“Why did my best friend just text me a picture of a groundhog?
I’m hungry.
I should blog.
I should blog cookies.”

This past wedding season I was in the presence of numerous cookie tables, and each one is always as alluring as the last. On top of that, there were some really cute cookie table decorations and ideas that perhaps you can carry along into your own wedding day design. First, some little signs to let your guests know what each type is..



Flowers or something seasonal to spruce up the table:


Adorable hanging signs for the tables:


And incorporating candy into the mix, including big apothecary jars and colored ribbons:



Don’t forget “to go” containers for your guests!

Tomorrow, is my niece, Lydia’s, birthday. She’s going to be three and I remember when Brad and I were anxiously awaiting her arrival at the hospital on a snowy January in 2009. She’s grown up so much, and now I’m lucky to be her playmate when we’re around, and we’ll go from playing “we’re at the beach” to “now we’re in a doll house” to “now we’re dogs” all in the matter of 5 minutes. Wouldn’t trade it for the world, so for tomorrow, happy birthday little girl!

Also, some other random stuff that I’m loving lately – Naked Juice. I can’t tell you how much I just wanted to chug juice once the food poisoning had weaned itself away. I’ve been told about this green goodness, but now that I’ve experienced it I’m in a whole new world. Looks disgusting, but you’ve gotta trust me on this one. You’ll love it.

Speaking of green, what’s with the Pittsburgh weather this January? I hope all of us appreciate this “warmth”, because let’s remember how incredibly, incredibly miserable last winter was. So, horray!

Currently reading? A really interesting read, especially since I enjoy speaking so I want to make sure my work is..like..*bjam!*. Wow, if that doesn’t speak volumes for the need to practice word selection I don’t know what does.

Found this at TJMaxx the other day and was obsessed. I actually sat on the bench next to it in the store and stared. Whoa, creepy handbag lady, what was wrong with me?! However, I didn’t buy it, because Kate Spade missed a crucial element in the handbag – the top clasp. It was wide open. Like, just help yourself to anything inside of my bag. Weird? Yes. So I let ‘er go.

And finally, I instagrammed this not long ago, but it still cracks me up:

“Uh, hello, AAA. I just found my keys. They were in my pocket.”

It’s been a crazy week. An absolutely, insane, what day of the week is it again? kind of week. In the matter of 6 days I was in New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Hartford, and Chicago. In the “in-betweens” of those days I was faced with blisters, airplane engine failure while in the air, deathly food poisoning, and the threat of a winter storm. Needless to say, by the time I got home my brain was as good as fried.

Speaking of fried, did somebody say Beignets?

Traveling with me this week was Jared Bauman, the Co-Founder of ShootDotEdit. We spoke at three different PUG (Pictage User Group) meetings, met tons of amazing photographers, and mingled with some super awesome up-and-coming photography-related businesses at Imaging USA. I’m in the process of launching a coaching business for new photographers, and I realize completely that it’s a cause that will be faced with open arms from many and closed minds by few. It’s going to be a challenge, and I’m just at the beginning.

This plane actually managed to have two engines working the entire time.

I have to admit, it kind of seems like this week was set out to be the “Ok, you want to get yourself into this? Let’s see what you’re made of” kind of week. Ever feel like that? Like the universe is testing you, to make sure that you can handle what’s to come? Ya, it was one of those kind of weeks.

And now here I am, at home on my couch, and in a snuggly robe having eaten real food for the first time in a day and a half. I made it. And I’m going to make it.

As long as the food poisoning doesn’t come back – if that happens I’m calling it quits!

Their wedding was held at the ab.so.lute.ly beautiful Riverwood Mansion in Nashville. It was such an honor to photograph their day, and traveling to Nashville was a great way to beat the winter chill here. The day was warm, sunny, and just ethereal – kind of just like Cindy. Funny how that works.

The mansion has a beautiful southern charm, and the chandeliers and gold detailing were just lovely.

I always was to just scoop up the flower girls – they’re the cutest!

Dudes. They’ll tell you that I was a complete nerd with them to get this photo, but I think that it was well worth it – handsome, gentlemen!

Cindy was just breathtaking.

These two were taken on the porch of the mansion, and again, I love it’s rustic doors paired with the elegance of the building. And flowergirls – c’mon! It’s adorable!

The ceremony was held in one of the side rooms of the mansion, and you can just see Cindy’s mom beaming as she walks her third-to-get-married daughter down the aisle. The last wedding walk! *tear*

Pure Joy.

