The Rain is for Us

It rained for days leading up to our wedding. Torrential rain. The kind of rain that stops every car on the highway and prevents you from seeing a foot in front of your face. I wanted an outdoor wedding and would not settle for less. On our wedding day, it rained off and on all morning. As the guests arrived for our ceremony, the clouds started to roll in. The darkness on the horizon was enchanting and worrisome. The thunder boomed as I walked down the aisle, it rumbled through the readings, and it crashed during our vows. Two years ago, as the thunder roared, I promised to love Brad forever.

Today, he still always makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the room. He takes care of me and spoils me. He talks me up and keeps me grounded.

This year was better than the last and next year will be better yet.

Happy anniversary to us!

(This is a mini mousse dessert from our anniversary brunch -- So cute!)

ps. It rained on our first anniversary and it rained on this anniversary. It wouldn't be our anniversary if it wasn't raining. So I apologize to all the DC residents who had to deal with the break in our fabulous fall weather for our anniversary rain.

Picking a Path

We are all given inspiration. It comes in all forms, but no matter the source, inspiration makes you believe all things are possible. We are emboldened. Yet we don't always act. Why is that? Fear. It must be fear.

At the end of this year, I have two different paths for my future. There is the safe one. It is clearly lined with traffic signs, and has been traveled frequently by the people I am surrounded by each day. Those travelers advocate for their way. However, I have listed the pros and cons of my current path and have found that the only pro is stability. The other option is to head through the woods on my own, clearing a path as I go. The darkness is scary yet seductive.

At heart, I am an explorer. In college, I couldn't settle on just one thing to study. Each class I took made me want to learn more. I ended my four years at JMU with two degrees and three minors. I couldn't stop adding onto my plate. It was a lot of work, but I was satisfied with the results. I was proud. Now, four years out of college, I look back and wonder why I stopped striving. That's not an entirely fair assessment. I did things. I went places. I got my master's degree. I bought a house. I got married. I get that. I am happy with each of those things.

The thing is... I have a day job. In fact, I have three degrees in a relevant field. I am invested in it. I am comfortable here. At the end of the year, the current session is over. It's a time for new beginnings. New members come in, others leave, and at the end of the day, thousands of jobs will change hands. People expect the changes. It's the ideal time to walk away, to take a 90 degree turn and head directly into the woods, to create the future I want, to strive for more, to be more, to do more.

So why do I feel like I'll never break away? Like I am destined not to finish the race I want to run? Fear. Mentally, I tell myself that stability can't be better than happiness. But how would I know that? I've never leapt without a net. I skydived once, but I had a parachute and an instructor strapped tandem to me. When I looked over the ledge of the plane, staring 13,500 feet to the ground, my immediate thought was 'why on earth did I think this was a good idea?' Tying myself to that instructor prevented me from chickening out. He pushed me over the ledge.

In couple months, I will be standing at that ledge, alone.

You can't soar if you never try to take flight.

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. (I posted that on my refrigerator to remind me)

Still Not Forgotten

Today, on the East front of the Capitol, many members of the Capitol family and visitors gathered in remembrance of September 11, 2001. While time has eased the pain of that day, the Nation promised to never forget; we should not, and thankfully, we have not.

Congressional members, staffers, and members of the public gathered in front of the Capitol in honor of all those that lost their lives in the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93.

Nancy Pelosi giving her remarks.

Mayor Bloomberg

The moment of silence. It was followed by a round of God Bless America, sung by Congressmen, veterans, and protesters. It was perhaps the most unified moment I've seen.

Following the Yellow Brick Road

Maybe it's just me, but I picture myself as the main character in every movie and wonder what it would be like to have their story. Today, I am Dorothy, and I my journey down the yellow brick has led me all over the world to meet new and interesting characters. Each one has taught me how to appreciate what I have, combat my fears, and continue to push forward over the rainbow. Lately, my daily encounters seem to have a theme... pursue your passion; don't hold yourself back; it's better to fail at something you love than to succeed at something you hate; life begins at the end of your comfort zone; dream big; give this life all you've got. This weekend was no exception-- I was fortunate enough to hear several incredible photographers speak and share their knowledge about the industry.

As a natural light photographer, I will be the first to admit that I have a lot to learn about flash photography. Spider lights, pocket wizards... doesn't that sound like the Wizard of Oz? I may never invest in studio lighting, but seeing the set up was incredibly interesting. The mechanics of the lights are still beyond my, though I understand the value of being able to create the perfect lighting. It's amazing what can be created in a studio.

Clay Blackmore was the speaker and, after a whirlwind presentation and show-stopping slideshow of the images he's created, he took an audience member out of the crowd and taught us about posing, camera position, and lighting setup. So much to learn! I did learn several posing techniques that I can't wait to try!

Those techniques will definitely come in handy when we shoot for Brittany and David... the winners of the Cute Couple Contest! Wooooo! Brittany and David are newlyweds (married July 10) and they never had an engagement session! Whoa. Engagement sessions are my favorite, so we will be creating a 'yay-we-just-got-married-now-let's-get-pictures-for-our-house that-don't-have-us-in-our-wedding-attire' shoot. Congratulations!

Here are a couple shots I grabbed in between my furious note-taking!

Rhonda, our model --- Gorgeous. She reminds me of a combination between Thandie Newton and a young Phylicia Rashad. You know you look good when you are attractive on a projection screen!

This was my angle from my seat. Yep, I had a good seat.

I love this expression. She was laughing and making a funny face in response to Clay's directions of "look to the right, chin down, further, hold it and spin on the lazy susan stool."

I'll leave you with this...

And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.

Cute Couple Contest

The Cute Couple Contest has officially begun! These eight couples are competing for a free photography session, and I can't wait to see who wins!

You can vote for your favorite couple on the Katie Jordan Photography --- Inspired by You, Photographed by Katie facebook page. (You must be a fan of the page for your vote to count!) All you have to do is click 'like' under your favorite's photo. You can vote for multiple couples... because, quite frankly, it's so hard to choose. Voting ends on September 12, so get to it!

Without further ado, meet the fabulous contestants!


BRITTANY AND DAVID:

KYLE AND KATIE:
(I promise not to give preferential treatment for her having a fabulous name)

JUSTIN AND LAUREN:

KEITH AND JACKIE:

CHRISTI AND DAN:

KIM AND KRIS:
(I love alliteration)

KYLA AND DEX:

AARON AND MABEL:
(Guess what?... Mabel is 7 months pregnant!)

Good luck to all the couples. Aren't they cute!?