Words cannot express how thankful I am to work with amazing people like Jeff and Allie. I remember back in May when Allie first contacted me; a bride from Chicago emailing me to be her photographer in the Riviera Maya. I took a double take at first, but she was for real…Real as could be! We have worked together over the last several months skyping, emailing, and talking over the phone and the moment I met her in person, I felt like I had known her for years. Jeff was just as amazing greeting and introducing myself and assistant Christy when we arrived. Jeff and Allie are the type of people who live for the moment. They are fun, outgoing, driven, and passionate for one another. Their day in the Riviera Maya was nothing less then perfect and full of love for one another. You could see their love in the way Jeff held her and the smile that radiated from Allie when Jeff was around. They are perfect for each other and I wish them all the best in their future together.

Jeff and Allie, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your special day. You both have been so wonderful to me and I will forever be grateful to have had this opportunity of capturing your special day!

Allie’s good friend and college roommate Suzanne designed (and made) the most beautiful wedding dress for Allie. Taken from Allie’s mother’s wedding dress she created a beautiful piece that made you step back and awe struck…It was gorgeous!

As a part of the reveal, Allie and Jeff wrote personal vows to each other and I will admit I was tearing up behind the camera…It was such a special and beautiful moment!

I am super thrilled for this week’s Wardrobe Wednesday because it not only shares some great saving tips, but it’s CUUUUTE! Jennifer from Minor Impressions Photography gives some great tips to save money, shop easy, and reminds us that you don’t always have to buy something new to look fabulous. I hope you enjoy this week’s Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography}

Jennifer shares, “I have to admit, every time I do my post for Wardrobe Wednesday, I go to different stores looking for the cute outfits and accessories with hardly a care about looking at the price tag on each item. It sure is fun (and easy) to “cyber shop” when you know that bill really isn’t going to hit your pocket book. But, let’s be reasonable here, good custom photography doesn’t come cheap and times are tough for many of us lately especially if we have kids. So, I was given a challenge to find a great ensemble for family portraits that comes only from the most-known discount store, Wal-Mart.

While conducting my search, I found that one of the best things about Wal-Mart apparel is that many times they come in sets or with coordinating accessories. For example, check out the Toddler Girl’s top. Not only does it come with the shirt, but it also has a blazer and scarf to match. All of this for only $10. YES, I said $10. Ok, I’ll admit, this is on clearance, but when this was regular price, it was only $12; it doesn’t get much better than that! I even found hair accessories that had multiple pieces so not only could the toddler girl use the bow, but the teenage girl could use the clips as well! I’ve listed a few important points below to help you save money on your fabulous wardrobe so your budget can be put more toward purchasing those fabulous portraits!!

1. Plan ahead. Pick out the one item you really want everything else to coordinate with and watch your Sunday ads. Go to your stores to check out items and watch for them to go on sale.

2. Purchase items that have a coordinating accessory. Many times this can save you at least $10 for an outfit.

3. Don’t worry about purchasing new jeans. If they don’t have spots and look good, why spend $15-$30 for a new pair?

4. Use accessories you already have at home. I know it’s fun to go out and splurge for a new wardrobe for pictures, and if you have the money for it, great, but if you are having to be a little more conscious about where your pennies are going, then it doesn’t hurt to reuse some of “last year’s” accessories.

5. Check out your local thrift stores. Often times, you can find some funky clothes, a great hat, scarf, and especially cool jewelry.

6. Borrow from a friend. There’s no shame in asking a friend to borrow their fun jacket, fancy boots, or that perfect set of earrings. Besides, it’s an awesome compliment that you would want them in your special pictures.

You can find all of these awesome items at http://www.walmart.com!”

For last week’s Wardrobe Wednesday, please feel free to visit any one of the following contributor’s blogs:

Kelly Valeri
Erica May
Shannon Jordan Dodge
Morgan Dawson
Jennifer Minor
Rebecca Keeling
Lindsay Rowland Horn

If you were to ask me five years ago where I would be today, I would have probably told you a very different story. It would have been more like…Well I hope to have a family, a great career, and be settled in a place where I could call home. Well, while most of this is true, I would have never thought my love and passion for photography would have brought me here, where I am today. I originally picked up my camera as most parents do to capture every moment with my son while he was young, and now after several years of capturing my moments; I am following my heart and dreams as lifestyle wedding photographer.

A couple months back I had the great privilege of working with Anton from Lorimerworks to put together a video that would not only showcase my work, but my passion for photography. Yesterday, I received my video and was blown away by how he molded every element of what I do into a fabulous 2 minute 52 second video. He truly took me back from any words I would have left to explain about how much I love photography and capturing the special moments in people lives. This will a moment that I will never forget. Thank you Anton, for taking a concept and transforming it into a work of art!

Here is my story today…

Emily and Tony are such an amazing couple! You can see it in their eyes when they look at one another and smile across the room. It’s so amazing the connections you can see with a couple when you take the time to see them look at one another when the other walks in…You know kind of like when a light turns on in a dark room or the feeling you get when you open something new. I had an amazing time photographing Emily and Tony’s connection. Through tears of joy, laughter, and fabulous dancing this couple and their friends truly had a wonderful time. I am so excited to share with you a small sneak peek into their special day…Hope you enjoy!

A special thank you to Lora Elaine for her wonderful talent and providing hair and makeup for Emily’s special day.

It’s so much fun to watch a child discover the world. Through play, laughter, and curiosity; they walk with such innocents. As a photographer these are the moments in a child’s life that I love to capture. Those tiny looks, smiles, and playful moments are so special. I know personally, I have these moments draped over my walls to remind me how special this time is in my son’s life. When going through Emma’s photos it quickly reminded me how precious these year’s are and how fast they can get away from you.

I had a wonderful time discovering the world with Emma and her family, if only for a short time. She was excited to see the squirrels, trees, and birds. We even played a couple games back and forth between mom, dad, and myself…camera hoods make for great entertainment! Hope you enjoy…