Hi, I’m Mandie…

It is an absolute blessing in this world to love what you do for a living- and I am truly blessed this way. Since beginning my journey as a wedding photographer and independent business owner, I've become completely enamoured with photographing couples on their happiest day.

If I had to pick my favorite part of the wedding day to photograph, I'd be hard pressed to choose. I love capturing the details, big and small: the dress, the shoes, the rings, the flowers, the placecards, the socks- all of the things you've brought together through months of thought and care. I love the excitement in the bride's face as she sees herself all put togehter. I love the moment the groom sees the bride for the first time. I love the last moment of the father-daughter dance. When you're dealing with people who are engulfed in love and happiness, you can't help but be happy right along with them.

I'm a giant softie and I'll admit it: I tear up at some point during every wedding I shoot. Waterproof mascara and autofocus are a must!

As a newlywed myself, I know just how much effort you've put into the orchestration of your perfect wedding day. I want to capture it for you so that you'll remember it always. So please- take a look around my blog, visit my website, and send me a message or give me a call. I look forward to hearing all about your big day and how I can be a part of it!
…and I’d LOVE to be your photographer!

Another Year, Big Plans, & New Shoes :: A Birthday Post

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 Posted in Personal, Random Fun

Today is a day that has been filled with some of my favorite things. I ate my favorite things (sushi and chocolate!) and I spent time with some of my favorite people. I must say that today was a wonderful little birthday. Leading up to today, I’ve been a tad unsure of what to think. I’m now officially much closer to 30 than to 25, and I’ve been a legal adult for a decade. Weird! Despite all of the things I’ve been through and accomplished – getting a degree, getting married, buying a house, starting a business – I still don’t feel “grown up.”

A few days ago, I realized one thing about this birthday that makes me very happy. In some capacity or another, photography has officially been my preferred method of artistic expression for HALF MY LIFE. I find it somewhat amazing to have done or been any one thing for half of a lifetime. What started as a class I took in school just 14 years ago, at the age of 14, has now become my daily passion and my career.

It is with this milestone in mind that I step into this new year of my life with a barrage of emotions and ideas. This year, I will grow my business. I will hone my craft. I will attend my first conferences and workshops as a professional photographer and entrepreneur. I will do my absolute best work for each bride and groom who have entrusted me with the documentation of their special and unique wedding day. I will meet new people. I will give my all. I may even write a book.

My birthday is a day that I’ve come to see as an excuse to splurge a little on myself. This year, I thought it appropriate to splurge on some new shoes to wear on some of my adventures. I walked into DSW Shoes (my very favorite shoe shop) with every intention to buy a pair of sensible, responsible, and comfortable shoes for the blustery winter months. And then, I laid eyes on a pair of fun, sexy, and very IMPRACTICAL red heels…

This year, I will shoot a session in these shoes. This year, I will splurge on more cute heels. Life isn’t always practical, so why treat it that way?

Thank you so much to my family & friends for being so supportive to me on this journey into adulthood – I love you all so much. Thanks also to my Facebook friends, who showed me more love than I think I’ve ever felt from friends on any other birthday, and to you guys- my blog readers who put up with my silly posts about big plans & cute shoes.