The Mike Colon Workshop was the first styled shoot I have gotten to be a part of. In addition to all that I learned, I also got some pretty amazing pictures for my portfolio. Beautiful details, decor, people AND we get hours to shoot and boss ahem direct the couple however we want? Sold!

Here is the lovely couple, Karlin and Matt. Decor and detail images coming next week!

So many people were a part of making this happen. I am so lucky and honored I got to be a small part of it. Kat Harris hooked me up! In addition, here are all the amazing vendors that made this shoot what it is:

We tried to plan their session around the weather. 65 and sunny in January? We’ll take it. Only the morning before, the weather changed. Cold, raining and….TORNADO WATCHES. 65 and sunny the next day? Sure! We will work around that. Only the weather was not as predicted. It was probably the coldest day of the season yet and RAINING.

Lori and Dedric, you are seriously awesome. I had an amazing time with you and it was even better because I didn’t get sick Thanks for letting me be bossy and I can’t wait for your wedding in Puerto Rico!

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Today’s post features a steal of a deal I found TODAY! 3 pairs of shoes at Target for LESS than $25!

This first pair were the most expensive. A whopping $8.98. I almost purchased Jessica Simpson shoes that look just like this yesterday for $70!

The following 2 pairs were $7.48 each. They are wedge shoes so they are really comfortable.

Go get yours this weekend! I would love to see what you find…so let me know!

Back in November, I had the opportunity to help out and be a part of the Mike Colon Workshop. It was an amazing experience and I had a great time meeting new people. There were 2 shooting days, the first was an engagement session.

Here are a few of my favorites:

I know we are only in January, but it’s no secret I am not a fan of winter. So when my favorite store Express launched it’s new Spring line, I thought it only fitting to share my favorite items.

1. Lace top and colored skinny Jeans: need I say more?

2. Floppy hat: I have ALWAYS wanted one of these as I have seen women ROCK them, but I have been shy to try it. Perhaps this will be the season!

3. Striped Blazer: I almost bought one of these at Nordstrom Rack last week. Now I see them EVERYWHERE!

4. Pink..uh hum Salmon (if you watched Friends you know what I mean) colored dress- just needs a belt!

5. Scarf: They have a ton of different colors, including a bright yellow one I am eyeing.

6. The Boho Chic look with head wrap: Another one of those looks I love, but have been too afraid to try.

7. Color Blocking: Skirt, belt and Top: LOVE

8. Pink Blazer: I love this trend in blazers stepping away from black and grays. They have this in different colors, but I want the bright pink one!

In 2 weeks I turn 30. Oh wait maybe you missed it…that’s THIRTY. As in 3-0!  With the new year rolling around and a significant increase in age, I may or may not have had some emotional meltdowns. If I hunker down and try to set goals for the year, my mind starts running before I can even catch up. OMG I am about to be 30. What did I want to do with my life before I turned 30? Am I where I want to be? I was supposed to be a millionaire by now. Oh wow, now my body is going to fall apart. I should probably go to the doctor more to make sure. And then before I know what hit me, the tears start falling.

Okay this has only happened once. And I feel a lot better now. Especially because in order to defeat 30, I planned a trip to the Caribbean so I can at least turn 30 somewhere new and amazing. This is when I plan to compose my thoughts, goals and dreams for the year. As they stand now, I imagine them to be grand, a little out there, and bigger than anything I could ever accomplish myself. This year will be a year of taking risks. After all, I will be 30…why not?!

Some of my goals have begun to take shape already. The first being a bright yellow email I received Monday morning. Kelly Lane Photography is a Bride’s choice award winner for 2012! I initially thought this must have been sent to the wrong person, but once my name appeared in the image, I conceded…and graciouslly prepared a thank you speech. Kidding.

The next exciting announcement is that I now have a promo video! This has been over a year in the making…and I have held onto it a little bit, just because I am shy about it. It took several years for me to allow a picture of myself to be taken. This takes it to a whole new level.

I am indebted to Craig Obrist  for creating this for me and dedicating hours of time to it in an already super tight schedule. Also thank you Jennifer and Ryan Robinson, Jennifer, and Aaron for modeling. Ya’ll make me look good!

Today’s post is comprised of a predominately Express outfit. I wasn’t kidding when I talked about the majority of my wardrobe coming from Express in this post.  

The boots, however, are not Express. I bought these boots from Bakers in the Fall of 2009. When I first purchased them I was super nervous about them. Over the knee boots were just starting to become a thing and I knew I really wanted them, but was afraid of the new trend. I bought them and timidly started to wear them. And then I LOVED them. Last year while shopping, Jessica bought a pair and admitted to me when she first saw them on me she thought they looked like hooker boots. I busted out laughing because this confirmed my fears from the previous year. It’s funny how something that makes you feel so exposed gradually feels normal and then even catches on.

Showing off the hooker boots. (Bakers: Barby Style Fall ’09)Scarf, Leggings, belt: Forever 21 -old

Necklace: Summer ’11 Nordstrom Rack>>>>Dress: $25 Fall ’11>>>>Jacket, Fall ’10>>>> both Express

Wrap watch: America’s Mart>>>> Ring: Forever 21 -old

I present to you the Cole family and their cutie patootie son, Preston. He totally hammed up the camera and it was a blast just waiting to see what he would do next.

Thank you so much Melissa for the opportunity to photograph your beautiful family!

On to Preston…See what I mean?!

Today’s post features one of my favorite items this winter: Riding Boots. I wear them pretty much every day. This was a great find because I had been looking for a while and while shopping with my bestie, Jessica, I stumbled upon them. Real leather boots for $75…Score! I didn’t recognize the brand, but they seemed like great quality, so I took them home and google searched it. They popped up on Nordstrom.com for $200! ohhhh yesssss.

The good news is, if you would like a pair, Jessica found similar boots at Nordstrom, and they recently went on sale for $90. You can get them here.

 A little trick: I have super skinny calfs and usually boots are way to big- I bought a pair of leg warmers that I will use to fill the boot and when it is really cold, help keep me warm. Only thing is…I didn’t do it in the below pictures. So you will notice the boots bunch up a little bit. I’m okay with this…really….I have embraced my chicken legs.

And just in case you are wondering, I have a long black tank under the shirt that extends to cover all necessary areas.

Bracelet: Forever 21 (old)>>>>> Boots: Nordstrom Rack, Fall ’11, $75

Necklace: Nordstrom Rack (old). I think it was like $3 on clearance. 

Top: Fall ’11, $30>>>>leggings: Fall ’11, $10>>>>Boots Fall ’11, $75>>>>Necklace: old>>>>All Nordstrom Rack

Scarf: Fall ’11, $12 Tjmaxx>>>>Bracelet: old, Forever 21

One of the best parts about being a wedding photographer is when you get to watch the families grow. Last year, I photographed Ken and Michelle’s gorgeous wedding at Old Edwards Inn. Recently, they had their first child, Grayson. He will melt your heart.

Here are a few pictures from our session. Without a doubt, the last one is my favorite…and it made it on their Christmas card.