The Top Eight Things I Learned in Business in 2016

The Top Eight Things I Learned in Business in 2016

If you follow my Instagram, you were able to count down my top 31 favorite moments of 2016. Some had to do with my business, some had to do with my personal life - almost all of them had to do with connection.

Connection is so much. In life. And in business. I'm a firm believer that genuine connection with others should be a priority in business. 2016 has taught me this well...

Jamie + Nick // A Rustic Ridge View Farm Wedding in Kerhonksen, NY

Jamie + Nick // A Rustic Ridge View Farm Wedding in Kerhonksen, NY

It's funny how certain memories stick. I remember very vividly meeting Jamie + Nick for the first time. They dreamt of their gorgeous farm wedding with me. They told me about the incredible venue, their thoughts for their colors and bridesmaid dresses, their desire to have a day that just encompassed all that they are together, and celebrated it in the best of ways...

Catherine + Thomas // A Mohonk Mountain House Wedding in New Paltz, NY

Catherine + Thomas // A Mohonk Mountain House Wedding in New Paltz, NY

I am forever inspired by the visions and dreams that my couples have for their weddings. Even the simplest of weddings have the most significant of details and meaning...

Chelsea + Ernie // A DIY-Infused Wedding in New Windsor, NY

Chelsea + Ernie // A DIY-Infused Wedding in New Windsor, NY

Chelsea and Ernie are an important part of my little tribe. Their relationship has been one of my favorites to come alongside. Chelsea is the soft to Ernie's loud, the sweetness to his boisterousness. They are genuine through and through, and are some of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met...

Sevim + Dan // A Rustic Chic Wedding at Highlands Country Club in Garrison, NY

Sevim + Dan // A Rustic Chic Wedding at Highlands Country Club in Garrison, NY

All I do is gush about my clients. I know this. I'm ok with this. I'm pretty sure my clients are ok with it, too. :)

I first met Dan and Sevim in a little coffee shop that had the most delicious iced coffee...

I'm Giving Away a Wedding!

I'm Giving Away a Wedding!

My mom died before I was even engaged, which was truly heartbreaking to me. Her biggest dream was to see her daughters get married. Growing up, we talked a lot about weddings. We talked about gowns and rings and how she prayed for us to marry the perfect person.

We talked. I miss that.

The anniversary of Mum's death is July 16. 5 years. So, sometimes, July sucks. But this year, July is going to be awesome. Why?

Because I'm giving away a wedding.

Yes. For real. This is not a joke.

I'm giving away a wedding package for the upcoming 2017 season. 

Dana + Tyler // A Memorial Day Weekend Wedding in Hyde Park, NY

Dana + Tyler // A Memorial Day Weekend Wedding in Hyde Park, NY

I love weddings. 

Maybe that's cliche for a wedding photographer to say, but it's the honest-to-goodness truth. I honestly, really, truly do. 

When I tell people I photograph weddings, they usually say, "Oh, but that's so stressful!" Maybe it is. But I never see it that way. I see the little things. The small details. The love. The laughter. The tears. The excitement. The "oh my goodness, I love my gown moments." The "oh my goodness, I love this woman" moments. The "I can't hold back these tears" moments. The "we finally made it" moments.

Emily + Michael // A Rustic Wedding at Hollow Brook Golf Club in Cortlandt Manor, NY

Emily + Michael // A Rustic Wedding at Hollow Brook Golf Club in Cortlandt Manor, NY

I think I must call everyone "dear" and "sweet." But seriously - Michael and Emily truly are some of the most dear people I have ever met. They are genuine in everything they do and take care of - their work, their families, their friends, their love. Even on her own wedding day, Emily scooped me up and made me feel welcomed and appreciated, all while scurrying around, gathering last-minute items, and hold a glass of champagne.

How to Plan a Styled Shoot, Part 3: As You Learn, We All Learn

How to Plan a Styled Shoot, Part 3: As You Learn, We All Learn

Okay. Now that you've been all up in my brain with my scaredy-cat feelings and my type-A planning tendencies, I'm sure you'd love to know the ups and downs of working on my recent styled shoot. Below are things that went REALLY WELL, as well as things that I could have done better. As Ben Sassosays, As you improve, we all improve. Community over competition, friends. :)

How to Plan a Styled Shoot, Part 2: Let's Get to It!

How to Plan a Styled Shoot, Part 2: Let's Get to It!

So, now that you've read about how scared I was to do a styled shoot, I'm positive that you want to learn how to create your own! 

Come on, I know you do. Remember: FEEL THE FEAR. You'll be so proud once you're done.

How to Plan a Styled Shoot, Part 1: Feel the Fear

How to Plan a Styled Shoot, Part 1: Feel the Fear

I wrote styled shoot across the top of the page, and made categories within the list that I knew I could populate - hair, makeup, cake, invitation design, accessories. Within this list, I also had a few categories that I knew I needed to find - venue (v important), gowns, florals. My heart literally started beating hard and fast when I finished my list, I was that excited. But I was also nervous - what if I got my people on board, and couldn't pull together the rest?

Beckah + Josh // A Rustic Summer Wedding at Bliss Farm in Granville, MA

When I think of a perfect summer day, I think of Josh and Beckah's wedding. Everything about it was beautiful from start to finish. I could relive their day over and over - full of Jon Foreman soundtracks, lace gowns, dried flowers, mason jars, sparklers, twinkle lights, soft breezes, and open fields.

Ahhhh. <3

Sweet Alice

I get a lot of emails addressed to Alice. My name is actually Erica - surprise! Lol.

Animals have long been a love of mine - especially sweet kittens. I just adore them. I think they are the cutest, dearest, most adorable things. I love puppies too, but kitties hold a special place in my heart. Whenever I see kittens, I feel like my eyes turn into huge hearts - just like the emoji. All I want is cats and cats and cats. And I know that makes me sound just a little crazy. 

When I first started this business, I named it Erica Scott McGrath Photography - my maiden name. Also, a mouthful. After moving to New York, I knew my name would change, and spent a good amount of time thinking about whether or not I would change the name of my business. I loved, loved, loved my maiden name, but was also unsure as to whether or not I wanted to keep this name as a part of the business. 

A year after graduating college I had adopted the most adorable baby kitten, and named her Alice. She was the cutest and sweetest kitty - all she wanted was to snuggle and spend time with me. She was very friendly, purred easily, and rarely scratched. She had a great personality; I loved having her as my roommate. It was obviously a natural progression to name my business after her.

When I registered my business in New York, the clerk asked me how I named my business. I told him the story above. And he said to me, "Must be some cat!" Haha, he was right.

Sweet Alice of Sweet Alice Photography