Images from Stacy Reeves
Known as The Wedding Photographer, Stacy Reeves shoots everything from classy boudoirs to fearless bridals. We love working with her personally and we know you'll love discovering the beauty of her blog. Oh yes, she's a bride-to-be as well!
What did you want to be when you "grew up?"
I've always wanted to be a writer, from the time that I was very young. I went to school for writing, and I have two degrees in it. I'm not sure that I've completely given up on that dream - in the very little free time I have, I still do a lot of freelance writing. I love that blogging gives me a chance to flex my writing muscle, and I would relish an opportunity to write-full time. I keep telling myself that some day I'll finally write the next great American novel. We'll see!
What's your favorite personal mantra, quote, or inspiration?
I've always been a big advocate of the idea that "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right." I truly believe that if you make up your mind to succeed, and you're willing to put in the hard work and sacrifices, and you're open to learning and changing and adapting, then you will find success. Conversely, if you're unsure of yourself, or if you doubt that success is possible, then you'll become a self-fulfilling prophecy, and you'll doom yourself to failure. Passion and positivity aren't everything, but they'll get you pretty far in life.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite blog?
I have around 200 blogs on my Google reader, so it's difficult to pick a favorite! Probably the one I get most excited about new posts from is a friend of mine named Andrea Hanki in Vancouver - Pink Sugar Photography . She's a fabulous photographer who taught me pretty much everything I know about posing, but she's also one of the craftiest people I have ever known. She recently posted some images from Halloween, Christmas, and her daughter's birthday and bedroom that will absolutely blow you away. Pretty much every time I look at Andrea's blog, I leave inspired in one way or another.
Another blog I really love is The Simple Dollar. I've been on a bit of a personal finance kick lately. My fiance and I spent the last year aggressively saving for our wedding, and after seeing how much we had in excess income when we really tried, it blew my mind at how excessively we had been spending before. Now I spent a lot of time learning from people like Dave Ramsey and Trent at The Simple Dollar on how to live a debt-free lifestyle and use my income more wisely! One thing I love about Trent is that he's a regular guy with a wife and kids, instead of a millionaire financial guru, so his advice is very practical and down to earth. He gives a lot of great advice on how to save money in small ways around the house, and how to use those small things to snowball into much larger savings over time.
Do you wear your heels or slippers while you blog?
Neither - I'm always barefoot! Don't get me wrong, I love a great pair of heels, but I have a terrible habit of always kicking my shoes off when I'm sitting down. I guess my feet just love to be free!
What's your biggest pet peeve?
People who ask for help but don't really want it. I've done a lot of business consulting for new photographers, and I never cease to be amazed how many people will pay me hundreds or even thousands in mentoring fees, only to argue with me when I tell them how to fix the problems they're having. I'm a sucker for bad reality TV, and I especially love "makeover" shows where someone applies to be helped by an expert, such as Biggest Loser, Millionaire Matchmakers, or Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares. Without fail, there are always a handful of people who apply to be on these shows, then fight their new mentors tooth and nail. I think a lot of people expect there to be some magic bullet or simple solution that will wipe away all their problems without hard work or sacrifice, and when someone tells them that's not how the world works, they reject the truth. Helping people who are open and willing to change is such a fulfilling and mutually beneficial process, but dealing with people who aren't ready to be helped can be very frustrating.
What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
My Kindle, my iPhone, an empty dark chocolate wrapper, an ever-present glass of Fresca, and my Chi. Last night I got a midnight urge to flat iron my hair, and a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!
What’s your sign? What 3 characteristics of your sign do you possess?
I'm a Capricorn, the sure and steady (and stubborn) goat. Like the goat, I think for a long time and consider all the options before making decisions, but once I make them, I jump into them headfirst and don't look back. I'm also more serious and logic-oriented than most, which is a definite Capricorn trait. I don't generally think of myself as stubborn, but I'm sure my fiance would disagree with that, so let's just say that when I believe in something, I can be very passionate about it!
Tell me about your favorite cocktail? (feel free to share the recipe or bar location)
I used to be a solid Cherry Vodka Sour girl, but recently the bartender at my favorite bar (Patriarch's in Frisco) introduced me to a Pama and soda, which I love! It's one part Pama (pomegranate liquor) and two parts soda water, served on the rocks. It's light, delicious, and relatively low-cal. Unfortunately most bars don't have Pama, but when I find one that does, I never get anything else.
What’s the one food you can’t get enough of?
Cheese! I love, love, love cheese. Muenster on turkey and avocado sandwiches, crumbled feta on burgers, a gorgonzola crust on steaks, garlic and herb gournay as a party dip, pecorina romano sprinkled on fresh spaghetti, parmesan mixed in a creamy risotto, cold ricotta on desserts... See what I mean? I'm really just a fan of dairy in general. I usually have 2-3 cups of skim milk a day! I have nightmares that I will become lactose intolerant some day.
What’s in your handbag currently?
My wallet, a stack of vintage handkerchiefs with my contact info screenprinted on them (I use these as business cards), Chanel sunglasses I bought as a birthday present for myself in Venice, a magical pen that I got years ago at Kelly Liken's restaurant in Vail (best food I have ever eaten) that writes beautifully never seems to run out of ink, a Canon G10, and my emergency backup hard drive that contains every wedding I have ever photographed. Oh, and a whole lot of receipts waiting to be organized and filed away!
Stacy is one of our favorite photographers. We collaborate with her often for fun weddings and fabulous photo shoots. And her blog is a must see and read. You'll go away every time with inspiration! Thanks Stacy for constantly providing us with eye candy!
