July was fantastic, you guys. I think maybe that's why I'm a bit late with this post … I'm in denial that July is over! :) I rarely get time off in the middle of the summer because there are so many beautiful weddings happening that I want to photograph! However, after recently experiencing five weeks off from weddings in the middle of my busiest season, I realized how valuable it is to get caught up, recharge and gear up for the second half of wedding season. I also feel like I've gotten to experience summer this year, which is such a nice feeling since we don't get to enjoy this beautiful weather all year round. This is most definitely going to become a tradition for Lane Baldwin Photography!

And now I'm ready to work hard and play hard this last full month of summer. (But really, doesn't it seem like it was just February?) What's left on your summer bucket list? Anything special or unique that you're super excited about?

August Goals

Read In the Unlikely Event and Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
Start Savor
Do screen-free evenings at least once a week with Nathan
Make a homemade pie
Soak up time at the pool
Photograph four lovely weddings and edit two of them by September
Get caught up on vendor galleries
Film a special little anniversary project with Lisa of SayKimchi Media

It's August?! How is it August?? This summer has gone SO quickly, and if I'm being perfectly honest, I'm having a hard time keeping the balance I was determined to stick with at the beginning of the year. Summers are always filled with lots of shooting--weddings, newborns, families, engagements--and I always want to do it all! It's a tough lesson for me to learn that I'm just one person and can't say yes to everything while still staying balanced in my personal life. I suppose I'll always deal with this struggle. It's one that reminds me I'm human and helps me appreciate the little moments in the midst of the crazy. And August will be just that … CRAZY! Nathan and I get to escape to the UK in September (YAY!), so August will be reminiscent of exam week in college--cram as much in as you possibly can and somehow, some way it will all get done. Here's to a productive month!

Finish my second book from August and read one more (25 in 12): And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini and Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle
Go to the pool at least one more time!
Make a healthy, summer-y dinner and eat it al fresco
Enjoy an Indians game
Submit two weddings
Edit at least five weddings
Get caught up on vendor photos

I've been obsessing over So You Think You Can Dance this summer (it's my first season ever!), and I was captivated by Jessica and Casey's performance last week to Hozier's Like Real People Do. This song is beautiful, and I especially love the folksy + waltz feel. Check it out:

Anyone else loving SYTYCD or another show this summer? I've also been watching season after season of Survivor while I edit. It's so not something I ever thought I would get into, but I'm loving it!