I had SUCH a blast with my dear old friend, Caroline of Pippins Pictures Photography trading sessions last weekend! We needed family pictures in a bad way…as in, we hadn’t had pictures taken since..um..our wedding? Yea. Our wedding. Granted, I’m not counting the times I trekked out, family, camera, and tripod in tow, said my prayers, and used the timer function. Because, really? Those times are NOT worthy of counting. I thought they were, right up until I saw the images on the back of Caroline’s camera. What? I looked…I wasn’t sure at first. It was so foreign. And then I realized it. I was so at ease! And it showed. I wasn’t frantic trying to hustle back and forth between tripod/camera and the already-posed-family before my kids forgot they were having their picture taken. I got to play with my kids. And someone captured it. YAY!

Oh, wait, I’m supposed to be talking about Caroline. I was SO excited to be able to trade with her…well, I kinda had to talk her into it. Her sister is in the process of moving far away, and I thought it would be a nice exchange to get a couple of her and her mom and sis before the three of them no longer lived in the same state. It took some convincing, but since her mom had just welcomed a darling new puppy into their family, they agreed. I still owe her her own family session, but I really love these of the three of them.

Thank you so much, ladies! And Caroline, especially thanks to you for the wonderful images of my family.

I’m so excited to show off some images from Lori + Luke’s engagement session from last week. These two are high school sweethearts and will be tying the knot this August. We had a blast shooting at Helen Hunt Falls, and they did something that doesn’t get done often…they took me to a place I hadn’t shot before! After heading up to the falls, we came back down the canyon to the Starsmore Discovery Center, which is really less of a center and more of an amazingly lit campground, complete with gorgeously lit trees and a creekbed…you know, for extra fun.

Lori + Luke, I had so much fun with you guys and I can’t wait to show you the rest of these, and I definitely can’t wait for your wedding.

I really don’t know why they call it that.

But, it’s here.  My 30th birthday!!!! No, that doesn’t feel right. My 30th birthday. There, that’s better.

Let me explain. I’ve always loved my birthday. Growing up, my mom went out of her way to make the day special for me. She set the stage early for birthdays to be a big deal in my life. (My poor hubby…that’s  a lot to live up to!) The fact that it’s just another day to everyone else on the planet (except, maybe, my mom) is something I still struggle with.

But, internet, I can’t lie. I have not been looking forward to this one. My 20s were…a blast! Even though I struggled through about three-quarters of it, I loved college, I loved the early years of my first career, and I felt like I wasn’t really ready to say buh-bye to them just yet.

That is, until yesterday.

I started thinking about my life. I started thinking…hmmm… c’mon. Really? What have I done that is so great that I really should look forward to the next 30 years? What do I have to “show” for 30. And that’s when it hit me…30 doesn’t have anything on me, and I have a LOT to be proud of from these last 30 years.

Image courtesy Caroline Pippin. Used with permission.

In my 30 years on this planet, I’ve married a wonderful man… my best friend. And even though he HATES having his picture taken, this past weekend he let us do something we haven’t done since our wedding…we got our own family pictures taken, by someone other than me and my dynamic duo of tripod and camera timer.  My wonderful friend, Caroline Pippin of Pippins Pictures Photography met us in Palmer Lake. I’m thrilled with the outcome!!

In my “past life”, I taught government and world history to some really awesome kids, many of whom I’m still in touch with today. Being a teacher was wonderful preparation for motherhood… and I wouldn’t trade the experience or the people I met along the way for the world!

Image courtesy Caroline Pippin, used with permission.

I’ve been blessed with 2 beautiful children whom I love more than I ever thought possible. Reagan and Breckin continue to teach me so many things about life each and every day. If nothing else, I can’t wait to see what the next 30 years does to these two littles.

And, I’ve started this business that has allowed me to meet and know some pretty awesome people, and make some really great friends. Granted, this job has caused my coffee addiction to grow, and it frequently gives me reality checks, but it’s awesome. Being entrusted with special moments in people’s lives is such a blessing, and I can’t wait to see who I’ll meet next.

