GRATITUDES + BREAKTHROUGHS 06.25.19

Gratitudes

It’s been about 2 months since I’ve popped on here to share. I’m finding that when I’m going through intense rounds of introspection my connectivity to social media and blogging drops. So I’m back now and I’ll be sharing what’s been going on over here!

I’ve had 4 incredible weddings at Rosemont Manor, Stone Tower Winery, 48 Fields + Great Marsh that I am so excited to share with you on the blog soon! The sweetest Washington D.C. elopement at Meridian Hill Park and a winery engagement session with a fluffy dog named Clara!

I think though the biggest thing most of you are wondering about is my recent trip to Portugal. Guys, it was amazing! Rachel Rice with The One Moment Events and I went over for a semi vacation + also some travel photos for her new travel + lifestyle blog. Y’all know she is the queen of chic, coffee shops and finding trouble <read trouble as playful adventure>.

We spent a few days in Porto, a sleepy little ancient town that is famous for its port wine and the Douro River. From there we took the train to Lisbon and stumbled upon a street festival and enjoyed our days strolling through the streamer decorated streets, exploring neighborhoods and soaking up the water + rooftop views. I’ll share more detail once my film scans are back!

This past Friday I got all dolled up and went to a wedding as a guest! Stephanie Messick celebrated her marriage to Alex at Market at Grelen with mountain views, a clear top tent and so much joy!

On Saturday I was over at Great Marsh Estate for my very first wedding on their property! I’m sure you’ve seen the photos of my Grandparents 60th Wedding Anniversary there, so you know why I was excited to shoot a full wedding! Kelly + Keenan had such a relaxed a joy-filled day with their friends and family! They had a private first look, a ceremony on the grand lawn and then reception at the newly renovated barn! We had so much fun during the golden hour portraits laughing at the prompt “kiss with your teeth” and practice dipping! The last two songs of the night were super important to them, Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks and Time of My Life by Bill Medley + Jennifer Warnes. Their guests formed a circle and the newly weds danced, twirled and dipped together to end their night!

And don’t worry I’ve been keeping up with my nails, but I have found a new product + brand that I love. I’ve been using Red Carpet Manicure’s at home gel kit for the last month and I’m impressed! The kit is only $40 on Amazon and it’s super easy to use with their instructions and the gel lasts up to two weeks – well at least until I’m ready to change my polish. Even though I feel like I’m cheating on OPI, I’ve really enjoyed having the gel especially during wedding season when my triggers for my flashes end up chipping my regular polish!

Breakthroughs

Ah, it’s been a while right? And I’m here trying to figure out how to explain what exactly I’ve been working through, which the simplest explanation would probably be change. I felt a push when I was traveling in Austin + Las Vegas that this was surfacing. I’ve been living with my roommates (aka my parents) now for over a year and it’s been a blessing and also a challenge. Especially being a grown ass adult, living with your parents and trying to run an at home business.

I’ve been working through Dave Ramsey’s baby steps and I’m on my last debt, my grad school student loans and from there it’s time to move on out. Moving out leads to more questions that I’ve been working on answering like when, where + how?

When would ideally be in between seasons so November through March. So the end is in sight!!!! That way I can get officially settled into the new place with a new routine, you know like finding a good yoga studio, coffee shop and like, a grocery store.

Where? I’ve been looking in the Marshall, Middleburg, Haymarket areas for a while, but a new location has surfaced that’s sort of thrown me for a loop and I’m loving it. I’m not quite ready to share it because I’m still marinating – remember I’m a slow processor!

How? I’ll go through the qualification process for the 3rd time. I have attempted to buy a house now at various times in my life and I finally feel like this is the right time! If you can cross your fingers (and toes) it’s always incredibly challenging for a small business owner to qualify because we are considered high risk!

Anyway, that’s what’s been on my mind recently! I’m looking forward to staying connected and keeping ya’ll updated with my movement and obviously weekly nail polish colors!

As always, thanks for reading! xo.