Working Hard!

Joe is soooo mad at me right now. The condo is a mess. There is paper, tape, labels, and scissors all over. I promised him that I would clean it all up soon.... and I will! But I think it's all been worth it because I have a lot of stuff ready for the upcoming wedding season! Isn't it all just so pretty? :)

Wedding Photography

The #1 question everyone keeps asking us is, "who is going to shoot your wedding?!"

While the obvious choice might be my good buddies Jaime or Kim, I decided long ago that my friends are my friends and I want them to have a day to enjoy themselves, and not to work. Of course, I am sure they will have their cameras with them, but they aren't on the clock on June 19th!

When I started to think about it, I decided that I wanted Cristobal and Kathleen Perez of Azul Photography to do it. I met Kathleen several years ago at Maine Photographic Workshops at a week-long wedding workshop. I really clicked with Kathleen and loved her photojournalistic style and her vast knowledge of the craft. Then I found out she wasn't the only photojournalist in the family- her husband Cristobal was also a photographer and a well known and amazing one at that!

We kept in touch over the years through e-mail and whenever they make their way up to DC (they live in Raleigh, NC) we have lunch or dinner. Cristobal and Kathleen helped guide me through the very beginning of my career. They were the ones who encouraged me to join the Wedding Photojournalism Association, which has become a source of great accomplishment for me, and they were the ones who encouraged me to raise my prices significantly, which not only helped me go full-time, but also helped me get more clients (who knew?!), so I am eternally grateful for their guidance and help.

Their photos are so beautiful and real. Many photographer these days are touting their "photojournalist style" when in reality it's all set up and photoshopped. Azul photography doesn't do it- they capture the moments and the beauty that is already there. And that's so important to me. I'm not a model and my wedding will probably not be worthy enough to be seen on the pages of Southern Wedding Magazine, but it will be beautiful and a wonderful time, and that's what I want captured.

When I asked Cristobal and Kathleen if they'd be interested in shooting our wedding, they were so thrilled and excited. I, on the other hand, am so honored that I will have two of the top photojournalists in the nation in attendance. And did I mention how nice and awesome they are?! Yeah. They are amazing.

We signed a contract with them this week, so now it's all official!

Joe and I are truly lucky to have them not only as our photographers, but as friends, too!

Engagement Session Sneak Peek!

Yay photos!

I have so many incredibly talented friends- journalists, lawyers, doctors, mothers and fathers... I am so lucky to have these people in my life.  But one of my dearest and best friends is miss Jaime, a incredibly talented photographer.

Jaime came to know each other a few years ago in the DC wedding world and we instantly became best friends.  I think the first few days we knew each other we talked on the phone for four hours at a time.... and we still do that!

I am so honored that Jaime took time out of her busy schedule to take photos of Joe and I in Frederick and in DC yesterday.  We had so much fun!  These are just a few of the photos she sent us as a sneak peek... can't wait to see the rest!

Here is her blog: theblondephotographer.com

This one is so silly... but I loved my birdcage veil!

I've been staking out this set of stairs in downtown Frederick for weeks!

I think we just might love each other :)

This is my fave of the ones I've seen so far!

Everytime Joe and I drive past this place in Frederick, I always say, "bride goes here, and groom goes there!"  I was excited that *I* got to be photographed there!

Making Bread

Well Momma McKenna, you'll be happy to know that Joe is still constantly making bread in the breadmaker you got him for Christmas.  The latest creation: chocolate chip banana bread.  YUM.  It was really good.

The Date is Set!

The date has been set!  The wedding will be June 19th, 2010.  

Yes, 16 stinkin' months away!  I really didn't want a long engagement, but places book up so fast in DC, we really had no choice.  We went to a great place near our condo and fell in love with the Thorpewood.  We think you'll love it, too.  Plus it's a non-profit so all the money goes to a good cause, which we think is awesome!

Inauguration Day

Whether you voted for the dude elected or not, you have to be awed and amazed by the crowds today in DC!

I had decided awhile ago to not head down the the National Mall, but I kind of regret it now... all my friends who went said it was worth being in the 15 degree weather for 7 hours.  But I really did enjoy watching it on TV, and got to see a bit of everything.  (and sit on a nice couch with my hubby-to-be (!)  and the puppy, and eat popcorn.)  

The view from the Capitol down to the Washington Monument was stunning- a sea of literally millions of people!  I've been on the mall *a lot* and I seriously can't fathom that entire area being full of people.  Incredible!

This inauguration means a lot to everyone, for many different reasons.  For me, it's inspiring knowing the son of an immigrant can be president- that Barack can overcome so many things in his life, stick tight to his beliefs and ideals, and still be successful.

So Happy Inauguration!  :)

How it all Went Down

At dinner after the proposal

Well, to be honest, it was a complete blur, but now that it's been a few days, I think I am a bit clearer about the details!

On Friday, Joe and I cleaned the condo in preparation for our guests, Kate and Nic.  Lots of laundry, vacuuming, and dishes were done because our place was pretty much a disaster.  After we  finished, we went to the grocery store to get a few things and I suggested we pick up champagne to celebrate Kate and Nic's recent engagement.  Joe agreed, and we got a few bottles.

After showering and getting ready, I made some cookies, lit some candles, and turned on some music (actually, it was the CD that Deanna & Tom handed out at their wedding!) while Joe popped the champagne... Nic and Kate would be here any minute.

I continued to tidy some things up and took the cookies out of the oven.  Joe called for me to come in the bedroom.  I figured he needed help putting new sheets on the bed or he wanted me to help wrestle the dog into his cage.  When I walked in the room, Joe was on one knee, holding a little black box.

Needless to say, I was speechless!  

I don't remember what he said (and he said he doesn't either!) but apparently I said yes, a ring was put on my finger, and then we cried... but just a little :)

After pulling ourselves together, we both called our families and friends.  Not a minute later Kate and Nic walked in, and the celebration began!  

Kate look so relieved when she saw the ring- apparently there was a whole to-do planned out where we all went out to dinner, and then we would all go to Carroll Creek and I'd take some photos of everyone and then Joe would propose.  Well, with the weather being six degrees that night, Joe decided to forego the plans and propose in the condo.  It doesn't matter, though, because I loved it and I couldn't be happier :)

It's been overwhelming thinking about the next step (a WEDDING!) and where to start.  Luckily, since I work in the wedding industry, I have a pretty good idea of where we're going and what to expect :)

We've had so many people call and e-mail, and we're so thankful! :)