Wedding Day Timelines | Bridal Business

I will be the first to admit, I am serious, all in, "Type A" personality -- organization is my second love. Think I'm exaggerating? My movies and books are all arranged in alphabetical order. The shirts in my closet are first arranged by color and then by sleeve length within color. I keep a calendar for personal, work, and blogging, a to-do list on my phone, and a day planner, that way I am never without one of them! It may be a tad overzealous, but it's what keeps me sane. 

This obviously held true on my wedding day as well. I had an Excel spreadsheet that detailed every 15 minutes from 10:00am to 10:00pm. No, not just for me. For myself, Rob, my parents, the bridal party, guests, and all vendors. To an outsider, this DEFINITELY sounds a tad overzealous, but to the right person this can be a dream (or nightmare). We didn't have a wedding planner, so my mom and I were doing everything ourselves. This timeline was my way of being in control without having to actually be in control! That sounds like it doesn't make sense, but listen... The more I planned in advance and spoke with vendors and family, the more I was able to let go on the day of because I already trusted that everything would be done according to the timeline. And you know what? It worked! With the exception of my mom's speech (which never actually made it's way to the timeline... see!), we didn't miss anything. 

I've said it once and I'll say it a million times (no matter how cliché) -- your wedding day goes by in the blink of an eye. ENJOY IT! The easiest way to ensure this happens it to coordinate with your vendors regarding what you want to see happen and when on your special day! It definitely does not need to spell out every 15 minutes, but be sure to include all major events. Here are a few tips when planning out your timeline:

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Burger Bar | What's Cooking Wednesday

I feel like I'm cheating a little bit because today's post isn't an actual recipe, more of an idea -- but it's kind of an awesome idea, so it counts, right? Right. Anyway, so Rob and I were having some friends over for an end-of-summer dinner and couldn't decide what to make. We wanted something that was easy to pull together but universally loved. Enter: burgers. Definitely on my top five list of favorite foods. It reminds me of that episode of Friends when everyone finds out that Ross doesn't like ice cream -- if you don't like burgers, never tell anyone, it's un-American!!

The key to a successful burger bar is to have a ton of variety. You absolutely want to include all the usual suspects, but also think outside the box to include some unique options; that is what will truly set your burger bar apart! You also want to have options that appeal to all eaters -- some may be vegetarians, some may be picky eaters, etc -- It may make your list a bit long, but in the end everyone will be happy. 

Speaking of long lists, don't forget to include side dishes! We got so wrapped up in what toppings we were going to buy for the burgers that we almost forgot to think of sides. We went Mango Baked Beans and Loaded Baked Potato Salad. 

Here are some of my favorites! I didn't include all of these, but they will at least get you started. Check out some of the pictures of how it all turned out!

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Georgetown Engagement Photographer | Katie & Matt

Where to begin!? Katie and I were college roommates at JMU and have an endless amount stories... stories that are probably best kept buried in the apartments at Sunchase. We shared everything from closets and beauty tips to secrets and relationship advice. Katie and I are so much alike and yet I've never found it hard to get along with her as she is a kind, giving, and loving friend. I graduated a year early and we parted ways then, but have kept in contact over the years. Any time we talk or see each other it's like no time has passed, we can pick up right where we left off. But, this post is about Katie and her fiance, not me! So moving on...

Katie interned at Georgetown during the summer after her Junior year at JMU. Matt, a recent PSU grad, was also interning in the city during this time and heard that there were a couple of "cute" girls who moved in next door. Upon their initial meeting, they actually did not hit it off; Matt thought Katie was a little bit too serious and even a bit mean! When they finally had a chance to sit down and chat a few weeks later, they realized that they both had family/grew up near the same small town in PA and their relationship took off from there. 

