As we were driving home last night I casually mentioned to Dave that Sunday was my last wedding of the season. He seemed surprise that the end of the season was already here and I have to admit that it's crept up on both of us. As we chatted a bit more Dave asked me "How many years has it been now?" Running my own business and photographing weddings has become such a huge part of my life (as any small business owner can relate to) that it took me a moment to remember a time that I wasn't doing this!
Officially this has been my fourth season as a business owner and wedding photographer, though I've been working and shooting for quite some time before that. But Deborah Zoe Photography has been alive for the last four years, and has we drove through the night Dave encouraged me to think about some of the things that I've learned in these last four years.
Of course I take everything seriously and so I thought about all the business knowledge and customer service care I've learned. But Dave, being the awesome guy he is, took a more light hearted approach. "No, no, no," he said, "Tell them about how you hate Quickbooks and have learned how your Husband can be bribed in hugs and kisses to do it for you..."
Ok then! Here are four of the more lighthearted things that I've learned as a business owner and wedding photographer these last four years. I pray someone can relate. I'm not the only one...right?!;)
1. I hate Quickbooks.
I absolutely, whole heartedly hate Quickbooks. But I do realized that in order to run a legitimate business you need to keep track of things like say, oh I don't know, your expenses and deposits and taxes. When it comes down to actually tracking those things my head turns to mush and I blankly stare at the computer screen or more likely browse JCrew and stalk Facebook. Thank goodness for husbands who can be persuaded to balance my Quickbooks for me with the bat of the eye and a come hither stare. Ok I don't do any of that, but I do pay him in a kiss and a hug!!
2. My husband loves college football. And wedding days.
My husband has a alternate life when I'm away at weddings. And to give the man credit he does a LOT to keep our home and life running while I'm away. He also does a whole lot of football watching too. He practically rejoices when the fall arrives and my weekends are full. Thanks hunny, miss you too;). When I'm away the boys will play... and watch a lot of college football. Dave practically binge watches college ball, it's on when I leave during the day and it's still on (sometimes) when I arrive home at night. Dave loves wedding days.
3. Never barf at the altar.
Yes folks, I almost threw up in front of the altar during a ceremony last year. I divulged this story to the Bride later and she got a kick out of it, but at the time I was freaking out, afraid I was about to toss my cookies right there in front of the ENTIRE WEDDING. This is how I found out I was pregnant. Luckily my amazing second shooter saw the look of horror and sickness on my face and rushed to get some water out of the car. I made it through with a smile on my face glad to say I have never barfed at the altar yet.
4. Always chicken fingers and bread.
If there is one thing I simply crave towards the end of a wedding day is bread. It is almost like torture when the bread is served and I watch, with drool on my mouth, as guests enjoy each savory bite. Do I crave bread in every day life? NOPE. But for whatever reason on a wedding day that bread basket is like some tempting treat I just NEED to have. That goes for the chicken fingers too. I'll pass on the steak please, can you just bring me the kid meal with a heaping serving of chicken fingers? Apparently I need more carbs on the wedding day...
So there you have a few of the more fun things I've learned over the years. Please tell me you can relate;)!!
Four Years Of Weddings
A Lighthearted Reflection