. . . In addition to photographing beautiful families this fall, I’ve been sneaking in some time to work with the uber-talented Ellen Allen as she launches her gorgeous line – Ellen Allen Annapolis.  The minute I met Ellen I knew we would be fast friends, so working with her hasn’t felt like work at all.  But wait, my job rarely feels like work, so never mind about that.  We recently got together for a brainstorming session and a little shooting, (along with her darling assistant Meaghan who is going to teach me how to tweet) and decided that the best place to do so was The Back Porch Cafe on Back Creek.  (If you don’t know about the Back Porch, you are missing out on one of Annapolis’ best kept secrets because it is one of my VERY favorite places in town, and the setting alone will make you feel like you are on vacation.)

So, back to Ellen.  When I first saw an Ellen Allen handbag I instantly knew that I must have one.  Or several.  Our first meeting was in her workroom, to discuss her vision for some of the photography that will grace her website.  I couldn’t really concentrate because I was surrounded by beautiful fabrics, colors, patterns, and little bits here and there of what inspires her, all taking my attention in 18 directions.  It’s interesting when you see what inspires someone who is such an inspiration in her own right, and all of that just made me want to wrap myself up in Ellen Allen.  (You’ll see a glimmer of said wrapping around my neck because I’m wearing one of her scarves in this photo).

If you can believe it, the woman behind the line is even more fabulous than the bags – she is a joyful, kind-hearted, dynamo, who epitomizes gracious living.  I feel so lucky to have found her, or did she find me?  We’re not exactly sure   I’ll stop talking so you can go visit her site and see for yourself just how beautiful Ellen Allen Annapolis is!

AND if you want to meet Ellen, and see for yourself how fantastic these bags (and scarves) are, you can do so at a trunk show -  this Thursday at Chartwell Country Club from 9am – noon!

hc | annapolis commercial photographer

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