Out of county, over-caffeinated, focus-pocus
This past weekend, I was a little out of county — okay, fine, completely out of county — headed to Moses Lake to cover a wedding. My second full wedding shoot ever, and let me tell you, I’m still finding glitter, bobby pins, and soggy lens wipes in my backpack. The rain across Eastern Washington didn’t ruin anything — it somehow made the photos even dreamier.
I fueled myself on what may have been too much coffee while editing over 400 photos in two days — my fastest turnaround ever. Winnie, now officially flea-free and fluffier than ever, kept me company, snoozing in front of her little fireplace while I clicked and clicked and clicked some more. She’s basically my tiny, four-legged editor-in-chief.
Her full legal name is Winifred Buffy Harnack — Winifred after the red-haired witch from Hocus Pocus, my favorite Halloween movie (and yes, that’s where she got her name), and Buffy from my beloved spooky ‘90s thriller TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I couldn't be more excited for the upcoming holiday this Friday.
Between naps, she watches me frame shots like a little witch-in-focus, making sure every photo is magically on point. Even with all the chaos, there’s something comforting about routines.
Gym sessions, endless coffee, and Winnie’s calm presence reminded me that life isn’t just about the hustle — it’s about the moments in between, like watching raindrops streak across a window or finding the perfect candid smile mid-celebration.
Speaking of chaos, trying to pose a large bridal party reminded me way too much of my drill sergeants back in basic training.
Some of the wedding guests got a little too boozy, and suddenly I was barking orders like it was October 18, three years ago — which, according to a Facebook memory last week, was exactly the day I graduated from basic training.
Looking ahead, Halloween is coming, and I’m so ready. Winnie and I have a costume planned, inspired by one of my favorite sports movies. Hint: think baseball, vintage vibes, and one very thematic snack. (No crying in baseball, but there might be ketchup.)
The government shutdown did throw a wrench into some of my weekend plans — apparently, the .50 cal will have to wait — but that just gives me more time to enjoy the quieter side of life: rest, family, and maybe even a little guilt-free lounging after a whirlwind of rain-soaked dresses, coffee-fueled nights, and glitter-filled chaos.
If there’s one thing I learned this weekend, it’s that life — like photography is best when you can laugh at the messy, unpredictable, perfectly imperfect moments.