As many relationships go, it wasn't easy, of course. Katie had to head back to school to finish up her Senior year while Matt stayed in DC. They were able to spend a year together after graduating but were again separated when Katie moved to Philly to pursue her passion of becoming a nurse anesthetist. Matt now works for Under Armour in Baltimore, which has eased the commute quite a bit, but it is still a (wonderful) challenge. After getting married in May 2016, they plan to make their home in DC. 

We shot their session in Georgetown as it holds a special place in their relationship. We somehow managed to dodge any rainstorms and ended up with some beautiful images on this overcast day. Enjoy some of my favorites!

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Katie Nesbitt Photography Workshop | Events

Back when I first started photography, I was interested in signing up for a workshop to expand my knowledge base. I knew that I didn't want a typical college classroom set up; I was looking for something that would speak to the direction I wanted to move my business in and learn from someone whose work I was already a fan of. Welp, enter Katie Nesbitt -- she announced a workshop that was covering all business aspects from marketing, to blogging, posing and everything in between. I knew it would be perfect and signed up immediately!

I'll be honest, I was a little bit nervous! I could tell everyone else attending had a bit more experience than I, and I didn't want to be "That Person" asking a million questions everyone else already knew.  All my fears were immediately dispelled when I walked through the doors of Old Metropolitan Hall in Charlottesville. Katie is so kind and welcoming, it felt like I had known her for years. Then she admitted that she was nervous and I just felt relief wash over me! No matter what stage we were in, we were all in the same boat, all people who wanted to support one another.

I learned SO much in just a few short hours with her; I felt like I wanted to get home as soon as possible and just completely revamp my processes. Not to mention the styled shoot put together by Kat from Dear Sweetheart Events was to die for (more on that coming soon)!! To fellow photographers: jump on Katie's workshop next time she offers it, you will not be disappointed! Check out some images of our day below!

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Spicy Dr. Pepper Ribs | What's Cooking Wednesday

Okay, I should probably preface what I'm about to talk about. So as you all might know, Rob and I have a very energetic, 2-year old pup named Granger (more about her  here). To keep her a bit -- subdued -- we have to walk her... A LOT. I'm talking up to 5 miles a day; a long one in the morning and evening, and a short one in the afternoon during lunch. It took a long time to get used to, but now I kind of love it. The morning walk is usually alone, time to prep myself for the day to come. The evening one is time for Rob and I to unwind and talk. Sometimes, though, we get on really weird topics -- I mean we spend hours and hours walking/talking a week, so it's bound to happen, right!?

Anyway, so one day we were walking and Rob asked, if you could only have one kind of meat (poultry, pork, or beef) for the rest of your life, which would you pick? So silly, but also kind of fun if you think about it! We debated back and forth; first I decided poultry because I'm obsessed with turkey (obviously the best deli meat) -- I mean what would Thanksgiving be with out it? But Rob kindly reminded me that without pork there would not be any bacon -- because let's face it, turkey bacon isn't bacon.  How about beef though -- no real hamburgers? Or steaks on the grill? That's the best part; you know this would never actually happen, so it's kind of funny going over different scenarios and what you would or wouldn't be able to live without!

All of this is to say, these ribs are phenomenal -- I couldn't never give up pork because it would mean having to live without these! What's one meat based dish that you couldn't live without!?

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Early Mountain Vineyard Wedding Photographer | Katie & Andrew

I had an amazing opportunity to second shoot with Ali (from Alisandra Photography -- she is awesome, check her out!) a few weeks ago at Early Mountain Vineyard in Madison, VA. This place is an absolute dream for a photographer -- multiple barns, sweeping fields, rows and rows of vines, and an interior that Ali and I agreed looked like a brighter Great Hall from Harry Potter. 

The week leading up to the wedding was a bit nerve-wracking -- many DC area photographers on Facebook were in a mini-panic looking for areas to shoot indoors as an impending storm was due to hit the area Friday night and not leave until Sunday. I remember how awful that feeling can be as a bride, as it was supposed to rain on our day as well -- you plan this huge event over a year in advance with, of course, no idea what the weather will be like when it finally arrives. You hope, and even pray, that everything goes smoothly but it's completely out of your hands. 