So, all that to say that, Thirty, you’re not that big a deal. I’m pretty proud of all I’ve accomplished in these 30 years, and I’m looking forward to another 30.

Happy Wednesday!

Pretty stoked to show you some engagement pictures that, from what I hear, have been a long time coming.
Jason and Kristin have been together for several years, and are about to tie the knot in September.

Since I hadn’t met Jason yet, and Kristin had mentioned that pictures weren’t Jason’s favorite thing, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But color me surprised when, upon meeting Jason, he was the most easygoing, smily, and overall very cool guy.  I can see why she thinks he’s so great!! We spent some time around Rock Ledge Ranch and Garden of the Gods for this shoot.

Thanks guys, I can’t wait for your wedding!

Congratulations to these two couples who won the Facebook contest!
That’s right, there were two winning couples.
These two were so close to one another that I felt they both deserved to win a canvas. Plus, they both earned over 100 likes, which makes them winners in my book!
Thanks to everyone who participated, and congrats to the Blackwells and the Wus!

Super excited to share Sarah Viera of Sarah Viera Event Plannign & Design‘s guest post with you today. Sarah is not only an amazing planner, she’s also become a trusted friend. I’ve never had the pleasure of working with someone who works as hard as Sarah does on a wedding day. When I work with a bride who has hired Sarah, I know the day will go off without a hitch. She’s that good. I know you’ll love what Sarah has to say, so after you read this post, go find her on Facebook, and be sure to tell her you saw her here!

1. Who are you? Where are you? What do you do?

Image courtesy Carollo Photography, used with permission.

My name is Sarah Viera; I am a wedding coordinator in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas with the dream of doing destination weddings as well. 15 years ago I moved to Colorado to live at the Olympic Training Center (OTC) in hopes to make the 2000 Olympics. From that point on, I built a life here with family and friends. While I miss the ocean, wineries, fresh fruit and vegetables of California I love what Colorado has to offer. I met my husband at the OTC; we married in 2002 and have a daughter who has brightened both our lives. 

2. What made you decide to do what you do, and more specifically why do you LOVE weddings?

Let’s just say I dream BIG. I have worked at the same company for 14 years and knew it was not what I was passionate about. I loved the idea of owning my own business and making a name for myself. When my husband told me I would be great at project management I decided to put my project management skills into a world that I understood and loved; events. In 2009 I started Sarah Viera Event Planning & Design and once I put the vision in motion of what I wanted to do and become, I knew instantly that this was my future.

3. Any advice to the bride and groom?

“Leave the details to the detailed” Allow a professional to handle the details of your day so that you and your family and friends can truly enjoy the day to the fullest.

4. What’s your favorite part of your job, and/or what sets you apart from others who do what you do?

It’s so hard to say what my favorite part of the job is. I truly love what I do and how I help family enjoy their day to the fullest. The passion behind my business comes from the need to let mothers, sisters, aunts, brides and grooms truly enjoy one of the biggest days in their life. At my own wedding I remember asking where my mother was. Come to find out, someone had to make sure the centerpieces were set, the cake arrived on time and the entire wedding was how one visions it. And while those things were taken care of thanks to my family, I never want another bride or her family to experience that. This is not only a huge moment for the bride and groom, but also for their parents. They should enjoy the moment just as much as the bride and groom. 

5. What do you think is the most important thing for brides to know about you?

I want brides to know that I absolutely love what I do. Being an athlete taught me to go after my dreams and never give up till one is completely happy. And with that, I will ensure my brides are the happiest they can be and that their wedding day is exactly as they vision. 

As you know, we moved recently. The dust is settling, and the boxes are getting unpacked. The bulk of the house is settled, but there is still a good bit of organizing, unpacking, and decorating to be done. In my search for the perfect company to print a prized image I have of one of my favorite places on earth (NYC), I found an awesome company that makes beautiful gallery wraps, and my favorite part is that they’re out of Colorado. I love to support local small businesses whenever I have the chance!

