One of the fun things about getting to second shoot weddings with friends is that sometimes it turns into a work weekend away – a mix of business and leisure, but on the business card’s dime.

Earlier this month I was set to second shoot with Krysta Norman down in Richmond, which is a good 3 hours or so from where I live. So obviously when in Richmond, a visit to the Quirk Hotel is a must. It’s the trendy boutique hotel of my (American) dreams (because Hotel Henriette holds that place for my international dreams) – the lobby is filled with window light that reflects off of the white walls and ceiling, making any photographer step in and swoon. Seating and much of the decor is pink and/or floral, with textures varying from crushed velvet to patent leather, each bringing a different vibe, yet all going together perfectly. Abstract art in punchy colors adorn the wall space through the lobby and into the hotel’s restaurant, Maple & Pine.

Krysta and I shared a Double Double room that featured a big-ass window and the cutest little retro mini fridge (sorry, no picture, ughhh). Quirk is a hotel and art gallery, so obviously showcasing rad artwork is a big deal. I think my favorite piece inside our room was the Icelandic Barbie print by Icelandic photographer Rebekka Guðleifsdóttir.

So basically our weekend was like an adult sleepover, except we also really had to work, so I guess that’s where the adult part came in. We both had some shooting to do Friday night, which ended up being a a race against the sunset/thunderstorms that would take our light away. We did pop out my flashes for a few shots toward the end, #thankyoumagmod. Mine were actually promo shots for something that I’ll bring up again toward the end, so don’t leave yet if you care at all about slumber parties and pretty photos, got it?

Krysta and I had been dressed in bumming clothes all day, but after a quick change we went downstairs for a drink – don’t worry guys, we didn’t get all willy nilly – we literally sat around looking pretty and talked about business. Since neither of us live in places populated enough to allow for food delivery, we ordered pizza and had it delivered TO OUR ROOM where we ate in bed and watched Bridesmaids as we prepped for the next day’s wedding.

We didn’t start our wedding coverage until later in the day so Krysta and I had planned to spend the morning photographing each other (because we photographers are a little obsessed with getting updated photos whenever we go somewhere photogenic), but once we sat down with our coffee, we got into talking about our businesses again (#adulting) and at the last minute decided to snap a few shots of each other before going to grab pre-wedding food. Wishfully thinking we were like ‘Oh yeah we could just try again tomorrow morning before we check out‘ but also, if you don’t know, Wedding Vendor Hangover is a real thing, and we were hit hard. Hence no photos from Sunday: just the two of us requesting a late check out, laying in bed as long as possible, and doing some work in the lobby before heading back home.

It just so happened that I’d been planning another event for creative entrepreneurs (see: Paris for the previous one!), but I wanted to bring this one a little closer to home. Something that’s all indoors so it can take place in the slower season of winter, when most of us in creative fields tend to focus a lot of mental energy on refreshing our businesses for the next year. I can’t spill a ton of details yet, but here are a few hints: sleepover. photography. quirk hotel. THAT’S ALL I CAN GIVE YOU. But if you’re intrigued, enter your email address here and I’ll keep you updated on details, and you’ll be amongst the first to get dibs on sign ups when it’s open. Did you click the link? Don’t forget to do it!

Sources + Links

Suitcase: InCase NoviConnected Roller // Suitcase stickers: Surfjack Hotel and Olive and Oliver Pineapple by Olive and Oliver Boutique, Waikiki, Hawaii // My dress: Alice Dress by Virginia Dare Dress Co. // Krysta’s dress: Alice Dress by Virginia Dare Dress Co. // Popcorn Containers: Target // Champagne: Sofia Mini // Photos of me on pink couch by Krysta Norman

p.s. Are you a bride getting married at the Quirk Hotel? I photograph weddings! Are you a business owner looking for pretty new headshots at the Quirk Hotel? E-mail me!