Maternity Leave | Nursery Reveal

Some of you may (or may not) know that we are expecting our first little bundle of joy!  We, of course, are over the moon excited for this new adventure in our lives.  When we initially announced on our Facebook page, we indicated that there was an issue discovered at our 20 week anatomy scan.  We have been overwhelmed with the amount of support, well wishes, prayers, texts, calls, messages, emails...(I could go on) we have received.  We want everyone to know that we are beyond grateful for all they have done!  The most ironic part of this has been that we never (publicly) let everyone know what the actual issue is, but that didn't matter - everyone rallied around us and wrapped us in their love.

The Story.
At 20 weeks,  we were unsure if our baby would live week to week, but here we are at 33 weeks with a scheduled delivery date and officially on maternity leave.  So, although I don't want to focus on the negative aspects of our pregnancy, I think it's only fair to let everyone know why they have been praying so hard for our baby.  The anatomy scan revealed a perfect baby all except for a teratoma growing from her tailbone.  Although the doctor gave us a name, Sacrococcygeal Teratoma (SCT), and a lot of scary information, we had no idea what we were truly facing.  Luckily, our doctor at Pinnacle Health was familiar with not only the best children's hospital in the country, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), but one of the doctors who is familiar with this rare birth defect.  Within 4 days of finding out about this horrible news, we were sitting at a conference table with the top doctors and surgeons in the country letting us know what their plan is to help our baby.  Unfortunately, SCTs (like all tumors) are a bit unpredictable and, due to our early diagnosis, there was no way of knowing if our baby would remain healthy until she was developed enough to deliver.  We went from going to occasional ultrasounds at CHOP to weekly ultrasounds as the tumor continued to grow (as they expected it would).  We are still going weekly to keep a very close eye on our baby, but at this point we have (thankfully) made it to to the point that she could survive outside the womb if she is in direct danger.  Although we still have  delivery, surgery, and a NICU stay to endure, we know that the power of prayer truly played (and continues to play) a vital role in our baby's outcome.  If you want to read much more detailed information regarding SCTs, CHOPs site is the best resource to do so.

The Nursery.
So, with all of that being said, we were apprehensive to buy clothes or any baby item since we were unsure of what we were actually facing.  But as time wore on we felt more comfortable making purchases and setting up our nursery.  I love decorating our home, so it felt especially exciting to set up the nursery that our sweet baby could feel at home in and we could feel at peace in.  I didn't have a theme in mind, only that I wanted it to be a beautiful, happy, peaceful space since our pregnancy was anything but.  Our home is primarily decorated in warm, earth tones, so it felt natural to do the same with the nursery.  We settled on a gold/coral/cream/soft warm tones color scheme and, like all of our rooms, the room came together organically with new and old items (some of the decor we actually already had, but didn't fit in other rooms).  We are so excited that the room turned out exactly as we envisioned and I think we even managed to capture the peaceful feeling we were trying to achieve (I've already tested out the glider, which proves fabulous for napping!).

The print in the background of this image has been laying around our house for YEARS and ended up being the inspiration for the entire nursery.  Although I was trying to avoid anything too "princess-y" for the room, I fell head over heals in love with this chandelier-like lamp from Pier One.

I knew I wanted a gold, iron crib, which gives off a certain heirloom-quality feeling to the room.  I found the most amazing crib online at Bratt Decor and ordered it sight unseen.  For an extremely indecisive person (this becomes worse when pregnant) this was a huge, scary step for me.  But when it arrived and we set it up, the crib turned out to be exactly what I dreamed of.  We are extremely grateful to Aaron's parents for gifting us with this incredible crib and hope to pass it down to our kid(s).  The flower print was in a different room, but the colors were TOO perfect not to move to the nursery.  The other prints are simply paper I found at Michaels that corresponded with the color scheme inserted into random frames. (Disclaimer: the prints above the crib are securely attached to the wall and not in danger of falling on our sweet baby).