I got this image made into a gallery wrap for the new house, and they were every bit as AWESOME as I had hoped. The gallery wrap comes backed, ready to hang, and it’s gorgeous.

So, I wanted to share the love. I also wanted to try to show some love to my 2011 brides and grooms who will be celebrating their first wedding anniversaries this year. I thought, hmmm…what better way than to have, you guest it, a giveaway!  Here’s how it will work:

1. You’ll need to head on over to my Fan Page on Facebook. While you’re there, click the “like” button, if you haven’t already. (Facebook is in NO WAY affiliated with, a sponsor of, or otherwise entangled with this giveaway.) You’ll need to like the page before you can proceed with the giveaway.
2. Navigate to the photos. There, you’ll find an album entitled “Best of 2011″ where you’ll find my very favorite images from 2011 weddings.
3. Then, simply click the like button on your favorite one to vote. The couple whose image has the most votes (likes) by people who also like my page, will win a 16×20 gallery wrap!!
4. Hurry! Voting closes April 30th!!

So…if you’re a 2011 bride, and you’d LOVE to have your image hanging in your home, get your people out to vote in this contest!! What better 1st anniversary gift could you give (or get!?)!

Happy voting, and Happy Tuesday!

The unpacking is coming along at a steady pace! But, in the mean time, here’s another guest post from Lori at Splendor for Your Guests. I absolutely love this company, as they’re very unique and offer such a great product for brides looking to add special touches to their wedding day. Looks like Lori has some new products to tell you about and show for your special day! Enjoy!

At Splendor we always strive to keep you dry from the rain and shaded from the hot heat under nylon umbrellas! Well,

Sandalwood Fan

now we’re offering a sweeter way to stay shaded. Paper parasols and fans are now available!  Not only are they fun, flirty and inexpensive, paper parasols and fans are a colorful way to keep your wedding party and guests cool.  One of the newest trends – in solid colors or patterns – and can be a fun and darling look as an alternative to the Bridesmaid’s traditional bouquet.  If you still prefer your Bridesmaids to carry a bouquet – they can carry both!  Whether your special day is on the beach or in the mountains, paper parasols and fans are a twirling prop for photo and video opportunities.

Paper Parisol

Check them out on our website, http://www.splendorforyourguests.com/weddings/buy/. or contact us directly at 303.578.8889.

I asked how they met. She giggled. Let me stop right there. I didn’t know it at the time, but Rachel is a GIGGLER. She has a ready laugh, and a smile that lights up…not just the room, but I feel like, if it needed to, she could light the entire STATE of Colorado with that smile. You can tell, the minute you meet her, that she’s a genuinely happy person. That’s probably why Keith fell in love with her at their workplace. They’d sneak glances and flirtatious smiles back and forth, and finally their friends urged them to JUST GO OUT ALREADY, after hearing about Rachel from Keith, and about Keith from Rachel. Their friends got together and made it happen. And thank goodness, because these two are in L.O.V.E., and such a complimentary match. I can’t wait for their wedding in July!

I always feel so lucky to have people I know turn into customers. I feel even more blessed when they become repeat customers. This is definitely the case with the Staite family. I knew Julie from my “past life” as a teacher, and last year I got to spend some time with her son Robert for his senior pictures. Julie also took advantage of a boudoir party in January, and then just a few weeks ago, she got the family together for family portraits. I finally got to photograph her husband, and other son!
Thanks Julie! As always, it was so fun working with you!

While I’m moving into my new house, I have a few guest bloggers lined up to tell you about themselves and what they have to offer for your special wedding day!!

First up is Kelly from 3 Leaf Floral to tell you all about herself!! While Kelly is located in Grand Junction, she frequently works all over the state. Her flowers even made an appearance early last winter in the Madmen Styled Shoot. When you get to the end, and you decide that you LOVE Kelly and her blooms (I know you will!), let Kelly know! Go friend her and leave a comment on her Facebook wall. Let her know you saw her on my blog!! Take it away, Kelly!

