I’m back from WPPI — the largest photography conference and tradeshow in the world.  And it’s large.  And sometimes overwhelming.  Last year was my first WPPI experience, and I was only 9 months into shooting weddings at the time.  Maybe I went too early … I barely enjoyed myself at the conference at all. Or maybe I just wasn’t taking enough risks yet — to meet the people I admired and to open myself up.

But this year — almost 2 years into shooting weddings — I had an amazing time.  While last year I felt like I was drowning in a sea of photographers who simply intimidated me … this year I felt happy, content, and blessed to share life, dinner, heart-to-hearts and walks around the tradeshow with many now close and talented friends.  I’ve grown so much since last year and I’ve learned that getting out of my comfort zone (if only even a couple times) is what I need to do in order to get to where I want to be.  This year at WPPI I felt surrounded and overwhelmed, yes.  But in a different, better way.  Surrounded by love & encouragement, and overwhelmed by talented & beautiful friends I could have missed-out on if I hadn’t pushed myself.

The best things come on the other side of scary. My friend, Jesh, said these very words (or something really close) during his WPPI presentation.  I feel like that sums up my past year for sure.  I still am far from being as brave as I’d like to be … but at least I can muster the courage to say ‘hello’ to seemingly intimidating people now.  And many of those simple ‘hellos’ have turned into beautiful friendships.  I think it was Jesh who also said that all our best friends were once strangers.  Good point.

A big part of why this year was special is owed to my dear friend who helps me to be more brave, Gladys Jem (thanks for introducing me to the dancing fountains at the Belagio — my new favorite thing!).  We shared a room and countless heart-to-hearts.   One night we sat in an amazing Mexican restaurant, crying over our margaritas about how happy we were, truly living our dreams.  I know it sounds cliche, but it’s still unreal to me.  Absolutely unreal.

I didn’t carry my own camera around (so much walking and all day long), so I relied on other cameras to get a few snapshots.  Below are Smilebooth shots from the Airhorns & Blazers party (with Gladys, Michelle, and Chris) and a couple Instax shots of my new friend Lara Casey and I.

One of my favorite WPPI memories is running into Lara in the hall and her getting this photo.  I was smiling so big that I closed my eyes and she said we should re-take it.  So I was getting ready for the next shot when the following conversation happened:

Lara:  Let’s take an eyes-closed photo.

Me:  Okay. Really? (already closing eyes).

Lara:  No. (laughing).

Clearly, some parts of WPPI will always be a little overwhelming for me ;)

To all my new friends … I love you!  xoxo, AM.

Was playing around on polyvore.com today and whipped-up this little collage of things I like a lot.

There are so many things I want to say about this wedding and this couple.  Long story short, I love my job … but I love it 100 times more when I get to shoot a personal wedding like Jess and Erik’s.  And I love my job even 1,000 times more when amazing people go from being my clients to being my friends.  I felt so honored to photograph this wedding and even more honored to now call Jess and Erik my friends.  They are kind, warm, sincere, genuine, laid-back and fun.  And their wedding reflected their awesomeness.

Jess and Erik’s reception venue was the Speakeasy Lounge in Janesville and I’m pretty sure when I walked inside I exclaimed something along the lines of “ohmygoshthisplaceisamazing and iwishmorepeoplewouldgetmarriedhere!!”  Their details were all so personal and perfect for them.  They are big wildlife and nature lovers so the bird theme was so good.  Their cake was the most unique I’ve ever seen and after they cut it, it smelled so good and chocolatey.

Erik’s sister, Whitney Robinson, made the rings and they’re so artistic and awesome (have I said that word about this wedding enough yet?) and fitting.  There were surprises and hidden details around every turn and I took shots of each and every side.  Here is just one side of each ring.

Not at all a flattering shot, but I couldn’t leave without a photo with these two and myself.  Thanks to the nice man with the 30D for snapping this.

Congratulations, Jessica and Erik!!  I hope you are loving Door County right now.  Thank you so much for having me be part of your amazing day.  It was an honor and I’m so glad to know you both!

Only interesting to photographers — this is how I shot their wedding:  35 1.4L = 80%, 24-70 2.8L = 10%, 70-200 2.8L = 9%, 100 2.8 macro = 1%.

My favorite way to take a break these days is to walk or bike to meet a friend at a cute little cafe.  Ryann recently introduced me to Madison Sourdough Company‘s new location and I fell in love with it’s atmosphere and amazing sweet and savory menu selection.  I’ve since gone back twice with Stephanie and Troy and I can’t wait to return for more of their awesome food and bread.

One of the most surreal things for me this year is seeing my work featured on blogs like Style Me Pretty.  These are blogs I read on a daily basis as a bride two years ago.  And I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I’d see my own work on them.  Christina & Paul’s amazing Arizona Ranch Wedding was featured last week and I feel beyond honored.  Click HERE to see the Style Me Pretty feature.  Click HERE to see my blog post about their wedding.

Christina’s multi-colored bridesmaids dresses were also featured on ChezWedd HERE.

And thank you SO much for all the sweet words about the feature on my Facebook wall.   You all make my world go ’round.  I’m so thankful for the positive and inspiring photographers I have gotten to know as I’ve entered into business this past year and a half.  I think it’s so important that we surround ourselves with people who continue to inspire us … people who aren’t negative about the industry all the time.  Of course there are negative aspects, but what is the use in dwelling on them day in and day out?  I say, get out of this industry if you’ve stopped seeing any good in it.  If you are annoyed by the idealistic, positive photographers … really ask yourself WHY.  I bet it has more to do with you than with them.  I hope I am the first to stop shooting weddings if I take no joy in them.  For now, I’m so happy/fulfilled and I know this career move is the best decision I could have made in the best possible time.  And I’ll keep being wide-eyed.  Because I’m happy in my job, and that’s not sugar-coated.

Claire and John were married in Janesville and surrounded by some the the most supportive, appreciative, and wonderful families and friends I have encountered as a wedding photographer. Everyone came together to contribute to the personal details that made the day a success for Claire and John. From the centerpieces and groom’s cake to the hand-painted unity candle and wine glasses, every element had a personal touch.

The 1962 Thunderbird was an awesome element to bring into the wedding day. Made for some great portrait shots.

Claire didn’t even hesitate when I asked how she felt about laying down in her wedding dress. Love a bride like that!

Once Claire and John had their “first look” before the ceremony, they were calm and so so happy. They were smiling the entire ceremony and it was clear they were excited for the day. Their car driver and friend, Marvin, said that the entire car ride after the ceremony they kept exclaiming, “We’re married! We’re married!” Love that.

Congratulations, Claire and John!! You two are clearly so in love with each other and I loved witnessing that on your wedding day. I had so much fun with you and your families and I hope you enjoy Aruba this week!

Vendor shout-out: Reception venue and dinner by Best Events Catering, Flowers by Floral Expressions, DJing by Complete Music, Ceremony music by Aly Bitter (vocalist) and Fran and Jordan Peyer, Hair & Make-up by Rosa Burdick, Hand-painted candles and glasswear etc by Deb Sisko (family friend), cake by Buttercups, groom’s cake by Dona Bolton (family friend), videography by Tony Huml, and event coordination by Planned Spontaneity.