Even though I realize the crib sheets will probably not remain in their perfect state (clean and free of many bodily fluids) as they are now, I couldn't resist this super sweet gold sheet and crib skirt.  After an extreme amount of internet searching, I found the set at Camden Lane.

Hopefully our baby will appreciate the fact that her Mommy ironed this entire skirt.  As you can imagine, it was not fun.

I am a bit drape-centric and often stress over the perfect window dressings when decorating a new room.  I found the most amazing perfect set of drapes.  Although it turned out to be a slight adventure to secure all 4 panels, I felt like I won a tiny battle when they all went up.

The nursery, as with most rooms in our home, is rather tiny, so I was only able to fit one table in there.  I chose this bamboo side table, which previously belonged to my grandparents, to stack a few books on and other cute things (how could I resist these shoes?!?).  The beautiful cream and gold Lenox frame was picked up for $5 at a yard sale.  I'm a total sucker for the classic beauty of Lenox!  This was especially special to me since it's similar to our Lenox cake serving set that we bought for our wedding.

 The changing table was a great find from a (believe it or not) photographer's downsizing studio sale.  I had to slightly fight for it, but once my competitor realized it was for my nursery she quickly retreated :)  I love the beautiful spindles, but initially didn't think the color would go with my scheme so we (when I say "we" I mean Aaron) planned on painting it.  Turns out the natural wood tone was the perfect color to warm up the room.  Aaron got out of that one unscathed :)  I made the mobile, which hangs above the changing table, from coral and cream colored shells.  And although I was rather against purchasing a diaper pale and spent WAY too much time debating over what is essentially a trash can for smelly diapers, I decided on the Ubbi Diaper Pail.  The white/gold metal clothes tree was a "throw away" from a school that was getting rid of old or outdated items (my favorite things!). This has been in our house for years looking for the perfect spot.  In addition to curtains, the area rugs in our house are always very important aspects to any room.  However, since I already combined several patterns in this room, it was time for a simple pattern. I was pleased to find this rug at Target, which combines the coral/warm color scheme with the simple look I was seeking.  And, finally, my Mom gifted us the incredibly comfortable glider that we painstakingly debated over for HOURS.  

 Although I didn't want to repeat any pattern, I love this subtle polka dot look that pays homage to the crib sheet.

 These prints were the very first thing we hung in the room.  Butterflies felt appropriate since we hope to encourage our baby girl to spread her wings and fly :)

 And, yes, I may have started buying cute little outfits.  My favorite so far are rompers…seriously doesn't get any sweeter :)

Maternity Leave.
I am currently already on maternity leave since we will be delivering at CHOP.  Also, because the SCT can rapidly change even now, we are being closely monitored to ensure our baby stays as healthy as possible in my womb for as long as possible. If something suddenly changes, it's vital we are ready at a moment's notice to deliver her.  I plan on returning to work the end of October and will resume photographing weddings and portraits sessions then.  Between now and then, I am still monitoring email and working remotely, which allows me to set up sessions, working with my clients, and scheduling 2016 weddings - so please don't hesitate to send us an email!

Again, we are forever indebted to everyone who has been thinking of us and her and praying for our baby girl's healthy arrival.  We know we can't ever repay you all, but we plan to pay it forward in any way we can.  We are so anxious to meet our sweet baby girl and can't wait to share the good news with you all when she finally makes her arrival!

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2014 to 2015 Blog Challenge | Year In Review

I love a good new year's goal blog post just as much anyone.  Actually, I love reading everyone else's goals and then hiding in the corner cringing because I have not focused on specific goals as the clock strikes 12 on a brand new year.  So, now that we're halfway through January (what?!), I figured it's time for me to write out a few goals for 2015 as well as reflect on the good, bad, and downright ugly of 2014.

Thanks to my fabulous friend Tina, I have all the questions ready to go!

LOOK BACK
What are you most proud of this year?

