And we’re back! Guys, I’ll be honest- I had a “final Monday Mash-Up” post halfway written because I had fallen so far off my usual blogging train, you wouldn’t believe. But Monday Mash-Up rides again!

These last 10 days were CRAY. Eight shoots/events in 10 days. I’ve never done that sort of a crazy push before, but you know what? I’m not exhausted! And I think a huge part of that has to do with shooting film! More on that later this week :).

While in Charlottesville yesterday afternoon, we ran into Liz & Ware (remember their sweet wedding?), and Liz asked if we have a busy wedding season this year. And while, yes, we’re definitely more busy this time of year than in, say, January… it’s not insane like it has been in years past. Like, so-busy-you-can’t-breathe kind of insane. And I LOVE that we’ve slowed down just a bit. Matt & I have always believed in running a business that enables a life we love, and seeing that desire come true is so rewarding!

As always, lessons learned/events that transpired over the past week (GOSH it feels good to write that out again!):

• My clients are the coolest. We were in Charlottesville for Courtney & Will’s engagement session yesterday, and then to see Parachute in concert. And then just a few hours beforehand, I found myself with a photo pass, courtesy of Will, to shoot the show! IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! I’ve never photographed a show before- it was fun to shoot something completely different than my usual fare!
• And my vendor friends are the coolest, too. Like how last Thursday, I got to shoot at the beautiful Paisley & Jade studio in Richmond, with two of my favorite ballerinas and our choice of anything from P&J’s inventory, for what will quite possibly be some of my best new ballerina work. I’ll let you know for sure when the film scans are in!
• Matt & I got hooked on the podcast “Serial” (a week-by-week breakdown of an actual murder case) on our drive down to Roanoke to see my Granny, and now I have this strange urge to prolong every car ride so we can find out whodunnit.
• Charleston. I’ve finally fallen in love with Charleston. Last Monday was my FIFTH time in Lowcountry, but it was the first time I really got it. The charm, the sweetness of it all, with the jasmine perfuming the air like it does in spring. It was heaven!
• Also, if you’re ever in Charleston and need a place to go for cocktails, Prohibition is it. Go, order the Dartery, and thank me later. (I went two days in a row last week and I’m not even a little embarrassed over it)