Second Shooting

When I first decided to take the plunge and start my photography business, I swore up and down and around in circles that I would never, ever, EVER shoot a wedding.  I was a bride once, and I remember how important those pictures were to me.  I remember that I didn't meet my wedding photographer until the day before the wedding, and Drew told me not to worry because "he shoots for Sports Illustrated and National Geographic".  I remember the panic that I had because those aren't even remotely close to wedding at all.  However, my fears were ridiculous and Brad did an even better job than I could have ever imagined.

But, I still know how important those images are.  I remember walking up the next morning and realizing that I could hardly remember the day before.  I wanted to see my pictures so badly so that I could try to arouse some of my memory of that day.  We received our pictures a few weeks later and I loved being able to walk through that day as I scrolled through the images.

I always said that I never wanted to be a wedding photographer.  A wedding photographer gets one chance to nail the shot.  The first kiss as husband and wife?  That only happens once!  The moment when they are announced as husband and wife and they beam with love and joy?  That only happens once!

What if I were their photographer and someone walked in front of me during one of those big moments?  What if I didn't meter correctly and my image was blown out or too dark?  What if my focus was off?  What if my camera suddenly decided it hated me and died?  What if I missed their big moment and they had no image to look back on and smile in joy and remembrance?

I just couldn't take that pressure!

So, I swore that I would never photograph weddings.  And I stand by that.

But then, I was talking to Kristen, the photographer who has done all of our photos since my maternity photos.  She asked me if I would ever be interested in second shooting with her.  I told her that I would entertain the idea, as long as I was not responsible for all the important images.  We discussed it a little bit and she asked me to second shoot with her at a wedding in the beginning of October.  I've been a little terrified thinking of it, but knew that it was still a ways off.

Then, she messaged me earlier this week.  She asked me if I was available to second shoot with her this weekend.  My heart leaped into my throat and I panicked.  I didn't have hardly any time to prepare, but she reassured me that she would take care of the hard stuff and that I was there for all the peripherals.  So, I agreed.

And that's how I second shot my first wedding yesterday.  I was so terrified as I drove there.  Of course, once I took out my camera and started shooting, all the anxiety started to melt away.  I know how to use my camera.  (The flash is a different story!)  I just relied on what I knew and gave my best effort.

I quickly skimmed through my images before I sent them over to Kristen and they weren't awful.  There were a bunch of pretty good ones.  There were also a bunch of pretty crappy ones, but hey, it was my first time shooting in that situation!  I definitely learned a lot and will need to work on improving.  I had such a great time second shooting and I actually really, really want to do many more. Of course, it was awesome to get out of the house for a while!

Now today, I have the biggest blisters on my feet from wearing brand new shoes and being on my feet more than I have in a long time.  Next time, I definitely won't be wearing new shoes!

Real Life Fairytale

The world has been buzzing about this day since Prince William and Catherine Middleton announced their engagement back in November.  I know that I have been looking forward to it.  I wasn't born yet when Prince Charles married Lady Diana back in 1981, so I was ecstatic to be able to witness such a piece of history this time.

Since I don't have a typical job anymore, I've really gotten myself into a weird sleep pattern.  I usually don't go to bed until 2 or 3 AM and then wake up somewhere between 10 AM and noon.  I know, I'm such a slacker, aren't I?  I got into bed by about 2 AM this morning and was listening to the TV as I played Solitaire on my phone to get myself tired.  I found some Royal Wedding coverage that started at 2:30 AM, so I did what any obsessed person would do; I turned it on.  Even though I had already set the DVR to record the event.  Nothing beats watching it live, right?  Well, as soon as I started watching the coverage, I knew that there was no way that I would be able to shut it off and go to sleep, even though I had a busy day today.  So, I stayed up all night and watched it! 

It was so exciting to watch this event happening live.  I am still so in love with everything wedding and would get married again in a heartbeat.  (To the same man, of course!)

There was so much speculation over Kate's dress, and the world was not disappointed.

Personally, it wasn't my style.  I loved the lace, and I think she looked absolutely stunning in it.  However, the bra cups ruined it for me.  They looked pointy and awkward to me.  Her veil and tiara were magnificent.

I can only imagine the nerves that she had before making her long walk down the aisle.  And she had such a long walk, I heard someone say that it took her 4 minutes.  Crazy!

The ceremony lasted about an hour.  Prince William and Kate exchanged vows and he gave her a ring.  After some readings, blessings, and music, they went to a private room to sign the marriage registry.  After that, they exited Westminster Abbey.  No first kiss!!  I'm betting that they snuck a kiss back in the private room.  At least, I would have.

