Melissa Oholendt | Minnesota Wedding & Lifestyle Photography

If there is one topic that I could spend hours and hours speaking about, it would be my opinions regarding the necessity of having something (anything!) beyond a disc of digital negatives from your wedding day. But since I’m fairly certain Wednesday morning at 8:30am is too early for that kind of rambling, I think I will just allow the images speak for themselves on this one.

Whistler Album in Crimson silk from Cypress Albums.

Almost a month ago, I posted the above tweet and received a flood of questions in return asking what exactly inspires me. While I’d love to think this is the husband doing a little bit of covert Christmas gift planning, I came to realize that this was a hot topic. The idea of surrounding yourself by things you love and things that inspire turned out to be something that everyone wants to accomplish - whether they are in a creative industry, work at a corporate office or a stay-a-home-mom.

It’s no secret that I’ve been a little (lot) obsessive lately about surrounding myself by the sights, smells and textures in life that inspire me. The people at West Elm don’t know me by name (yet) but they certainly are familiar with my style (throw pillows, patterns and vases please). One look at my Pinterest and you’ll get a unique peek into who I am and what moves me and makes me want to strive to do & be better and, even, who I want to be in 10 years. (And you might also find that I’m totally obsessed with Emma Stone & Justin Timberlake. But we already knew that, right?)

Even now, even our home that we currently reside in, we’ve chosen to invest time and money into building an environment that pushes me to excel and be my best for my clients. Now that I work from my home office and spend almost all of my 24 hours in this house, surrounding myself with textures, colors, smells and sounds is a crucial & necessary part of my workday. For Matt? That means living in a slightly feminine environment. (Plates on the wall? Fresh flowers in the house? Paintings of people kissing & dancing? ) And so now you know that when I say slightly, I really mean straight-up N*Sync playing in the background, the dog is wearing a bow-tie, pink walls and teddy bears GIRLY. Thank goodness he loves me. (Also, if I do ever go that far with a man living in my house, please consider that grounds for a friendtervention. Two out of four isn’t bad though. Just saying.)

So what inspires me? Just take a quick peek at the Inspiration Board that hangs in my office in the images below. Fashion, Art, Inspiring Quotes, Sequins & Sparkles, Instax photos of my family & friends (and sunsets) – just to name a few.

Today, on the Melissa Oholendt Photography Facebook page, I will be sponsoring a giveaway of some reallycoolthings (trust me, I wish I could keep it all for myself) that inspire me and I want to hear about what inspires you. I want to hear about the things that make you move, love and give. So, go to my Facebook page (like it if you have not already!), and tell me all about your inspirations in life.

I really can’t wait to hear all about it.

I really have no words left to say but THANK YOU. Sincerely and with all of my heart, THANK YOU.

Through your retweets, reposts, comments and re-blogs of the original post, your love for the animals of Japan blew my mind. I spent last night re-reading through the 130 comments and was so overcome with emotion and love for this community of people that I had to stop reading and find that dog of mine for a cuddle session. Thank you to the people who commented that you were also texting to make a $10 donation to the American Humane Association; spending my money is easy, but the desire to spend your own hard earned money is not as easy of a desicion and I’m so inspired by each one of you.

To my incredible redheaded friend, Erin, thank you for the idea and for the inspiration to make that committment and not look back. I gained far more in spirit than I ever could repay.

To my amazing parents who are matching my $130 donation to the American Humane Association, there is no doubt that I wouldn’t be half the woman I am without your leading examples all of my life. I love you so, so much.

To Gunnar, thank you for being the perfect example of  a dog who made a girl love more than she thought capable.

XOXO times infinity.

If you’d like to make a donation of your own to the American Humane Association, please go to this page.

It rolls on like a highlight reel in my head. WPPI 2011 will go down as the best trip of my life with some of my best friends and, trust me, I know how bold of a statement that is.

Gina-bean. Roomies & Airplanes. Did you really expect anything less from me? Two of the coolest women on the planet: Caroline & Nancy.

MTH Alum Night o’ Fun. My girl E. iPhoning with G & Caroline. No one had more beautiful roommates; no one.

Loves. Loves times infinity. Weird faces with the ban.do. Besties in the smilebooth.

Because who doesn’t love a bed photo? MK & MO. MTH Vegas. Tradeshowing.

Images shamelessly stolen from LC, EJ & CC.

Tomorrow begins (my) second annual trek to WPPI to partake in all things photography, friendship and late night dance parties. If you are going to be there, I would love, love, love to connect with you! If you see me, please come say hi; I’ll be the red-head who’s laughter you can hear across a room. if you are not, you can follow my shenanigans on Twitter.