I was going to post my “year in review” blog entry the other day, but alas, my computer died.  So it will have to wait until later.

This seems to be a theme for my blog as of late.  Delay work/photography posts altogether.  That seems to be a theme for my life this winter, actually.    While I have been busy shooting in December (I had three wintry  weddings this month!), I’ve opted to focus on my personal life rather than actively growing my business for the past two months.  Some of that has been forced by circumstances—I’ve had to focus my energy on recuperating after finally ridding my body of nasty parasites from my work in Africa.  This meant sleeping, going to physical therapy, not lifting heavy equipment, building yummy and nutritious food back into my diet (no more protein shakes!), among other things.

But really, the timing of getting sick was actually ideal, in hindsight.  Justin and I got engaged in October, so I’ve been using my self-created “sick time” to revel in our engagement, hang out with both of our families, learn more about psychology and brain science, begin the wedding planning process, and build a foundation for our future with him.  Since I didn’t have any huge shoots in November, I house-hunted and smothered my pinterest account with wedding inspiration and home decor ideas.  He was busy bringing in the dough, so I’ve been really happy to be able to delve into the “homemaking” side of things.  (Now I’m just ready to MOVE and start creating all sorts of DYI stuff four our house and wedding!!!)

This isn’t something we ever learned about in journalism school (or any of my university classes at UNC, really).  I’m not even tempted to declare my business in 2011 a “failure,” because I still managed to shoot creatively when I could and delegate my energy to less physically demanding areas that were just as important for the development of my business (and myself!)  At UNC I thought the life of a photographer would be 90% shooting pictures and 10% traveling to exotic locales.  This year has proven that this picture is definitely not reality (nor would I want it to be!)  Having a balanced life is much more gratifying for me.  And sometimes balance means rolling with the punches and redefining “work.”  I’ve had to learn some of that the hard way this year, but that’s how things go, isn’t it? 

Anticipating more big changes in my life for 2012, I’m excited about allowing myself to breathe more and patiently walk through each transition, rather than try to give my 110% to every single area of my life, which is self-defeating in the end.  I’m moving to our new house next week, and once I satisfy most of my “nesting” urges, I’ll be able to dive into wedding planning, finish up some old projects (i.e. Kenya and the long-awaited birth documentary), and enjoy the rest of the engagement period! I’ll still be taking wedding inquiries, shooting and working next year (gotta pay the bills!), but I’m giving myself permission to not actively grow my business until the fall—after the move, after the wedding, after Justin and I settle into more of a routine as husband and wife in Durham!  And the Type A person in me isn’t even horrified.

At any rate, stay tuned for my next post: A Year in Review in Wedding Pictures (and some words).  I’ll be posting blog entries from all my December weddings in just a few weeks…as a Durhamite!!!  Yay!!!

One of the reasons I love shooting weddings is it gives me a chance to reconnect with friends from across the world.  This bride happened to be my roommate/big sister when I lived in Sevilla, Spain for a summer in high school.  Seven years later, we’re trying on wedding dresses together, sharing a meal at Elmo’s Diner with our significant others, and frolicking in fields with cameras.  (I had the cameras, and we both frolicked).

I would have been lost in Sevilla with Kimberly Jones.  She influenced my life in huge ways that summer—talking openly with me about God, counseling me on college applications, and just being a good friend.  (We tried speaking only Spanish to each other for a few weeks, but it didn’t last very long).  I have a whole scrapbook dedicated to our summer in Sevilla–which we looked at together, laughing in the parking lot of a bridal shop in Durham this year.  I’m so thankful that we have been able to share in each other’s lives again this year—big changes have happened for both of us at the same time (aka finding true love!).  My personal joys wouldn’t have been as sweet if I hadn’t been able to share them with her.

Unfortunately, I was extremely sick with a parasitic infection for Kimberly’s wedding day, so I hired two amazing photographers to shoot her and Ryan’s wedding.  I was really bummed about this, but Melissa Tuck and John Adkisson did an amazing job, and it was fun to live vicariously through their vision of Kimberly and Ryan’s big day.  As sad as I was not to be able to celebrate with Kim in person, I’m definitely counting my blessings.  All of the times we shared in preparation to her wedding (photo shoots, dog walks, and conversations) are so sweet to me, and I have those memories (and photos!) to share with her.

To shake things up a bit on the visual-front, I’m featuring a variety of photos on this blogpost.  Photos from my time in Spain with Kim, our engagement session, silly photos we took of each other trying on wedding dresses, and a handful of Melissa and John’s photos from Kimberly and Ryan’s wedding.  (To view and purchase her professional wedding day prints, go here).

Kimberly and Ryan, you two are made for each other.  As Kimberly’s “hermanita,” I couldn’t think of a better man to love and take care of her.  You make her so happy, and I am just so thrilled that you two found each other!  Kimberly, te quiero mucho mi hermana mayor!  Felicidades!

Enjoy!

Dress: A Beautiful Day Bridal
Shoes: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff
Groom’s clothing: Indochino
Florist: Paula Peckham
Cake: Cakes By Shirley
Catering: The Reserve at Lake Keowee
Invites: Casey Reagan
Programs: Casey Reagan
Band/DJ: Jumping Jukebox

Their love story began with a napkin.  During their college years at NC State, John spotted Nicole from the distance at the Wolves’ Den, wrote her a note on his napkin, and dropped it in front of her.  It said, “I saw you and wanted you to have this.  (his phone number).  More than four years later, the couple toasted to long life at their wedding reception on October 8, 2011!

Nicole and John had a beautiful outdoor wedding at Fred Fletcher Park in Raleigh, N.C.  It was a clear and sunny fall day–we had fun shooting portrait sessions at pretty spots around the park (I LOVE the light this time of year!)  The ceremony was intimate and sacred—one of my favorite parts of it was when John serenaded Nicole with his saxophone.  I’ve shot weddings where the groom sings or plays piano for the bride, but this was really unique.  The man is skilled!

The reception was held at Artspace in downtown Raleigh.  Nicole and her friends and family spent hours creating decorations—cute birds adorned the tables’ centerpieces (and two lovebirds crowned the top of the cake!)  I loved the amount of time, thought, and creativity that went into creating a beautiful reception—I was happily engaged in shooting as many details as possible!  The dancing and live band was also some of the best I’ve experienced in awhile—a huge shout out to the Party Nuts for creating such a great atmosphere!  (I may have put my cameras down for a dance number or two towards the end). 

Nicole and John, thank you so much for including me in your big day!  After being sick the few weeks prior to your wedding, it was a real treat to celebrate with you and create photos again!  I left your wedding smiling widely, totally energized from making photos during your big day.  I hope these photos capture the energy of the day and that you cherish them for years to come!

Enjoy!

Dress: Dress by Mori Lee, purchased at Poffie Girls
Bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff, purchased at Savvi Formal
Mother of the Bride dress: Bill Levkoff, purchased at Savvi Formal
Groom’s clothing: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Tre Bella Florist
Cake: Ashley Cakes
Catering: Caffe Luna
Band/DJ: The Party Nuts