Working Out + Business Goals

My body.  It's broken.  I started working out last week for the first time in 10 years.  Okay, I'm giving myself too much credit.  I use the term "working out" loosely.  My workouts consisted more of social hour at the gym mixed with some weights and cardio, convincing myself I was actually doing something healthy.  But thankfully I have my own personal Bob Harper at home, a.k.a. my husband, who has been weight training since high school.  He has me on a schedule to achieve my goal of non-self-conscious skirt-wearing by later this summer.

I feel soreness in muscles that I never knew existed.  But, no pain no gain, right?  Well, it's kind of like that in business too.  Good segway, right?  (I also give myself too much credit for being clever.  Clearly.)  I'll admit that when I quit my day job a little over a month ago, I was busy just trying to keep up with myself and the task list before me.  Some large tasks.  Some small tasks.  All things that needed to be done, but I didn't take the time to set any business goals for myself.  And as I learned from Jeff Jochum, "Action isn't Progress." 

So I will be dedicating time in the coming month to setting goals and forming strategies.   I will be working on a business plan as well as reading more business books.  (You would find this quite ironic if you knew that I changed my major in college from Business to Studio Art because I found business courses to be dry and boring!)  My current read is Love Is the Killer App by Tim Sanders.  Next on the list is The E-Myth Revisted by Michael E. Gerber. 

So here's to strengthening my "business muscles!!!"  (Now where's my Advil and ice pack?!)

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Josephine Butler House Wedding: Ana + Jonathan

They are sweet and poetic.  As the details came together and final touches were made at Josephine Butler House, both Ana and Jonathan seemed to float on a cloud of calm and peace.  It was a beautiful day, with two very lovely people.

I loved shooting this wedding with my friend Leah Hewitt.  Leah, it's always a pleasure to work with you!

After the ceremony, guests were surprised with a dessert table (before dinner!) while the bride and groom were taking family photos.  Now this is how you satisfy a sweet tooth!

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2941 Restaurant Wedding: Karen + Raleigh

They have an easy way about them, moving quietly and gently, without stress or concern.  The morning I met them at their home, Raleigh greeted me at the door with a relaxed smile and told me Karen was upstairs getting ready.  As I reached the top of the stairs, I found Karen walking about, finalizing wedding details, with a sweet smile on her face.  And this is how the day would go.  Relaxed.  Gentle.  Sweet.  Both of them always smiling, genuine and heartfelt....

I absolutely love Karen's champagne-colored Kate Spade heels.  So classy, and so very Karen.

The Enchanted Florist always "wows" me with their incredible work!

2941 Restaurant was beautiful and elegant, and their floor to ceiling windows provided the most amaaaaazing filtered light.

This beautiful cherry blossom cake was created by the chef at 2941.  I just love the delicate flowers!

Karen, you are such a doll!

The David Bach Trio (through Bialek's Music) provided a wonderful ambiance throughout the afternoon.

Karen and Raleigh's son, Charles, joined them after the ceremony for lunch and play time with the other kids.

If you only knew how many "flying airplane rides" Raleigh had to give Charlie in order for this photo to happen!  (But we got it!!)

Karen gave a lunch blessing and said a word of thanks to all of their family and friends who were able to make it out for their wedding, especially those who traveled such long distances.  To her and Raleigh, the most important aspect of the day was celebrating with their loved ones.  Raleigh then spoke fondly of his family, and of his mother, and told them how much they meant to him and have helped shape who he's become.  And he sang Karen's praises, saying that not only is she giving in her role as a midwife, but she's also always giving to him and to others.  Could we all see how happy and loving and wonderful she had been throughout the day?  "She's always like this," Raleigh remarked.

Many, many thanks go to Kelley Cannon Events for keeping the day flowing smoothly.  Kelley, I absolutely love working with you - you are amazing at what you do!

Credit:  (hair) Julie Jackson with Hair by Jewels; (makeup) Marquia Kinard at Blend.

And thanks also to Erum Risvi for shooting with me that day!

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Enchanted Atelier, Fall 2011 Look Book Photo Shoot

This is the second season I've been fortunate enough to work with Liv Hart on her look book for Enchanted Atelier, Couture Accessories.  She designs 50 new pieces each Spring and Fall, and I'm completely in awe of her creativity and inspired designs.  She is currently at Bridal Market in New York (which is where she uses the look book for her buyers to see the pieces), and I learned just yesterday that Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta have picked up her line for some of their stores!  Completely excited for her, but not at all surprised that they love her pieces just as much as I do.

We had an amazing team for this season's photo shoot:
Model: Danielle Fillmore (Elite Model Management NY)
Hair: Aleksandra Ulanowicz of Ronnie Elias Salon
Make-up: Kim Reyes
Gowns: Ulla-Maija Couture & Amsale provided by Hitched Georgetown
Shoes: Aruna Seth, London

I lurrrrrrve these butterfly heels from Aruna Seth!

I already posted this in a Sneak Peak, but I love, love, love this photo!  (And I think Danielle looks just like Natalie Portman here!)

Liv also designs a collection specifically for Claire Pettibone of Beverly Hills:

Danielle, THANK YOU a million times over.  You are an absolute gem and made my job soooo easy!

Liv, it's always a pleasure working with you.  I'm already excited for your Spring 2012 look book shoot!  xoxo... Pin It