mug series monday

The Editing Mug | Mug Series Monday

The Editing Mug | Mug Series Monday

This is probably the mug that most people would expect me to have...all about editing and photography wrapped up in an adorable hand-lettered mug. I love it, but not for all the reasons most people would expect. The first reason I love it is because it was a gift from one of my sweetest brides (you can see her Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden wedding here) on the day of her wedding. That gesture meant the world to me...on the most special day of her life, Kayla went above and beyond to give ME a gift when I was really there just for HER.

Secondly, this is a reminder of all the behind the scenes work that goes into being a photographer. If you have ever worked in a small business you know that your online presence only tells a tiny portion of the story. What we post on social media, the things we blog about...those are all the highlights of our work and take up a very small part of our time compared to the rest of what we do...

The Christmas Mouse | Mug Series Monday

The Christmas Mouse | Mug Series Monday

Last week I introduced the new series I would be starting so if you haven't gotten a chance to read that yet, click here to check it out! The first mug with a story is from The Christmas Mouse in the Outer Banks. Since I did not grow up in Hampton Roads I had never been to OBX before meeting Nathan. The summer we got engaged his parents rented a beach house over 4th of July weekend and I quickly fell in love with the area when I visited.

One of the stores Nathan brought me to that weekend was The Christmas Mouse. If you know me you know I love ALL things Christmas. I start playing Christmas music in November to get myself in the holiday spirit and I love all the traditions my family celebrates surrounding this day. It also happens to be both my brother's and my father-in-law's birthday, so that always makes it extra special!

I honestly have no idea how long I was in The Christmas Mouse the first time around...

The Great Big Mug Intro | Mug Series Monday

The Great Big Mug Intro | Mug Series Monday

When I think about some of the best times in my day, I think about the morning. Don't get me wrong - I am not one of those wake-up-happy-and-ready-to-go type of people. That is Nathan through and through, but it never has been my mood. I often wonder if I am so angry at being awake that it fuels my productivity, because mornings are the most productive times for me.

A few years ago when I was still working a full-time job I realized that I was always rushing in the morning. No matter how much or little I tried to do, I would inevitably be tripping over my shoes and spilling coffee on my way out the door, only to screech into work only a couple minutes early or right on time. I think the only thing that I hate more than being awake in the mornings is having to rush, so I began to change my morning routine...