Do a Test Run
You wouldn’t purchase your wedding cake without trying a sample. So why book a makeup artist without scheduling a trial test?  I recommend scheduling a trial to test your look on a day that you’ll be out with friends. By gauging people’s reactions, you’ll know if your look is spot on, or if you’ll need to do some refining.  

Finding an artist that fits your style and can match your vision can sometimes be challenging, so I recommend doing a trial with a few artists — if your finances allow.  Trials are around $50 per session, but it's worth the investment.

Oh, and don’t ask your guy friends’ opinions of the makeup. They won’t know any better.

They did it! Friends Amina and Brad were married Saturday at Mrs. K's Tollhouse in Silver Spring. It was a beautiful day for a wedding. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, the bride was stunning and the groom was so handsome! What I loved about this wedding was how the couple incorporated all local vendors into their big day, down to the smallest detail. 

I'm absolutely honored that this couple chose me to be their wedding photographer. Theirs was actually the first wedding I've photographed. Not only did I have a blast, but everything behind the scenes was flawless. Brad, Amina and their family made me feel right at home, and I believe the moments I captured on this special day are some of my best work yet.

I can't wait to share more in the days and weeks ahead. Congratulations again, you two!

I'm not a huge fan of bourbon, but that didn't stop me from having a blast at Bow Down to Bourbon hosted by Mrs. K's last week. The gathering featured h'orderves from Mrs. K's menu, three kinds of Maker's Mark bourbon and hand-made, gourmet chocolates from Puja Satiani. 

I didn't have any of the bourbon, but I ate up the presentation by Maker's Mark ambassador, John E. Vickers-Smith, II. John told everyone about the colorful history of the drink, and I learned so much! (I love learning new things--can you tell I'm a geek??) Here are some of the more fascinating facts about this truly American drink:

• Bourbon is the only liquor that can be claimed as American. Congress actually passed a resolution in 1964 proclaiming this. The United States is the only country where bourbon is made.
• It was also in 1964 that regulations were developed to standardize the drink. These four traits are still used today:

It's been a little while since I updated everyone on dad's progress, so I thought I'd fill you in on the haps.

Other than going completely stir crazy, Dad's doing well. He's still essentially home bound, but he's continuing to strength train using medical resistance bands, and says he's really toning his core. Way to go Dad! He and my mom have made it out to a few dinners and movies, which is definitely a boost to his spirit and confidence. 

Dad's next medical appointment is in early October and he expects to learn more about his prosthetic, including when he'll start using a temporary one and get fitted for his own. Fingers crossed that he'll be ready sooner rather than later!

Those who know me well know I'm a sucker for animals. That's why I'm so thrilled to be the official photographer for Dachtoberfest 2014! 

I absolutely love and fully support the mission of this incredible organization, which works to educate dachshund owners about dachshund health, raise money to support dachshund rescue efforts and provide financial support for critically ill dachshunds whose owners cannot afford to pay for medical treatment. 

That's why I've decided to provide 2014 Dachtoberfest patrons with a special offer, which I'm calling the Dachtoberfest Deal:

I'll be at Dachtoberfest from start to finish on Saturday, October 4. I want doxies and their people to have every opportunity to own any photos of mine they love. All photos will be printed on high-quality, premium paper and delivered in my special packaging. Plus, 15% of all proceeds will be donated back to Dachtoberfest, so doxies in the DC/MD/NOVA area will have every opportunity to live long, healthy lives.

Here's how it works:

• Within 6 weeks of the event, photos will be processed and ready for sale. Dachtoberfest board members will receive a link to the proof gallery, which they will email to all Dachtoberfest participants. A coupon code will come with that email. 
• Doxies and their owners will be able to view every photo taken at the event and select photos of their choice for print using the online store. All orders must be placed within two weeks.
• At checkout, those buying prints and other products can insert their coupon code to receive 30% off of their entire order (taxes and shipping not included). 
• Prints ordered will be shipped directly to each purchaser in special packaging.

Thank you in advance for your patronage! I look forward to meeting people at pets at this wonderful event!

Oh. My. Gosh. I never knew you could have so much fun learning about... bourbon. That's exactly what I did last night at Mrs. K's Restaurant and Barrel Bar. The Silver Spring staple held a tasting event complete with history lesson from John E. Vickers-Smith, II of Marker's Mark Distillery. Guests tasted three different kinds of bourbon, sampled dishes from Mrs. K's menu and topped off their evening with savory chocolates from Puja Satiani. It was a blast and I can't wait to share more photos -- and bourbon factoids -- with you all!

Oh my goodness! I'm so excited! Josh Schmidt invited me to be on his podcast, Photography Tips Headquarters. 

We recorded the show a few weeks ago. Josh did an excellent job of editing the interivew. You can find the interview here. In the interview, you'll hear my story/history about how I got into photography, where I find inspiration and my love for connecting with my community via twitter. 

Be sure to follow @JonnaPhoto. Those interested in photography can follow Josh @PhotoTipHQ.

For those who don't already know, last weekend was one of the most important weekends of my life. My best friend Molly got married and, as her Maid of Honor, I had a front-row seat to the festivities. Molly looked absolutely beautiful and the event was simply spectacular. 

I didn't take photos of the big day. That was Amy Soper's job. I did catch a few fun moments of Molly, her family and close friends, including this portrait of Anna, Molly's niece. Can you tell how excited she was about the wedding? She played the important role of flower girl and did a great job!

When Amy shares her files, I'll be sure to share the wedding blog post here. Until then, stay on the lookout for more photos of Anna and the Larson clan!