I don’t even know where to begin other than the fact that I am just so darn grateful.  When I signed up to be a part of the Showit United conference and have their amazing company host my first website so many years ago, I had no idea just what I was really signing up for — true community!

This is my FOURTH United conference, and I swear I’m not even exaggerating when I say that it truly feels more like spending a week catching up with old friends and family than a work trip… just don’t tell Morgan I said that ;)  Even after four years I’m still soaking up new knowledge, leaving refreshed and inspired, but even more importantly, I’m leaving having spent quality time with dear friends and getting to meet new ones!

One thing that was different for me this year was that I was asked to host a workshop during the conference! I remember getting the email back in March and I was BEYOND thrilled!! It’s such an honor to get to contribute and serve at a conference that just means the world to me!

So there we were, 26 other photographers and I navigating the ins and outs of one of the trickiest parts of the wedding day — styling bridal details.

If you’re a photographer, I think you can agree, there’s some tension to navigate there.  In the same sentence that you’re recognizing the significance of this part of the day — the documentation of some of the couples’ first heirlooms — you’re also tied down by time and wanting to be present as other moments are unfolding too!  It was one of the biggest questions we talked through… So we navigated it like only we could do — with drills! You can ask my sweet attendees ;)

I have to say that this was hands down my favorite part of the trip!  Getting to share about something I love with other people was just so fun and fulfilling! Plus, I got to do it with one of my best friends cheering me on from the side, snapping away plenty of evidence that this did indeed unfold (because #PicsOrItDidn’tHappen).  Nat, I can’t thank you enough for being my cheerleader, always <3

Of course, I also capped off my time in Arizona, with a mini-desert hike, because hello, I was in the land of cacti!

So I’ll go ahead and leave you to it — experiencing some of my favorite parts, favorite people (though many of them aren’t pictures, because I’m the actual worst at taking pictures with my friends), and the land of cacti!

Workshop Fun!!

And, last but not least, exploring South Mountain Pass!

Goodbye, Phoenix ;)

Before I go though, I have to give a HUGE shout-out to the amazing vendors who made our workshop so beautiful and lovely:

Invitation Design – Custom Crafted || Engagement Rings – Susie Saltzman || Ring Boxes – The Mrs Box || Floral Design – Andy Castano || Styling Boards – Heirloom Bindery || Conference – Showit United