When the 2014 wedding season started, I was feeling that my work in 2013 was a little lackluster and boring.  I'm so blessed to have the BEST couples, who were all happy with their wedding day galleries, but for me I knew there was more I could do.  So I decided to step up my game, push myself, try to step outside (like, way outside) my comfort zone, get back to practicing (nobody is perfect and we could all use a little practice) to find who I am as an artist and how I want to approach my work.  Well, it worked.  I'm not saying I every click of the shutter was a prize winning image, but for ME I could see a huge change in my work.  I began to use light in a whole new way and for the first time in a while, I was anxious for the next wedding to see what I could create for my couple while documenting the most important day of their lives.  

What was the biggest risk you took?

I think the biggest risk ties into the previous question.  Using new techniques and applying them amidst all the hustle and bustle of a wedding day can be a bit daunting (which is why it's important to practice them on your husband before the wedding day. Ha!).  Like all things in life, there are safe and easy routes to take, but I wanted to step outside the box at times and look for the unexpected or interesting angle.

What did you learn this year?

I learned that it's important to allocate specific times for work and personal time.  Often the two become intermixed and it's not healthy for anyone.  My business is important, but not as important as my husband or family.  I'm sure everyone who has a job can relate to that.  Don't get me wrong, I love and appreciate ever single one of my clients, but if I don't allow myself to have a life then my work will suffer and I will become unhappy.

What do you wish you had made more time for?

I wish I had more time for time.  Seriously, there is never enough time, especially when running your own business.  Even on days that you're 'off' your brain is still preoccupied with business related items.  After all, this is how I make a living and I need to ensure that I continue to do so :)  

What are 3 highlights (business or personal) of your year?

1. Putting together and shooting my first styled shoot along with many talented vendors that I've met throughout the years.  Not only did it turn out beautifully, but it was published in print and online on a few blogs including The Knot (hello dream come true!)

2. Meeting several new photographer friends!  There are good and bad things in all industries and, likewise, sometimes the photography world can be more competitive than friendly.  So it's always a breath of fresh air to meet someone who has a similar outlook on things.  And, of course, people you can drink wine with at the end of wedding season and share crazy stories with!! ;)

3. As usual, my couples take me to the craziest places for their weddings and engagement sessions!  So a definite highlight would be all the fabulous things I have been able to experience this year (shooting an engagement session on the DuPont family property and a wedding on NYE on the 25th floor penthouse office of Red Tettemer the old home of the Wanamaker family).  Sometimes I wonder if this real?!   

LOOK FORWARD
What “word” do you want to define 2015?

Peace.   I need to learn to be at peace with things.  I know that's extremely broad, but I am way too anxious and worrisome for my own good and I need to understand that you can either worry about living or just LIVE in peace and, ultimately, what will be will be.

What are 3 big goals (business or personal) for 2015?

1. To make my business work for me.  This is how Aaron and I pay some of our bills, so it's vital to make my business healthy and profitable.  I want to work on the profitability even more because when you work 6 days a week, it's pretty important to make sure you're making a little money.
2. I want to read more!  Specifically for pleasure and not work.  I get caught up in reading a lot of business books, but I want to start reading for pleasure so that my mind can be on vacation for that time.
3. To clean up my eating habits.  As well as be more active.  I never make the time for these two things and it's so important to a healthy lifestyle.

What do you want to stop doing in 2015?

Comparing myself to others.  This goes for business and personal.  It's so easy to get wrapped up in the world of looking at what is happening in your friends' lives and then comparing it to yours and feeling inadequate.   But, we all have to be thankful for the blessings that we have in our lives because there are plenty!  In business, it's easy to very quickly become frustrated when comparing the success of someone else who has been in business for 5 years to my own.  But, again, you get out of it what you put in and I know that if I want to grow exponentially then I need to except working twice as much.

What things excite you about the upcoming year?

Wow.  This is a tough one.  If there is one thing I have learned that never fails me, it is that you NEVER know what is around the bend.  There are many exciting things to look forward to this year: travel, fun weddings, vacations, but I have a feeling that I don't yet know what exactly is awaiting us for the coming year.  So we'll see :)

What do you want to learn in 2015?

Honestly, I want to learn how to balance work and life.  Aaron once told me that the key to happiness is balance in your life.  I know this is the unicorn of  all ideas so if I figure it out, I'll share it with you all!



