The amount of excitement I feel each year to share this post with you all never fails. This is a post I look forward to time after time! Our annual “year in review”, when we get to look back and laugh at all of the test shots we take that include silly faces and seeing the odd positions we find ourselves in to capture the perfect shot. It’s also so much fun to reminisce on where the year started, all the amazing clients we got to work with and the stories we were able to be a part of and capture. What a blessing 2016 has been. Word’s cannot express the gratitude the girls and I feel for every opportunity had and every relationship that we’ve built this year. We are so thankful to all of our family, friends, clients and second shooters for the support, encouragement and help, and most of all we are so, so grateful for God’s goodness over our company. I sit here in awe at the doors the Lord has opened for Meagan Nicole Photography. The connections made, the new relationships formed, and the way’s he has grown us not only individually but as a team and expanded our knowledge and reach. The fact that we get to be a part of so many lives and so many journeys and memories. My heart could burst! When I started out as a 19 year old girl with a not os great camera and a desire to learn and grow, I never would’ve dreamed that I would be standing where I am today with this business.
It’s CRAZY how much can happen in one year and also change in one year. Little did we know this was our last wedding season as a team of three (Tori, Julia and myself). If you missed our latest updates with the team and what’s in store for 2017, you can read all about it here! We are going to miss Tori dearly but are SO EXCITED for where God is leading her. This was Julia’s second full wedding season as a lead photographer on our team and the girl shined brilliantly. It makes my heart feel so full to watch her blossom in her journey! I also, never would have guessed that I would be shooting almost an entire wedding season pregnant. Honestly, that was always one of my biggest fears but God totally was in control and worked everything together so, so perfectly. I started out the wedding season with no plans of becoming pregnant, but after a missions trip to Africa and God leading us, my husband and I found out we were expecting our first child in May! Our little Botswana baby (#babybotkeller). So no you guys, I am not referring to my baby boy as a robot, HAHA. Looking back through out the season you’ll notice the progression of my bump going from making it’s first appearance to not so subtly taking over. LOOOVE IT.
For the 2016 season we hired 4 second shooters to divide our dates between while at the same time, provide opportunity to grow our relationships and connections within this amazing photography community here in Lancaster. Our 2016 shooters were Alyssa Reginella, Haley Adair, Blythe Hoerr and Jordan Harper! We also had some special appearances from four other super sweet photographer friends when they were needed in a pinch, Andrea Daugherty, Kelsey Madas, Maddie Broderick and Brittney Hippensteel! These girls were so much fun to work with and always stepped up to any challenge. Like smiling and being super fun and nice and creative even while sweating our brains out through the HOTTEST summer of all time. Seriously though, it was such a blessing to work with all of these ladies.
Our team had so many high moments this year, but instead of listing them all here then loading you with tons of photos, I’m going to walk through the photos with you and point out each and every amazing memory that 2016 brought us!
And so, here it goes, a look into our 2016 season.. 🙂
Tori and I still talk about Armin and Rebecca’s wedding day to this very day. Probably because we learned a sweet armanian dance move thanks to Armin and their awesome friends and family. After watching the whole dance floor erupt in this jazzing dance we’d never seen before, we kept trying to mimic/learn it. After witnessing our failed attempts Armin came up to us laughing and said “pretend you’re screwing in light bulbs”.. “AHHH!” we proclaimed. Thus, the rest of the night we couldn’t stop exercising our new found move.
But in all seriousness, I don’t even know where to start with these two! Some adjectives that come to mind when I think about their wedding: family, traditions, special, close, kind, vintage, antique, SO HAPPY, unique, enchanting, thoughtful, and just perfect. Rebecca had so many wonderful details all unique to her own style. Like those shoes! Our eyes immediately turned into big ole red hearts. They had a non traditional bridal party which was made the whole day feel so much more intimate. Armin had his sister on his side, and Rebecca had her sister on her side. They also had Rebecca’s grandmother as the “flower girl”, how sweet!? There were so many neat touches like the family history table, which had both of their mothers vintage wedding dresses showcased, as well as photos and family heirlooms. There was also a lot of traditions weaved in, in honor of Armin’s family and their culture. I loved the table at the reception that held a ton of things that I’m not even going to pretend to know what they were, but it was super cool.
Armin and Rebecca have been together for 16 years. YOU GUYS. You can’t make up this kind of love story. Their story, their vows, their toasts, their conversations, their gazes towards one another.. it was all like something out of a fairy tale book. I honestly believe they were made for one another and I was so, so honored to be the one who got to document their wedding day.
Lauxmont Farms is one of my all time favorite wedding venues. Especially their rotunda venue! These views were unbeatable and the sunset was killer. I love how big and open and white the indoor faciloity is, and how much natural light it allows to flow in through the floor to ceiling windows. It totally gives you the practicalness of an indoor wedding while still allowing you to have that magical outdoor feel.
I could talk all day about this wedding, but instead I’ll let you soak it in for yourself with the images..
xoxo | Meagan
Every time that I get to photograph at Lauxmont Farms I am on cloud nine. This venue has so many different location options with rolling hills, horses, water, and scenery beyond scenery. You might remember Josh and Carolyn from this past January.. my blizzard wedding! If you missed it, have no fear! You can view HERE. A kind of fun tid bit: Carolyn was pregnant at their wedding on January 23rd, and had their little bundle of joy on July 9th, 2016! And now, one year later I am due with MY little man on January 20th. Last year I was shooting a wedding in a blizzard, and this year I will be giving birth to my son. Hopefully NOT in a blizzard, ha! Life is just too cool sometimes.
Since their wedding day got a little switched around with the pregnancy and blizzard, Carolyn and Josh decided to have an intimate wedding in January, and a big ole party with all of their friends this past May. We couldn’t stop laughing over their luck with weather. First they had their wedding on the COLDEST day of the year, and then their reception landed on our first HOTTEST day of the day. It goes to show that no matter how unpredictable life is, these two are the kinds of people you want by your side in those moments. Josh and Carolyn never seemed phased. They were always so laid back, friendly, warm and fun. I’m a big fan of these two!
Also, this was the first wedding of the year that I photographed (knowingly) pregnant, so I’m going to blame it on the hormones, but does this food not look amazing!? I’m pretty sure I was like “GIVE ME ALL THE CHEEESE” to Jordan, my assistant for the day. And a taco bar? How fun! Love when couples fill their events with personable, fun touches.
Here are a few of my favorites from my time with them at their reception this past Spring!
Warmly | Meagan
It’s finally time to share all of the beautiful weddings I shot in 2014 with you! I’ve known Justin and Alyssa for years since we all went to high school together. If you haven’t seen their sunny engagement session you should check it out here. This wedding was so fun. Alyssa looked beautiful in her off white, lace-tule dress. It was the perfectly pink and gold detailed day and the dance party at the end was on point. Lauxmont Farms Cobblestone Courtyard is one of my favorite locations (luckily I got to photograph there a few times in 2014)!
This was one of my first wedding’s of the year! Crazy. It’s always so fun to look back and see how different my editing style and eye has grown in one year. I’m still so excited about these images and can’t wait to see what you all think.
*Second Shooter: Tori Radick / Assistant: Kristen Brown
xoxo,
Meagan Nicole
@megnicole instagram
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