A couple of friends invited us over for dinner the other night to try out their homemade bun rieu and I was hooked. It reminded me when my mom use to make it. Their soup base was with pork meat. Craving the taste and also the challenge, I scoured the internet to find a recipe to make some. Of course the extra challenge was to find a recipe that was simple with easy to find ingredients and also something that can be made on the fly. We all know how busy life gets so something that is quick and easy is always a good thing. Happy to report that I found it and the prep time along with the cooking time is roughly 45mins to 1hr depending on how efficient you are in the kitchen (lol). The time cruncher is really all the simmering time to allow the flavors to infuse the soup. I made the soup the night before as I didn’t know how long it would take me. The good news is that it allowed a longer time for the flavors to meld together…and the other great news is all the more quicker dinner was served tonight. The biggest time saver is the fact that this recipe uses a chicken broth soup base. I think if you use pork meat and bones you’ll have to add some time to boil and prepare the pork. But that’s for attempt #2 when I always modify the recipe to shake things up a bit (lol).

Here’s what it looks like simmering in the pot.

Here’s the finished product with beans sprouts and basil.

Verdict: It was YUMMY, the sort of yumminess that causes you to drink all the soup and lick the bowl clean type of Goodness. Well at least I thought so. My two taste testers both went for seconds so it must be a good sign!! Now I can’t wait to modifiy the recipe with Pork bones next time for an even more authentic taste.

If your interested in trying out the recipe, you can find it here. If you do give it a try, let me know how it goes. I did a slight modification by putting in a whole can of tomato paste instead of the 1 TBSP they recommended, just because I didn’t want any left over tomato paste (lol). Oh and for all those out there that have little experience with Shrimp Paste….a little goes a long way and its one of the things that makes bun rieu authentic in my opinion. But it has a very strong flavor and smell so you might even want to substitute it out or add into the bowls later for those that can handle it.

Happy Cooking everyone!!

Meet Emilie and Stephen. We spent a day with these two love birds in Kananaski Country. It was fun going around and exploring the back country as you never know when a turn of a bend or a jaunt over a little hill will surprise us with breathtaking scenery. And despite being in the thick of these surrounding, each location stop WOW us time and time again. But of course capturing the love of two people was the real icing on top.

Emilie and Stephen , your un-wavering faith and devotion in each other moves me. When asked what similar hobbies and interests you two like to share. Amongst their replies, the simple “we love to pray together” really stood out to me. That response brought to the forefront, that sometimes it’s not about all the other external things in life, but really the small things that really bind us to another. I can tell the love you two have for each other runs deep. We feel honored to have been able to capture this period in your lives. It’s a shame we won’t be able to shoot your upcoming wedding due to scheduling conflicts. But we know whoever gets to document it will be very lucky indeed.

Your GORGEOUS Emilie!!

Thanks you for sharing a bit of yourself with us that day.

There’s more photos here in the slideshow.

Much Love and Appreciation,

Amy + Brian

I went to high school with Huong and she is one of the sweetest girls ever. Never short of a smile for you and caring and considerate too. Huong has an infectious smile about her that undeniable rubs off on you. Steve is the handiman extrodinaire. A friend everyone should have as I don’t think there’s anything out there that he can’t fix. He rebuilt his first car from the bottom up or more correctly inside out. The red car in the photos is his little baby, his first car, his 2nd love (after Huong of course ;P)…..how’s that for sentimentality. A perfect gentlemen too as he was always attentive to Huong’s every move and needs. The love you both have for one another flow effortlessly out during the shoot and made our job easy.

This session was definitely oozing HOTNESS….the dress Huong choose for the session was absolutely beautiful. Looking at the pictures I kept thinking of Little Red Riding Hood all grown up and finding her prince charming….so SWEET. Seems like I haven’t ween myself off of fairytales yet, but this session was near PERFECT…almost fairy tale like with everything except for the icy icy wind. Thanks for toughing it out to get the shots guys!! They did a clothes change and the two of them transition into Urban cool as we ventures to other locations. Thanks so much for entrusting us to capture your love and life. We’re looking forward to shooting the wedding in July.

Hope you two had a great time on your pre-wedding trip to Maui!! =)

You can check out more photos from the session in the slideshow.

Love,

Amy + Brian

I don’t know why FRIDAYs makes me so HAPPY!! So happy for the weekend and a LONG WEEKEND at that. Here’s a couple of teaser from our lastest e-session we did for Emilie and Stephen. Stay tune for more pics to come.

Happy Friday Everyone….have a great LONG Weekend!!

Love,
A + B

We’re currently hard at work editing our latest e-session. Looking at all the pictures definitely put us both in a good mood so I thought we’ll SHARE and give  you guys a SNEAK PEAK too. It seems fitting since this session was HOT HOT HOT….and so is the weather we will be getting. Happy Friday Everyone!! Enjoy the Sunshine!!