January 1, 2017
Wow, what a year! This is one of my favorite posts, but it almost didn’t get published, because life is keeping me busy over here! And by “life”, I mean, that product of the growing baby bump you’ll see growing in these posts!! Our son Lucas Brent was born 12-14-2016, and we are happily adjusting to our new normal!
We shot 24 weddings in 2016, and I was pregnant for 21 of them–most all of them basically! I’m honestly super grateful that I had guidance and tips from other fellow photographer friends, but not only that, I had a relatively easy pregnancy. Knowing that I needed to stay in “wedding shape” (no, there’s a difference between this and bridal shape ๐ ) to be able to keep up with the fast pace of weddings, I tried to keep going on walks at home and stay healthy. However, I have a few tips that I lived by and figured out as my bump began to grow and the days were HOT!
Some of my lifesavers:
-A comfortable dress. You’ll see that in my early part of pregnancy, I rocked a navy dress…every time. In the later parts, I rocked a black maternity dress from Shop Pink Blush that I ADORED. So glad I had this, because it was comfortable, professional (except when I tied knots at the bottom..oops!) and breathable on those hotter days!
-Comfortable shoes! Even though they weren’t cute, I learned the hard way that I NEEDED TO WEAR shoes with support, or else my whole body would be paying for it! I learned this early, early on before I even really had a bump! So I rocked my Fit Flops….every wedding after I learned this valuable lesson. ๐
-HYDRATE. No, really. Drink too much water! I also learned the hard way on this, so I began setting timers in my phone to remind me to drink water and snack more.
-See the breaks in the schedule and take them. Normally, I don’t feel like I have the option to sit on a wedding day, but in reality, there are sometimes 5 short minutes breaks before the ceremony or in between events that allow you to sit for just a little. And these became cherished if and when I got them. As sweet as most of my clients were, they insisted that I sit and rest here and there! Seriously, I’m spoiled with the best! I also began trusting my second shooter with these breaks during the reception, and they were golden!
These were what helped me through the majority of my pregnant 2016, and I look back and remember having so much fun bringing baby boy along to so many fun, beautiful weddings. This boy learned early that his mama is on-the-go, and I have to think he’ll fit seamlessly into our lives because of all of his trips so far! ๐ I mean…we’ve already learned that Luke is happiest when he’s being held by someone walking around. He’s only used to this, you know! Sorry Jordan!
I shot my last wedding at 34 weeks pregnant, which was also a tip I had from a fellow photographer friend, and it was just perfect. I shot 6 weddings in October with a double header weekend at 33 weeks, and y’all, it was great. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about it, but I was extra cautious, hired a third shooter, and simply just enjoyed what I love doing. I look back through all of these behind the scenes shots, and it makes me so thankful.
It makes me MISS weddings too! This will be the longest break I’ve had without a camera in hand or wedding to shoot, but as much as I miss it, this rest is also good for me. Eliminate to create. This is so true! I’ll be starting back up with so much excitement and energy for my love!
Not only did I “make it” through a crazy October, but I loved it. This is what I do? I still can’t believe it. I felt so encouraged and loved by all of the couples and families who congratulated and supported us throughout our pregnancy and so excited to be a part of all of their highlights in 2016!
2017, I can’t wait to see what you hold for us!! Hugs to you all!
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