here is a really sweet video of Nathan and Irina, filmed by Elena as a wedding gift. Aww, aren't they goobers!!

cool old photos

As many of you know, photos are my hobby! Taking them, looking at them, changing them, finding them.... Here are some old gems I have found over time, thought I'd share them with you:

rooftop wedding

Nathan and Irina had the most beautiful wedding! It was a beautiful warm day, and the mood was high and celebratory as we decorated and drank champagne, waiting for the festivities to get underway. The wedding involved some traditional Russian elements, and it was fun to be a part of these things.
They had dancing with some choreographed dance, and games for all the people to play, and these "challenges" at the beginning. The ceremony itself was super short (awesome) and so incredibly funny! The guy that "married" them was this dude that goes by "doggy face boy", it's his stage name, he's a musician, artist, comedian, etc. So funny! They lip synced to a song he was singing with barking sounds as the beat. So off beat and strange and cool. 

The whole think was catered w/ incredible Bulgarian food and a full open bar, so everyone drank a lot and ate like kings! It was held at perhaps the greatest space in all of Seoul, an art space-studio-home-restaurant-cafe-bar-rooftop place with three levels of outdoor decks overlooking the city. 

Hongdae afternoon

Hongdae is a neighborhood in the NW of Seoul in the area surrounding Hongik University. This area is internationally known for it's nightlife, and I agree! The two times that I have been in Hongdae for the nightlife it's been really chill, dubstep at a small place called Mansion (hmm....), lots of stylish people and good street food, and an indie rock show at a tiny, smokey third floor bar.

It is evident that this pocket of Seoul is packed with style, art, and young progressive students. I set out for a day trip to Hongdae, camera in hand, to see another side of this popular neighborhood. In the light of day a new perspective was visible. For one, street art, tagging, and graffiti was everywhere! 

The streets are packed with crazy fashion sense and a variety of street performers, food carts and eclectic coffee shops. There are lots of little cafes and bohemian clothing boutiques lining the crowded streets, with clubs and music venues up top. There is one main park near the center of the urban village, a great place to drink a beer and people watch.

Once I met these guys we headed to seek out the rumored taco cart in the area, and lo and behold, we found it! The guy who ran it spent five years living in Southern California, a good place to harness the skill of making excellent tacos, and that they were! And spicy! My god, there was a moment of panic for me when the spice kept growing, I feared it was going to equal the heat of el jefe! None the less, this place was killer, and I'll certainly go back.

After recovering from the burritos we continued wandering around the neighborhood for hours, conversing while observing the people, the atmosphere, and the sights.