Christmas in May :: greensboro wedding photographer

Getting packages in the mail kinda gives me the same feeling of a kid on Christmas morning. We decided recently to make several new business buys, and I was so excited when two of those purchases arrived this week. The first was my new Nikon D700 which I was super pumped about. The second was a Nikon 50mm 1.4D, and let me just tell you, I think I'm in love (shhhh - don't tell Josh).

I can't wait to try out this baby on some portraits, but for now, I had to take advantage of the only subjects that would remain still for me. 

Taken at f1.8 at 1/80 sec, iso 200

Monty - my most loyal subject. (f1.8, 1/40 sec, iso200)

My epiphanie bag that Josh surprised me with for Christmas. I think it's about as sexy as a camera bag can get. (f1.8, 1/13 sec, iso 200)

In other photo news, I just purchased my ticket to the PASS tour in Charlotte on June 20, and I am soooo looking forward to meeting and getting some tips from a few of the best in the industry: David Jay, Promise Tangeman, Zach & Jody of Gray Photography in Nashville (these guys seriously inspired and encouraged me - via their blog - to follow my dream). I'm also looking forward to meeting some fellow photographers - if you're headed to the tour in Charlotte too, hit me up!

good things come in small packages :: greensboro photographer

This morning, after running some errands (i give huge props to myself on this one for having on makeup and real clothes before noon), I checked the mail as I pulled into the driveway and was so excited when I found a little package fromhello dearie in my  mailbox! My friend Dawn in Mississippi is one of the owners and creative brains behind hello dearie, and they make some of the most adorable things you have ever seen, from hair accessories and cloth dolls to superhero capes and funky pillows. 

When I saw these headbands she's been making, I just had to place my order! Dawn did a great job - I gave her a basic color scheme and she created this beauty. Really... who can resist a good summer fashion accessory like this?!

On a bit of a sidenote, wouldn't this headband be PERFECT as a bridesmaid's gift or even for a barn/farm engagement session?! Especially as a clip with a birdcage veil for you vintage country brides... I'm in love with the idea.

... and aren't their business cards just precious?! I am assuming they are Lucky Luxe (Dawn - please correct me if I'm wrong) - another great business in my hometown. All you brides out there looking for some really classy, one-of-a-kind letterpress invitations, check them out! I don't know the owner personally, but I've seen her work and it is OUTSTANDING.

Seriously though - check out hello dearie on Etsy and head on over to Dawn's blog! I promise you'll be glad you did!

alena + robert :: greensboro engagement photographer

They met while in college, both working at the local Best Buy. Maybe it was those stunning blue polos that first attracted them to one another, but they quickly became the best of friends, meeting one another for breakfast each morning. Little did they know that these were the first of many dates in their future.

They laugh and giggle in that brand new, puppy love kind of way, despite that they've been together for years, as they tell me the story of their beginnings, each interjecting their own versions and arguing over who liked who first (Alena is certain that it was she who liked him).

I met up with Alena and Robert on the campus of their alma mater, NC A&T University in Greensboro, to take their engagement photos. Despite traveling until 2 a.m. the night before the shoot to get to Greensboro from their home in Washington D.C. and a long day of cake tasting and DJ meetings that didn't allow time for lunch, these two were a true pleasure to spend the afternoon with.

Robert and Alena - thank you for allowing me to spend the afternoon with you and being so wonderful! I'm looking forward to a great time and lots of great photographs at your wedding in August!