1. Who are you? Where are you? What do you do?

I’m Kelly, and as with most things, I’ve got a cup of coffee in hand. In a nutshell, I’m a fashion loving
mommy of two boys, and a flower obsessed mountain girl. I’m blessed to live on Colorado’s western
slope in Grand Junction. (Have you tried our Valley’s award winning wines and peaches?!) I’m the owner
and designer for 3 Leaf Floral and am lucky enough to run things from my home studio.

2. What made you decide to do what you do, and more specifically why do you LOVE weddings?

I love flowers. I always have. (What girl doesn’t?!) Flower design has been a favorite hobby of mine as
long as I can remember. I started with bouquets I found at the store and add a little of this and that
from the stuff I’d scrounge up in my mom’s backyard. This eventually led into floral design workshops,
arranging family member’s weddings and then friends. After I became a mom, I knew I needed to stay
home from my day job of being a middle school counselor. Having the time to focus on the simpler
things in life refreshed my interest in my hobby and inspired me to start my home studio arranging
flowers.

Image Copyright Darcy Case Photography, Used with Permission

I adore weddings mostly because they remind me of the vows I took with my own incredible husband
over 6 years ago. I’m so humbled by every wedding I create because I’m reminded of what a blessing
and gift from God marriage is. As in a marriage, the small details are what matter. A bride’s bouquet
is usually the most artistic and hand-crafted thing she’ll carry all day, it needs to reflect the beautiful
person she is. A bouquet is a symbol of the beauty of living in the moment. I still pinch myself that my
job is to create that artistry for brides on their biggest day ever.

3. How do you help brides realize or fulfill their vision?

We are pretty “chillaxed” over here in Junction! I love to meet with a bride and groom over coffee in our
local shop down the road to just find out who they are and what their style is. It is important to me to
make sure they are reflected in the look they want for their wedding. Incorporating as many personal
touches as possible, to me, makes wedding flowers memorable. I’m such a visual person that I will often
create individual style boards with brides to make sure every floral element is conquered.

4. What’s your favorite part of your job, and/or what sets you apart from others who do what you do?

Image Copyright Ben Eng Photography, used with permission.

If I could send the lovely smell of my studio when I’m working to you through the internet, I totally
would! The blooms themselves instantly elevate me. Since I’m a home-based business and don’t carry
a lot of the high overhead costs other shops may have, I only work on a limited number of weddings
per season so I can really focus on those fine details. It’s hard to choose my most favorite part of what I
do because I don’t feel like it is a job. But, it is hard to beat the expressions I get from brides when their
flowers are delivered and they see their vision in reality. Love. That. Moment.

5. What do you think is the most important thing for brides to know about you?

I’m hoping that after brides meet me, they can feel that I value the beauty, nature and artistry of their
wedding flowers. I’d like them to feel as though they are not just working with another vendor but
someone who is as passionate about their floral décor as they are.

I woke up this morning knowing today was the day. We’ve been waiting for this day for 368 days. It’s…moving day. After having our house on the market, a wonderful family found it, fell in love, and bought it. I’m so pleased with the people who bought our home…they’re exactly the kind of people I had hoped would find it!! It’s all worked out just as it’s supposed to, and I’m just thrilled. I’m soooooo excited for our new house, I could (and have been) SQUEAL(ing).

But…

368 days ago, I never would have thought that after packing the first box 10 days ago, that I would cry.

368 days ago, I never thought I would look longly at our flowering trees and lilac bush praying the clippings I’d taken would root so that we could take a piece of them to our new home.

368 days ago, it never occurred to me that my son, who is not quite 3, probably wouldn’t remember his tri-colored bedroom that I so proudly painted for him myself, with the help of my father.

Maybe I just never thought moving day would come. Maybe I just didn’t appreciate how good our little house has been to us. Even though I’m so excited I can hardly see straight to move into the new house that we’ve bought (I’ll show it to you here in a second), this little house has been very good to us.

It was the first house my husband and I lived in together, as a married couple. It’s the house that housed our dog, Scout (aka “the block mascot”), and our new dog, Sam. It saw me through 5 weeks of bedrest during my first pregnancy. It’s the house that I brought my babies home to from the hospital. I became a wife and a mother in this house. And that, that is the part that is making it a little harder than I thought it’d be to vacate.

