the love nest.

inspire smart success + the bridal style | chicago

Truth be told, my love of all things pretty began quite a long time ago.  But, my admiration for Stacie and the staff at Inspire Smart Success - a wedding industry magazine - began a couple years back with an introduction from my experience with Grace Ormonde Wedding Style magazine's platinum list.  The ISS publication is one more thing I have had the pleasure of adding to my 'list of pretty things'.  And, in addition, I was thrilled to be included in their Summer 2012 publication in a piece that highlighted our first group styled shoot last May!   

When I found out that they'd be bringing the ISS Experience to Chicago, you know I'd be there!  In a heartbeat!  

We spent the morning surrounded by new peers in an intimate setting.  In fact, it was limited to about fifteen wedding industry professionals.  So, I was thrilled to be a part!  The setting... none other than The Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile; with fabulous views from the conference room as the snow fell slowly on my favorite city, how could we not be inspired? 

Plus... there were super yummy treats provided by Liz at Fancy Candies - Custom Sweet Buffets! Serious distraction inspiration!

While we went around the circle and listened to each others' inspirations and goals for their own businesses, it was incredible to get to know their stories.  Each one so different, but faced with common industry challenges.  Since I adhere to the 'let's succeed together' mentality, it was rewarding to meet so many others who felt the same.  So, we each walked away with new industry friends that day.  

Special thanks to Donna Binbek for wielding the camera for everyone that afternoon.  These two photos were provided by her.  It's always so strange to be in front of the camera for once!  

ISSE Chicago Alumni (Photo by Donna Binbek)

Stacie Francombe (ISS) and myself (Photo by Donna Binbek)

After a quick outfit spruce-up and some extra industry conversation (seriously... I lovelovelove being around other self-proclaimed 'wedding geeks'!), we scooted over to the upstairs lounge of the Michael Jordan Steak House to join the celebration announcing Inspire Smart Success' partnership with the NEW Bridal Style! 

 

BRIDES! Think Pinterest... but geared locally for vendor search AND with ALL wedding inspiration... not to mention, you have incredible planning resources at your fingertips.  You should definitely go take a look: The Bridal Style! 

Special thanks to Sophistikz Photography for capturing the following photos that evening as we all partied it up over more yummy Fancy Candies details, MJSH appetizers, and beautiful signature event cocktails. 

 

Photo by Sophistikz

 

I'm still so glad to have met wedding industry guru Jane Heflin.  She's all kinds of wonderful!  And, I'm so thankful for the conversations we shared throughout the day. (Also, you'll see what I did with my own camera most of the evening here...ignored it! Poor thing... ) 

So pensive... so intense... photo proof that I was completely enthralled with Maria - who is an incredible event planner working events in Ohio + Chicago!  This photo cracks.me.up. (!!!)

There's something so 'legit' about getting your photo taken in front of the event banner, right?  Maybe I should get an event banner and bring it to every wedding! (Kidding.) But, seriously, it was so great to see long-time friends, as well as make new.  

An incredible time hanging out with fabulous people for fabulous reasons on the Magnificent Mile! 

But, before I go... I want to post my inspirations and goals set during the afternoon session of ISS Experience as a reminder to myself... continue reaching for dreams, providing great quality and value to each and every couple I meet, and continue to be incredibly happy in my passion. Be inspired! 

Have an inspiring weekend! XOXO
Robyn

The Robyn Photography boutique specializes in engagement and wedding photography and works nationwide to ensure incredible moments are captured for incredible couples.  Robyn has experience in photographing weddings of all sizes, locations, and multiple types of ceremony, and welcomes the opportunity to capture moments from traditional or unique weddings. The studio’s home base is Lisbon, Iowa, and is centrally located in the Midwest, allowing for easy travel nationally and abroad. Find more at www.robynphoto.com or contact Robyn directly anytime at robyn@robynphoto.com. 

meet hailee | a.k.a. a great excuse to clean my office

This week has been a whirlwind of excitement!  I finally invested in one of those sweet ergonomic kneel-y chairs for myself, I'm gearing up for the bridal show at Spielman's this Saturday (1-4pm! See you there!), and most importantly I got to welcome my very first ever actually-in-the-office assistant/intern to the scene!  

Not only was it the kick in the pants I needed to clean/re-organize (find space for her to sit...), but her energy is so darn refreshing on a cold winter's day!  Like the fourth of July... in January.  (Get it...like Christmas in July? But opposite?  I switched it up...)  Her passion for photography is palpable, and that smile, well, see for yourself. 