Well after all the worry, it ended up not raining during Katie + Andrew's day! We made it through getting ready, portraits, the ceremony, and cocktail hour without even a drop. By the time sunset rolled around, the sun peeked out of the clouds for a quick hello just before setting. Thank you, Ali, for allowing me to second shoot with you; the wedding was a blast and I am so grateful to have been a part of it!

Lead Photographer | Alisandra Photography
Venue | Early Mountain Vineyard

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Blue Jacket Brewery Photographer for AWP | Events

The Association of Wedding Professionals (AWP) is made up of a variety of wedding professionals in the Washington DC metro area.  They host either a networking or learning event for members on a monthly basis. Past events have included trips to Wedding Wire headquarters in Maryland, social networking, and industry speakers from across the country. 

Becoming a member is a prestigious honor only bestowed upon those who have set the highest standards within the wedding community of DC. A minimum of two years and 24 weddings is required to even be considered for acceptance. As someone who is somewhat new to the industry, I was humbled to have the opportunity to interact with such seasoned, knowledgeable professionals. I was there as the photographer for the yearly "fun" event that was held at Blue Jacket Brewery in DC on the waterfront, complete with delicious food, a photo booth, and an impressive brewery tour.

A huge "thank you!" goes out to Karen Berl from RSVP Events in Stafford, VA for helping me secure this fantastic opportunity! Also to Tyler Fitzhugh, VP of AWP and owner of Voila Event Studio, for being so welcoming during my first experience with AWP. I cannot recommend this group enough -- anyone in the wedding profession should look in to attending one of their upcoming events. 


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Salmon Tacos with Jalapeno Cream | What's Cooking Wednesday

What's quick, easy, and delicious all over? Okay, that was really lame -- but come on, you at least smiled a little bit at the cheesy-ness of it, right? Anyway, ending poor attempt at food humor now...

I LOVE when I hear from someone that they made a recipe from this series; it makes me feel like I'm actually helping. I know it isn't usually my most popular post of the week -- you're following me for photography, after all, not recipes, so I can't say I blame you -- but I'm hoping it grows! 

I always try to keep the recipes easy and give you non-cookers tips a long the way. I know not everyone has hours to put dinner together; I mean seriously, I truly know that. I still commute to DC during the week and the last thing I want to do when I get home is spend 45 minutes in the kitchen. This recipe, though, is so super simple, you can have dinner ready in under 10 minutes!  Serve with some rice and voila -- a healthy, quick meal! It literally doesn't get easier than this!

One little tip: Almost any time a recipe uses cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, etc -- I use the low-fat or fat free version! With so many other spices in the recipe, you barely notice a difference. I'll caution you against this in baking, however, unless you are a bit more practiced -- it can alter the consistency more easily than in cooking so you have to know when and where you can make substitutions.


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Manassas Battlefield Park Photographer | The Smiths

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of shooting with sweet little Alyssa and her mom and dad. We met up at Manassas Battlefield Park on what looked like it was going to be a rainy day; the clouds opened up right before our session and began to let in a little light! We had such a fun session, roaming around the empty fields, meeting some furry pups, and celebrating the second birthday of Alyssa!

I've said it a million times, but there is truly no feeling like seeing joy on a child's face -- so innocent and pure, you know they are happy just because they are happy, no other reason needed! There were times during our session when Alyssa would just squeal and jump, making us all crack up; I'm so grateful that I was able to catch some of those special moments so they can remember them forever. 

At the end of the day, that's really what this job is all about -- cherishing memories and freezing moments in time. I feel so fortunate that I get to share this passion with others and put a smile on their face as they look back over the coming years. Whether it's something as big as a wedding or just a day strolling through the park, each event is as important as the next in the eye of the beholder. I am so blessed to get to do what I love with such fantastic clients!


