My NEW Morning Routine | Monday Musings

My NEW Morning Routine | Monday Musings

One of the more surprisingly popular blogs I've written was about my morning routine. While I had been committed to this routine for a long time, I hit 'publish' less than a month after Willow came home, not knowing how much my life would change in a few short weeks. The newborn phase, as some of you know, is difficult, but as much as possible I tried to stay faithful to what I had already been doing. I figured that if I could keep good habits going it would serve me well in the future and during the transition.

Somehow, despite sleepless nights and comforting a baby in the early hours of the morning, I was usually able to drag myself out of bed and make it to the gym so I could have a semblance of normalcy in my life. Sleep deprivation is something I would never wish on anyone, yet it's a reality for new parents. The funny thing is that I was able to function (though not well, in some areas) enough to keep a rhythm. However, life since then has shifted and I've had to make adjustments to my schedule as Willow gets older. I know now that this 'routine' will be constantly moving as life adjusts, but here is what my current 'normal' is...

Features + Embarrassment: The Tidewater and Tulle Journal | Business

Features + Embarrassment: The Tidewater and Tulle Journal | Business

A few weeks ago I shared on social media that I had my second ever print feature (click here to see my first one) in the inaugural edition of the Tidewater and Tulle Journal. It was a hugely exciting day for me (and this amazing wedding blog!) and I was so proud to shout it from the rooftops. The reality, however, is a little different, so while I want you to share in the excitement of this moment, I also want to peel back the layers for a more behind-the-scenes look at what actually happens to get to a wedding feature.

I submit nearly every single wedding I photograph - some to national publications, some to local, and some to both...and honestly, the success is varied. I wrote about how often the features depend more on seasons and trends than the beauty of a wedding or its photography, and so it's somewhat rare to get featured on my first submission. For this particular wedding, I just knew I could find somewhere HUGE for it, so I submitted with great confidence and hope to a national wedding blog...

A Day to Retreat | Business

A Day to Retreat | Business

It's something I've thought about over and again but I've never actually done: a personal retreat day. In the business of life I often realize how much I need to slow down and take some time to remember why I'm doing what I'm doing, re-prioritize, and refocus on the things that matter most. With my mother-in-law on spring break from school and more than willing to watch Willow for the day, I took the opportunity to plan it out - and oh am I so grateful that I did!

As I thought about the day, I knew I needed a solid plan. If I had at least a rough schedule I would be far more productive than if I just went to sit outside and think or pray. With that in mind, I wrote down what I thought my day would look like...