Long Beach Island, New Jersey | Engagement | Katie + Jeremy

September 21, 2015 in Portraits

I met Katie and Jeremy at a wedding I photographed last fall (Lindsay + Michael on the blog here, and also featured on the Knot here). I promise I'm not exaggerating when I say I met some of the coolest people on this planet at that wedding. I'm thrilled that I get to see this group again and share in Katie and Jeremy's special day.

BeePie Event | Beauty | Philadelphia, PA

July 31, 2015 in Styled Shoot, Beauty

Self-confidence and a sense of adventure are two things that I hope everyone can attain and hold on to forever. It's hard. It's really hard. It's easy to think you should be something "better". And it's really easy to get stuck there in your head. We've all been there.

But what would happen if we decided to celebrate instead of beat ourselves up? What if we just just decided to mentally let go of everything that keeps us from exploring our own lives? Too heavy for an opening? Let's take a deep breath and talk about why BeePie is the greatest thing since the Macarena and the original French Toast Crunch cereal. Neither are related but I do hold both in the highest regard. Moving on...

I signed up for this event back in April and had Michele Suits photograph me. I can tell you honestly that I get SO nervous and awkward when I realize I'm having my photo taken. Yes, says the photographer. I knew I was signing up for something that was a little outside my comfort zone. At the same time I knew it would give me something even more important; a sense of freedom, confidence, and an opportunity to learn a new craft (flower crowns!). And it did. All of the ladies involved in making this event happen have a way of lifting you up and showing you that everything about you is something to celebrate. Michele made me feel beautiful even before I saw myself in any of the photos. And Lauren from Belovely reassured me that I was definitely not squishing my flower crown when I definitely felt like I was. And in the end I think I did a pretty darn good job with the help of everyone there.

I also had the pleasure of being one of the photographers for BeePie in June. This was equally as memorable. I met some amazing new friends that I wouldn't have otherwise. Oh, and did I mention there's mimosas? I don't think I did. There's mimosas. The photos below are some of my favorites that I took of two lovely ladies. One of them being Emily of Emily Wren Photography!

This workshop could not be more worth it. I don't know why I waited so long to do something like this. Seriously, DO it!

All the links you need are at the end. Enjoy!!

Much love,

Colleen

And finally, a few of my favorite photos that Michele Suits Photography took of me! I'll always love these!!

Ladies to thank for putting BeePie together,

Belovely Floral & Event Design

Maggpie Vintage Rentals

True Beauty Marks

So are you ready to feel like a rock star yet? Sign up on Belovely's site here!

BeePie Sign Up

Nash's 1st Fiesta | Styled Birthday | Lansdale, PA

June 17, 2015 in Family, Styled Shoot

Hello lovely readers! If you've been looking for some Southwestern inspiration, here it is! Brittany Bollard from Hatch (hatch-baby.com) styled her youngest son's first birthday and it honestly has me wanting to re-decorate my apartment with some Southwestern rugs and baby cactuses . There are so many awesome little details that made this day great. Every photograph is full of her inspiration!

Want to keep some for your own inspiration? Pin it! Enjoy!

Dear 1 year old Nash,

You most likely would not remember me if you saw me today. I was your official birthday photographer. I photographed your older brother Wyatt when he was just a little newborn. I photographed your Aunt Nicolette's sweet 16 and her Prom. Some day when you learn to read I would like you to know that no matter what you do in life, you will always look good doing it, because your talented mommy Brittany will be there to style the heck out it. Also if you wouldn't mind I would like to borrow your mommy so she can style my future kids' parties. I hope you had the best first birthday ever and that you ate as much cake as your little tummy could handle.

Love,

Your-forever-family-photographer Colleen

“Inside us all, patiently waiting, sits a tiny little adventurous bird.”

Noah's 1st Birthday | Family | Green Lane, PA

June 01, 2015 in Family

I've had the honor of photographing Brooke and Andrew's love since their wedding day. Seeing this little squish grow before my eyes makes me so happy! Happy first birthday Noah!

““You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection”
― Gautama Buddha”

Michele | Boudoir | Langhorne, PA

May 19, 2015 in Beauty, Portraits

So much of our time in our very short life is dedicated to thinking about things we want and things we think we need, instead of celebrating the things we already have. Specifically our bodies. Of course we should all strive to be healthy, but in addition to that, we should be jumping for joy at the fact that everything about us is unique.

I used to be incredibly insecure about being short. I barely hit the 5ft mark. And to be fair, it was for good reason. Some kids just aren't very nice, and we've all experienced our share of name calling. I'm 25 years old. I'm almost positive I stopped growing (vertically) in 4th grade. Only in the last few years have I come to own who I am. Do I still have my moments? Of course. But overall I'm finally able to look in the mirror and be happy. Or look at a photo of me standing next to someone super tall, and laugh. Because let's be honest, sometimes it is pretty funny. So maybe I can't always reach the top shelf, but no one can beat me at finding the best spots for hide-and-seek. And I'll never have an issue finding cool shoes in my size.

You're beautiful. Strut your stuff. Be confident. Be you.

This is Michele. She's a talented photographer, a soon-to-be wife, a beautiful soul, and one of the funniest chicks I've ever met. She's helping us celebrate.

Melissa + Isaac | Wedding | Gloria Dei Old Swedes Church | Philadelphia, PA

January 18, 2015 in Weddings

Melissa + Isaac

I really can't hold back my excitement when I think about this wedding. Two beautiful locations, so many awesome colors, and there's snow all around (including their snowy exit out of the reception). It's also not every day that I get to work with other artists.

Melissa made her own wedding dress! She co-owns a clothing brand called Senpai + Kohai with her friend Pia and they are beyond talented. You should absolutely check out their designs (links at the bottom). Isaac Lin is also a successful artist in Philadelphia. His talents seem endless, including painting, screen printing, collage, and installation work.

Enjoy this beautiful day :)