Hello from beautiful Las Vegas! Due to my tendency to wake up early to go to the gym and the three hour time difference, I got about 4 hours of sleep last night. I’m in our hotel room, looking out at The Strip as the sun peeks over the mountains. Despite all the hustle and bustle below, this city is pretty spectacular at sunrise. Vegas is very special for me. A certain someone got married here almost four years ago. The full story is coming soon to the Southern Weddings blog (with pictures) on my anniversary, March 18th. I’m here for WPPI, the largest wedding and portrait photography convention. Last year was my first year here and it was a big turning point. I met the people I now call my best friends and made connections that have blossomed into significant business leaps. I have no idea what will transpire this year, but I can tell you that it will be nothing short of epic with this line-up:
Last night I enjoyed dinner and some Vegas exploring with great friends: Sandi, Jory, boy Jesse, girl Jesse, Whitney and a good friend from home, Ben. We took a private tour of the secret venue for Sunday’s party and it is unreal. I’ll be honest and say it was a little more than humbling to see. I never imagined when I got married here that I’d be back four years later to throw a massive party in [secret venue] for my closest friends (and new friends that I can’t wait to meet)!
Today, despite my lack of sleep and bags under my eyes, I’m very excited to do a shoot with Jory Cordy. I need new pics for the next issue and some promotional stuff… and we’re going to play a little and have some fun! The last time I shot with Jory was on Venice beach last April and it was such a great experience for me. He is so warm, kind, easy to be around and a brilliant photographer. We just updated his images in his rep gallery- take a look. Whitney, Sandi and I will also be doing lots of party prep, waiting for Jefferson Starship to arrive, and getting prepped for…
Sunday: MTH2010 Las Vegas! It’s going to be a really great group. I’m very excited to announce the scholarship winners later today. Stay posted to twitter for the announcement. Oh, and then right after MTH we’ll be getting gussied up for this little shindig. Be there. I’m about to have to close down ticket sales.
Monday: So excited to be a part of this with two of my favorite people…
Tuesday: I’ll be perusing the tradeshow, taking some meetings and speaking at Garrett Nudd‘s sold out masterclass on getting published with my good friends Stacie Francombe of Get Married, Rebecca from The Knot, Blair and Christy from Junebug Weddings and several others. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to meet everyone who is attending.
Wednesday we head out for MTH2010 Denver and a weekend in the snow.
Get the most out of WPPI. There are lots of events, parties, and classes, but be sure to focus on building relationships and meeting new people. I can’t even begin to tell you how the friendships I formed last year have affected me. I feel so blessed to be here again and can’t wait to meet new faces! I also have a very big assignment while I’m here- choosing our next cover photographer. So, please come say hi to me. Or tweet at me so I can come say hi to you! This is what Sandi and I look like, so there’s no excuse not to come say hi….
xo
lc
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8 Comments
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Congrats Lara! Have a great St Patricks Day wedding anniversary! That’s Lesya’s birthday also 🙂 Have fun and speak soon!
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Hi Lara! You and Jory should hold a workshop in Chicago!!!! That would be SO awesome.
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I agree Lara, WPPI is going to be awesome. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow at A+L! I am sure Jory is going to do a rocking job on your photos – you will be beautiful as always.
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Nick and I arrive in Vegas tomorrow night for the Nightclub & Bar Conference this week at Las Vegas Convention Center… let me know where your event is! (World Market Center?) Either way, we’re staying at the Aria and I’d love to run into you!
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Hope you had FUN! I hope to go next year 🙂 I LOVE VEGAS!