It was before I knew how to use Instagram very well and would always forget to check my requests under messages. I happened upon Abby’s request 20 hours after she sent it and thought I had missed my window. Her message asked if I would be interested in second shooting a wedding for her in July. My reply: “Um, yeah!” But in a much more professional tone.
I had never met Abby before, and it is true that I would never agree to meet just anyone who messaged me on Instagram at Panera for coffee. Abby echoed my sentiment. However, seeing that we had mutual friends, and it was our mutual friends’ daughter who would be getting married, I thought I’d be in good hands. Turns out I was right. Abby and I connected quite well at our first meeting, which lasted two and a half hours.
We talked about everything from how we got started in our businesses, to our business practices, goals, styles of shooting, and aspirations. I was in my element — talking to another business owner who understood how I thought and worked as a photographer. To say that I enjoyed our time together, well, that would be a great way to put it.
A couple months later and I packed up my gear bags, armed myself with a mug of steaming Joey, or fresh brew, or coffee, and headed to Waynesboro, Georgia very early in the morning to second shoot Jeff and Krista’s beautiful afternoon wedding. Couple portraits happened at 7:30, which is the earliest I have ever begun shooting, but it also meant we knocked out couple portraits and bridal party photos in record time.
It happened to be raining during portraits, but in my opinion, they turned out to be utterly dreamy due to the magical not-quite-downpour. Thankfully, a friend of Abby’s lent us the use of her clear plastic umbrellas, and we were saved. Not to mention they made the cutest addition to the portraits.
The sun ended up showing its pretty face for golden hour, so the wedding gallery included magically wet as well as beautiful sunset portraits all in one!
The day was beautiful, filled to the brim with love, happiness, and stunning photos!
Abby was a delight to work with, and I’d say we got along pretty well! She is an awesome photographer, and I enjoyed our time working together.
Abby, thank you for the terrific experience it was working together. You were so fun to work with, and I hope we can collaborate again in the future.
Joyfully,
Lauren
