Paris On Ponce - People, Places and Things

I am so excited to get a chance to blab on and on about the first entry in my new people, places and things blog category. And this is a grand first entry. You can read about how the new category started here. So, after a shoot recently I was in the neighborhood of a place I have always wanted to visit. I pass by this building's killer signs and fun look quite often and finally had a chance to stop in last week. Paris On Ponce is the place I am talking about here and it is just breathtaking. All 50,00 square feet of it. They are an eclectic, cheeky, not taking themselves seriously at all antiques as well as so much more emporium! You have to experience it for yourself. When I stepped in to the dark and cozy interior from the bright street, I was immediately in awe. And in heaven! And the staff had such a fun and friendly bustle of activity moving things around and unpacking gorgeous pieces, I felt right at home. 

The first thing I picked up to look at was a 1950 Atlanta telephone book and found my dad's family when he was 7. They lived on Luckie Street. And their phone number was Emerson-1837. The phone book belongs to the owners, but they photocopied the page for me. (and copied it in color so it looks old. I am going to mat and frame it. My dad got such a kick out of it.) So, about the owners.....George and Judi Lee.....they are 2 of the most fantastic people! I hung out with them and talked photography, (George is a talented photographer), kids in the store (they love 'em and their take on them is, let them touch stuff they are learning. In fact, they have a customer with 2 young girls who ask to go to Paris On Ponce as rewards for good school work.), and so much more. George and Judi are amazing, talented and creative and you feel so in the moment when hanging out with them. 

They let me just go crazy with my camera in the store. It was such fun therapy for me to play with my camera and photograph whatever struck my fancy....

Um, I want one of these below........and seriously, they sell it for an amazing price. This is actually a new piece.

The beautiful Judi.....

Ok. And wait till you see the Maison Rouge! This has to be one of Atlanta's best kept secrets. (I have always wanted to say that.) It is a cozy and intimate club George and Judi dreamed up themselves. It is available for weddings, events, you name it. I am definitely thinking it is time for a Sing Photography party. You're all invited. The stories they have from the Maison Rouge are rockin'! Step on in....oh and they decorated it themselves people! The attention to detail is incredible....

George in the Maison Rouge.....

And last but not least, Mr. Shane Garner. Fun guy. Loved talking with him too. And he is a super talented photographer. And very humble I might add. He didn't tell me how much he rocks. And he could have and totally gotten away with it. Go check his work out.....

Definitely go check out Paris On Ponce! Tell them I said hi. You may see me in there when you stop by. I plan on taking my boys to hang out and play often. And to drink lemonade and eat cookies (they have that too!). And to buy stuff. Thank you guys for such a wonderful day!!! xoxo, Amy