After seeing how one was put together, I asked Dallas wedding planner and friend, Elizabeth of After Yes, if she’d partner with me to host a shootout in Dallas. With our own spin on the concept.

We hosted our first shootout last October, and this one marks our third event. And I’m so proud of how we have grown!

This time around we chose a back to school theme, and thanks to Pinterest, Elizabeth, Shelby, and I brainstormed ideas. We shot at the awesome Hickory Street Annex in Dallas and rented a school bus. YES a school bus! We showcased the talents of Sugar Bee Sweets, Kate Foley Designs, Rent My Dust Vintage Rentals, Something You Makeup Artistry, Art by Ellie, Palm Papers, and Paloma’s Nest.

I absolutely loved this vintage Schwinn bicycle from Rent My Dust!


And here’s just a sneak peek at what’s still to come!

And I got lost then, too.

It’s a good thing I left the house extra early, because I didn’t want to miss an instant of this beautiful spring wedding at the Hickory Street Annex.

Meet Joy.

Meet Eric.

They met through friends at a Kelly Clarkson concert.

They are Aggies who both studied abroad.

They love mint chocolate chip ice cream.

And on their wedding day, they were surrounded by family and friends who love them.

Joy is fierce.

Joy is fun.

I got to hang out with the gentlemen in the Annex building pre-ceremony. Here’s Eric getting in the zone.

Eric looking out excitedly, anticipating seeing his lovely bride on their wedding day.

This photo is perfectly imperfect. I love how it captures the essence of Joy’s bridesmaids as they await her walk down the aisle.

A family member records the ceremony on the handy-dandy Flip camera.

I loved this part of the ceremony. The bridesmaids and groomsmen prayed over the couple. Such a touching moment!

Even though I only met Joy and Eric on the day of their wedding, I could tell that they were a couple deeply in love, and that their wedding day was just the beginning of their beautiful journey together.

I love that the guys rocked Chuck Taylor’s and the girls had Tom’s Shoes. Joy’s were extra fancy!

Their cake was adorned with purple buttons and buttercream frosting.

This adorable couple honeymooned in Cinque Terre, Italy, somewhere I have my sights set on. I hear it’s gorgeous!

Thanks to Kelly Hornberger for having me along to shoot Joy and Eric! Thank you Joy and Eric for letting me share in your beautiful celebration!

Vendors:
Venue: Hickory Street Annex
501 South 2nd Avenue
Dallas, TX 75226-1900
(214) 828-1414
Catering: Two Sisters Catering
2633 Gaston Avenue
Dallas, TX 75226-1302
(214) 823-3075
Flowers: Blue Lotus
4038 Lemmon Ave.
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 683-7331

Note to self: always leave extra early for weddings at the Hickory Street Annex. Because I’m going to get turned around.

This is what it’s like with Justin and Mary Marantz. In a word, they are AMAZING!

On Tuesday, I attended their Spread the Love Workshop here in Dallas. After seeing them in New Orleans at the Pictage Partner Conference, it was a no-brainer about seeing them again. I mean, I got my ticket during their Black Friday Sale. While Cent was buying a new computer, I was getting my seat. Ever since I stumbled upon their blog, I think because Mary left me some blog love, I’ve been hooked. Their blog is like crack for a blog-a-holic like me. The stories, the beautiful photos, the advice and tips, their blog never ceases to draw me in, pull up a chair and get comfy to read.

Who are they? They are photographers from Conneticut, traveling the country, teaching other photographers and small business owners how to find balance with their business, finances, personal life, and world. Because when you are your own boss, it may seem like it’s “So TOTALLY AWESOME! No boss, no cubicle, no set work hours!” And yet, those might be the hardest parts about being your own boss. Discipline – whether it’s working too much or not working enough.

Justin and Mary keep it real. Through their stories, questions, and attitudes. They show you how to build momentum and get your life in order, especially if your work life is becoming a slippery slope into despair. If you read their blog, they are the same in person. Which I love!

Fun fact: When I still lived in California, I casually entered a contest running on their blog. And I won! They sent me a gift card to MAC Cosmetics which I used for my wedding day lipstick.

Thanks to Brandy of Bella Pop Photography for snapping this photo. I brought my P&S, only to find out it didn’t have the memory card in it. Way to go me! Me in the middle with the cake I brought. Yeah, I know, I’m such a cake nut.

Thanks to Cristina Wisner for hosting at your studio!

Spread the Love is coming to a city near you, if it hasn’t already passed. If you’re in need of some balance in your life, want to learn about creating a client experience, or just want to have a great afternoon learning, be sure to check them out! I believe Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are up next.

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