Katie

I had the pleasure of photographing a girl I knew since she was a little kid, and I was an awkward tween. College caused me to be absent from her life during her awkward years (she probably didn't even have awkward years), thus bringing us back together for senior photos. This skipped me right ahead to gorgeous young adult little lady thing. Katie is a photographer herself, so I hope she didn't mind giving up a little control to get in front of the camera with me. The shoot involved me, Katie, Katie's friend Morrison (moral support is important for photo shoots, guys), and a sunny day in my hometown. We walked through our dream neighborhood and basked in how well Katie's beauty blended with the beauty of spring.

I'll settle for nothing less than this level of chill and fun on my senior photo shoots, friends. So seniors, hit me up!

Loves // Life of Mags 4

Life has been crazy over the past few months and that is officially the 1 trillionth time you've read that phrase on a blog. You're welcome.

But after this weekend's visit with the best friend, it felt appropriate to just bundle all the images I haven't blogged yet together as one big family. Between my boyfriend, my dog, and my life long best friend, there is a good theme going here. I even have links to more interesting things than this blog if you get bored.

Thankful for this furry growing thing that I call my pet. Despite the frustrations that come with an ever evolving puppy personality, a week of ice in Nashville, and stir craziness, I look at that little fur baby everyday like, "I love you so much, what even?" I hope more and more I can look at my little piece of nature with awe, to say "I hope to catch up to you someday." Is Maggie crazy? No, I'm just clinging to this really important sermon about glory and the earth and God, right here.

Thankful for what was a perfect Valentine's day in--a couple humbly celebrating their love over DIY dinner (we do 20-something-tight-budget-love pretty well). And in a not so humble fashion, Thomas and I made killer steak and gloated about it the whole evening to each other--but we all know who was actually responsible. Surprise eclairs were also a hit. It's the little triumphs.

Thankful for birthdays, and no matter how much we want to avoid them or worry they won't be as good as last year somebody tends to come through for you. Elizabeth has always been that someone. She's been one giant reliable, laughter inducing friend since we were all knees and elbows. Weird little girls all the way to weird little women, doing life together no matter how far. Her love is beautiful in how intentional it is (like driving to Nashville from Clemson, SC to see me), and the unintentional aspects of her love are beautiful, as well (like the way she forgot to take her cookie cake home with her).

Count them blessings, friend, learn from one another.

Bakery Bride

Nashville has been kind, friends. Setting up this styled shoot was a dream. I went straight to my favorite dress vendor for the perfect gown and my favorite local bakery for the location and both were more than willing to help and provide. The Dress Theory Nashville had the most delicate and unique dress by Rue De Seine on hand and Dozen Bakery Nashville was standing by at the pristine new storefront with fresh baguettes on tap. What is this life? Kaelin is basically who ya gonna call when you need someone to embody springtime bridal excellence/model carbs as if they were diamonds. Oh, enjoy the whimsy, friends. Brides, I am ready to go to more bakeries for your bridal shoots, just FYI.

Lauren + Zach

So I have been taking pictures since high school. It all started with a cute little starter DSLR and a few cute little high school friends taking cute little pictures together. Before I would even really call myself a photographer, one of those cute little friends would always swear to me, "Maggie, one day you will be shooting my wedding." This didn't even have to be true, I was just so ecstatic to be affirmed in something I had been dreaming about. That same angel friend, Miss Lauren, did not let up on that promise, and I could have cried the day I found out she was engaged and she still wanted me to take her pictures after all the years.

So this wedding was a special one, in a selfish way. I was reminded of my humble-high-contrast-lightroom-preset beginnings and the friend that believed in my work. I was reminded of high school in general, of the awkwardness, the lack of cynicism. All great things to be reminded of.

Lauren, I am still so in awe of your sweetness and how you have managed to encourage me in my photos. I am also in awe of how one of the most mature girls in high school managed to grow into an even more mature and graceful woman, now wife. How cool. You and Zach threw a great party and you were truly a princess. Guys. I have to stop talking now and let these pictures speak for themselves because, boy, did this wedding SPEAK. Best wishes to the truly inspired and powerful couple (Stay tuned for equally delicious wedding video!!!).