• Well y’all, it’s almost that time. As of ‪July 1‬, @jordandboyd and I will be Texans! He has been accepted to the DMA program at @untcollegeofmusic and will be getting his Doctorate in Choral Conducting. We are so excited for this long-anticipated next chapter in our lives. A little backstory (and a humble brag on my insanely talented husband) — Jordan and I met on my very first day of college at College of Charleston in August 2010. We started dating that November and are about to hit our 10 year anniversary! Because my career path doesn’t require multiple degrees (or any degree, for that matter), I was able to kickstart my career midway through college and watch it grow over the past 8 years. His career path is quite different, and in order for him to teach at the university level (which is the goal), he has to have a Doctorate. He graduated with his Masters from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (a top 5 school in his field) in 2015, and then went into public teaching for 5 years. He taught at a middle school for 1 year, then moved on to a high school for the subsequent 4 years. He accepted a position at Goose Creek High School and began to build their choral program from the ground up. When he began at GCHS, the choral program was essentially nonexistent. By year two, he had built an award-winning choral program that became highly revered among the SC choral community. Their once-empty trophy shelf filled up, and we had many amazing competition trips where I became affectionately known as their “choir mom”. Although we are both immensely sad to leave behind our choir babies at GCHS, we know that this next chapter in our lives is inevitable. I am extremely grateful to have a career that isn’t locked to one particular location, which makes this move feasible for our family. I have been able to follow my dreams from the start, without being held back by degree requirements, so I am beyond thrilled to be able to stand by Jordan as he steps into this next chapter of his life. And to anyone panicking, yes, I will continue to be partially based in Charleston. It will feel like I never left! Thank you to everyone who has supported us!
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    Well y’all, it’s almost that time. As of ‪July 1‬, @jordandboyd and I will be Texans! He has been accepted to the DMA program at @untcollegeofmusic and will be getting his Doctorate in Choral Conducting. We are so excited for this long-anticipated next chapter in our lives. A little backstory (and a humble brag on my insanely talented husband) — Jordan and I met on my very first day of college at College of Charleston in August 2010. We started dating that November and are about to hit our 10 year anniversary! Because my career path doesn’t require multiple degrees (or any degree, for that matter), I was able to kickstart my career midway through college and watch it grow over the past 8 years. His career path is quite different, and in order for him to teach at the university level (which is the goal), he has to have a Doctorate. He graduated with his Masters from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (a top 5 school in his field) in 2015, and then went into public teaching for 5 years. He taught at a middle school for 1 year, then moved on to a high school for the subsequent 4 years. He accepted a position at Goose Creek High School and began to build their choral program from the ground up. When he began at GCHS, the choral program was essentially nonexistent. By year two, he had built an award-winning choral program that became highly revered among the SC choral community. Their once-empty trophy shelf filled up, and we had many amazing competition trips where I became affectionately known as their “choir mom”. Although we are both immensely sad to leave behind our choir babies at GCHS, we know that this next chapter in our lives is inevitable. I am extremely grateful to have a career that isn’t locked to one particular location, which makes this move feasible for our family. I have been able to follow my dreams from the start, without being held back by degree requirements, so I am beyond thrilled to be able to stand by Jordan as he steps into this next chapter of his life. And to anyone panicking, yes, I will continue to be partially based in Charleston. It will feel like I never left! Thank you to everyone who has supported us!
  • I am at my breaking point. Starting next week I will begin posting “normal” content. . Facebook conversations go nowhere, my Instagram posts aren’t changing anyone’s mind, and I feel like my arsenal of verbal combat is running on empty. . So, I’m going to give in to this feeling of defeat, and continue to let other people’s magnificent words speak the truths that my little white fingers can’t. I’m not changing anyone’s mind on here, only getting positive reenforcement from those who already agree with me. . In being an ally, I will continue to support the black community in my day to day real life, because Instagram and Facebook are far from real sometimes. . For my own mental health, I need to selfishly get back to some sense of normalcy and positivity. But I didn’t want to proceed with normalcy until I explained why - because I’m not done with this fight, but I am done with fighting it on social media platforms where my arguments are falling on deaf ears and making eyes roll. . I will continue to do the work behind the scenes, where I do it best. ✊🏻✊🏾✊🏿
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    I am at my breaking point. Starting next week I will begin posting “normal” content. . Facebook conversations go nowhere, my Instagram posts aren’t changing anyone’s mind, and I feel like my arsenal of verbal combat is running on empty. . So, I’m going to give in to this feeling of defeat, and continue to let other people’s magnificent words speak the truths that my little white fingers can’t. I’m not changing anyone’s mind on here, only getting positive reenforcement from those who already agree with me. . In being an ally, I will continue to support the black community in my day to day real life, because Instagram and Facebook are far from real sometimes. . For my own mental health, I need to selfishly get back to some sense of normalcy and positivity. But I didn’t want to proceed with normalcy until I explained why - because I’m not done with this fight, but I am done with fighting it on social media platforms where my arguments are falling on deaf ears and making eyes roll. . I will continue to do the work behind the scenes, where I do it best. ✊🏻✊🏾✊🏿
  • Consistent & visible allyship. . My voice does not need to be heard above the black community, but I want it to be known. . I want to make a promise to the black community - especially to black creatives and wedding vendors - that I will fight for you. I will fight for you not just while it’s trendy and at the forefront of mind. . I want to support you, celebrate you, and include you in this industry that has been white-washed for too long. . I vow to do all of this with the sole intention to further your success and your visibility, without the hidden agenda to benefit my own business. . I promise to continue the work that has already begun by signing petitions, donating to organizations and causes, and by having the tough conversations. . I want to be called out when I am wrong. I want to be corrected when I have misstepped. I want to be uncomfortable so that I can grow. . I need to say a special thank you to @saciamatthews who has been a tireless warrior for the black creative community. I see you, I appreciate you, I love you, I value you your guidance. Thank you for being a voice when you yourself were tired.
