Engaged | Spencer + Kristina

On Friday evening, I had plans to do Spencer and Kristina's engagement session, which was our rescheduled date from two weeks prior when the original date got rained out. I know what you're thinking - buuuut, it rained Friday. Yup, we know. Around 2pm or so I texted Kristina about how beautiful the day turned out and looking back I owe her and myself a huge eye roll, because our session start time was 6pm, and what time did it start raining? 6pm. 

I got to The Carillon, and Kristina was already there a few minutes early. We exchanged eye rolls via text and vented about the weather. She had just come from getting her hair and make up done and I was convinced we weren't going down without giving it our best effort. In that moment, I should've been more empathetic, but I took the route of "worst case scenario, you'll end up soaking wet, now let's do this dance". I'm sure that's exactly what she wanted to hear. Luckily, I've known her for about 16 years now and that kind of sarcasm works. 

Spencer pulled up about 5-10 minutes later, and as he sat in his car finishing tucking in his shirt, he was looking at us standing under umbrellas waiting I'm sure thinking 'you're kidding right'? Like yes, it's raining. No, we're not giving up yet. And I'm so glad we didn't because we would've missed out on all of this gorgeousness. Not that I wish rain on any of my couples' wedding days, but at least now we all have full confidence that rain doesn't ruin anything. 

I already mentioned I've known Kristina forever, so you can imagine how excited I was when she asked me to be her photographer. She told me the budget would be tight, but between her venue and myself, those were dreams of hers and she was going to make these two things work. Can I tell you how honored I feel knowing that clients invest in me? I mean, weddings are expensive, we know that and it could go unsaid, but she wanted me to know that she was stretching herself for my services, and I didn't and won't ever forget that. I strive for about as close to perfection as humanly possibly each time I pick up my camera, and I was going to make these pictures amazing for the sake of knowing that she believes so strongly in me, and at times probably more than I believe in myself.

Kristina and I went to school together for almost forever, did show choir together in high school and lost touch some in college. But she's one of those friends that it never feels like you've missed a beat. One of those friends that you cannot help but jump for joy knowing she's found the love of her life, and Spencer truly treats her like the princess she is. I loved working with these two, and I can't wait for their wedding next May! 

Here's a few more from my time with Spencer and Kristina. As always, thanks for following along on this little dream of mine. 

XOXO, Taylor

Engaged | Kyle + Kelsey

I went to school with Kyle, and by went to school, I mean we both found ourselves in the same small town of Farmville for 4 years of college - he went to Hampden-Sydney and I went to Longwood. Okay, so we didn't go to school together but, let's be real, the town is so small pretty much everything runs together.

I remember him during those years for his zest for life, and if you knew Kyle in college too, we can share a laugh and probably exchange stories forever. He was sure to put a smile on your face, and you could BET he'd be sporting a huge smile himself. Always smiling, always laughing, and always extremely welcoming. So many good memories!

It's only natural for Kyle to find someone who perfectly compliments him in all these ways. I remember when we met for Starbucks to book their wedding (side note: I feel like all my client relationships start this way--- Hi my name is Taylor and I love coffee), and we seriously laughed the entire time. I was meeting her for the first time but it never once felt that way. Then, she came to the LTP Bride Reunion two weekends ago, and seeing her again today was just as comfortable - seriously, it feels like we've been friends forever.

My goal at every session is to make my clients laugh and to bring out natural emotion. Posed is great, people count on me for that, but comfortable and non-awkward is even better. I love making them laugh, I love seeing them let their walls down because picture taking isn't the most normal, every day activity in itself, but I love when those laughs are mutual. I laughed just as hard with them, and though Kyle says he wasn't stoked (all men say this, just FYI!), I can tell he had fun, too ;)

I cannot wait for their wedding in November! How lucky am I to get to share these friendships with such incredible people?!

Here are a few more of my favorites from my evening with Kyle and Kelsey!

Thanks for following along on this little dream of mine.

XOXO, Taylor

Never Give Up

I was hopeful to have new work to bring to the blog, but FIVE sessions scheduled for this past weekend are now moved to new dates because of all the rain. I spent Thursday night getting all caught up, blog posts and all, so when the rain came and cleared my schedule, it was an unexpected blessing of much down time with my little family. I blinked and my son is almost one (I can hardly type the words and accept this fact), so a chance to slow down, curl up for naps together and empty my laundry hamper was well overdue.

