Archive for March, 2012

…And we’re in London!

March 29

And thus begins a long string of personal blog posts! :) Aaron and I are embarking on a 12 day trip to the UK for an engagement session, a styled shoot, my birthday celebrations, and our late honeymoon. Woohoo! I’ll be blogging my regular three times a week while here, but I’m excited to be writing all personal posts about our travels and experiences (and photos of course).

Our journey started yesterday–early. We were at the airport at 3:45am, awaiting our flight with a bunch of other sleepy people. I had a strong cup of coffee in hand, and I was barely awake, but despite that, Aaron and I were still dressed like we were about to go model J.Crew clothes. Traveling in sweats = not our style. My goal is to channel my inner Kate and Jackie on this trip and dress unbelievably classy each day. You probably don’t care. That’s okay, I’m telling you anyway. Check out our street style, below. :)

 

 

Notice Big Ben?

 

While I’m away I won’t be checking email regularly (a girl’s gotta take a break sometimes), but I’ll get back to you as soon as I get back to home town USA. Expect to see a reply after April 11.

Cheers!

 

Posted in Personal | 8 Comments »
3 Ways To Shake Up Your Marketing Today

March 26

Fellow wedding photographers, this post is alllll for YOU.

Last year, right before Aaron and I got married, he lost his job. In the middle of all the stress and uncertainty that brought us, we found the pearl–we had a free pass to move wherever we wanted. Since I work from home and he was between jobs, we had nothing tying us down to Dallas.

So we packed our earthly possessions and moved. To Austin. Our favorite city in Texas.

I’m an eternal optimist, to a fault, and the thought of how I would build a clientele in Austin never worried me. The answer was the same as always: I would work with with care, creativity, and intelligence…and a great deal of faith. Life is too short not to jump every now and then.

One of the strategies I used to break into this new market was particularly helpful: vendor boxes. Ever since I blogged about sending my vendor boxes, I’ve had people asking me what they are, what I put in them, and how I best used them. The vendor boxes are just one of the three simple marketing topics covered in my new little iBook. I’m super excited to share these little gems with you! You can download the free PDF file here. I’d love your feedback because I’ll be making it available on the iTunes store very, very soon. :)

A few screenshots: 

So what are you waiting for? Download the full PDF version here. And then leave a comment and let me know what you think! I’m counting on you guys for feedback–I want this to be an awesome little resource.

Posted in A Day In The Office, For Photographers, Personal | 13 Comments »
Zoe’s Newborn Photos, Dallas TX

March 21

I have the sweetest, coziest post for you today! Meet little Zoe. She was born right around Valentine’s day, and oh my, she is the sweetest little girl! I absolutely love photographing newborns. Especially on rainy, peaceful mornings like Zoe’s session. :)

Posted in Newborns | 4 Comments »
Sunny & Jordan Shipley, Austin TX

March 15

Plans were coming together beautifully, and Sunny & Jordan were all set to get married last May. But just weeks before their wedding day, they were in a horrific car accident and Sunny broke her neck. Can you even imagine? Hard times–harder than words can describe–brought them closer than ever as they navigated the next few days and weeks. Despite the tragic accident, love always wins and they knew they wanted to go on with their wedding as planned. Sunny, by a miracle, was able to walk down the aisle without a neck brace, and they shared great joy on their wedding day. My heart resonates with their story. Love overcomes tragedy. Love grows stronger through it all.

Love never fails.

Sunny never had bridal portraits taken because of the accident, so I was thrilled when she contacted me for a bridal/couple session. I love her style and am genuinely proud of the classic, feminine feel to these photos.


Posted in Bridals, Weddings | 11 Comments »
Birthday Inspiration

March 13

 

I’ll be 26 in just 5 days–woohoo! Aaron asked me yesterday if I felt 26…and I actually do feel my age this year. I’m all married now, the business is in it’s stride, and I feel generally balanced. So, with my birthday on the horizon, I thought I’d share my b-day inspirations with you. :)

Top left: I love this sweet little framed art that says “Every day I love you.” Simple, but I resonate with it. Marriage is the best thing that ever happened to me–thus making my 26th birthday the best one ever. :) We grow together–every day. We choose love–every day.

Top middle: I’m ready to rearrange my studio! I love everything about this open, airy, clean work space. Especially the little pup, and the fresh flowers! I have the pup, I just need to get myself a giant vase of tulips. Yes please!

Top right: I might be wishing for this skinny strap watch from Fossil for my birthday.

Bottom left: This color scheme inspires me for our bedroom. I painted it a whisper blue last month, and I’m wanting to incorporate some peaches, corals, and neutrals into the mix. Hello throw pillows, art, and blankets.

Bottom middle: We had the biggest surprise ever this month and booked an engagement session in London! I screamed when it happened–yes I did. Words seriously can’t describe how much I wish Kate & Will would invite me over for a slice of birthday cake at the palace. I have just the outfit. :) But even if they don’t, I’m going to have the time of my life celebrating my birthday (a few days late) with Aaron in lovely London.

Bottom right: Daylight savings happened and so I’m ready to celebrate the longer days by throwing a southern style dinner party complete with big bulb lights strung up in the trees and mason jars with savory drinks.