It’s been very good to us.

But, I know that we are going to put a lifetime of memories into our new home…and today is the day we begin moving in, and start making those memories together, as a family! I feel so so very blessed to be able to call this house my home, and I can’t wait to live in it.

My daughter will turn 5 (next week) in this house. She’ll leave this house for her first day of Kindergarten in a few short months.

We are moving in around Easter, which is a wonderful time of new beginning.

I’ve already started planning the house warming party (or…parties?)!

Believe it or not, I’ll turn 30 (May) in this house.

…All of this in just the next couple of months. I am just THRILLED to see what the next 20 years will bring, and to learn what great things God has in store for us.

I went to the house yesterday to get some pictures of it before all of our stuff arrived. Enjoy the tour, and don’t mind the sweet little ones playing in all the empty space!! The part I’m most excited about, aside from the kitchen and master bath, is my new office. It has french doors. It has lots of natural light. It’s to die for…and if you’re a current, past, or future client, you’ll get to see it!!

The office!!

View opposite the office doors...an entry closet and powder room.

Entering stairway, living room and kitchen

Looking down into kitchen from stairs.

Kitchen from living room

View from entry way

gas range, double oven

Granite counters, recessed sink. Yes, I love the kitchen!

Upstairs, looking into master and laundry room.

Master bath/closet.

Master Bath Sink(s...PLURAL!!)

Kids playroom, looking into laundry and kids bath

Outside!!

I got to spend a day in Monument Valley with Meredith a couple of weeks ago. Frequent readers will know that I’m no stranger to seniors, but this was an exciting spin because Meredith is a COLLEGE senior. She’ll be graduating in May from CSU.  She had an idea to use a little glitter in her pictures, to match her college colors, Green and Gold. I loved the idea, and am pleased with how it came out! Meredith’s mom came along for the shoot, and she looked so great that we had to get her in on the fun.

Meredith, best of luck to you in all your endeavors…and congratulations on your upcoming graduation!!

I’ve known Tyler for some time. He’s lived across the street from my husband and I for about 5 years or so. He’s cleaned house for me, watched my kids, and helped with many other odd jobs around the house. This is sentimental for a reason that I’ll hopefully be posting about in a week or so…but in the mean time, I am so excited to show you Tyler’s first round of Senior Rep shots.

During his consultation, I could tell that Tyler wasn’t really all that thrilled about getting his pictures taken. Even if he was going to get an amazing deal by being a rep for me. “Where can we do them?” he asked. “Where ever you want!” I replied. I could see the wheels turning in his head. Then his step-mom piped up, “He was thinking about taking you snowboarding.” Not gonna lie to you here, blogosphere… my stomach was in my throat. “Awesome!” was what I couldn’t stop coming out my mouth. See, being a Colorado native, I’ve done my fair share of snowboarding. I went to college Durango, a small mountain skier town in the Southwest corner of the state. I had a season pass. I skipped my fair share of classes for a good day of powder took good advantage of the season pass I purchased most years I lived there. But, since having kids, I hadn’t been snowboarding. Shoot, since my first year of marriage 7 years ago, I hadn’t been snowboarding. But, any reservations I had were, well, unimportant because Tyler wanted to take me snowboarding for his senior pictures, and I wasn’t about to turn that opportunity down. I’d be lying if I told you that a small part of me didn’t think I might die getting off the lift that day, but alas, I’m here to tell you all about it. Like riding a bike, blogosphere. Like riding a bike.

Long story short, I was pleased not to have fallen until the end of the day. I was sore for about a week after, using muscles that my body had since forgotten it had. But the end outcome was completely worth it, and I don’t think I’d be stretching by saying that Tyler might have been a little impressed by my ability to get down the mountain. Granted, I don’t think he had very high expectations, but I’ll take it nonetheless!  And, I’m stoked Tyler will be a rep for me this year…he’s a great kid, and has the world ahead of him…and it’ll give me an excuse to visit the neighborhood. OOppsss…did I leak that? Guess you’ll have to stay tuned to see if I am for reals this time.

