Reflecting on 2013...

2013 has been an incredible year for me both personally and professionally. On a personal note, I graduated from college, started my first full-time job, and got engaged in July. Even though I've had a lot going on in my personal life, photography has remained my passion and my creative release when other things might be a little overwhelming.

I was extremely blessed to have gotten to know so many couples this past year through capturing their engagements, weddings, or just getting to know them over a cup of coffee in a local Starbucks or Panera in preparation for their weddings next year. I also had the opportunity to get to know several, charming high school guys who have since moved on and started the next chapter of their lives.

My relationship with my clients is one of my favorite parts of being a photographer and I cannot stress enough how lucky I am to be able to work with such amazing people who believe in me and my talent. To everyone who helped make my 2013 an amazing year- thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Keep smiling!
Kaylina

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Here's to 2014...

It's that time of the year again, when people look forward to the new year and make promises to themselves to make it even better than the last. I've never been very good at setting New Year Resolutions, I end up forgetting by February what I set out to do and settle back into my old habits. This year, Blake and I decided to write out our goals and make them SMART.

As business majors, we've had the concept of SMART goals drilled into our heads and decided to actually use something we learned in college! For those that don't know, a SMART goal, is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. In addition to making our goals SMART, we'll be putting them on display in our home so we can't forget or avoid them. I decided to only set three goals this year so I would be able to focus on them a little more and not overwhelm myself.

My first goal is photography related of course. As a part-time photographer with a full-time job, it is often difficult for me to find time to keep up on my blog. In 2014 I would like to blog at least twice a month. This one makes me the most nervous because I won't be able to fudge the truth if I miss my goal, but I think it will ultimately make me a better photographer if I can make it a reality.

My second goal is more personal. After moving away from our home town, Blake and I have not been able to find a church to attend regularly in Columbus. In 2014 I would like to find and attend a home church in Columbus that is close to our home and reflects our personal beliefs.

My last goal is by far the most foreign to me. When asked what I do for fun I often answer, "eat and sleep". I My perfect day includes stuffing my face and then taking a nap. But, in 2014, I'd like to become more fit by working out twice a week. More specifically targeting my arms, shoulders, legs, and waist.

I'd love to hear everyone else's SMART resolutions because holding each other accountable also will help everyone reach their goals.

Keep smiling!
Kaylina

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Kevin + Allison: Couple Session

Allison and Kevin are about the cutest couple you'll ever meet. I had such a great time shooting their wedding last year. So when Allison contacted me asking me to take some very exciting pictures for she and Kevin a few weeks ago, I couldn't resist.

We started out warm and cozy by the fire but soon headed outside to brave the cold and make the big announcement: Kevin and Allison will be welcoming their first baby in July 2014. 

I could not be happier for this amazing couple and, as if the universe felt the same way, we were blessed with a mini snow storm to add some extra cuteness to our shoot.

And yes, we just had to do some cheesy announcement photos because who could resist?

Congratulations Kevin and Allison- you guys are going to make such amazing, loving parents (and a very cute baby)!

Keep smiling!
Kaylina

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The Pixar to my Tim Burton

As we were driving home from Thanksgiving at my parents' home, I let it slip that I sometimes personify household objects that have crappy jobs, like toilet paper. It only took me thirty seconds to spill my secret habit of giving inanimate objects grumpy personalities, but by the time I was done with my story I was convinced that Blake was going to decide to call off the wedding and never speak to me again because I was that crazy and strange. He was silent for five seconds before he said, "Really? I like to think they high five each other when it's their turn to get to work". What he said next could not have been more perfect. "That's the difference between you and I. You lead a Tim Burton life and I'm Pixar."

That was the moment I was reminded of just how thankful I am to have him. To have a man that not only doesn't judge my tendencies to give toilet paper a personality, but is quick to provide his own, more cheerful, version. To have a partner who is the Pixar to my Tim Burton.

Keep smiling,
Kaylina

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On the other side of the camera...