After the wedding was really the first time Cindy and Charlie got to stop and talk all day. We were really tight on daylight, but it was important that they have a few minutes alone to just soak it in. If I could, I would suggest that every couple do this – such a great breather and emotional time to celebrate being married!

Yup – winter in Nashville!

The mansion!

All of the girls switched into cowboy boots after the wedding – love it!

Not only did I have the pleasure of working with an amazing couple for the end of my 2011 season, but I also had the honor of working with Mary Natalie, who was just a doll. Here is the reception tent all ready to go.

They had two cakes – one for the wedding cake, and a groom’s cake made to represent Charlie’s favorite guitar. He’s got some musical talent!

Told ya – he even sang and played with the band during the reception!

The chandelier was cool!

And finally, just pure magic. Exactly what the wedding, and I’m positive – their marriage, will be.

Ya know?

We photographed their engagement session on an amazingly sunny day in this Pittsburgh winter, and Oakmont provided the backdrop. I learned of their pride in the new home decorations, their love of movies, and that they’ll be married this coming October. Hopefully the weather cooperates then too – they deserve it!

Their engagement session, like I mentioned, was wonderfully sunny and vibrant, but for their blog post I decided to go for all black and whites. Just because! It’s my blog- I do what I want *I kid*

Chillin’ on their couch..


Loved Dana’s smile!

They’re too cute! And totally in love.

I actually loved that Dana carried her purse along with her in the photos. A girl with style!

*swoon*

They both look incredibly happy together in these two

Congratulations!

Instead, today, I figured I’d sit down and really think about what I want to say this Tuesday. Where is my world? What’s going on in my mind? And, well, to be honest, when I think about today is one of those tell my trainer that I want to do anything that involves punching kind of workout days.

Every time I look back on where I’ve come in a year, I realize that I’ve learned a ton in just a short twelve months, and this past twelve months I learned the real reason that so many photography studios go out of business – they’re great shooters, but they can’t handle the pressure. My skin and upper lip have got a lot tougher this year, and therefore, today’s post I present to you (in one little I’ll just make this one post and not twelve in a series) The Ugly Truths of Being a Small Business Owner:

Truth #1: Every three months I write a check to the Federal Government that could easily send Brad and I on an exotic two week vacation to Bora Bora. Each time I write it, there’s an emphasized comma in the number, and each time I put a stamp on the envelope I whisper goodbye, my friend.

Truth #2: It’s difficult to set business hours. Truth be told, I’ve answered emails at 11pm, when really I shouldn’t. I’m going to try and be better about that. Then again, once I didn’t return a phone call on a Sunday in an effort to set boundaries and was threatened with legal action as a result (nope, not kidding).

Truth #3: Daytime television blows. If anyone thinks it’s so great to be your own boss because you can watch TV and nap whenever you want, they’re sorely mistaken. There’s nothing I hate more than Dr. Oz and his gross stories!

Truth #4: I have to be a content machine. Which means that I always need to read up, think up, and shoot (was gonna say up….but… perhaps not..) a lot! My blog is a hugely vital part of my business and I run into writer’s block just about every time I sit down to write. And then I have to pray that what I say is remotely interesting. Nothing like hearing crickets in the comments section (*hint hint*)

Truth #5: I got denied for health insurance when I applied. Wow, that was weird to tell you about, but I did. I’m in the process of appeal right now, but seriously if we’re shooting and I suggest something dangerous, be a friend and tell me not to do it. It makes me frustrated, especially because I’m a consistent gym go-er, non-smoker, who tries to stay pretty healthy. The system…

Truth #6: I’m a struggling artist. No, business isn’t struggling, but I struggle with a lot of “what is my vision” type of realities. It’s like a Catch 22 – anytime I approach an event very methodically, it stifles a bit of my creativity, and every time I release more creativity, I allow for the potential of missing something else as a result. It’s a tough balance that I struggle with a lot, especially during weddings.

Truth #7: It’s tough to be the mean guy. There are times when I have to, and it totally stinks, especially because I come to really adore my clients. But sometimes I have to step up and do what’s right for myself and my business, and then I turn into a 5-year-old in a Red Rover game wondering if I’ll ever get picked again. Then I cry to mommy. Still do. I love her.

All of this said, I think with any job there’s a down side. I do get to listen to music as loud as I want in my office, and I am able to schedule my gym appointments during the slow times for increased cardio options. I do have amazing clients, and I love the challenges being my own boss provides. I have got to know my mail lady better, and watch my orchid bloom three times this year (is that strange?)

PS – Anyone watching the Bachelor? There are some crazies on there!