Meet Hailee!  

This Cornell College senior is totally rocking out the campus with her penchant for extraordinary ideas, as well as her need to create strange but beautiful pieces with her camera.  On the side, one of her many aspirations is to be a portrait photographer and eventually own her own studio.  Her senior show is coming up later this Spring, and while she's taking some independent study courses to succeed in that incredible undertaking, she'll also be soaking up whatever she can from me about the business side of it all.  Here's hoping I know enough to keep her busy one day a week! 

If you hear from her instead of me these next few months, she'll be helping chat with inquiries and assist with day-to-day activities around here.  So, make sure to give her a verbal high five at the least.  She'll also fill my need for a good old fashioned mid-afternoon co-worker high five.  Because, let's face it; the cats really stink at that... 

Welcome, Hailee!  I am SO thrilled you're here! 

XO,
Robyn 

The Robyn Photography boutique specializes in engagement and wedding photography and works nationwide to ensure incredible moments are captured for incredible couples.  Robyn has experience in photographing weddings of all sizes, locations, and multiple types of ceremony, and welcomes the opportunity to capture moments from traditional or unique weddings. The studio’s home base is Lisbon, Iowa, and is centrally located in the Midwest, allowing for easy travel nationally and abroad. Find more at www.robynphoto.com or contact Robyn directly anytime at robyn@robynphoto.com. 

styled shoot ::: lightology, chicago

The concept of "moving mountains" comes to mind when I think about the amazing Saturday that came together because of an amazing group of people.  A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of connecting with a wonderful group of fellow photographers...and we had an idea.  And, the idea grew.  And we didn't move any mountains physically... but afterward, we couldn't help but stand back in awe and think about the process, the progress, and everything that happened in between.  

Last weekend, our idea grew into a styled photo shoot on a rooftop in the middle of the Windy City based on a Tiffany-style modern-meets-nature theme we each brought focus to.   A feat that generally takes months to plan took us only two weeks.  So, perhaps for me, now on the back end of the process,  "awe" feels like an understatement.  

I'm so gracious to have found these new individuals - these new friends - who have each brought an unimaginable amount of excitement for their craft to this process.  To say that I'm still on a "photo high" is also an understatement.  Not that I ever felt like I was alone in my passion for this industry and for my craft, but the opportunity to share it with others who felt the same was an experience all its own.  So, to my fellow "Photography Stylistas" (yeah, we gave ourselves a name because we're cool like that), before I even show any images from the day, I just want to say thank you!  I'm so incredibly excited to see where our friendships and individual businesses go from here.  Have I said "excited" enough yet?  I'm sosoSO excited by this experience!  

Lightology and its entire staff - from Owner, Gregory Kay to their Marketing Director, Lindsay Wilps, and even to Oscar who helped us get all our stuff outside before they closed - were such incredibly gracious and welcoming hosts!  Allowing us full reign of their rooftop deck for the day was an opportunity we did not expect but were so remarkably humbled to have had.   What a stunning space!  (If you need super fabulous or unique lighting for your home or an incredible view of the city... this. is. the. place!)

So, here we go!  This is what we came up with through our crazy (exciting!) process.  

Oh!  I should mention real quick that Mother Nature was incredibly gracious as well.  She spit a little rain at us earlier in the day, but by the time we were ready to go it was overcast and dry.  She even helped out with the decor a bit... the bark and branches came from our yard after the wind blew over part of a tree.  So, a quick shoutout to the real lady in charge. 

Our stunning models for the day were the lovely Melissa + Mike who are not only married in real life, but look at each other like this in real life all. the. time.  Their smiles were so gosh darn infectious, too! 

Special thanks to the extra fabulous Christine Brizendine - one of the Stylistas! - who designed all of the paper goods.  If you're looking for an eye for design projects, Dabble Me This is your girl!  

I'm kind of in love with how our lemonade area turned out... but I suppose I'm just a real sucker for a lemon and mint floating around in my beverage glass. 

Melissa and Mike... M&M's!

We were so happy to have a Daisy Cake Boutique creation on our cake table.  

I love being able to photograph all the many details that come together for wedding days, and this project was such a wonderful opportunity for me do just that.  Not only is it fun to practice in this kind of environment, but having a time limit to photograph details forces me to look at things in a different way.