I’m super excited to have Kate be a part of my Senior Rep squad this next year. She’s super fun, and has some pretty great vision for her big upcoming shoot this summer. I don’t want to spill the beans, but let me just say she has a pretty awesome prop lined up! Kate is an upcoming senior at Cheyenne Mountain High School.

Thanks, Kate! Can’t wait to keep getting to know you!

Warning. The images in this post are not safe for work. If you are at work, using a work computer, or are under the age of 18, you should not continue reading this post.

Oh, are you still with me? Well good! Wanted to make sure you were adequately warned before proceeding!

Late in January, I had an absolute blast with some wonderful ladies who participated in my first ever boudoir party. I’m not going to waste a lot of time with words, but I will tell you that these ladies all rocked it, and that I can’t wait to do another one. If you’re interested in participating in my next one, leave me a comment so that I can get in touch with you once the details are finalized.

I’ve been working hard the last couple of months to have some great sample albums on hand for potential brides when they sit down for their consultations. I’m pleased to report that I feel pretty good about my samples, but I’m VERY disappointed that I didn’t order a copy of this particular book for myself!

I just got these albums, and I wanted to be sure to get pictures of them before they get delivered.

The smaller black album is a companion book. This can be ordered as an add on to any wedding package where a larger album is being purchased. The design is an exact copy of the larger album, and is perfect for parents of the happy couple.  The third fully day wedding package features two of these books in addition to the larger book for the couple. The standard size for the companion album is 8×8.

The larger album comes standard in both the second and third full day packages.  The standard size is 10×10, with 24 sides.  A large variety of cover options exist, and should be selected at the time of package selection. The albums also make a great coffee table album featuring your baby or your senior.

If you’d like to see a sample of one of these beautiful books made by Leather Craftsmen, call to schedule your consultation!

Goodness, what a roller coaster ride these last two weeks have been! The contract on our house fell through, which was, I’ll say it, completely heartbreaking. But, it was a wonderful reminder that there is a plan bigger than us, and there are just some things we have no control over.  We’re going to continue the charge we feel to attempt selling our home, which has proven to be every bit as treacherous as it sounds.

But, in happier news, I did a Valentine’s Day Giveaway this year, and wasn’t at all surprised by who the winners were. We headed out to Rock Ledge Ranch yesterday and had a wonderful day for pictures. I got to spend some time with some adorable little boys, let me tell you!! Enjoy! And thanks so much to the awesome fans who made it happen! If you haven’t liked my Facebook page yet, you really should…lots of benefits of being a fan!

First up, is Emily. Em is an amazing mother of 3 wonderful boys…who happened to be very cold yesterday. But they stuck it out and made it happen.  PS, Emily also happens to be GORGEOUS.

Next is Sally and Earnie, who are sort of the reason I exist as a wedding photographer. Bless them, they hired me with very little experience and on good faith back in 2007. They recently added handsome little Grayson to their family, and he was ALL smiles.

Next is baby Rook! I hadn’t seen him since his session back in November, and I couldn’t believe how big he’s gotten!

Last but not least, I finally got the chance to photograph a family I’ve been dying to get in front of my camera. Mallory brought her handsome hubby and sweet little boy Jayce.

Well hello there! Thanks for visiting.

This last week has been among the crazier ones in my life. After 10 long months of having our house on the market, it finally went under contract! We need to wait out a few potential roadblocks, but if all goes well, we’ll be moving the 2 kids, 2 dogs, husband, me and our 3rd child, this business, to a new home (and office!) on or around March 20th. I. can’t. wait.

Our house, though, has served us quite well in the 7 years we’ve lived here. It’s the first house Jim and I lived in together. It’s the first house we brought our first non-plant creature home to. Scout (our dog) will be released from her duty of being the block mascot (we currently live on Scout Dr.), a job I like to think she’s done with pride all this time. And it’s the house where our adopted 4-legged, Sam, has only known for a few months. Good news is, we’re bringing his bed and toys so he should be just fine. It’s the house we brought our babies home to, and spent many long, sleepless nights wondering if we had what it took to be parents. We are excited for what is to come, but our home has served us so very well.