The newlyweds rode in a carriage to Buckingham Palace, where a reception was being hosted by the Queen.

Speaking of the Queen, doesn't she look stunning in yellow!

After a short break, where I fell asleep for about an hour, the newlyweds emerged on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to greet the public.  And share their first kiss!

There is another reception this evening, and Kate changed gowns.  Personally, I like this one much better.

Today was truly a real life fairytale.  A common girl became a Duchess, a Princess, the future Queen of England.  I loved being able to watch this event today and I'll love being able to look back on it and remember.

Busy Weekend

I had a very busy weekend.  On Saturday, Drew and I went to his cousin's wedding.

Brad, who is Drew's cousin and was the photographer for our wedding, was the photographer for this wedding.  It was great to catch up with him.  The ceremony was at a beautiful church in Aurora.  I think it was one of the quickest ceremonies I have ever seen.  No complaints here though!

After the ceremony, there was a receiving line.  We met the bride's parents for the first time.  When Drew introduced me to her mom, she said, "Well, you look like you're about 12".  I know that people don't mean it bad, but it really is rather insulting.  People could at least say that I look legal :)

The reception was held at a beautiful golf club.  We were dubbed the "cool table" and we really had a great group of people.  They were all new people and we definitely made new friends.

This is Charlotte, me, and Ali.  Charlotte and Ali are from Tennessee and Ali has known Rob (the groom) for many years.  Rachel and her husband, Noah, were also at our table.  Seriously, such fun people.  During dinner, I decided to try a little White Zinfandel, basically because the color of it looked pretty.  Who knew that it tasted so good!?!  I had three glass of wine that night, which is about two more glasses than I usually have.  I was feeling good!

I looked over during dinner and saw Ibrahim snuggled up on Brad.  He was so sleepy and looked adorable trying to sleep.

Sunday, I went to Amanda's baby shower.  I'm lame, and didn't take any pictures.  Frankly, it was hard for me.  I really hope that I'm at least pregnant at the next baby shower that I attend.

The other Drew is in town this week with his family, so after the shower, I met up with everybody (Drew was already with them) and we hung out for awhile.  Emma is talking up a storm and I can't believe that she's going to be 2 in a couple of months.  Where does the time go?

Angela and Cody's Wedding

Last weekend, Drew and I made the trek up to Green Lake, Wisconsin for Angela and Cody's wedding. I had never been a bridesmaid, so I was so excited for this first. Drew and I left late Friday morning so that we would have some time to relax before the rehearsal. My period decided to show up Friday afternoon, even though my chart said that I would start on Sunday. I knew that it was coming though from my temps. I spent the whole weekend so sick. I have no idea how I got through it. I was nauseous, and in pain, and just miserable. I put on such a brave face and I don't think that anybody really knew how crappy I felt.

The rehearsal and dinner went very well. Saturday dawned and was a gorgeous day! All of us girls started our day out at the salon to get our hair done.
The back of my hair. I loved the way it turned out!

After I got my hair done, and while Angela was getting hers done, I played with the macro settings on my camera.

Not only was I a bridesmaid, but I was a makeup artist too. Multi-tasker!Angela's flower girl and her mom. Isn't she adorable!

The bride and her father.

Me, Cody's mom, Cody's grandma, and Cody's sister-in-law

The groom! I think he looks a little nervous. What do you think?

Mr. and Mrs!!!

Minus the fact that I was so sick all weekend, I had such a great time! I loved being a part of all the wedding festivities. I wish nothing but happiness to the newlyweds and a long life filled with many blessings.

Our Wedding Album

Drew and I have had our wedding album since mid-February, but I've kind of procrastinated from posting the pictures of it because I wanted my family to see it first. I was finally able to show my mom and sister this weekend, so without further ado:

These are the proofs that I viewed in order to finalize the album. They were sent to my email as small files so that's why they're so small here. Our album is from Zookbinders, which is the newest and greatest of wedding albums. The pages actually have the pictures on them. This way, our album is safe from the aging of the old albums. My only complaint about the album is that there is no engraving on the front. The inside cover has our photographer's company, which I'm very happy about. But to have the cover completely blank? Ugh!!

I'm very, very pleased with our album. I absolutely love how Brad's graphic designer arranged the pictures and used fading techniques. I honestly could look through it over and over again.

Introducing.....

THE NEW MRS!!!!