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Portland | Personal

I wasn't really sure where to start this post. To be honest, we only really spent one day exploring Portland even though we were there for 5 nights – Portland was our “base” for the majority of those in between trips. In the end, it kinda worked out perfectly – there isn’t an overwhelming about of sights to see in the city, but there IS entirely too much good food. That’s where my head goes every time I think of Portland, so that’s what I’ll tell ya about  :)

I have a little deal with myself that, on vacation, I can be a bit wasteful when it comes to food as long as I’m trying new things – meaning if I don’t want to fill up on an entire sandwich so I can try something else later, that’s okay! I mean, chances are, I’ll probably never go back to Portland, so why not soak up as much as possible while I’m there!?  Well, eat we did! Pecan maple bacon, blackberry cake batter ice cream, chicken biscuits with apple butter on – you name it, I probably ate it. And everything was SO GOOD. I didn’t not like a single thing we tried, which almost makes me want to go back again just to eat (jk – sort of…)!  In true tourist fashion, we finished off the trip with some Voodoo Doughnuts which we both agreed were amazing!

I’m actually kind of bummed that this vacation mini-series is coming to an end -- It’s been a fun way to relive the trip (at least for me!).  I’m sure I’ll end up scrapbooking this in a few months (I am always, always behind on that) and will get to relive it again, but it won’t be the same as writing down the funny, or not so funny, stories! Anyway, y’all know I can’t stop moving, so hopefully I’ll be writing about another new place soon!!

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Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding | What's Cooking Wednesday

Cinnamon roll bread pudding... do I even need a narrative for this post after typing those words? Or is it one of the 'drop the mic' situations? I'm feeling the latter, but since it's a blog and all, I'll still write a bit :) Where to begin? This dish is so many amazing things in one... 

First of all, it's a casserole which means it's HUGE! Easily can work as 2 dinners or serve up to 8 people, which is awesome. One less meal you need to make that week, right? We always have leftover night on Thursday, but this is one of those times that I'm not really dreading it! 

Second, it's SO easy!! Seriously, you just have to rip up some cinnamon rolls, mix together a few ingredients, pop it in the oven and then bam -- one hour later you have an amazing casserole ready to go. The recipe calls for 6-7 cups of cinnamon rolls; I like to buy 2 cans of Pillsbury Grands (Cinnabon variety, obviously) and bake them up the night before, leave them out overnight, and then in the morning they are perfect. You want the bread to be a little hard/stale because it will soak up the liquid mixture better, otherwise you may find it a little soggy. 

I mentioned it once here, but breakfast for dinner is the very best -- and this dish is no exception. You do have my permission to make it for breakfast/brunch though, if you wish :)
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Third Anniversary Session | Personal

A little tradition that Rob and I started after getting married was taking pictures every year on our anniversary; I can't even remember how it started because it wasn't as popular a few years ago as it already has grown to be today -- I must have gotten a really pretty new dress I wanted to wear or something! Over the past three years it has definitely evolved into something much more meaningful than we realized at the onset (but yes, pretty dresses are definitely still involved!). 

One interesting thing about these sessions is that every year so far we have done our session with a different photographer in a different location; like getting our story told in a different way. Each session has involved some sort of element that was significant to us and marked an important step in our relationship. Our first anniversary session was taken at JMU, which is where we first met; our second anniversary session included our dog, Granger, who we had just gotten that year; and this most recent session took place in the location where we settled down and bought a home.

This most recent session was done by the fabulous Laura Gordon who perfectly understood my vision for a soft, romantic session that focused on our love. Laura, you are such a sweet and funny person -- thank you so much for these beautiful memories of our third year of marriage!

To any couples out there that may be on the fence about taking pictures post-wedding, but pre-children, I'm here to tell you: DO IT! You will not regret it. There is nothing sweeter than being able to look back and watch your love grow for one another through the years.


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