1. PINK MAGNOLIA TREES // Swoon. These are my favorite trees to watch in the spring because of how GORGEOUS they look when they bloom. I took a little walk around the neighborhood yesterday, and the trees are budding and the flowers are starting to bloom. Yay! When I have a yard someday, it will be covered in these.

2. NUTELLA // I LOVED nutella for years. I would eat it every.single.day. to the point where I just couldn’t look at it. Since arriving in Europe, Nutella is back in my life. I’ve been snagging the little packets and eating for them breakfast and then for afternoon snacks with any pretzels / cookies I can get my hands on.

3. ZEBRAS // Yes, zebras. I’ve always liked them, but seeing them in the wild in South Africa … well it made me love them. While everyone on our safari was excited for lions and elephants, I was giddy when we spotted zebras. They are stunning and a dream to photograph.

4. KILLING FOR PROFIT // I first learned about this book from our safari guide. It is a detailed look at the horrors of killing rhinos for their horns and other poaching that happens throughout Africa. It is heartbreaking, and I haven’t been able to put it down. If you are looking for an interesting (and educational) read, this should be your next one.

5. TOMS // These little canvas shoes have been an excellent addition to my wardrobe especially when we travel. They are casual, comfy AND cute. If you don’t have a pair, get ’em.

Is there something you are loving this month? Leave it in the comments below so I can check it out.

IMAGE CREDITS // zebra + magnolia tree by brittany bekas photography // NUTELLA // TOMS via nordstrom

One of my favorite details to photograph is the engagement ring. It symbolizes the personality of each of my brides-to-be … and it always has a great story with it. Sometimes the ring was designed specifically for the bride-to-be  …. while others wear a family heirloom. Each and every ring is gorgeous.

So as engagement season comes to an end this week, I thought it would be fun to share some of the swoon-worthy rings I have photographed in 2013. WARNING … there are lots of beauties in here. Pinterest worthy if you are waiting for a rock. ;)

Confession. I really loved putting together this look. Now most of you are probably so over winter clothes (let’s leave the polar vortex already, I know!), but I have been living in summer clothes for nearly 6 weeks now. So I was so excited to pick out a cozy outfit as I am secretly missing my winter wardrobe. This WHAT to WEAR is all about being comfy and relaxed. It is basic neutrals mixed with just a pop of color. The perfect outfits for any engagement photo shoot.

Want to buy something featured in this look? If so, click here to find out where you can order it or just use the color palette as inspiration to come up with your own look for your photo shoot. Need more wardrobe ideas for your engagement session? Be sure to follow my inspiration boards on pinterest.

1. ANIMAL PRINT JACKET // I found this little gem at Target … and I just had to have it. It’s the perfect fall jacket paired with jeans and boots.

2. MWF SEEKING MY BFF // If you haven’t read this book … you MUST! I was literally laughing-out-loud (LOL) throughout most of it. It is about a Chicago gal who moves here and is seeking a BFF … so she goes on 52 girl dates. READ IT!

3. PULLED PORK // A year-round favorite but such a yummy sandwich for football games and cool evenings. Plus, I finally made it for the first time this past weekend. Easy, peezy … thank you crockpot.

4. DEXTER // I have officially watched the last episode of Dexter … which I was totally hooked on. While I am slightly sad about it, I had to admit the series finale wasn’t all that great. Thoughts?

5. HOME DECOR // I can’t get enough of Ikea and anything home dec related this month. I have been to Ikea 3x … and still have a list of things I want/need.  (PS this is not my home, but I wish it was.)

What are you obsessed with lately? Leave me some ideas in the comments below.

I have been completely infatuated with the Olympics this week. It may be because it takes place in London-town, and every time I get a peak at Big Ben or the London Eye, I am taken back to my incredible European adventure four years ago or because I am feel extra “American” by watching. Either way, all week I have been curled up on the couch cheering on Michael, Missy, and the Fab 5 to gold medals.

Midway through the women’s gynmatics finals Tuesday night, I turned to Phil and told him I used to be able to do that (ha, I wish!) He laughed in my face and told me that I can barely cannot do one pull-up…how would I be doing flips around the high bar. Thanks for the encouragement, babe. ;) But it got me to thinking, if my athletic abilities will not earn me a medal, what could I earn a medal in? Here is what I came up with.

:: The US Shop-a-thon Team (you should see me on black friday. world records, people.)

:: The US Closet Organizing Team

:: The US Talking/Gossiping Team

:: The US Grilled Cheese Eaters Team

…hey, I can’t be good at everything. :) Have a great weekend and go U.S.A!

I remember back in junior high, my friends and I would doodle our names on our notebooks with the last name of the boy we liked. Over and over and over, we would write this. This “new” last name changed. Almost weekly. We would break up. Move on. And find someone else. However, we would continue to sign our names with our latest crush’s last name. Oh, young love!!!

For girls, there is something exciting about changing their last name, which is why brides love all things related to their soon-to-be last name.

One of my favorite things for a bride to have is a personalized bridal hanger for her wedding day. I have yet to see a bride (or photographer!) who did not love a hanger with her new last name.

This is my Friday Favorite because:

• It makes a thoughtful engagement/bridal shower gift. My best friend, Ashley, cried when she opened the one I gave her. :) I promise it will be one of the bride’s favorite gifts!
• The hanger looks so pretty in photos….especially compared to the icky, wire hanger the bridal stores often leave a gown hanging on. (And we know that I am always thinking about the photography….and I want my bride’s stunning gowns hanging on something equally as beautiful as their dress.)
• It is something that the bride will continue to have and use – even after the wedding day.

I love these hangers to pieces! If you are interested in getting one of these for yourself or a friend, daughter, sister, niece, etc shoot me a note at brittany@BRITTANYBEKAS.com. In addition to my photography skills, I make this little guys on the side. :) 

It happened out of no where. Well, maybe not completely out of no where. I have my suspicions about what made the switch in my brain (and stomach) change. One day I was eating meat. The next day, I was boasting, “I am a vegetarian.”

WHAT?! My boyfriend, Phil, who is a complete carnivore was now being subjected to black bean burgers, veggie soups and hummus. He was less than pleased and didn’t hide it with his constant hints at how each meal should include “meat, meat, meat.”

But then three months into my pseudo-vegetarian lifestyle, we discovered the perfect comprise. In the midst of traveling through Peru and Central America, the magical, food practically landed in our laps. The….BALEADA!

Baleadas are one of Honduras’ most popular foods. A baleada is a wheat tortilla, folded in half, filled with mashed beans. This is the baleada in its most simple form. You can get a baleada any way you like. Hence why it works for a meal for both Phil and I.

The baleada is my Friday Favorite of the week and here is why:

• It is a vegetarian friendly option or can be made for the meat-loving individual.
• Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. It works for them all. Oh ya, baby!
• I can make these. Yes. The person who once set a crock-pot up in smoke, leaving only charred pieces of pork, crisp in the bottom of the dish, can make a deliciosa baleada.
• You can get creative with these things. Different types of beans. Eggs. Avocado. No Avocado. Slaw. Hot Sauce. Cheese. Veggies. Whatever you can dream up. I love the options (which pretty much means I will and can eat these nearly every day for months until I am so sick of them I won’t want to even hear the word – baleada.)
• They make a great option for Lent Fridays. No pescado para mí hoy.

Happy Friday! I hope you will try my new favorite food soon. :)