I wish you all a happy, healthy, and successful 2015!!  Thank you to all my 2014 clients for their trust and support and to my 2015 clients: Let's. Do. This.

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Thankful

As I sit here with my kitchen torn apart in preparation for a Thanksgiving Day feast, coffee in hand, while gazing at the snow hitting the ground, I can't help but be overwhelmed by a feeling of thankfulness.  Of course I feel thankful every day for big things in life like family and health, but I often feel so rushed and am literally living Saturday to Saturday that I rarely take a moment to reflect on that thankfulness.

Keeping it real, I would be a liar if I said I didn't complain about the things I am thankful for.  Let me explain.  I love my weekends spent with loved ones.  Who doesn't, right?  But, you see, that is when I have to work.  I'm a wedding photographer and weddings, generally, occur on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.  This has been a difficult transition from working M-F, 9-5.  Ironically, I still work M-F, 9-5 while I edit, shoot portrait sessions, market, or network, and now work on weekends as well.  To add insult to injury, 90% of the work load occurs during the spring, summer, and fall; the best months to enjoy life in the north east.  

However, (and this is a big HOWEVER) I feel completely and utterly thankful and blessed to call myself a wedding photographer.  Although the hours are long and there is rarely a day off in the busy season, I feel so lucky to witness a couples' happiest moments.  I know there are a lot of people in the world who hate going to their jobs every day; whether they can't stand their boss, the hours are unbearable, or the work is just unsatisfying, they hate the daily grind.  Fortunately, I don't feel that way and I realize that makes me incredibly lucky for this season of my life.   I have no idea what the future holds for me and/or my business and, honestly, I am still so thankful every time a bride (or groom) inquires about our services for their wedding day and I am able to do this for another year.

So I learn to enjoy the days I do have with my family.  Like, Thanksgiving Day.  There are a lot of people working tomorrow (which is another story) who may be missing dinner with their family and time with their loved ones.  So knowing that my job, which takes me away most weekends and forces me to miss birthdays, dinners, get togethers, etc., allows me to be home tomorrow makes it all that much more sweeter and special.  And for that, I will be eternally grateful.  

Thank you to the 15 brides and grooms and countless portrait clients who have allowed me yet another year to not only capture their most-important moments, but to realize what I do have to be thankful for.  Ultimately, I'm thankful for all your support.  Without my clients, family, and friends I couldn't be who I am or do what I do everyday and that is something I will always cherish about every one of you.

I hope you can find something to be thankful for this year because every dark cloud has it's silver lining and every person you pass may be fighting a battle worse than yours.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!  And because every post is much better with a photo (or two) here I am with a couple of my faves enjoying that rare, free moment:*

*and because I'm a photographer I have to admit that these images are taken with a phone :)

Enjoying a glass of wine at Hauser Estate with my Mom while celebrating my 31st birthday

A fall day at Longwood with Aaron.

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The Modern Classic | Defining a Style

It's so hard to believe we're nearing the end of January already.  Unfortunately, I've been sick for most of 2014, which has been a huge downer considering the new year is such an exciting time.  Fortunately, however, it's given me much-needed time to reflect.

I'm about to enter my 5th wedding season.  During the past 5 years, I've changed my logo, my website, my camera, and my business cards.  I've learned a lot about photography, have witnessed so many beautiful moments, and met incredible people.  One thing that has remained the same: my desire to document and share a couple's story.  Some may frown on the word document and think it's a little harsh when referring to weddings, but I disagree.  To document is to preserve.  To document is to create evidence that something existed.  To document is to record a memory.  And that is what I do.  

How I document a couple's story is one of the most important parts about me as a photographer.  It's why a bride and groom should hire one photographer over another.   Basically, this comes down to style: every person has one, it's my job to convey my style to you and your job to make sure it matches yours.  After much thought and consideration, I have finally defined, in words, my style:  The Modern Classic.