God has a funny way of reminding you of your purpose. I’ve never been the best at paragraph transition, so I realize that was an abrupt flip of the switch, but in my head the thoughts do go together. It’s not often from about mid-March through September that my schedule allows a lot of time for mental reflection. I normally despise a weekend rain-out, but I needed it in more ways than one. I’m a busy-bee to a fault. If I’m sitting still, I’m going crazy. I don’t know what it is that makes me that way, because there seems to be no happy medium – I’m either bored or I’m stressed. But, I learned that about myself a long time ago and now it’s just trying to manage that blessing/curse.

Sitting still this weekend and just letting myself be, I realized just how much this thing has evolved. Normally my free time brings me to Monday where I’ve dreamed up 4,000 new ideas of the weekend and I hit the ground running trying to implement all the things, but this weekend was so different. I don’t believe it’s a coincidence I found myself with a free weekend, right on the heels of my reunion weekend. If anything, this was God’s way of reminding me that he knew all along the incredible plans he’d have for me.

I haven’t figured out if being full of self-doubt is part of being a small business owner, or just one of the negative characteristic that make me who I am. If I had to guess, maybe a touch of both, but either way I am certainly drowning in it at times. I see so many things that have turned into a pretty huge success, but took me months or years to implement because I was scared I wasn’t good enough or too nervous to take the risk and potentially fall flat on my face. I’ve learned that these moments where I allow myself to be held back because of my own internal struggles align with the same timing where I’ve tried to take this business back into my own hands and unintentionally push God out of it. I’ve learned that He’s never failed me, and He isn’t going to, so I need to continually trust.

Almost three years ago in August, I had my first wedding. The fears, the excitement, the I’ve-waited-so-long-for-this, the nerves, all of it. It happened. Today, a little over two and half years later, I booked my first destination wedding that’ll take me and my family to a quaint winery in New York, at 700x the rate I booked my first wedding. Two very different firsts for me, two examples of God’s grace in my life. Only two and a half years of time.

If you’re reading this as a boastful post, I should apologize for the tone I’ve used to convey my heart, because I can tell you that in this very moment, typing this very sentence, I feel so overwhelmed with a genuine passion of encouragement for the person who’s dreaming two and a half years out from where you’re currently sitting. Your dreams feel so unattainable, but they’re not. Let me be a living proof that they’re not. I work full time, I’m a mom, I’m a wife, I’m studying for my CPA license, following the Dave Ramsey method for digging us out of like $60k of student debt as fast as possible, and I’m growing my business seriously every single day. I’m not encouraging you to try and tackle the same amount of stress at once – I actually don’t recommend it at all (being real, here), but rather, hoping to just encourage you to not make excuses. Don’t think because your dreams feel so big, you shouldn’t try. Give them all you have, and don’t put them on hold because you’re scared of failure. You owe it to yourself to work to become that person you dream of being, holding whatever roles you aspire to. And when it feels hard, and it feels impossible, and you’re ready to throw in the towel, don’t. Someone, somewhere is becoming inspired by what you’re doing and someday, you’re going to be able to look back over those two and a half years and see the 700% growth because you didn’t give up.

Thanks for following along on this little dream of mine. You’re guaranteed to share in the highs and the lows with me, but I am committed to staying honest and encouraging. I’m cheering for you, whatever your dreams look like.

XOXO, Taylor

First Annual LTP Bride Reunion!

When I launched this business, I felt pretty strongly about couples and weddings, but I had my hands in anything and everything a potential client inquired about just trying to find where I felt most comfortable. Looking back, the biggest hurdle (among the MANY) I had to overcome was wanting so badly to tap into the wedding market but not having work in my portfolio to get there. This can sometimes work for other sessions because the risk is far less, meaning the session could always be redone if it needed to be. Thus, I find clients are willing to take a little more risk/trust a little more, however you want to look at it. But weddings are different in that regard. If I were thinking less like a photographer wanting so badly to book weddings, and more like a bride, I totally get it. I'm more of a see-to-believe type, too. 

I had options - give away a wedding for free, be another photographer's second shooter, or prove my abilities as a photographer in general and hope just ONE PERSON would trust me enough. I just needed one. 

Fast forward, I booked that one, and quickly booked the rest of my quota that year right after. I was so happy, and each wedding proved as confirmation that there was something special about this niche that I'd grow to focus 95% of my efforts there. 

