Every week, Alicia, Brit, and I have the opportunity to meet new members. We take the time to get to know as many of you as possible not because we run the day-to-day operations of TWIPS but because we generally want to learn what makes all of you who you are. This diverse community is filled with amazing entrepreneurs, humanitarians, and philanthropist. I learn more and more about our members everyday!

This past week I had the opportunity to learn more about two super talented members and I am glad I did. Today we are featuring Shannon Kelley of Shannon Kelley Photography and Amanda M. Cursaro of Baci Designer Stationery and Events. Shannon is currently relocating to Haiti with her family to work as humanitarians and Amanda resides in Ohio with her husband where she runs a thriving stationery and events company. These ladies formed their own questions to ask each other. I found common ground with both of these ladies {and you might, too} because my first car was also Ford Escort and I am definitely the poster child for night owls everywhere. Read on and you will understand…

Where was your profile picture taken?

Shannon:  Out in the desert near Las Vegas at WPPI last year.

Amanda:  Downtown Van Wert, Ohio.

Where were you born?

Shannon:  New York!

Amanda:  Defiance, Ohio

Are you married?

Shannon:  Yes.

Amanda:  Yep – 10.27.07. . . we’re about to celebrate our four year anniversary!

Where was your wedding?

Shannon:  Belmont Mansion in Nashville, Tn

Amanda:  Defiance, Ohio. . . do you see a trend here?  LOL!

Shannon’s  future office in Haiti

Last book you read?

Shannon:  Kisses From Katie (amazing book…you should read it!).

Amanda:  I’m currently reading One Day by David Nicholls for baci’s book club, but the last one I finished was The Girls From Ames by Jeffrey Zaslow.

Favorite magazine to read?

Shannon:  Rachael Ray.

Amanda:  I can’t live without Better Homes and Gardens or Real Simple!

Favorite sound?

Shannon:  Waves crashing on the beach.

Amanda:  My cousin Sophie singing Ave Maria in Italian at a wedding – it’s breathtakingly beautiful.

Favorite smell?

Shannon:  That clean smell after you do the laundry or clean the kitchen

Amanda:  Currently – Bath & Body Works Marshmallow Soap, it’s ridiculously delicious and will make you want to lick your own hands (sorry, that was gross, but it’s true – lol!).  Normally – laundry washed at my parents’ house, I’m not sure what’s so different about it, but it’s got the perfect “home” smell to me.

Do you drive fast?

Shannon:   Trynot to.

Amanda:  Most certainly – my car has a turbo and it’d be a shame to waste it!

Storms. . . cool or scary?

Shannon:  Scary…but sometimes cool

Amanda:  As long as there isn’t a threat of a tornado I love them!

What was your first car?

Shannon:  Ford Escort baby!

Amanda:  A 1988 Mercury Cougar – unfortunately, my boyfriend at the time wrecked it a few months after I got it.  My parents don’t believe me and to this day think I was the one who wrecked it, so maybe this will prove to them that I’m telling the truth – I wouldn’t lie to the internet!!

Morning person or night owl?

Shannon:  Ugg…night owl that dreams of being a morning person.

Amanda:  Night Owl – I generally have to be dragged to bed by my husband who has to get up early because he’s a teacher.

Favorite vacation spot?

Shannon:  Anywhere it’s hot and beach.

Amanda:  My husband and I love, love, love Charleston, South Carolina – the food, the ocean, the history. . . you couldn’t ask for a more perfect place.

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Shannon:  Moose tracks.

Amanda:  Butter Pecan – I sometimes try to convince myself that it’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough because it’s so tasty, but my brain always wins with butter pecan.

Shannon {left} and Amanda {right}

What are your plans tonight?

Shannon:  Bible Study with our small group

Amanda:  I am actually hosting Book Club – I love hanging out with fun ladies while we drink and eat ourselves silly!

Do you collect anything?

Shannon:  I used to collect stamps when I was little, does that count?

Amanda:  Not specifically, but I do love decorating with birds so I tend to buy a lot of ceramic birds or bird-shaped vases. . . I actually really dislike live birds (they completely freak me out!) so I have no idea why – lol!

How do you like your steak?

Shannon:  Medium well.

Amanda:  Medium rare.

Do you have a tattoo?

Shannon:  Yep, 2…about to add a 3rd.

Amanda:  Nope, I could never decide what I wanted so I took that as a sign I didn’t need one.

Do you have any pets?

Shannon:  No:( We had a dog and cat and just had to find them new homes since we are moving to Haiti.

Amanda:  Yes, a giant orange cat named Morris – he keeps me company while I work.

Do you plan outfits?

Shannon:  No, I’m good to get out of pajamas.

Amanda:  Always, I take forever to get dressed even when I do plan them, I’d hate to think of how long I would take if I wasn’t constantly thinking about what I was going to wear next!

Can you play Guitar Hero?

Shannon:  Nope

Amanda:  No, I am actually terrible at it – lol!

How do you feel about Diet Dr. Pepper?

Shannon:  Love the Dr. Pepper part, not the diet part

Amanda:  I’ve never had it, but I enjoy regular Dr. Pepper!

Lena and Morris

One thing you couldn’t go without a day for?

Shannon:  Talking to my Lenabug, preferably a hug, too!

Amanda:  Pandora – if I didn’t listen to music all day long I’d be lost.

Name something you have to do tomorrow?

Shannon:  Pack!

Amanda:  Invoicing – the crazy wedding season put me so far behind.

 Shannon’s Photography

Your favorite type of wedding?

Shannon:  The intimate laid back one with lots of personal details

Amanda:  I love a wedding that truly reflects the couple – the type where even if you didn’t know the couple personally you can still see so much of who they are in the photos.  A wedding should be all about the couple so I adore seeing the evidence of that!

Amanda’s Custom Stationery {Profile and Stationery Images by Brandy J Photography}

Mac or PC?

Shannon:  I’m an apple girl!

Amanda:  I’m Mac all the way, so much so that I feel like a bit of a moron every time I have to use a PC – lol!

Karaoke - yay or nay?

Shannon:  No…and I’m pretty sure everyone is thankful that its a no:)

Amanda:  YAY ALL THE WAY!!

Shannon Kelley is passionate about missions, Haiti, photography, love...lots of love, family, faith, and finding beauty in all things. She and her family are taking a risk and trying to make the most of this life by moving to Haiti in January 2012 to work as humanitarians. Amanda Cursaro lives with her husband, Ilario, and their rescue cat, Morris, in a 1950's cape with lots of windows in an adorable little town on a beautiful tree-lined street. She is also the founder and designer behind baci designer stationery + events - a custom stationery, event design and planning boutique and runs Baci's blog dedicated to weddings, fashion, and the home.