In case you hadn’t guessed it (and in the event that you hadn’t already seen this Instagram), it’s been a bit of a slow start for me today. We had an incredible time on Saturday photographing Kevin & Arie’s wedding! I cannot WAIT to show you their day! But since I didn’t get home until at 2am on Sunday morning, yesterday was spent as a lazy day, and I’m still feeling the sleepiness today :).

(Can we talk about this bouquet by Kat? Because I think it’s my favorite one she’s ever created!)

October is always insane for photographers, and it’s typically around this time that I have some sort of meltdown from the sheer volume of work to be done. I was on the verge of one of those meltdowns last Thursday (you know, once I got home from Phoenix and realized how many emails needed answering), and at 10pm, Matt insisted we get out of the house. Because sometimes, just getting OUT is enough to help you destress.

So we went driving. Nowhere in particular, just in the general direction of “away” from our house. And we ended up at One Loudoun, a sort of town center in Ashburn, where we ended up laughing the stress away as we frantically tried to beat this game that’s been set up in the middle of the town center (most likely intended for children). It was amazing, and exactly what I needed. Matt, you’re the best!

As always, lessons learned/events that transpired over the past week:

• UNITED was amazing!!! I’m doing a full recap later this week, but I had to start with that!
• Being in Arizona made me appreciate the change of seasons in Virginia. There’s a barren sort of beauty out there to be sure, but I love that we get to experience all four seasons here!
• I got to reuse my senior prom dress last Monday night: YASSS! Don’t worry, I have photos to prove it- you’ll see those in the UNITED recap post!
• Losing your wallet is a total bummer. Especially when there’s a mostly-full Starbucks gift card in that wallet. Dangit!

My couples are the best gift givers ever. As if I wasn’t already excited enough when I show up on the morning of their wedding, Arie handed me a gift before I even started shooting! And guys, look how well she knows me!! Harry Potter, Kate Spade, Veuve, and an engraved bottle of Merlot? I love these two!!

Aaand one more photo from Saturday. Cuz this view is the epitome of epic!