I haven’t watched that much TV since then (good thing), but some other shows that have had the same affect include Dexter, Breaking Bad and last but not least The Walking Dead. I like to think since The Walking Dead was filmed in Atlanta I have an excuse to watch it, but in all honesty I’m fascinated with the idea of going back to the basics. Daniel and I have conversations about our “game plan” if anything like that were to ever happen, where we would take refuge and how we would meet our basic needs. It’s wild I know, but it provides for some pretty interesting conversation.

Have you ever had a show or a book that you just couldn’t stop watching/reading? Don’t even get me started on the Hunger Games, I wish there were more than just three books!

A lot of couples have never been professionally photographed and they have no idea what to expect. It’s scary to be in front of a camera when you aren’t used to it! Having this time together really allows me to get to know a couple and understand the way that they move together. Not only do they become more comfortable in front of a camera, but it also gives me the opportunity to figure out how they look the best together.

When the wedding day finally arrives I am able to show up as a friend, not just a hired hand. Couples are more comfortable with my presence and when it comes down to the emotional moments I like to think they totally forget that I am there. It’s a win-win for everyone and I like to think couples enjoy their sessions as much as I do.

Whatever the reason, I started looking for other things to listen to. History Channel 2 was great for a while, but then I discovered Audible.com. This website is amazing. Not to long ago I bought a book on CD’s (not just one CD, but 4) and I realized as I was slipping them in and out of the CD player that Daniel would be ashamed. I have a bad habit of sticking with things that I know well and I didn’t think twice about the fact that I could have just purchased the downloadable version. Not smart, my laptop won’t even play DVD’s.

Audible.com is a great resource for books. I love listening to business/self-help books while I work (I’m a dork, I know) but it really makes a difference. There are so many beneficial tidbits that I pick up along the way, not only for my business, but for everyday life. So many phrases strike a cord with me and inspire me to push myself further. I’m probably way behind the curve on discovering this, but I just thought it might be worth sharing!

- We spent Friday Evening listening to the Avett Brothers and running around in the rain. Okay, the running around in the rain isn’t as glamorous as you might be imagining. We had lawn seats and Daniel and I made the decision that taking our rain jackets would be to much of a hassle to lug around and we paid for it! When we finally got home our clothes were soaked! Lesson learned, always bring a rain jacket if rain is in the forecast!

- Daniel enjoys a good yard sale as much as I do. On Saturday we found the perfect little sofa/ lounge for the office and spent the rest of the day roaming around looking at houses. We aren’t ready to buy a house just yet, but scoping places out has really given us a good idea of the style of home we would love to have one day.

- Sunday mornings spent at Lowe’s and Home Depot make me feel like I am all grown up. We finally found the perfect plant for a big pot we have on our front porch and replaced one of the plants that I killed. Fingers crossed that I can keep the new ones alive!

Because every post is better with a picture, here is a little peak into the office!

 Yes, I did take this picture myself and it took forever!!!

The day started with Amanda putting on her final touches and right as we were leaving the hotel for Kinderlou rain started to pour down. It didn’t phase her one bit though, as long as she got to see Judson she was happy. As soon as these two saw each other it was all smiles and so much love!

Amanda and Judson your wedding was absolutely gorgeous and I can’t say thank you enough for including me in it all. Your friends and family filled your day with so much love! I am so excited for everything that is ahead of you and I hope you are having the best time on your honeymoon!!!

Venue: The Ravine at Kinderlou | DJ: DJ Carlos | Wedding Gown: Maggie Sottero

We originally planned to use an area of Epworth used for disc golf, but our plans quickly changed due to a local concert. The funnest things come up sometimes, but it didn’t phase us one bit! We ended up finding a location that was even better than our original plan. A little bit of Epworth and a little bit of the St. Simons Marina and we were good to go!

Rachel and I were in the same fine arts program at college and every time that she talked about Joseph I just knew she loved him. They have been together for so long and when I found out that they were engaged I was secretly hoping that she would ask me to photograph their wedding. I just love these two together and I am so thankful that I was able to catch up with them this weekend! Rachel and Joseph thank you for making the trip to St. Simons, I am so excited for your wedding!!!

