My sweet Ellie was not feeling well yesterday & was running a pretty high fever, so she gets to stay home with me today! Our day will be filled with “Doc McStuffins” marathons, forts, puzzles and overall fun-ness. Yes, she is wearing fleece footie pajamas…in Florida…in July. That’s how she rolls.
I think she’s feeling better…
Deuce is all “Y’all are SO lame.” He’s clearly not impressed with our awesomeness.
I’ve started referring to 2013 as “The year of the 2nd shooter.” Last year, as I struggled through figuring out the in’s and out’s of starting a full-time photography business, I came to the conclusion that I adore wedding photography. I decided that I wanted 2013 to be focused on mainly booking weddings & expanding my experience & portfolio. I prayed for God to send me the perfect clients…clients that would mesh with my personality & style…and so far, He has come through for me with incredible couples. I also prayed that he would bring me 15-20 weddings, so that I could support myself with no other income. Well, if you thought God didn’t have a sense of humor, you’re wrong. This year I have a total of 22 weddings (so far); however, {& here’s where the “funny” comes} 19 of those weddings I am 2nd shooting with other amazing photographers. Guess I should’ve been a little more specific with my prayers.
{For those of you who don’t know what a 2nd shooter is, it means that another photographer hires me to shoot alongside her during a wedding. She is the primary photographer…the phtographer that the bride & groom hired…and I am the 2nd photographer. My job is to catch a different perspective throughout the day, ensuring that no moment is missed.}
While this was not what I initially thought I wanted for 2013, it turns out that this is the absolute best scenario & exactly what I need. I am able to work alongside some incredible photographers, gaining invaluable experience & expanding my portfolio with gorgeous weddings. It also allows me to experience what a full wedding season will feel like, without the extreme pressure of being the primary photographer. It’s perfect. It’s allowing me to see what this job will be like so that I know without a doubt that it’s what I want to do…and so far, I’m in love!
The one and only drawback of being the 2nd shooter is not being able to immediately share my images from the day. I have to wait until the primary photographer has delivered her images to the couple & gives me the green light. It’s kinda tortuous, but totally worth it.
Here is one of my favorite images from this year’s first wedding, back in April, with Elle Danielle Photography. (The full post is coming later this week!)
Wearing a hand-me-down wedding gown is not something that most brides want to do. It is definitely rarer to find a bride these days who chooses to wear a generational gown; however, I think there is something so magical…so special about wearing a gown that has been cherished by the generations of women in your family. Having that unique piece of history as a part of your wedding makes it so much more special.
A tradition that I never knew existed, but have since fallen head over hills in love with now that I know, is the tradition of monogramming the inside of your wedding gown. Everyone knows that southern girls LOVE a monogram…heck, we pretty much monogram everything we own, so this lovely tradition just knocks my socks off! For those brides who choose to wear their mama’s (or grandmama’s) gown, this special touch serves as a beautiful reminder of who has worn the dress before you.
I’m in love.
So, if you’ve never considered wearing your mama’s wedding gown, maybe you should think again!
How many of you have ever been on a blind date? {raises hand…twice} Now, how many of you have ever been on a blind date that ended in a love connection? {…crickets…} Right. It’s a rare occurrence to meet a couple that had their beginning on a blind date, but I’ve met that couple and they are amazing together!
Alicia and Alex met on a blind date & luckily for them, that 1st meeting at the $1 movie theater was just the beginning of a beautiful, loving relationship. Now, they are planning their gorgeous fall wedding this October & I couldn’t be happier to get to work with such a sweet couple.
Alex’s sister & her family live on an amazing piece of land, so when Alicia suggested we shoot their engagement photos there, I was thrilled! Even though I left the session with the worst case of allergies I’ve ever experienced, it was well worth the sneezing and itchy eyes.
Alicia & Alex, y’all were amazing and I can’t wait for your wedding!
I’m a little obsessed with these gorgeous horses!
Alicia’s mother made this quilt…isn’t it beautiful?! It was the perfect touch.
These bulls were NOT happy to have us in their space.
It’s flattering every time someone asks me to photograph their wedding, but it’s even more so when it’s a destination wedding. I absolutely love to travel, so to be able to do so for such an incredible reason is amazing!
The 1st time I met Chrissy & MJ was during their engagement session, when they drove all the way to Birmingham from Georgia…just to have me take their photos. It totally rocks my world & blesses me so much to have amazing clients who care about, respect & value my work & our relationship so much, that they are willing to {quite literally} go the extra mile just to work with me. It makes it that much more fun & exciting to do the same for them! {Don’t get me wrong, I ADORE every single one of my clients and love going above & beyond to serve each of them to the very best of my ability.}
The day was gorgeous. Clear blue sky, sugar white sand, turquoise water & a perfectly cool breeze. It was the kind of day you dream of…the perfect day for the perfect couple. Angela, with AMB Events, did an incredible job planning and coordinating everything & I am so honored to have had the opportunity to work with her!
Chrissy & MJ, I can’t even begin to express my gratitude to you for giving me the honor of photographing your wedding. I’m blessed beyond measure to know you. I wish you both a lifetime of love & happiness! xoxo
To view the entire gallery and purchase prints, click here! (http://emilydeanphotography.pass.us/chrissyandmj)
Ann N. Griffin - Deuce wants a turn on the mini-trampoline!