graduation and future things

 

 Can you guess what I did this weekend? Oh yeah! I graduated magna cum laude with my BA in English and Theological Studies! That's what! This was a day five long years in the making. And it was a great day, indeed. A few highlights of the day:

• I forgot to bring my camera. Hence the sad cell phone photos. 
• We had forty-something graduates this year. Which is a lot when you consider how small my alma mater is.
• I managed not to trip while walking across the stage.
• All of the ladies had to pin their collars into their gowns. Mine was very, very crooked.
• I broke my honor cord and my shoe right before we lined up for the processional. 
• I only cried like...twice.
• My dad gave the invocation, which I amazingly didn't cry at.
• Alberto Gonzales, the former US Attorney General, gave the commencement address. It was fantastic. This also brought the number of Attorneys General I have been in the same room with up to two.
• It doesn't matter what the weather is like leading up to graduation, or what it's like after--it's always insanely hot and humid. This year stayed true to form. Which was fun, considering I was wearing seventeen layers of black.

After the ceremony, my dad took my sister and I out to lunch at a seafood place on the river. My sister got me gluten free cupcakes from Vegan Vee, and they were the best cupcakes I've ever had--no lie. I'm not sure if Vegan Vee is that amazing or if I was just excited to be done with college and eating cake! 

Oh, here's a picture of my dad and mom being all cute after his graduation from our alma mater. 

So what's next? I've been asked that a lot lately. I already have a fantastic job that uses my degree, so I'm doing great in that regard. I am considering grad school, though if I do go, I probably won't enroll for a year or so. I'm looking at local colleges and online programs. I'm trying to decide between an MFA in Creative Writing, or an MA in English. There are pros and cons to each!

My more immediate plans include second shooting for and assisting a wedding photographer here in Nashville. That's going to keep me busy the next several weeks.

Oh, and I'm leaving for Northern Ireland in a month! I'm going on a music mission trip with my church. I'm so incredibly excited! Now, if only I can get all of my funds raised before our deadline in a week. I have faith that God will provide. He always does! :)

I'll be posting around here a lot more, now that life is finally starting to settle down some.

xo,

Katy

Keri | College Senior

 

I can't tell you how awesome this girl is. She was my suitemate my first senior year of college, and she pretty much kept me sane through our British Romantic Lit class. I am so happy with how Keri's senior pictures turned out! It was the perfect day--surprisingly warm and sunny for February. We grabbed lunch at McAllister's (our fave!) then headed out to take pictures. Keri really wanted a spot with a barn, and we actually managed to find one. (Despite what country songs might tell you, there are, in fact, not many barns in Nashville.)

Love you, Ker, and I hope you love your photos!

xo,

Katy

Derreck + Emily | Engagement

 

In this week's installment of pictures-I-took-and-forgot-to-share we have Derreck and Emily! These are two of the kindest souls I know. We had so much fun taking these pictures, even though it was a weird snowy-but-sunny Nashville morning.We took a few pictures on campus, then walked around Hillsboro Village and went to the dragon park. All of this was, of course, followed by chili dogs from Cori's Dog House. Priorities, people! Anyway, I'm so excited for the journey these two are embarking on together!

xo,

Katy

Bethany - college senior portraits

 

1. It was about twenty degrees out when Bethany and I ran out to take her senior pictures in front of the library. 2. Bethany kept laughing at me because I was being bossy and kept jumping up and down and clapping over how pretty the light was. (BUT SERIOUSLY! IT WAS SO PRETTY.) 3. I love dis chick. We were suitemates our sophomore year. And look at her now! All grown up, married, and graduating. I'm so thankful to call her one of my best friends. You're going to do such great things in life, Bethany! Rock that BA in English! :)

xo,

Katy

22 before 23

I've been really bad at following through with these lists in years past. (See here and here.) Maybe they feel too much like resolutions since my birthday falls so close to the new year. Whatever the reason, I really do want to accomplish the things on my list this year. I want to be more intentional about it.

1. Graduate with my B.A. in English and Theological Studies.

2. Move out on my own.

3. Donate my hair. (It's almost long enough!)

4. Save up enough money to upgrade my camera.

5. Join a ministry that allows me to minister to others on a weekly basis.

6. Learn how to budget.

7. Take up rock-climbing.

8. Grow my photography business.

9. Learn how to knit or crochet.

10. Paint three new paintings.

11. Go camping with friends at least twice.

12. Read fifty books.

13. Write at least two short stories.

14. Read The Silmarillion. 

15.  Blog at least twice a month.

16. Take active steps to worry less.

17. Read through the entire Bible.

18. Do something nice for a friend at least once a week.

19. Write an encouraging note to my heroes.

20. Meet a celebrity. 

21. Do something out of my comfort zone.

22. Be a tourist in my own city.

Yes, I realize that some of these are repeats from years past (uncompleted ones, I might add). But I think that they're things really worth doing. I'm going to try to keep up on my progress throughout the year as far as this list is concerned.

Here's to making twenty-two my boldest, most passionate, most selfless year yet.

xo,

Katy

blake + audrey | proposal

 

Looking back at these pictures gives me goosebumps. I've known Audrey for about seven years, and Blake for five. We all attended the same college, and run around with the same group of friends. I count the two of them as some of the dearest people to me. Blake and Audrey starting dating Audrey's freshman year of school, and a few weeks ago, Blake finally popped the question in the most creative and awe-inspiring way.  I really don't think this proposal can be topped. 

Blake managed to keep Audrey out of student body chapel one day without her being suspicious (which is pretty crazy considering she's student body president!) He announced to the entire school that he was proposing that night. Everyone was invited, but everyone had to keep it a secret. We all gathered in the auditorium that night, while a couple of our friends managed to get her backstage under the guise of filming a video. Once she was in place, a video of Audrey's closest friends telling the story of her and Blake's relationship began to play. When the video was over, the screen was moved, and Audrey saw Blake. It was seriously the most magical moment I think I've ever photographed. They were both so excited. Not only had Blake kept it a surprise, the entire student body had, too.

Guys, I'm so thankful for your friendship. I can't wait to see how the two of you serve the Lord together!

xo,

Katy