Callie and Sammy joined us for the first half of the session, these two cuties were all over the place having fun!

I love this shot of the their pups!

Rachel you are so gorgeous!

- My sister graduated with her Bachelor’s of Education Degree this past Saturday and I am so proud!

- The past few Saturdays have been pretty rainy so I felt the need research why rain is considered a good thing on a wedding day. It turns out that rain symbolizes blessings, cleansing, unity, fertility and a new day, all things that you would love to have associated with your wedding day.

- I spent the first half of Sunday morning exploring Jekyll Island by bicycle and it was glorious!

- There are so many things that need to get done this week, but I am not going to worry. Every single day is such a blessing and I don’t want to take a second for granted.

Happy Monday Ladies, I hope it is a great one! Xoxo!

In case you were wondering who this handsome guy is, he’s my brother!  P.S. Please ignore my awkward hand in the photo

1. Kelly Moore Bag – I LOVE this bag! Not only is it an amazing camera bag that keeps my gear protected, it is super cute too! If I ever want to bring my camera along on a date night or to visit family it’s not a problem. There are so many perfect little pockets so I have a place for everything!  It has a great cushion piece on the inside that you can take out if you ever decide you would like to use it as a normal purse or maybe even a super cute diaper bag? We’re not expecting I promise! I just think this bag has a million different uses!

2. Cardigans – Every girl needs at least a few of these? Right?!? When I told Daniel that I was going to wear a cardigan at our wedding he loved the idea. He said he thought of cardigans as my staple (of course he used some other man word), but needless to say when Daniel thinks of me, he thinks cardigans. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not…

3. Lindt Chocolate - Everyone loves chocolate, but Lindt Chocolate is especially delicious! If you haven’t tried it I recommend that you go and buy a bag right now. You won’t regret it.

4. Mirrors – When I was a little kid my mom put mirrors all over our house and I’ve realized it rubbed off on me. I love mirrors and the light that they reflect. As Daniel and I continue to decorate our cozy little condo I am always drawn to mirrors. I want to put them everywhere!

5. Coffee Cups – I recently stumbled upon a gorgeous C-Wonder Coffee Mug at Goodwill and snatched it up for $1.50. It’s pretty and makes my coffee even more delicious.

6. Bare Minerals – I’ll be honest, I probably only put on makeup two or three days out of the week. I love getting dressed up, but during the work week there just isn’t much of a need for it. Daniel and my really close friends are generally the only people I see Monday- Thursday and they don’t mind seeing me in my natural state. When I do wear makeup I love Bare Minerals, it’s perfect for someone like me. It gets the job done, but it isn’t overwhelming!

When Daniel and I got married I printed ALL of our family portraits. Okay, I did print a ton of other photos too! But our family portraits are the ones that are displayed most often at our parents houses and our siblings. That just seems to be the natural way of things and I’m sure it’s like that for most of my couples too. Wedding are the perfect time to get family photos, because really when will your entire family be in one place looking super spiffy again? Probably not until another family wedding!

I used to have the idea that family portraits should always be taken at the alter of the church. I thought it was the norm because that is what I saw at all of my friends houses, their parents standing behind the cake and at the alter. It seemed to be the only two wedding photos that were ever out of display. It’s not to say that those photos aren’t important, if you have your heart set on family photos at the alter that is fine!!! I’m just here to make a recommendation for all of those brides out there that are looking for something with a bit more pizazz! 

When you have the opportunity to take family portraits outside I recommend that you take advantage of it! They so much fun! When people are outside they feel so much more relaxed, they are much more likely to grab each other for hugs and kisses and really be themselves. Not to mention the light is pretty nice too! There is also more space to move around making it a relaxed environment.

I had to include this one because it is so much fun! Rachel’s been doing a “dog pile” photo with her siblings since they were kids so it was only appropriate that they do it at her wedding!

I hope that someone finds this helpful! Don’t ever feel like you have to stick to something just because it is the “norm”. Do what works best for you and your handsome groom!