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    Consistent & visible allyship. . My voice does not need to be heard above the black community, but I want it to be known. . I want to make a promise to the black community - especially to black creatives and wedding vendors - that I will fight for you. I will fight for you not just while it’s trendy and at the forefront of mind. . I want to support you, celebrate you, and include you in this industry that has been white-washed for too long. . I vow to do all of this with the sole intention to further your success and your visibility, without the hidden agenda to benefit my own business. . I promise to continue the work that has already begun by signing petitions, donating to organizations and causes, and by having the tough conversations. . I want to be called out when I am wrong. I want to be corrected when I have misstepped. I want to be uncomfortable so that I can grow. . I need to say a special thank you to @saciamatthews who has been a tireless warrior for the black creative community. I see you, I appreciate you, I love you, I value you your guidance. Thank you for being a voice when you yourself were tired.
  • I haven’t posted on here in over a week. Suddenly, getting likes and followers and comments is meaningless. I’m seeking to help propel the message that Black Lives Matter, and by posting pretty wedding photos pretending like all is good in the world, I’d be a fraud. So, although I have some amazing wedding photos to share from this past weekend, I can’t bring myself to do it. I can’t be passive about this anymore, I have to do something. So, I’m joining the movement to mute myself today and listen to those who, for so many decades, have gone unheard. Although I have never stood where you stand, I stand with you and for you. I’m here to listen and advocate for you, every step of the way. #blackouttuesday
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    I haven’t posted on here in over a week. Suddenly, getting likes and followers and comments is meaningless. I’m seeking to help propel the message that Black Lives Matter, and by posting pretty wedding photos pretending like all is good in the world, I’d be a fraud. So, although I have some amazing wedding photos to share from this past weekend, I can’t bring myself to do it. I can’t be passive about this anymore, I have to do something. So, I’m joining the movement to mute myself today and listen to those who, for so many decades, have gone unheard. Although I have never stood where you stand, I stand with you and for you. I’m here to listen and advocate for you, every step of the way. #blackouttuesday
  • Poppin’ bottles for Brittany and Tom’s anniversary! 🍾
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    Poppin’ bottles for Brittany and Tom’s anniversary! 🍾
  • @laurenlowman in this photo is me 24/7 - getting distracted by a cute dog because...dogs. Today I’m honoring Lauren and Eric’s original wedding date - May 24. Counting down the days until we can party harder than ever! Love you guys 💕
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    @laurenlowman in this photo is me 24/7 - getting distracted by a cute dog because...dogs. Today I’m honoring Lauren and Eric’s original wedding date - May 24. Counting down the days until we can party harder than ever! Love you guys 💕
  • Today was supposed to be Sarah and Mike’s wedding day, but instead we’ll be celebrating at @wilddunesresort in August! Lets all send so much love to them today 💕 #loveisnotcancelled
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    Today was supposed to be Sarah and Mike’s wedding day, but instead we’ll be celebrating at @wilddunesresort in August! Lets all send so much love to them today 💕 #loveisnotcancelled
  • Let’s talk about being a discreet photographer. - Being an unobtrusive wedding photographer is my goal. On your wedding day, and ESPECIALLY during your ceremony, I don’t want to be a distraction. I might get some flack for saying this, but I’m going to say it anyways - Hey Photographers, wedding guests are there to witness a ceremony, not your backside. This is something that has irked my tater for years, and I wanted to put it up for discussion here. From assisting so many photographers through the years, I have been witness to a multitude of shooting methods. My method - to crouch down at the front of the aisle (usually by one of the mothers) during the processional, then sneak my way around the side as the processional concludes. (Final moments of the processional are pictured here) During the ceremony I only move up the side aisles and stand at the back of the center aisle, so that guests can continue their focus on the couple, and aren’t distracted by my movements. This also helps videographers get the clean shots they need. I have been witness to some photographers who will stand (or squat) at the front of the center aisle, blocking the view of the couple (who everyone is there to see) or distracting guests by their movements. Am I alone here in thinking that’s not our place? They make long lenses for a reason, and I think being inconspicuous during a ceremony is a pretty good reason to use one. End of rant, start of a discussion. 👇🏻
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    Let’s talk about being a discreet photographer. - Being an unobtrusive wedding photographer is my goal. On your wedding day, and ESPECIALLY during your ceremony, I don’t want to be a distraction. I might get some flack for saying this, but I’m going to say it anyways - Hey Photographers, wedding guests are there to witness a ceremony, not your backside. This is something that has irked my tater for years, and I wanted to put it up for discussion here. From assisting so many photographers through the years, I have been witness to a multitude of shooting methods. My method - to crouch down at the front of the aisle (usually by one of the mothers) during the processional, then sneak my way around the side as the processional concludes. (Final moments of the processional are pictured here) During the ceremony I only move up the side aisles and stand at the back of the center aisle, so that guests can continue their focus on the couple, and aren’t distracted by my movements. This also helps videographers get the clean shots they need. I have been witness to some photographers who will stand (or squat) at the front of the center aisle, blocking the view of the couple (who everyone is there to see) or distracting guests by their movements. Am I alone here in thinking that’s not our place? They make long lenses for a reason, and I think being inconspicuous during a ceremony is a pretty good reason to use one. End of rant, start of a discussion. 👇🏻
  • My nostalgia is through the ROOF this week. Kicking it back to 2017 🥳
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    My nostalgia is through the ROOF this week. Kicking it back to 2017 🥳