Cinco de Mayo Stylized Shoot // Personal

I'm so excited about this blog! Most of the time, the pictures I take are of other people - and that's one huge thing I love about my job. But this time, I got to jump behind the lens of the camera and be on the other side!

Holly and I have been friends for awhile, so when she asked me to dress up for a day in a wedding dress, get my hair and makeup done, and take beautiful pictures, it wasn't hard to say yes. I got to work with a massively talented team of individuals, who made me feel beautiful! Then, I posed while Andrew and Tianna rocked out their part of the day - the photography.

One big thing I realized is how much a bride and her ladies goes through in a wedding day. Granted, my hair and makeup was probably more extensive than is typical since we were going for a very specific theme, but I was exhausted by the end of it all! The ladies did an amazing job with everything, but just sitting in the chair and keeping my eyes open, then closed, then back open again, and tilting my head this way and that to get the desired outcome was flat out exhausting. I also learned for the first time how to take off false lashes! Ha. I doubt I'll be using that knowledge too much in the future :)

Mostly, it was fun to play dress up for the day and be a part of something that so many people worked incredibly hard on (full vendor credits below). I can't thank the team ENOUGH for all they did to make me look fancy and like a little Cinco de Mayo bride. I secretly hope I get to 'model' again in the future!

See the featured blog post on Tidewater and Tulle here.

Venue: Planter's Club of Suffolk
Coordination: Just Dandy Events
Photography: Andrew & Tianna
Styling: Courtney Jordan
Dress: Maya Couture
Hair: High Voltage Hair
Makeup: Beauty & Baubles
Signage: Water's Edge Design
Furniture: Paisley & Jade
Rentals: Styled
Invitation Suite: The Girl Tyler
Wedding Cake: Sweet Emma Lou
Florals: C&J Floral
Model: Maria Grace Photography

Built With Love Workshop // Obici House Wedding Photographer

A few months ago, I started looking online for a workshop to attend this year. Something that's really important to me is continuing my education, and making sure my mind and portfolio stay fresh - having time to shoot and challenge myself without the pressures of a wedding day allows me to bring a new creativity to my brides. I don't remember how I found it, but I stumbled upon Built With Love Workshop, a local venture that was new to Hampton Roads. After looking at their website and what others had to offer, I signed up without hesitation.

This week I finally got to experience the workshop - it was worth the investment, and far more! There were three big things I was looking for in a workshop: learning business savvy, meeting area vendors, and pushing myself creatively in a styled shoot. Built With Love hit all three on the mark...

Learning: There are a lot of opportunities to learn from photographers, and hearing from Tara Liebeck was definitely eye-opening. However, a hugely unique element to this particular workshop was hearing from OTHER industry professionals. From florists to lighting designers to event planners, I got to hear a different perspective than I had before. I took notes like crazy the first day, learning from some of the sweetest ladies I've met, before launching into some fun headshots with Tara!

Vendors: I mentioned before that we got to hear from some of the best in the business. All I have to do is name a few to convince you of that! We heard from Marissa with Studio Posy, Michelle Amarillo, Sarah with Lovell Productions, Michelle from Blue Steel Lighting Design, and Tara. Not only did we hear from them, but the intimate environment allowed for tons of conversations and interaction throughout the day. 

Styled Shoot: Can I just say that the creative team knocked this one out of the park?! The unique elements to this shoot were not only perfect for my portfolio, they were gorgeous in general and so well thought out. A full list of vendors is at the bottom of this post - each one contributed something incredible to the day!

The biggest thing that stood out to me was the theme of the workshop - love. Each moment, from an amazing welcome dinner, to Tara's kind and helpful critiques of my website and work, to Michelle's encouragement in being your own boss lady, was put together with so much care and attention to detail. Not only did I walk away from the workshop with valuable knowledge and amazing images, I left with local friends and allies who are cheering me on every step of the way. And that is far worth the investment! Now for some beauty...

Built With Love Workshop
Attire: Pure English Bridal (Dress by Hayley Paige) 
Hair: High Voltage Hair by Crystal Casey
Makeup: Kristine Marie Makeup Artistry
Cakes: Sweet Temptations Bakery
Linens, Charger plates and Chavari Chairs: Classy Event Rentals
Sofa, Chair, and Coffee Table Set: Paisley and Jade
Invitation Suite and Place Cards: Capital Calligraphy 
Love Sign: Blue Steel Lighting 
Attendee Gifts: Francesca's 
Notebooks: JillianAnastia
Styling and design: Michelle Amarillo Event Planning
Backdrop, Florals and Styling: Studio Posy
Venue: The Historic Obici House
Workshop Hosts: Tara Liebeck Photography & Michelle Amarillo Event Planning