NYC 2015

Last year I went to LA during my birthday and this year I went to NYC for a few days right before it. I think I'll have to make this traveling thing for my birthday a tradition. If you have the ability to travel anywhere that isn't home, you should take it. Experiencing a different way of life in a new place is so exciting and can really teach you a lot about people and the world we live in. This wasn't my first time to New York, but it was the first time I could explore a bit on my own. I met up with some family that were enjoying a mother-daughter trip with a couple of their friends and loved getting to visit them and the Big Apple with them. We went to places like the MET, SoHo, Little Italy and saw Aladdin and Lion King. It was amazing and I am so blessed to have been a part of their adventure for a couple days. Here are some pictures from the trip!


























Treat Yo' Self

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful that I can be home with family and spend time those that I love. It is so important to set aside time for your family and friends, but also time for yourself. About a week ago I was asked, "What do you do for you?" and I could name things I've done before and enjoyed, but nothing that I regularly made time for. I'm sure many people also have the difficulty of stuffing relaxation time somewhere in their busy schedule and I think this needs to change. To function as an individual we can't just work all day every day. We have to put some time aside to meditate, or travel, or just sit and breathe. We have to be thankful for the simple fact that we are living and learn not to take what we have for granted. A challenge for myself is to get caught up in what has to be done, but focus on the here and now for at least an hour next week doing something that I enjoy. Earlier this week I set aside time for a short hiking adventure into the deciduous forests of the east coast. Here is some of what I saw along the way.




















Happy Boorito Day!

And now for a little something aside from my photography. Here's a little tidbit about me: I am in love with everything Chipotle. Yes, everything tastes amazing from their cilantro lime rice to the spicy barbacoa (I've had everything on the menu), but I also love what they stand for! Steve Ells, the founder, advocates for a healthier way of eating and supporting the local farmers of a community. Since 2001 they have been serving naturally raised beef, pork, and chicken. Naturally raised means they are not injected with hormones and antibiotics and aren't living in tight quarters. No, I do not know each of the farms that the animals come from, but I do know that they are informing the American public about their ingredients and what exactly people are signing up for when they order something from Chipotle. So much of the food we eat today is made with too many preservatives and chemicals and frankly I would rather not put that in my body. So, as you can see, it's no question for me who would win in a Qdoba v Chipotle food battle. Even their website is the cutest thing ever! If you have never checked out their ingredient page you should head over and check it out! It's so fun and interactive!

You might be wondering why I am bringing up Chipotle today, and that's because they give out free or cheaper priced burritos than usual on Halloween. This year it is a $3 burrito from 5-10pm. The catch is that you have to dress up. Back in 2008, when I first went (and have been going every year since) you had to have a piece of foil somewhere on your body, but now they raised the stakes and you have to dress up! So have a great Boorito Day! Here is your present: an extremely awkward photo of my first ever Boorito Day...when I dressed up as a...you guessed it - a burrito!


Oh, and here's my cat, Jasmine in honor of National Cat Day 10/29/14 :)


October 2014 Goals

Well, it's already October and I have no idea where the time has gone. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was taking notes in my college classes and wondering where I was going in life...I never thought my journey would take me to where I am now. It's crazy how God's plan works for good for those who love Him. Just earlier this summer I was praying about whether or not I should go to Africa on a mission trip or continue to work on my business. I'm not going to Africa...yet. I have always loved photography and creating art, but portraits and weddings have opened doors for me to tell stories about families and couples in love. A few days ago I was looking at my posts from when I first started along this journey. The pictures were not that great, but I think they have gotten better and I am so excited to continue along this journey to see where it may take me. Here are some goals I have for this month. Hopefully, I will be successful!

I love telling a story through my images, but I really struggle with writing! It is the death of me! I gush over those little details throughout the wedding day whether it's a cute joke said during the vows, the head over heels look from the bride after the ceremony, or the best man's heartfelt toast,  but I know adding details about what was going on behind the scenes can help tell the story. This is one of my goals for 2014 -to write more about my weddings/portraits along with blogging at least twice a week!

Another goal I have is to make a bridal guide for my 2015 brides! I love the one Katelyn James has sent out and I think it would be super helpful to educate them about what will help me to get the best images possible.

I would love for one of my weddings to get published. My goal is to actually submit one, haha! I am so bad about finishing the submission. Autumn is going to be my season!

I of course would like for all my weddings, engagements, and family sessions to go well :)

Last, but not least, order some sample albums! I love creating spread for my albums, but I need to order one to keep for my portfolio!

Here's a funny grandma if you made it this far :) I hope this is me on the dance floor in 40 years!

Going the Distance

"There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars." –Jack Kerouac

I love exploring new places and meeting new people. Earlier this summer I visited friends and family while driving from Texas to Virginia. Here are some shots from my journey :)

New Orleans, Louisiana





 Dunedin, Florida






Greenville, South Carolina




Charlotte, North Carolina





Love from the West Coast

You might have seen my first trip to the west coast as I documented here. That was when I went to Seattle with a friend for a wedding. This year I went to LA for a whole week! I stayed with my friend's sister and had such an amazing time. The weather is simply gorgeous and there are so many fun places to visit! Needless to say, after spending a wonderful birthday week in the sun I had to return to my beloved Virginia...where it snowed the next day.
Hiking up to the Griffith Observatory where you can see the Hollywood sign.


 Headed over the LACMA and the Brea Tar Pits

 With my phone - a little house made of film strips. So awesome.
 From the phone...
 And I leave you with this cutie and his little cat hammock :)



My New Baby

I have some exciting news! I got my first full frame camera! I have been using the D7000, borrowing from friends, and renting, but now it will be much better having one of my own! I am so excited to use it! Here are some photos of snow stuff that I took with it! :)


Seattle

I just got back from Seattle after taking the red eye from coast to coast on Sunday evening. I went to attend a wedding with a friend which was super fun! I also have family that live up there and I really enjoyed staying with my aunt who was the best tour guide ever! I didn't know how gorgeous it is over there and I will definitely have to go back. Between downtown, the mountains, and the support for the arts, I know I would love to live there. I did go when it was sunny, however, and apparently it's pretty rare to see any sunlight :) I'll miss you even so, Seattle! Here are some fun photos I took from the trip. To see more pics/videos follow me @mel2theodie on instagram!

Breakfast: pears from the pear tree.
Tourist Time: EMP Musuem (my favorite)
 
The Chihuly Art Exhibit was gorgeous!
 
To the city!
 
Here are some randoms from driving around and whatnot ;)
 
 Proof I was there :)
 From the top of the Space Needle - the best view of the city. I know...I need to clean my sensor.

The Topsail Tradition

For as long as I can remember, my family has spent at least a week at Topsail Beach in North Carolina. It's always a great vacation including multitudes of seafood, playing on the sand, and hanging out after dark.  I'm sad to say we'll be leaving tomorrow, but I sure had a wonderful week! Until next year...

...I'll miss you, Topsail Island!