 

Posted in Personal | 4 Comments »
To Aaron, Love Caroline

March 9

Aaron, we’re different. We have been since the very, very beginning.

You know I’m proud of you. Always. You make decisions that inspire me to live out what I say, about living above fear, about living with belief and passion. You live out your life like we all wish we did. You don’t settle for life the way it’s handed to you.

Thank you for the way you live. Thank you for reminding me of what’s real. Thank you for putting the emphasis on us. Not you, not me…us.

That’s all I want to be now…us.

 

Posted in Personal | 1 Comment »
Tina & Lam, Chapel Dulcinea Engagement Session, Austin TX

March 8

So much joy! :)

Posted in Engagements | 8 Comments »
The morning of my wedding

March 4

 

 

Today, I just want to share something sweet and simple. An idea…especially for you brides.

Simply this. Somewhere in wedding planning, take a moment, get cozy, and visualize the morning of your wedding day. It’s a sacred piece of time. Quiet. Tranquil. Calm. The morning…just before the flurry starts. Just before you’re swept off on this grand adventure of a day. That corner of time when you can take it all in.

The morning of my wedding was especially sweet because I got to spend it with the man of my dreams. Aaron and I stole away from our family and friends and went out for a special breakfast. Now, I know that’s less traditional, but the fact is, I’d always had a romantic vision of lingering over coffee with Aaron, joyful silence between us, just taking it all in. I wanted to share that moment, that anticipation, that joy with him–no one else. And I love that I have that moment now forever. I’m getting a little teary eyed just thinking back to it. :)

Take time to visualize what you want. Make it a glamourous party for the women dearest to you, share a picnic with your soon to be spouse, or simply get out in nature and pray. It’s a precious slice of time you’ll always be glad you have.

 

Posted in For Brides, Personal | 5 Comments »
Happy (Crafty) Friday!

March 2

Truth: I’m not really a crafter. I know this shocks you because I put off serious crafty vibes, but I’m not. I bet you always imagined I spend my Saturdays at Hobby Lobby agonizing over what kinds of washi tape to buy, but I don’t. Is your world crashing down yet? Let me go on. I’m not the girl who has a craft room in the house–in fact I don’t even have a crafting box, bin, or under-the-bed storage container. I used to be crafty, but then I got into business and business became my creative endeavor.

But y’all.

I made something pretty the other day.

I totally get why people are into crafting now. It was like, I had this vision for these cool invitations for my sister-in-law’s baby shower. But when I saw them actually materialize before my eyes–um yeah. I was glowing, smiling, taking pictures of them, flitting about, adding a special touch here and there, singing…it was a strange, new experience. And it was awesome. So I had to share.

Behold, my crafty project. :)

 

 

Can you believe I designed and printed these all myself? Would you like to know my sources? :) Mailing boxes from Paper Source, Calligraphy fonts from DaFont.com, Organic birds nesting from The Container Store, and paper and ribbon from Michaels. BOOM!

 

A step by step of the process from left to right: 1) Place birds nesting lovingly in box, 2) Place gold shimmery paper on top of birds nesting, 3) Place linen paper on top of gold paper, 4) Tie it all with a pretty gold ribbon.

 

What else can I make pretty today!? :)

Posted in Personal | 7 Comments »
March Goals

March 1

 

 

Hi. :)

I hope you’re having the best day. To be truthful, I’ve spent the last week sitting in bed, wadded-up tissues littering the comforter, feeling like a germ factory. Being sick two out of the four weeks of February made for a bit of a bummed out Caroline. Mama said there’d be days like this.

Today, I’m focusing on ways I can cultivate a grateful heart. A heart of joy. Content no matter the circumstances. I’m welcoming the month of March with open arms–I’m ready for that new beginning. Life is too short to not celebrate new beginnings…no matter how small or normal they may be.

All but two of February’s goals were checked off, and I’m very proud of that accomplishment, considering all my sick days. Reading “The Four Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss was a highlight. I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to just about anyone, business owner or not. It’s a book that gets your wheels turning. The one missing star is simply due to the fact that I didn’t always appreciate his tone. At times it struck me as very selfish and egocentric. But if you can hop over that hump, you’ll love it.

So, moving into March, I’m reminding myself of my goals that I made in January. The season for New Years Resolutions is over, but I refuse to let that be an excuse for not charting my course and moving toward a life that I can be proud of. Life is what we make happen. Without action we aren’t going anywhere. So friends, persist. Keep dreaming. Keep moving. Keep writing.

My March Goals:

  • Submit all album orders to date
  • Host the dreamiest, sweetest baby shower for my sis-in-law, Lacey (crafty invitation photos coming soon!)
  • Celebrate my 26th birthday in style :)
  • 12 in 12 books: Read “The Power of A Praying Wife” by Stormie Omartian
  • Apply to be a Blue Ribbon Vendor with Southern Weddings*
  • Launch iBook*
* denotes a goal from last month that wasn’t checked off
I’d love to hear your goals, so please leave a comment to share!
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Posted in Goals, Personal | 5 Comments »