Classic is timeless . It will never be considered trendy or dated. I don't apply a one size fits all action, preset or filter to my photos.  Your images will look beautiful and relevant to every generation after you. 

Modern refers to keeping the images fresh with new techniques, angles, and creativeness.  

We've been blessed with modern, classic brides and I'm so thankful my couples can recognize their style in my work.  I will continue to photograph weddings (and all photo sessions) in the modern, classic mindset and am thankful to create art that I love while documenting a couple's love story.

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Things You Don't Know About Me | Personal

Shockingly, there is a new trend on Facebook; one of your friends gives you a number and then you are responsible for listing that amount of 'things' that people don't know about you.  Makes sense since we don't always truly know the people we're 'friends' with on Facebook.  Guiltily, I enjoy reading them :)  So I thought it might be fun for my readers to get to know me a little better.

Of course you all know that I love photography.  You know that I love beautiful light, gorgeous couples, and that I'm a sucker for an amazing portrait.  But you probably don't know the following things about me:

1. I was born and raised about an hour outside of Philadelphia in Bucks County.  When I was 12, my parents moved us to a dramatically different location: south central Pennsylvania.  At the time, I hated everything that wasn't what I remembered from the first 12 years of my life.  But as time went by, and especially today, the things I learned, people I met, and experiences I had prepared me for the person I am today.

2. I had NO idea what I wanted to pursue in college.  Originally, it was business, then something medical - both felt wrong.  I graduated from Shippensburg University in 2005 with my B.A. in Communication/Journalism and a minor in English.  It wasn't until I stopped trying to be practical and realized what I am good at that I finally felt right about my education.  Turns out I never had a writing job in my life.   However, thanks to my major, I took a photography class and uncovered a love I never knew I had.

3. I love food.  All of it.  It's a family thing and now Aaron is hooked as well.  We literally plan trips/vacations around which food we'll eat and where.

4. I have a major weakness for guacamole.

5. I'm Catholic.

6. I'm traditional in some aspects and not in others.

7. I believe in quality over quantity.  We live in a 1960s, 1300 sq. ft. ranch home on 1/2 an acre in an amazing neighborhood.  We chose this house for it's workmanship, practicality, beautiful hardwood floors, private backyard with gorgeous views, and custom kitchen.  We could have a bigger house for the same money, but bigger isn't always better and we enjoy our privacy.

8. I love old homes.  It is our dream to own an old home with a barn and beautiful country views.

9. I grew up around horses.  I love horses and started showing them at the age of 8.

10. I used to think that 30 was old.  Now that I'm 30, I think 80 is old.  My hope is that when I'm 80 I will realize that age is just a number and you're only as old as you feel.

11.  Before I was a professional photographer, I worked for my family's moving and storage company from the time I was 19.  I took care of the bookkeeping and general business duties.  My Dad fully trusted me with important details of his business.  When I wasn't bookkeeping or working in the office, I was responsible for employees, trucks, trailers, drivers, meeting with accountants, lawyers, working in the warehouse, working on a moving job, packing people's belongings...everything.  That's how family businesses work and I feel beyond grateful to have learned what it truly means to run a business.  Today, bookkeeping is one of the easiest aspects of my business.

12.  I come from a very proud family.  I've learned that pride can interfere at times, but I've also learned without pride there is no growth.

13.  I don't believe you need to graduate from college to be successful.

14.  I don't believe you need to listen to what everyone is doing to be successful.

15.  I have two older brothers.

16.  My Mom is my best friend.

17.  I don't have a lot of close friends.  I'm very reserved when it comes to my personal life.  I love listening to others, but rarely share too much.

18.  Even though I complain about it, I love working on houses and fixing them up.  When I'm walking our dog, Keira, in the morning, I think about what I would do to other people's homes.

19.  I love magazines, but rarely have time to read them.

20.  Aaron and I only dated for 9 months before we were engaged.  I can't imagine my life without him and I'm so thankful we married young and will be celebrating our 7 year wedding anniversary in April.

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Thirty

It happened and I survived.