In addition, I am thrilled to work with such forward thinking brides who love putting all kinds of love and details into their day.  So, this makes for a fun way for me to share ideas - whether its putting mint in the lemonade, or a color scheme choice, or just that extra touch.  The details enhance the special moments that much more!  

This canary diamond brought to you by Ultra Diamonds!  They were so gracious to lend all of the super stunning bling to the shoot. 

Mike was rocking out these gazes at Melissa all day, and I'm so glad to have captured this one.  It literally kills me.  Literally. 

...and Melissa.  Oh, where do I begin?!  Gorgeous. Stunning.  She made the day so much fun with her brilliant laugh and incredible attitude in front of the lens.  Thanks for rocking it out, girlie!

This is about the time in the day where the light went to the next level.  Is there anything better than being on top of a beautiful rooftop in the middle of the city as the sun begins to go down?  (Um. The answer is officially no.) 

What an incredible day!  If I haven't said it enough yet, I want to send another big thank you out to the women who were just as excited and committed to put this together as I was.  While there were a bunch of moving parts, they all moved together beautifully and I'm so thrilled to call each of you friend. 

To our gorgeous models for the day, thank you for your love for one another!  It's incredible to photograph couples that are so in love, and you were certainly in love.   

To our incredible vendors who contributed their space, time, and energy into this shoot... we are so very humbled by your creativity and hospitality.  Lightology is already such an artistic space, and we were thrilled to be creators on our own in that environment.  

I want to end with this moment between Melissa and Mike.  These are the moments that mean the most to me on a wedding day, and are the reason I love doing what I do.  

Until the next time... Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!
Robyn

_______________________________________________ 

Location /// Lightology (with assistance from Lindsay Wilps, Media Marketing Manager and Owner, Gregory Kay); Rings /// Ultra Diamonds; Paper Goods: Dabble Me This - Photography, Design, Painting; Succulents /// Culver's Garden Center and Greenhouse - Marion, Iowa; Cake /// Daisy Cake Boutique; Dessert Minis /// Whole Foods Market; Florals /// Whole Foods Market; Linens/ Napkins /// Freehling Pot and Pan Co., World Market

Hair /// JR Style Chicago; Makeup /// Jenessa Blaine, Certified Makeup Artist (jenessablaine@sbc.global.net); Dress Designer - Melissa: Watters Bridal

_______________________________________________ 

Decor + Styling /// The Photography Stylistas - Chicago

Robyn Schwab | www.robynphoto.com | www.facebook.com/RobynPhoto
Christine Brizendine | www.dabblemethis.com
Nina Harwick | www.ninaharwick.com | www.facebook.com/nharwickfoto
Zipporah Kapambwe | https://www.facebook.com/ZipporahKPhotography
Jill Tiongco | https://www.facebook.com/JillTiongcoPhotography
Jenny Chavez | www.hflphotography.com
Keren Chookaszian | https://www.facebook.com/kerensaraiphotography?ref=ts
Dominique Strom | www.facebook.com/DominiqueStromPhotographyDesign
Nikole Burrell Fasoranti | http://nikolemariephotography.wordpress.com/ 

the fix - chicago: making friends + appreciating the struggle

Where do I even begin?! Heading out to Chicago last week for theFIX was incredible in all kinds of ways.  Like, whoa! It was fantastic! 

With two hundred other wedding and lifestyle photographers in the room, getting excited about conquering the struggles we each face turned out to be pretty easy.  The evening started with Jasmine Star inspiring the crowd by using her own stories and experience.  In a service industry that is extremely saturated with great talent, the opportunity to stand out can feel really distant, and she did a great job of breaking it all down.  

I just love that she talks fast with her heart aaaand her hands.  

She wanted us each to leave the Loft on Lake with just one thing that we would work on improving or changing within our own business this year.  So often as professionals, we will go to a large conference and workshop and get completely inspired... but then lose track of time and never follow through on the things we were so excited to do.

Perhaps much to her dismay (ok, probably not), I've already been inspired to act on more than one of the little tidbits I took away with me...and it's been less than a week.  I even have a reminder on the calendar in a couple months to remind myself to look back at this post.  I want to make sure I'm still working hard on changing to reflect the industry while staying true to myself.  

