out with the old, in with the new :: greensboro wedding photographer

You know how sometimes, you have those days or weeks or even months that you feel like no matter how hard you work or how much you cross off your to-do list, you're still not accomplishing enough. Your wheels keep turning and you have so many great ideas, but the must-do list just grows longer and longer and longer. It's the epitomy of a funk... it stifles your creativity and kills your confidence. I proudly raise my hand that this was my past two weeks (okay, let's be honest, more like two months... learning to come clean about the struggles is a gradual process, y'all).

But then, this week happened. And it was just the recharge and reassurance I needed to crawl out of that funk and regain the energy to start molding my business into what I dream of for myself. Like last weekend's spring cleaning extravaganza, I needed to go out with the old and in with the new in every aspect of my life.

On Monday, I started step 1 of Southern Weddings editor-in-chief Lara Casey's The Challenge. I came across this blog post I think about a year ago, just quicky scanning over it, and have been putting off actually taking action ever since. But after watching webinar #1 in the Making Brands Happen series, I decided it was high time I started and boy, has it shaped me up in just 4 days. I'm already feeling less stressed, more organized, and on my way to making things happen NOW.

"A year from now you'll wish you had started today"

I hope that all of you reading this now will join me in taking The Challenge. I promise it will change your life.

On Tuesday night, I had the opportunity to hang out with an INCREDIBLE group of local photographers. And in the spirit of keepin' it real, I'm admitting that about an hour before leaving for the meetup at Natty Greene's, I wanted to come up with some lame excuse like "I lost my car keys" or "i'm not feeling to well" or "my dog ate my homework" (... that one still works right?). The fear and intimidation was creeping in making me feel like maybe I woudn't fit in or maybe this type of thing just wasn't for me or maybe everyone else already knows each other and they don't have room for more friends (I know... it's irrational). But being that I did help make arrangements for the gathering, I forced myself to go, and you know what, it was ALOT of FUN. I made some great new friends and am so grateful I didn't choose the safe route and stay home watching Netflix :)

And then, when I thought my week couldn't improve, I got an email that I got from one of my college professors. I received an email from her several days ago requesting information about what I've been doing since I've graduated so that they could share it in a student profile post on the Black School of Business Facebook page. I followed up with her this week, almost embarrassed that I wasn't well on my journey to the top of the corporate ladder or finishing up my Master's like some of my fellow alumni or even like I thought I would be doing by now. I told her that I was following my passion for wedding photography, with my husband and dog in tow, and had begun a successful business. And instead of receiving the expected standard email letting me know that was great and they would be posting it in a few days, she took the time to look at my website, forwarded it on to her daughter, and then replied to me with the most amazingly kind comments from the both of them.

And it's not that I NEED the affirmation, but it sure does feel nice to be reassured by someone other than your Momma that you're not, in fact, just spinning your wheels.

And since every post is better when there's a photo in it, here's one of my sweet Monty...

 

A huge thank you to Lara Casey and the MTH crew, Dr. Pinto, and all of the Greensboro photographers that I met this week! You're all AWESOME!

betsy+justin :: engaged :: greensboro engagement photographer

I knew from the first time I spoke with Betsy on the phone that she was absolutely, head-over-heels, swept off her feet, crazy about Justin. She described him like he was her very own prince charming, a true Southern gentleman, the kindest man she'd ever met, and the one and only one that she was meant to be with. Forever.

And upon meeting the two of them together, there was no mistaking that he was also madly, over-the-moon, crazy in love with Betsy (and with good reason - she's beautiful, so very kind, and smart, too). They finish each other's sentences, he makes her laugh that uncontrollable girlish giggle, and oh, he's got a little of that cowboy swagger about him, which doesn't hurt.

Betsy and Justin will be married in the Fall at First United Methodist Church of High Point, followed by a sure-to-be-stunning reception at  the lovely Colonial Country Club.

Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
They brought along their adorable little miniature dachshund, Tater, who behaved so well for the camera. Isn't she just precious?!?
Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
Ahh... don't you just love those gorgeous blue eyes?! Betsy, you are truly stunning!
Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
Betsy and Justin's engagement session in downtown Greensboro, NC by Glessner Photography
Betsy+Justin :: We had so much fun with y'all in downtown Greensboro and are so glad we got to know you a little better over dinner at Natty Greene's! You guys are the most adorable pair EVER, and we can't wait to join you for your wedding in October!

a belated merry christmas :: greensboro wedding photographer

I hope you all had a merry Christmas, a cheerful Chanukah, feliz navidad, and a very happy holidays! The sentiment is better late than never, right?

After having a very busy early December trying to tie up lose ends and get photos to our fabulous clients in time for the holidays, I took a much needed week off to spend time with my family and soak up all the Christmas cheer I could possibly fit into seven days. My parents were in town for the holiday, and we filled our time with lots of last minute shopping, plenty of Christmas movies, wayyyy too much food, and our annual driving tour of the local Christmas lights.

Christmas in Greensboro, NC
Christmas in Greensboro, NC

Monty joined us on the light tour this year. He's usually pretty critical, but he concluded that these Greensboro folks really know how to decorate for Christmas :)

Christmas in Greensboro, NC
Christmas in Greensboro, NC

Beautiful lanterns lining the sidewalks around the Catholic church...

Christmas in Greensboro, NC
Christmas in Greensboro, NC
Christmas in Greensboro, NC
Christmas in Greensboro, NC

Your eyes do not deceive you... that is, in fact, A GINGERBREAD MARSHMALLOW. Why didn't I know these existed til now?!

Christmas in Greensboro, NC
Christmas in Greensboro, NC

We must have been very good this year because Santa brought us lots of great loot! You don't believe, you don't receive, y'all!

Christmas in Greensboro, NC
Christmas in Greensboro, NC

My hubby went rogue again this year and bought me a beautiful pearl bracelet... he's such a good gift-giver! Other favorites included a new watch, way too many clothes from Anthropologie, and for him, some fab Warby Parker sunglasses, a Penguins jersey, and some new luggage for us both. Oh, and in case you were wondering, we didn't get my grandfather's gift mixed in with Josh's... my husband just has 80-year-old man tendencies. Such as loving plaid. And wearing argyle socks. I fully expect him to progress to white nylon tube socks with black patent shoes and shorts within the next 5 years. Get ready for it.

Christmas in Greensboro, NC
Christmas in Greensboro, NC
Christmas in Greensboro, NC
Christmas in Greensboro, NC

I'm so very thankful to have been able to spend so much time with my family over the holidays, and we're looking forward to celebrating Christmas with Josh's family in Pennsylvania at the end of this week!