Greenville Wedding Photographer : New Kid At School

As we walked through the ballroom of the Hyatt, it occurred to me that my breaths were growing louder and more rapid with every step.  I wasn't carrying anything, nor was I walking very fast, so it was fairly obvious that it had nothing to do with my current workout plan of "lift remote, repeat as necessary".  No, this was a case of good, old-fashioned nerves.  While I have been shooting for nearly half my life, and have been doing weddings since 2008, this would be the first time I'd be at Wedding Festivals as a vendor.  I went as a bride the year before...and I remembered that there was cake.  Lots and lots of cake.  And that was pretty much it.  Not exactly comforting, considering that I needed to look like a competent professional. With every booth we passed, I thought of my own set up and my heart rate jumped a little faster. 

My newfound propensity for panic attacks was not lost on Steven.  On our fourth trip to the car, and after about the nine billionth time he asked if I was okay, he finally stopped me, took my face in his hands, and told me firmly, "You're doing the new kid at school thing, and you need to stop.  Just because everyone else has been here before doesn't mean that you won't succeed." And he was right...I was absolutely terrified of being this show's equivalent of the chubby girl that got picked last for kick ball.  I love meeting new people, and I'm not anyone's joking definition of shy, but in situations like that, I have to fight so hard to avoid regressing into the girl who's awkward phase lasted well over a decade.  So, we pushed on, got our little rookie booth all set up, and called it a night. 

Before I left to meet up with my mom the next day, Steven reminded me that sometimes the new kid is really fun and makes lots of friends on the first day of school; that it was up to me to not let intimidation rule me.  And he was right.  From some amazing fellow photogs, to my beloved cake bakers, to some amazing brides that I can't wait to work with, I spent the entire day forging new friendships with some fabulous people.  It certainly didn't hurt that the very first person I met that day was Ivey.  She had just gotten engaged, and already had some exciting plans made.  We chatted for a good 10 minutes and I adored her immediately.  She was the first of many wonderful people I met that day, but she was the one that proved to me that people would, in fact, like me.  That I could be one of the cool kids, and that I had (once again) worried myself silly over nothing.  That my sweet husband was right...again.  Ivey and Matt's wedding is coming up this August at The Loom, and I could not be more excited to capture it for them!

We had really yummy light to work with...

Ivey has an amazing laugh...exhibit A:

And exhibit B:

Ivey, you are beautiful!!

My favorite...they really are one of the sweetest, most adorable couples ever!

Comments

[Allyson Bassett]

Awww yay, I'm glad everything went well for you!! And those pictures are gorgeous! I love the one with the shadows, definitely my favorite and I like the kissing one with a bit of a yellow plant in the front right hand corner. Keep up the great work girl and be confident because you are amazing!

[Blair]

Love the snow mixed with their look! AWESOME shots as always Melissa! Can't wait to see more!