Over the last two and a half years, that niche has remained but my purpose has really evolved. I found that focusing less on the quantity of clients and more on quality mattered a lot to my business structure. My main goal was not to make as much money as possible, but rather to make the most positive impact on the clients I was fortunate enough to call mine. I found that setting aside time in my schedule to get lunch and coffee and text back and forth with my brides made the whole experience that much more enjoyable for all of us, and therefore, a cap of weddings I would take on each year was really important to me. The lunch and coffee and constant conversation made me more of a friend and less of just another vendor. And I have walked away from each wedding with new friends, versus closing the door because that transaction ended. 

Brides invest in me. They get one shot at this wedding thing- the event that marks a serious turning point in their lives that gets summed up in pictures (and maybe video if they've booked a videographer, too). It's an honor to be the person to provide the one, tangible thing left over when the day ends, and I don't take that lightly. It's more than just an investment- it's a whole lot of trust.

At the beginning of this year, when I sat down to goal set and reflect on where I've been and where I intend to go, I was so overwhelmed at the evolution that's happened. I could recount the real friendships I've made and I quickly honed in on the fact that beyond the pretty diamonds, and stunning gowns, and floral arrangements, cake and sparklers, it's the relationships that keep me passionate. So, I swallowed my pride assuming they'd all think I had lost my mind, and I sent an email to all of my Lauren Taylor brides asking if they'd be interested in a reunion. 

What sounded so crazy in my head played out better than I could've ever imagined, and all but a handful were able to make it. I had a few travel here from NC, DC and Fredericksburg. I had one that has since had a baby and made it a priority to come hang out even though sometimes it's tough to part with mom duties. I had two that have since become pregnant and came excitedly regardless of being unable to enjoy the mimosas. Y'all, this is what it's all about for me. We laughed, we reminisced on wedding days, the girls connected on a personal level despite the fact that many were meeting for the first time, we ate, we drank mimosas, we just had quality girl time. 

Despite the many things that felt like hurdles at the last minute, the stress of just wanting it to be perfect, the few that couldn't come.... It was sweet confirmation that this is exactly what I was called to do. And no doubt, that was just the first of an annual recurring event because what a perfect way to watch the community grow. Thank you to each of you who were able to make it, and each of you for trusting me and loving me and playing along with my crazy ideas. You've each blessed me more than you know. 

PS. I had so much fun I failed to take the amount of pictures I intended to, but the memories are so, so sweet and I'll cherish them forever. 

It's fun to see your brand (and name!) come to life in COOKIES! 

 (Click the bottom right of the frame below to scroll! )

XOXO,​ Taylor 

Engaged | Matt + Brooke

Y'all. Have you ever hung out with a couple that's obnoxiously in love and it just kind of makes you sick (in a good, happy-for-you way)? I think we all can answer a resounding yes here. I know, I came out guns blazing in the first sentence... bare with me.

I've known OF Matt and Brooke for a really long time. I never was super close with either one of them, but our paths have continuously crossed for YEARS and these two have been together ever since, and their love for one another is one of the strongest I've ever seen. You just don't know Matt without Brooke, and vice versa. I think the entire world (me included!) celebrated with them when he proposed because these two were absolutely, 200% made for one another.

Brooke is a Registered Nurse, and Matt is a firefighter. Can we talk about the fact that not only do they love each other fiercely, but they've both equally dedicated their lives to serving others? When I say I'm blessed with the most amazing clients, I mean it.

Men don't enjoy pictures - it's kind of a fact. I'm not going to say Matt was pumped, I'm confident he was being bribed with a post-session dinner date - fair enough! Food works as a fabulous incentive for me, too, I get it. But, it says a lot about a man to see that they just know how much this means to their significant other to just play along and have a good time. He didn't even second guess it. I remember standing in that field taking a second to adjust my settings after we had done a few poses of him holding her, and I heard him say "I just want to spin you around!" Dude, what?! I've never taken so many frames in my life. These are the moments I live for. I don't work to force these things, that's not fun or fair for either one of us. I just document them as they happen, because these moments are the most beautiful moments in their candid state.

It's been almost a week, and I'm still kind of mopping myself off the floor. Goodness, I cannot wait for their fall wedding!

To view some of my previous couples sessions, use the buttons below!

Thanks for following along on this little dream of mine!