Here are a couple of the tidbits I've already been working on:

MAKE FRIENDS::: Well, I like to think the energetic me takes care of this a lot, but it's not always so easy.  Since moving back to the Midwest late last summer, I've been meaning to connect with more photographers in my immediate area as well as across the region.  Although they were good intentions, I never knew where to start and it was slow-going... theFIX was my answer. 

Right away, I had the pleasure of finding a seat close to the front next to Jacki Rutledge of Slumberland Photography.  She's a really great lifestyle portrait photographer in the burbs and I'm already really enjoying her take on life on her personal blog - Three Boys and One Girl.  We spoke to JD - Jasmine's husband, business partner, and crowd conversation-starting extraordinaire - and wound up connecting through our love of photography and reading our daily posts on the J* blog.  Poor JD's life has been documented so well by Jasmine that I started asking him how they were dealing with their recent seasonal colds, how Polo (their dog) was enjoying the trip...  he swore it wasn't creepy that we knew all these things.  He may have been lying, but I feel compelled to believe him. 

Since the trip, I've had the pleasure of connecting with even more photographers throughout Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Indiana.  Since I've been known to travel to all of those states, we've already got coffee talks on the schedule as well as a Google calendar in the works to share each other's availability.  I'm proud to be heading up that initiative so that we can better direct wedding inquiries whose date we are unavailable to photograph.  For instance, if I am already booked for July 14th (which I am), but I receive another inquiry from a potential bride, I can at least point her toward another photographer that fits within my same style, price point, etc. and I'll already know that photographer is still available before I send that bride on a chase. 

In addition, I've also been working with a group of Chicago-based photographers to set up styled shoots around the city with vendors that fit each of our styles.  Styled shoots are not only great ways to connect with other photographers and practice our skills in a really fun setting, but it allows us the opportunity to connect with other wedding vendors in a really powerful way.  I can't wait to share more of those shoots in the future!  

Which brings me to... 

CONNECTING WITH CREATIVE TEAMS::: I'm already a big fan of working with other vendors on the wedding day to create the best possible experience for a bridal couple.  But, the styled shoot discussion has inspired me to reach out again to more Midwest-based vendors who are also on the Grace Ormonde Wedding Style platinum list.  In addition, I've compiled a list of other vendors in the Midwest whom I'd love to share a relationship with in the coming year or so.  

In the works is a portal that I'm creating just for vendors that will allow me to share my work with them quicker and easier.  While I've been alright at this in the past, I know that it's an area I'd always like to work on.  

In addition, I've always emailed other wedding vendors prior to working a wedding with them, but I think I'm going to try to work on getting a conference call together before each wedding this year.

Finally... 

STRUGGLE IS A COMMON THREAD::: It was great to hear Jasmine and so many other photographers agree that we all feel the struggles and that we're not alone - we are actually in this together.  What a comforting thought, huh?  Did you know that businesses who do not network and connect with one another are more likely to fail in the first 3-5 years of business?  It's easier to throw in the towel when no one else is helping lift you up and hold you accountable.  

I've been very fortunate to meet very few photographers that think more inside than outside their box.  While many feel that it's a "me vs. you" type of industry, I've been blessed to know many photographers who are willing to help one another instead of seclude themselves from the conversation - which is why I do my best to help other photographers whenever I can.  

So... cool experience, for sure!  I'm so glad that I took the time to drive out and spend some time with such an uplifting group of individuals.  It made for a really powerful scene. 

Speaking of the scene, Loft on Lake was such a fantastic location!  Not only was parking such a breeze that I nearly had a heart attack thinking my car would get towed even though there weren't any signs... but the team in charge had it decorated so lovely for the event. I'm such a sucker for loft spaces and exposed brick... it isn't even funny!  Thanks again to a great Chicago area team of individuals for setting the mood for success!  

In addition, I can't finish this post without giving a shout out to my (wish-she-could-be-my-)new bestie, Jasmine Star, for battling seasonal plagues, homesickness, and other travel woes to come out to Chicago and meet all of us.  Not only has her blog been part of my daily routine for a long time, but she's inspired me to keep being me and doing what I love to do.  In addition, I love her style and kind of want to know where she got her pants.  (There was a moment toward the beginning of her talk where I didn't pay attention because I was contemplating how cute her outfit was... I know...ri-dic... )

I knew I wouldn't get too much time to chat with her in person, so I made sure to put those thoughts into a note with a box of chocolates from the yummy new(ish) chocolatiere - Mount Vernon Confections - right up the road from here.  

