Celebrating on Hilton Head Island

Having been on the island for more than 10 years, we've noticed that many people choose Hilton Head Island for more than just a vacation. Weddings, birthdays, and anniversary, are a few examples. People come to Hilton Head to celebrate life and many times Memory Lane Portraits has the opportunity to participate in the process.

Check out this video clip of Mike and Gina Carrier. Memory Lane Portraits had the privilege to photograph them for their 35th wedding anniversary.



We have adopted the philosophy many years ago that it doesn't matter what the occasion, any reason to visit Hilton Head Island will do.

Recipes From Hilton Head Island

While walking through the Salty Dog Cafe, Becky (our marketing guru) picked up a recipe book. Here is her story...

Mr. Weatherman was advertising a fantastic summer thunderstorm. Beach thunderstorms furnish perfect conditions for "sky watchin'". Sky watchin' is very similar to what us southern folk refer to as "front porch sittin'", except this has a time limit because the storm eventually ends. When the time comes, I prefer a group of friends, a light blanket, some snacks, and a big front porch.

On my last souvenir stop in South Beach (Sea Pines), I picked up two additional Salty Dog tee shirts as well as a recipe book called "Hilton Head Island - Recipes of Ellie and Bill's Catering". This pictorial cookbook featured alot of Hilton Head favorites. Bill and Ellie Bollin started a catering business in the early 1970's and the family business is now a staple to this barrier island. Among the recipes are a few Salty Dog Cafe favorites, hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and even a full course dinner. In my book, sky gazing requires sweets, period. Thus, the Butterscotch Brownies on page 25 was calling my name.

The brownies turned out delicious! We did adjust the recipe just a bit, but that should be expected and acceptable with 4 girls baking in a kitchen. We added semi-sweet chocolate chips (yummy!). I would also recommend adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and some butterscotch topping on top of your brownie.

Good friends, great snacks, and a fantastic thunderstorm equals wonderful summertime evening.

Thanks to the Salty Dog for the recipe book!

Sunrise In Hilton Head - A Photographers Secret

 Warm hues with bold shades of gold reflecting on the sand and on the tides, our sunrise sessions are the best kept secret on the island. We understand you are on vacation and the thought of waking up before the seagulls are out can sound daunting. However, the colors and the atmosphere of a Hilton Head sunrise are worth the effort.

Here at Memory Lane Portraits, we aim to give you a memory that can go down in the record books. We aim to create a portrait that is well worth its praise.

Keep the sunrise session in mind when planning your wall portrait. The warm tones that are produced from the suns rays and hazy morning skies could compliment the look and feel of the room your portrait will be hanging.


http://www.MemoryLanePortraits.com
http://www.facebook.com/MemoryLaneHHI
http://www.twitter.com/MemoryLaneHHI

A Visit To Lawton Stables

Here at Memory Lane Portraits, we like to think one of our business philosophy is work hard and play hard. Living in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, there are plenty of things to do to keep us active and on the go when we are not photographing or presenting beach portraits. Lately we made a visit to Lawton Stables. 


I (Becky Pesek) personally have not had the privilege to tour Lawton Stables until now. The staff was absolutely wonderful. Lisa, who works in the main office, gave me an overview of the stables and what is available to the public. I learned that the rumors are true, everything great that has ever been said about Lawton Stables is right on the money. 


This equestrian farm has pony rides for the little tikes and trail rides for children and adults. If you would rather stay on foot, take a moment to meander through the petting zoo. You will be greeted by sheep's, goats, llamas, a few roosters, bunnies, a pot bellied pig, and the queen of the stables, a white tailed deer named Carly. 

 Another stable favorite is Harley (left), the Clydesdale who was born on an actual Budweiser farm. Harley gives carriage rides and really enjoys the attention he gets from visitors. On the day I visited, Harley was in the same area as the ponies. The combination of extra small ponies to an extra large horse was fascinating. Both breeds frolicked around and didn't seem to mind being around each other. 


Currently, Lawton Stables is getting a lot of well deserved attention due to their new program, Wish Upon A Horse. Their website describes the program as "Providing for special needs individuals form the local community as well as for visitors and their families seeking to combine the therapeutic riding experience with other amenities Hilton Head has to offer. Wish Upon A Horse hopes to enhance the well-being, both mentally and physically, of its participants by providing a safe, therapeutic and fulfilling activity."


I would like to encourage you to check out more information on Lawton Stables by visiting their website at http://www.lawtonstableshhi.com 

Beach Portrait Style - Memory Lane Portraits

Owner and portrait artist Stephen Dey gives you a look into what kind of beach portraits you can expect from Memory Lane Portraits.