Hannah Larkin Designs

With the opening of her Etsy shop, Hannah needed a few portraits of herself as well as a handful of pictures of her work. For one full afternoon we sat on the steps of her absolutely adorable downtown apartment and got down to business. The business of pretty paper, pretty pictures, and pretty people…named Hannah. Hannah is one of my oldest and dearest friends and even as early as the second grade her impressive drawing and drool-worthy typography skills stood out. Over the years her hobby developed into more than just a pastime and in college, when she began asking us what type of font we’d like on our birthday cards, we knew this girl had talent. Over the past few years Hannah has been designing wedding stationery and custom cards for quite the collection of amazing people. And being completely honest, it’s about time she made her work available for everyone.

This was my first, real product shoot and I kinda totally loved it. There's something nice about shooting in a controlled environment and being able to twist, turn, and pose the subject - er, product, as you please. Especially when the person you're photographing for is baking you fresh-from-the-oven lavender lemon cookies. I die.

To see more of Hannah's work and to visit her lovely little shop, CLICK HERE!

Hannah created the stationery for Ryan + Lene's wedding last September and Jake + Sierra's wedding this December and she's currently working on the invitations for one of next summer's brides. Making me over-the-moon with joy to work with her on not one, not two, but three weddings!

And without giving it allll away, here's a little peek at the custom stationery Hannah just finished for my business. 2012 Brides, be excited - pretty paper is headed your way!!

Isn't her work amazing?! Pleasepleaseplease stop by Hannah's new (and absolutely ADORABLE!!) store and get your hands on at least one of her lovely little cards. And while you're at it, be sure to read the 'About' section. If you haven't already, it'll definitely make you fall head over heels in love with this girl.

Happy Wednesday, Michelle

Kind Words + Something Navy

When Malia first emailed me to ask about an upcoming feature, I was caught completely off guard. Malia, along with her business partner Kaelyn, are the editors of the military inspired wedding blog, Something Navy. Being completely honest, I could have really used this blog a few years ago when Colton and I were planning our own wedding. At the time I hadn’t the slightest idea what a sword arch was, let alone at what point before, during, or after the ceremony it came into play. So when Malia went on to ask if they could feature not one but two of my wonderful clients on their blog I was absolutely floored. I was flattered and humbled and speechless, all at the same time. Which leads me to my next point. I know every small business owner says it – well, I hope every owner says it, but I really, truly feel blessed to get to work with the people I work with. I know I’m fortunate in that I get to spend what is quite possibly the happiest day in a couple’s life with the couple. But beyond that, what really makes my job a delight is working with these couples for the months and weeks leading up to their day. I love getting to know a bride + groom, becoming their friend, and then being there to watch as they vow their lives to one another. It’s a truly beautiful process and one I do not take lightly.

When Malia wrote back to let me know the first feature had been published, I immediately checked the blog – much like I do with every publication. What I wasn’t prepared for was the write up that the bride had written about her wedding day and her photographer. I sat in my office and read the sweet, kind words that Jill had written and without any warning I started to cry. Happy, grateful, humble tears.

Do you remember Joe + Jill and their unforgettable proposal story? This time it was their wedding that was featured! To see their big day and kind words on Something Navy CLICK HERE

And today I was thrilled to see Steve + Kristi's Washington D.C. engagement session featured on the blog as well. CLICK HERE to see their sweet, sweet love story.

To my incredible past, present, and future brides and grooms, thank you for being the beautiful people you are - inside and out. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for all the sweet + lovely goodness that you are. You make my day, my week, my month, my year, and my life a much, much brighter place.

xoxo, Michelle