It was great spending time with her.  We discovered that the best smelling rose (in our humble opinion) is called the Queen Mary II.  We also sat and gazed up at Blue Boy, and Pinkie.  The beauty of those paintings are unreal, and it was fun to learn the stories behind them.

Speaking of the Queen Mary, my boyfriend and I are about to embark on an adventure of the nautical variety.  Stay tuned!!

your friend,

ava

Wedding Bliss

Notice the classy red cups to the right? Filled with the finest champagne

       

Feeling very Audrey. Dress by Calvin Klein, urban outfitters lace oxfords, Mac russian red lipstick, vintage necklace & bag (the best hand-me-downs from my very stylish mother)

It's really happening!

Besties

Timeless

Amber's brother, Colin (to the right), photo bombing

Kyle was one of the lucky groomsman. He's really tall & makes cool videos for time warner cable

Feeling fancy

There was a lightning storm later in the evening. A truly magical night