For a long time, turning 30 was a daunting thought that would usually end in me shuttering and quickly dismissing it.  I loved my 20s..  After 29, life ends, I thought.  When I look back at that decade of my life, so much happened: college, graduation, fun, work, love, marriage, houses, business, travel, cancer, loss, drama, LIFE.  It's almost unbelievable that so much could be crammed into a seemingly short amount of time.  But what I learned is that it wasn't a short time.  It was 10 years.  Ten years of every event, every emotion thinkable.  MY 20s were an extremely formable time period.  I've never been so happy or so sad, so thankful, so surprised, so stupid, or so smart as my 20s.  And, to be honest, I feel blessed to have a vast array of experiences to pull from.  I know the next 10 years will not be easy, I know there will be hard times, but I also know there will be good times.  In fact, I know how to make the good and bad times better.  What I experienced in my 20s will help me deal with the inevitability that life will happen in my 30s.  I'm not sure I am where I thought I would be at 30.  I wasn't the kid who knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.  Certainly, I didn't think I'd be toting a camera with me all the time ;)  But, that's great.  The minute you start planning, life will throw you a curve ball - I learned.  What might be normal for someone else, may not be your cup of tea.  A lot of my peers have children by 30.  I, obviously, do not.  Is this right?  Is this wrong?  I suppose it depends who you ask.  But it's my normal.  One important thing I realized is that age is a number.  It's not as important as the relationships you cultivate, the time spent with loved ones, or how you choose to make a living.  Surrounding yourself with people who love, support, and cherish you is the most important thing you can do at any age.

Aaron and I decided to check out Middleburg, VA to celebrate my birthday weekend.  It's a super quaint, adorable, sleepy town in Loudon County, Virginia.

We ate at this sweet, little market right in the middle of town.

 Middleburg is surrounded by hundreds of acres of pristine horse farms and vineyards/wineries.  I pretty much died and went to real estate heaven.  

 We enjoyed the day so much and ended with an amazing experience at Vintage Ridge Winery.  Another important thing I learned in my 20s and will continue to love in my 30s: good food and good wine. 

 We ended the weekend with some good ol' birthday cake and family; two things you're never too old to enjoy.  And by midnight on my 30th birthday, I decided that I'm excited to turn 30.  This is going to be a great time in my life. I learned from my mistakes and get to apply all that knowledge.  I'm treating it like New Years Day and have made many resolutions that I can't wait to try out :)

Here's to my 30s.  I can't wait to see what the next decade brings.

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Everybody is Free to Wear Sunscreen

This plays on the radio every year at graduation time.  I heard it in 2001 when I was a senior and it meant something back then.  But I just heard it today, 12 years later, and I can't believe how different those words are to me.  Some of it is already SO true and some of it, I'm sure, will feel even more so in the next 12 years.  If you've never heard it, feel free to read this amazing advice because no matter how old you are it will make you think:

"Wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term
benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis or
reliable then my own meandering experience.  I will dispense this advice....now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, nevermind, you won't understand the power and
beauty of your youth until they've faded, but trust me in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of
yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. 

You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future, or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum.

The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind: the kind that blindsides you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts; don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy.  Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind.  The race is
long, and in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive; forget the insults. (if you succeed in doing this, tell me how).

Keep your old love letters; throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life.  The most interesting people
I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives; some of the most interesting 40 year
olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of Calcium.  

Be kind to your knees -- you'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't.  Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't.  Maybe you'll
divorce at 40; maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.

Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself, either.  Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body: use it every way you can.  Don't be afraid of it or what other people think of it; it's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance...even if you have no where to do it but in your own living room.

Read the directions (even if you don't follow them).
Do not read beauty magazines; they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents; you never know when they'll be gone for good.

Be nice to your siblings: they're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but what a precious few should hold on.  

Work hard to bridge the gaps and geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard.

Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old; and when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you.  Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse, but you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you are 40, it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.  Advice is a form of nostalgia; dispensing it is a way of wishing the past from the disposal--wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts, and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me, on the sunscreen. "

-Baz Luhrman

And because every post is better with a picture...