We got the offer on our house while I was in Vegas for an awesome, huge photography convention. I was so excited to get to go…apparently I had more luck in Vegas than I had intended.

Stay tuned for some more photography related updates to come soon, but in the mean time, I’ll leave you with this night shot of New York, New York at night. It’s not as good as the real thing, but I suppose it’ll do in a pinch. Enjoy your weekend!

My nanny came to spend the morning with the kids. She’d been there many, many times before. But, that particular morning, it felt like the first time for so many reasons. Before, she would come to stay with my kids and I would frantically ran about town, meet with students, and rush to meetings.  When it came time for me to leave the house, she’d watch while I debated with myself about whether to bring along my “real” laptop…in case I had a spare second to edit photos, respond to emails, etc., and generally she patiently watched while I tried my best not to loose my mind. By the time she would come to hang out with Reagan and Breckin, I likely would have already been awake for 2-3 hours, trying to get a jump start on the days work, before I’d do the frantic dash out the door to my other job. I’d wake up so utterly exhausted after having stayed up much longer than I should have, trying to keep on top of everything going on between the two jobs, and still trying to give a little time to my own children.

But that day was so very different. I collected my things, felt refreshed from the longest night’s sleep I’d had in a long time, and headed out the door. I’m sure I forgot my keys, came back to be sure I had my wallet, and THEN was able to leave the house, but it didn’t matter. Nothing could stop me that day, because I was the boss. I greeted everyone I saw with a smile…perhaps a slightly-too-big smile. Every song that came on Pandora while I got caught up with work seemed to be my favorite.  Nothing could bring me down.  I so wish I could bottle a little bit of that day’s energy for the rough days, or the days when things seem to not be going right…I know it’s not really possible, but in a way, I did. I’ll never forget how amazing that day felt. How pride and empowerment overtook my very soul that day.

So…it’s for all these reasons and more that I’m so excited to do this giveaway. As you may or may not remember, TODAY, Valentine’s Day, marks the 1 year anniversary since I decided to follow my dreams, be my own boss, and pursue my passion…my business!! I’ve blabbered on quite enough…so here’s the details about what you can get, and how you can enter!

What you can win!

I’ll be doing 4 half hour mini-sessions at a park (rain or shine!) for those who are the first to complete the tasks outlined below. (I’ll be honest, I’m hoping for snow!) Oh, and the mini-sessions will be…FREE! What?! That’s right. Free.

So…what do you have to do?? I’m so glad you asked!!

1. Be available on Saturday, March 10th to come to the park of my choice (TBA).
2. Put a comment on this blog post letting me know that you’re SO EXCITED about this, and you’re going to make it happen for yourself.
3. If you don’t have a Pinterest account, STOP right here, and go get one. If you have an account already, read on! If you need an invitation, get in touch with me. Get onto Pinterest, and get the “Pin It” button (if you don’t already have it). If you need help with this, just click here. Once you have that Pinterest button, come back to my blog and start pinning! I’m asking you to pin at least 4 of your favorite images of any kind to a board that you make on Pinterest.
4. Once you’ve made your board, and picked at least 4 of your favorite images, come back here, and post a link to the board in the comments section.
5. Tag @LambPhoto in a post on Twitter. You can say something about this giveaway, or how badly you want to win, or whatever you want!
6. Finally, I’m asking you to send at least 15 of your friends to check out and “Like” Amanda Lamb Photography on Facebook. You need to like the page yourself, first, and then have the friends who like the page for you leave a comment on the wall saying “Your Name sent me”. But, don’t be silly, make sure they use YOUR name, so I know who to give credit to.

Easy, right? Wanna do it?? Well, go back, and start with step one! And be sure to complete your entry

Still reading?!?!? WHY!? This is a race!!! GO GO GO!!! (I had to do something to make it fun!!!) Good luck!