Angela has an infectious smile and an extraordinary sense of humor that truly makes her a people person. Which is a very handy thing to be when you're also an amazing wedding photographer. Angela and I have been getting to know each other over the past few months over coffee and pastries while we talk about our triumphs, frustrations, and all things photography. On Sunday we met in German Village to take turns snapping pictures of each other to update our bios and just have some fun. It was nice to be reminded what it feels like to be in front of the camera instead of hiding behind it.

We had so much fun wandering around German Village, commandeering people's doorsteps, and enjoying some sweets from Pistachia Vera. 

Angela is obviously beautiful and extremely talented. I'm so glad that I can call her a friend and an industry peer. You can check out Angela's work here and her pictures of me here. 

Keep smiling!

Kaylina

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Planning Our Wedding: Introduction

A few months ago Blake proposed and we made a decision to have a long engagement. We tell people we want to save money and give Blake time to finish college and find a job, but my main reason is so that I can have plenty of time to plan the perfect wedding. I view weddings as celebrations- a chance for everyone important in the bride and groom's life to come together and celebrate that two people have found each other and are making a promise to always support each other, through the good and the bad. Like any celebration, the key to making it magical and perfect is tailoring the party for the guests of honor.

I've had the opportunity to capture beautiful weddings over the last three years and every single one of them was positively perfect. Because the couple planned their day and every detail said something about who they were and how they loved each other. I am looking forward to flipping through magazines, scrolling through blogs, and pinning on pinterest for the next year and half while Blake and I plan our perfect wedding. My plan is to keep everyone filled in on our progress, decisions, and delights as we approach our wedding day.

Any and all ideas, suggestions, and stress relieving tips are welcome!

Keep smiling,
Kaylina

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A Real Professional

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending my very first networking event. Although I've been photographing weddings for three years, I've never felt like I belonged in "the wedding industry". It was always a different excuse. At first it was "I'm in college" or "I'm too young to be taken seriously" and even now it's "I do less than 10 weddings a year, they won't take me seriously". I was always making excuses for myself to remain alone in an industry where networking can make or break you. I didn't want to step into the ring with "real" professionals when I'm still just a girl with a camera who throws herself a 30 second dance party after every wedding I book. Every wedding is a small victory taking me closer to my dream and every bride becomes a friend and an ally in my journey to becoming a "real" professional.

So I took all of the belief and confidence that my wonderful brides have had in me, took a deep breath, and stepped into my first networking event. The food was amazing and everyone I had the opportunity to chat with was equally as great. I've collected a lot of business cards over the last few years from other vendors within the industry, but now I'm excited to start forming friendships with some of the people behind those cards. And maybe one day, consider myself one of those "real" professionals.

Keep smiling,
Kaylina

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Danny + Amber: Columbus, Ohio Engagement Session

Danny grew up in Clintonville so when he finally popped the question and got a yes from Amber, Clintonville's Park of Roses was a natural choice for their wedding next June. It was also a great choice for their engagement pictures last Sunday. Amber and Danny were naturals in front of the camera- playing, laughing, and loving each other effortlessly. It's obvious to anyone who comes across them that they're meant for each other. They have a chemistry that can't be faked. It was an absolute pleasure to spend the evening with them, catching small glimpses of their love on camera. I can't wait to see their love grow stronger and even more adorable as time goes on.

Keep smiling,

Kaylina

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Do it yourself

A few weekends ago I went home to my parents house to visit and got enlisted to help my mom in her latest Pinterest project. We spent 40 minutes traipsing around their property (and maybe some of the neighbor's property) to find all of the letters in our last name. We learned a few things, like Ns and Rs are not easy to find, people with Ls, Is, and Xs are surprisingly lucky, and I'm glad we only have six letters in our last name. All joking aside, it was great to spend the day with my beautiful mother, doing something new. To everyone who has a Pinterest board out there full of DIY projects waiting to be done- just pick one and complete it this week. You'll feel accomplished when you actually do it yourself.

Keep smiling,
Kaylina

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