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Next To Me | Personal

I don't think I have ever or will ever find the words to better describe Aaron than in this song:

You won't find him drinking at the tables
rolling dice and staying out til 3
you won't ever find him being unfaithful
you will find him, you'll find him next to me

You won't find him trying to chase the devil
for money, fame, for power, out of grief
you won't ever find him where the rest go
you will find him, you'll find him next to me

Next to me ooooh
Next to me ooooh
Next to me ooooh
You will find him, you'll find him next to me

When the money's spent and all my friends have vanished
and I can't seem to find no help or love for free
I know there's no need for me to panic
cause i'll find him, i'll find him next to me

When the skies are grey and all the doors are closing
and the rising pressure makes it hard to breathe
well, all I need is a hand to stop the tears from falling
I will find him, will find him next to me

Next to me ooooh
Next to me ooooh
Next to me ooooh
You will find him, you'll find him next to me

When the end has come and buildings falling down fast
when we spoilt the land and dried up all the sea
when everyone has lost their heads around us
you will find him you'll find him next to me

Never in my life have i met someone like him
I'm blown away by his love for me
if you ever wonder where it is you'll find him
you will find him, you will find him next to me

------

"Next To Me" Emeli Sande.  If you don't know this song, you must.  Check out the video.

Aaron turned 30 last weekend and I wanted to write a blog post dedicated to him.  It didn't happen because I was too busy with my studio, my work, my business, my family, me, me, me.  Well, I regret that.  He is the most AMAZING husband a girl could ever ask for.  He works 50+ hours a week tirelessly.  And then, for the last few months, he leaves work and drives to my studio and works for another 3 hours.  He never complains; he knows how important my dreams are to me.  We've had a rough few years with my Dad's Leukemia diagnosis in 2010, him passing away 9 months later, and then the havoc it's wreaked on my family and my family's business.  Through that he has been next to me.  Every second, every hour, every day.  He even learned to shoot weddings because he knew it was important to me.  I truly believe that Aaron is a gift from God and I will cherish every moment we are blessed to spend together.

     

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A Little Bit of This + That | Business/Personal Musings

This time of year always feels the same: cold/dreary/rainy/snowy/whatever.  We're really not indoor people, so the winter can be so stifling.  Thankfully for some good friends, we nabbed an invite to Florida for some warmth and relaxation.  That text couldn't have come at a better time, especially since it was snowing the day we left.  We road tripped it down in Aaron's new car.  I know road trips aren't for everyone, but it gives us time to catch up on life and business.

Late afternoon Florida light is amazing, by the way.

Like all vacations though, they must end.  We felt completely energized and ready to face the rest of the winter :)  It could be spring any day now, however.  And we couldn't wait to see Keira.  We came back to a nice and clean pup with less hair.  Oh, and the adorable scarf is compliments of her groomer :)

And it's a good thing we feel energized because we have 750 sq. ft. of flooring to lay before our sessions start at our new studio.  I love our clients and their trust in us.  The first photos I uploaded to Facebook may not have been very pretty, but you guys were able to see what we did..lots of potential.  We already have an (almost) full two day mini-session event and 2 boudoir sessions scheduled (brides...this is an amazing space for it!!).

The space couldn't have been more perfect.  My must haves were big windows, open concept, brick, wood floors, and an overall industrial feel.  Well, it doesn't get any more industrial than an old manufacturing facility.  So I'd say it worked out perfect.

The space is located downtown Hagerstown, MD and there are other artsy types in the building such as an interior designer, dance/acting studio, advertising company, and a Jiu Jitsu academy in the basement, who I hear may be doing CrossFit there as well.  Hopefully more will be joining us soon :)

 We're tackling the floors ourselves.  If that fails, we will barter photos for floor help :)

 Aaron has been (as usual) amazingly supportive of this new venture.  I love that he loves...well, at least doesn't hate...my sometimes crazy ideas.

And the reason for all this.  

