I can honestly not believe it’s packing day, already! I’ve watched many friends and colleagues run off to Vegas for WPPI the past three years, and always felt like I was missing out, but at the same time, if I’m being honest, was always a little bit relieved not to be going. I mean, it’s only THE most prominent conference for wedding photographers in the WORLD. And it’s in Vegas. Everyone who’s anyone goes to this event. There are tons and tons of vendors. Lots of amazing photographer speakers (many of my very favorites). What’s not to love about all of that?! Well, nothing, really. Which is why I’m FINALLY going, and REALLY excited about it! But, if I’m being honest….I’m also still a little overwhelmed. There’s going to be SO much to take in, all in just a few days. So many people to meet, so many new companies and products to consider. I know I’m going to be tempted to be on information overload and to want or “need” to start doing things differently just because one of my favorite photographers does it a certain way. But that’s why my prayer has been that the things that will help ME and MY business and MY workflow would really stick out to me, and the others would fall to the wayside. So, I’m going into this event with MUCH anticipation. I know it’s going to propel me and my business in some amazing ways. I know the relationships I’m going to get a chance to establish and grow are going to greatly enrich my life and my business. And I know that traveling to Vegas (even though it was never on my list of must-see places) will be a memorable experience. And on top of it all, I know it’s going to be a TON of fun!

In large part, what I’m MOST excited about is getting some quality time with the amazing ladies I’m going to be rooming with. Korie, Laura & Melissa are all such talented, sweet, genuine women who I’ve already been so grateful to call friends, but am SUPER grateful to be getting to deepen friendships with this week. I also can’t wait for more quality time with other dear Virginia photographer friends, and fellow Showiteers! It’s going to be a good, good time! :)

Since I leave TOMORROW, it’s obviously time to pack today. So, one thing I love is that I have cute camera bags, that will protect my laptop and camera gear for traveling, but also carry lots of other stuff and not LOOK like camera bags. So, I thought this would be a good time to show them off! :)

The yellow one is a Jo Totes bag, and it’s for carrying around my camera, maybe an extra lens, a notebook, cell phone, wallet, etc. I plan to use this as my “everyday” bag to take to sessions and such, to be my purse/tote in one. The gray one is a Kelly Moore bag and it fits my laptop, camera, extra lenses, batteries, etc, etc. I plan to pack that one with all of my gear while actually traveling and then have it continue to be my laptop bag while there (it’ll probably mostly stay in the hotel room). Of course I love that the two together are both colors of my brand. :)

And since it’s the little things that make me happy, I was also excited to find some cheap notebooks at Target that also match! So, I’m taking these along for all of my note-taking. (I put my logo sticker on them because they had a little blank white spot to write something, if you wanted, but I obviously thought the sticker was cuter).

So, it’s a cute little family, if you ask me. :) But, as clothes are the REAL ordeal when it comes to packing, I think I’ll wrap up this post so I can go start rummaging through my wardrobe…. Can’t WAIT to see/meet lots of you in just a couple days, and for everyone who’s not a photographer, or just not going to WPPI, you can be sure I’ll update along the way (if possible) and for sure when I return! Hope you all have a WONDERFUL weekend!