XOXO, Taylor

Headshots | Sabrina Boykin

My favorite thing about this business is the friendships and relationships formed or rekindled. You've heard me say it ten times and I'll say it 40,000 more, and even that feels like a weak estimate if we're talking forever. So much of this business has evolved into what I remember my far-fetched dreams were when I launched two and a half years ago, and that has been really cool to see play out. But, a lot of it has evolved into something much more than I ever anticipated, too. Even better.  

Since we're all friends here, you won't mind if I shoot straight for a second, eh? Being friends with other local photographers seemingly trying to reach the same people, for the same purpose seems weird - right? I mean why would it ever benefit me to befriend these people? This was kind of my mindset for about a year. I never saw the point, frankly, I didn't see the warm welcome when I entered the industry so maybe I was nervous, maybe I was bitter, maybe I was dead set to prove everyone wrong about me and I was definitely determined to book clients and that didn't seem like the logical way to do it. 

Fast forward. I could've never foreseen the amount of times I'd need someone who could truly relate in the struggles. My husband, my sisters, my mom, my BFF, they can all listen to me and be a wonderful sounding board, but the friend that's experienced the same high, the same fears, the same self-doubt, that's the one that'll make you feel less singled out and crazy. That's the one that understands and needs encouragement just as bad as you do. Empathy versus sympathy. 

This year has been wonderful for many reasons (and it's only April!), but one of the highlights has been gaining friends in the same industry that just get it. Sabrina gets me, and we've shared lenses, taught each other tricks and she's going to help me out with quite a few weddings this year! She launched a new site yesterday and I was fortunate enough to get to provide her with new headshots! Here are a few favorites from our short time together - isn't she stunning?!

XOXO, Taylor

Engaged | Ty + Katie

It's been a long 12 days since I've launched a new blog post, and I feel like I've been missing a part of myself! I have always been the type to feel as though I need to stay constantly busy and always be doing something, and then I gave birth to the sweetest little boy and since this must-be-busy-all-the-time trait didn't really ever go anywhere, life has been the most beautiful, sometimes messy, balancing act ever since.

To catch you up real fast, the weekend before last I hosted nine mamas for weekend one of three of my mama and me mini sessions. Thursday evening I had a bridal session. Bridal sessions are among my favorite sessions ever, though I hate the wait of sharing them with the world. I'm a little short on patience, just being real. Then, on Friday after work I had this stunning couple (and their full-of-life daughter) in front of my camera for an engagement/family session, before a weekend full of LTP brides, another engagement session and Easter! 

But, without further a-do, meet the stunning Ty + Katie!

If you know even just the basics about me, you know I'm wife, mom, accountant by day and photographer by night and weekend. When I schedule sessions after work, I usually go straight there for the sake of time, so there I went, in my business professional get-up, pointy-toed heels and all, to meet up with Ty and Katie at Maymont Park.

Fake it 'til you make it, right? This may as well be tattooed across my forehead. I'm an accountant but refuse to wear a suit, unless I legitimately don't have a choice, and I. Don't. Do. Heels. (Not to include a solid pair of wedges, though!) Ask my sisters - I think the first time I graced the world in heels was nothing less than my older sister's wedding, and I'm reminded time and time again, almost 11 years later, how ungraceful I looked. Whoops. 

So, naturally, I parked on the wrong side of Maymont Park by a solid mile, on the downhill side no less, on the most beautiful day ever... meaning there were quite a few people to entertain as I hurried across the park in everything I am not. A business dress + heels. At Maymont Park. Not your everyday park attire. I call my husband on my 30 minute journey to the Japanese Gardens because it only took about five minutes for me to feel like everyone was staring at me (they were, and for good reason), for him to say "I think there's a parking lot right beside the gardens, you know." Husbands, NOT THE TIME TO SPIT OBVIOUS FACTS. It's a good thing I can normally joke it off and make light of awkward situations, because we all got a good laugh once I finally made it to Ty and Katie and it perfectly prefaced such a fun, energetic and laughter-filled session. 

I'm reminded time and time again how blessed I am by some of the most understanding and joyful people that I get to call my clients. We joked, we laughed, and they were so full of love for eachother. (And then Ty gave me a ride back to my car on the other side of the park. What an angel.) It's the little things, but yet another session where I walked away with some new friends that I may not have otherwise met. I don't take this lightly- I am so thankful.

Here's a few of my favorites from their engagement session! Thanks for following along on this little dream of mine.

XOXO, Taylor