I received this amazing note in the mail today from one of our favorite families and it stopped me.  I just feel so blessed to do what I do and to feel true appreciation for it.  Yes, photography is amazing and a dream career, but it's not always as dreamy as we make it appear, especially when it comes to running a business.  So THANK YOU to our wonderful clients...without YOU, we wouldn't be here.  

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2012 | Year in Review

It's impossible to welcome the new year without looking back and relishing in all that was the previous year.  A year is such a short time in the grand scheme of life, but thinking about it in terms of 'review', so much occurs within those 365 days.

Life-wise, Aaron and I continued doing what we love:

Travel.

Visiting wineries.

Learning about new small towns.

A little home improvement.

And a new family addition.

 Business-wise, this was such an amazing, growing year.  A few of the major highlights include:

A new website and logo.  So much has evolved since the beginning of our business, it was time to tweak our branding and reinvent our website.  

 We decided on letterpress stationery to further convey our company's brand.

The promo video.
Let me preface this by saying I do not like being in front of the camera.  But I really wanted to get myself out there and show my potential clients who is behind the camera.  So I took a deep breath and went full force ahead.  I had the perfect couple for the video.  They are SO comfortable with each other and in front of the camera, plus this wasn't their first rodeo.

Kinda scary, but probably pretty realistic as to how I usually look during sessions :)

 This shot is great.  It shows the true craziness of this shoot.  I had Aaron come along for support, but also to document.  So I couldn't resist this shot of me documenting them documenting me.  And yet my couple STILL rocked it out.

Feel free to check out the final product.

 I'm hoping to work on a new video in the coming year.  It would be more wedding-based and include Aaron :)

Which brings me to the final, best, and biggest change.  Aaron second shot all 17 of our weddings this year.  Last year he assisted me at a few weddings, but never picked up a camera.  With a few lessons, he caught on unbelievably fast and is capable of shooting in full manual.  As a side note, not all photographers who shoot weddings use their camera in manual.  I have since the beginning in order to achieve the look and exposures I want, so I'm extremely proud of him for conquering this task as well.  He has become one of my most important assets.  While I'm documenting the bride getting ready, he's with the guys.  While I'm shooting bride and groom portraits, he's focusing on the details.  While I'm shooting the bride and her bridesmaids, he's with the groom and his groomsmen.  A lot of photographers use second shooters since it alleviates a bit of the time strain weddings seem to incur.  But not all of them get to work as a husband and wife team.  I feel beyond blessed that he has taken so well to shooting weddings.  He supports me, reads my mind, and takes amazing shots.  What more could could I ask for.

Since he's such a huge part of what I do, I decided we needed a few head shots for our website.  I did a session swap with the wonderful Lauren Michaels Photography and couldn't be happier with the final product.  We haven't had professional photos of ourselves in almost 6 years (since our wedding day!).  So it was time :)

Here are a few shots of us working together.  Please keep in mind the havoc shooting weddings can wreak on a girl! 

Did I mention he's easy on the eyes, too?

 The rare engagement session shot.

There you have it - 2012.  It was a wonderful year, but I am even more excited to see what 2013 brings.  I have a short goal list and I figured if I share with you guys then I'll be accountable :)

1. Blog more and blog better.  I definitely want to share way more personal musings on here.  Sessions and weddings are fun to look at, but it's always nice to know who the people behind the pictures are.

2. Even quicker turn around time for all galleries.  We pride ourselves on pretty fast editing, but there's always room for improvement, right?

3. Work on a separate portrait and wedding website.  There was a time when I considered only shooting weddings and no longer families, newborns, children, maternity, etc.  But, seriously, I love documenting ALL aspects of love.  So, instead, I decided I need a separate wedding site with all wedding stuff and a portrait site that is geared more towards families.

4. Continue to work on consistency with my branding and packaging.

5. Continue to grow our business, while focusing primarily on our clients and not concerning ourselves with what others are doing in the industry.  This is a toughie.  It's SO easy to compare yourself to others and forget what makes your business unique.

Stay tuned for our favorite photos from 2012 blog post coming up this week!!

PS: Yes, I REALLY love that striped scarf :)

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