What I really wanted to do was bribe a really genuine smile from her after a hundred other photographers asked for her to smile for them... although I doubt she has too many moments where smiling is difficult. 

Is it strange that I was nervous to take this photo?  I know. I know.  I was just so excited to meet her!  And I'd be lying to you if I wasn't a giddy little girl who wanted to jump up and down and dance when I did get to visit with her for a bit.  

I'm thrilled to see how 2012 continues to rock itself out!!!  And, of course, I'm grateful to so many great photographers who are helping transform the industry into an even better one.  

Kisses, hugs, and warm fuzzies - - - 
Robyn 

personality pull + the energetic me

Perhaps it goes without saying, but the wedding photography industry is full of people who have big personalities or have the skills to push past their introvert tendencies to deliver a big personality anyway.  On a wedding day, we have to be ready to go from start to finish.  My favorite part of getting there is seeing the bride's reaction to her father's tears, the groom's reaction to his beautiful bride, the enthusiasm from seeing your table settings and details pulled together just how you imagined... I love feeding off the energy of the day!  It's what helps me stay passionate about what I do and give my very best so that each couple gets the pictures I know they deserve.  

After a wedding, it's safe to say that I fall asleep pretty quick when I get home, and the next day my muscles ache from the almost ten pound camera lifting hundreds of times, the multiple (lady-like) squats, the bending, laying, jumping, hopping onto chairs, the dancing into a crowd to get the shot of Grandma dancing to Beyonce... you get the point.  If weddings weren't my ultimate photography passion, I just know for a fact that I couldn't keep up my energy to continue throughout the day, let alone sign up to photograph another.  So, one of my favorite testimonials still comes from Sarah and Joe who said... 

“My husband and I decided to hire Robyn because of her fun, extremely upbeat personality. We felt right away that the energy she would put into our wedding planning and our wedding day would be extraordinary, and she proved us right! Several family and wedding party members commented on her energy throughout the wedding day as we saw her putting forth 110% to capture the perfect photos. I will never know how she managed to stay at that energy level but never distract from the big day. What a blessing! …. I appreciated the time and care she put into proofing the photos, and it was so exciting how quickly we were able to view the event afterward! Our wedding celebration never skipped a beat as we were able re-live it through the photos soon after the big day.” 

They were an incredible couple to work with because their personalities came together so beautifully as a couple and it pulled me in to their world in a really great way.  It was great to be a part of their engagement and especially the entire journey to their wedding.  I'm honored to still keep in touch with them from time to time.   

Perhaps the reason I appreciate their kind words so much, though, is not because they had so many awesome things to say, but because they recognized what I work so hard to keep up - the energy.  From start to finish.  It still makes me blush a little every time I read it... and they are already coming up on their second anniversary very soon! 

Moral of the story... weddings each have their own energy.  And that energy = energetic me!  

Today, I am on my way to the Windy City to hang out with a bunch of personality-filled wedding (& some portrait) photographers who agree that our industry thrives on this energy!  And I couldn't be more excited.  I'm excited to be a part of this movement to transform the energy into one that works together toward educating couples on the importance of memories while providing the best service each of us is capable of providing.  I'm excited to be a part of this movement to help and educate one another.  I'm excited to learn and grow from one another so that we can build our own brands and market them in a unique and positive way.  And, I'm reallyreallyREALLY excited to meet up with Jasmine Star who has pulled together this opportunity for everyone.  She has been an online mentor of mine for quite some time through her blog, and I'm honored to have the opportunity to join up with everyone for theFIX tonight.  If I play my cards right, I'm hoping to get her that high five I promised her a while back after she published her Exposed magazine/book, too.  She's got one of those personalities that pulls you in, too! So, I'm super jazzed. Yes, jazz hands and all.  

I am SO excited that when I used the last of my business cards last week that I forgot to order more!  So, I had to get a little creative with my backup card stock yesterday...

I'm a professional!  I swear it! (yikes)

Anyway, so excited to get over to Chicago for this super great opportunity! Bummed I can't stay long, so if you're in the area, please don't get too sad that I didn't see you.  I'm pretty much just driving there and back... this month is crazy busy! 

Can't wait to see what comes from all of this!  Seriously... this many big personalities in one room with champagne, cameras, and super great sponsors like the Showit crew (one of my personal faves!)... it's got to be phen-om-enal!  

Stay tuned for more and let your big personality shine today!!! xo