Captured by Emily C. Petrie

06/22/2026

In January, I had the pleasure of being my bestie Ali Homek ‘s Maid of Honor! I may be on another level when it comes to my MOH qualifications (having worked in event planning, wedding photography, bridal styling, etc) but here are some tips that will help any gal pal navigating this special role in her nearly-wed friends’s life.
1. Establish expectations early on so you know what the bride/ married is hoping you might help with and be present for.
2. Show up, be prompt, present, and bring the positivity and good vibes. Thoughtful touches throughout her engagement will go a long way!
3. On wedding day ensure you are helping her throughout the day to stay comfortable, relaxed, joyful, hydrated and keep snacks on hand.
4. For getting dressed bring a crochet hook for this tiny elastics if her dress has buttons, wig tape works better than fashion tape, secure her veil with extra Bobby pins, etc.
5. Smile for the camera, keep the dance floor going, jump in the Photobooth…be the ultimate guest!
6. Limit alcohol until all formalities are over, especially speeches.
7. Have fun! 🤩 It is an honor to help jazz up your friend at this exciting time.
8. Keep your friendship alive after the wedding day. It is sadly easy to fall out of the rhythm of being social after this specific life event but it’s worth the effort to make plans and keep having things to look forward to with your friend.
Photos taken by ELOPEMENTS + LOVE STORIES and edited by Captured By Emily C. Petrie

06/05/2026

Dear Friends, Family, and Clients,

My wife, Tobi, works with her mother and stepfather, who founded Red Hen Press over 30 years ago.

Today, Red Hen Press is a respected independent, nonprofit literary publisher based in Pasadena. It focuses on poetry, literary fiction, and creative nonfiction, publishing a small number of carefully selected books each year. Known for championing diverse and emerging voices, it also runs community programs like writing workshops in schools and literary events in Los Angeles. It’s widely regarded as a strong, mission-driven press within the literary world rather than a commercial publisher.

This past year Red Hen Press (Tobi and her team) have been swimming against a cruel current. Between national and local grant funding being cut, long-standing donors passing away, and severe vandalism attacks on their offices and event space - they face an uncertain future. I have met many authors of the press over the years at their events, who all share resounding love and appreciation for my wife and my in-laws...They are great people and are always going out of their way to make sure people feel respected and that their voices are heard...better yet, their stories told. They give when their resources are also strained and they rarely ask for help.

If you love literature and storytelling, I ask that you consider making a donation to Red Hen Press, and if you do not have the means...Please share this fundraiser with those you know who support the arts and the literary arts.

Read more about their campaign and donate here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/we-need-your-help-to-save-red-hen-press

with gratitude,

Emily Harper Petrie

A Message from Kate Gale, Publisher and CEO, and Tobi Harper Petrie, Deputy and… Red Hen Press needs your support for We Need Your Help to Save Red Hen Press

05/27/2026

Our wonderful friends and her husband are expecting the arrival of their first daughter very soon and we can’t wait for their journey as parents!

05/19/2026

Summer mini sessions available to book!

The 20 Minute Mini Session is $350 - You will receive a digital gallery of all of the best photos from our session, a minimum of 20 fully rendered and high-resolution images. During your session, I will guide you through prompts and poses, while also capturing you candidly. I recommend this session for quick couples, families, and personal photos.

Available Dates & Locations:
Sunday, June 7th, Morning & Evening available
Garden Setting in Thousand Oaks

Sunday, June 28th, Evening available
Private lakeside Location Near Westlake Village

Sunday, July 12th, Evening available
Bluffs & Beach in North Malibu

https://capturedbyemilycpetrie.pixieset.com/booking/summer-mini-sessions

04/29/2026

This is your sign to host the wedding welcome party on a rooftop this summer! Happy Anniversary week to one of the vibiest and most creative couples I’ve had the joy of working with 💕📸✨ It was a blast to photograph their proposal and welcome party-now I just love to follow their immaculate travel itineraries!

04/29/2026

One of the most “IN LOVE” couples I have had the joy to photograph❤️📸✨
Venue the 1909 Topanga