Abby Jiu Photography

It was such a perfect time to take a trip.  Right after the end of wedding season and just in time for our 2 year anniversary.  That’s when my husband, my Leica and I took a trip below the equator to travel around Argentina.  We started off in the city of  Buenos Aires where we were met with the hustle and bustle of the country’s biggest city.  We found the Argentinian culture to have such a warm and inviting flair.  I love how on a weekday, you could find large family groups across multiple generations getting together for a long lunch.  Yes, the food in Argentina was amazing.  And the meals, well they lasted for hours…

After some time in Buenos Aires, we flew to Mendoza, where we tried some yummy Malbec wines.  We toured the wine vineyards and ate lots of steak.  We especially enjoyed the spring weather.  It was so odd for it to be the beginning of November and Argentina was just entering spring.  My husband, Jamey, pulled off a great feat and kept the biggest secret from me.  He surprised me and flew my Mom and Dad to Argentina so that they could join us for our big trip.  Being so close with my parents and them living so far away in Arkansas, it was very meaningful to spend time with them and especially, that my Dad, a big wine lover, could enjoy the wines of Mendoza.

One of the coolest things we did on the trip was go to a home restaurant.  At the home of Martin and Martin in Mendoza, called Los Chocos.  It was here I ate one of the most amazing meals of my life.  All ingredients were local from the Mendoza region and prepared from scratch.  Here is a picture of Martin in his kitchen.  If you ever visit Argentina, I highly recommend it as the first stop on your list.

I photographed a beautiful baby shower planned and styled by Amber Karson Events themed, “Feather Their Nest.”  Future parents, Eva and Miles, celebrated their upcoming bundle of joy at Fathom Creative on 14th Street in Washington DC.  Beautiful food and catering provided by Kelsey with Windows Catering and flowers by Enchanted Florist.  You can also see this gorgeous showered featured on Hostess With The Mostess.

Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.  I collaborated with Anne and Lauren of ATrendy Wedding as they put something together to wish you a very Happy Valentines Day.

I traveled to Istanbul, Turkey on an impromptu trip with my husband. Honestly, I didn’t know much about Turkey up until the week that we took our trip. I was in for such a pleasant surprise with the graciously kind people and beautiful old sites. From stone walls built in the Byzantine Empire to a hip Turkish restaurant standing right next to it, the contrast of old and new was quite remarkable how well it all fit together. Here are some pictures I took on my Leica of my memorable adventure.

Inside the Grand Bazzar the oldest covered market in the world covering 58 streets and over 4,000 shops

This is still a working train station that was once a part of the Silk Road where people got off the train to trade their goods at the Grand Bazaar

Inside the Hagia Sofia which was originally built as a cathedral for Constantinople in the year 360,
which later turned into a mosque and then into a museum

What a great way to start the day!  On the morning of their wedding, Tristan and his groomsmen went to Shaving Grace for a bit of relaxing.  The guys spent their time playing cards, talking and were then treated to a straight razor shave.  I love the untouched look of Shaving Grace’s method.  So authentic and perfect for wedding day preparation.