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About Moi!

Hi there! Welcome to my blog! I'm Megan Beth, a wedding photographer in Bethesda, Maryland... although I'm willing to travel anywhere for your special day!

I take my camera with me every where I go, just because I'm afraid I'll miss something. I like to make people laugh...with me, or at me...as long as we're having fun. I eat chocolate ice cream almost every day, and own 12 lightblue chapsticks. I have a love affair with all things paper, and will probably want to hear about every last wedding detail of yours. This blog is where you can find all my recent weddings, crazy adventures, photo shoots, business plans, funny stories, friends, family and the story of my life.

On this new blog you can use the pull down menus up top to make it easier to find what you are looking for. If you click on the 'category' button you can pull down some of my weddings.So whether you're an old friend, new friend, or just passing through, thank you for stopping by and please come back often to see what I'm up to. Also, I love love love comments, so feel free to leave some love!

The old him.

It is undoubtedly the elephant in my room. And many days I don’t feel as if he is just in the room, but sitting entirely on my left shoulder. The pain is just that unbearable. I try to keep smiling hoping that if I smile long and hard enough the pain will just wash away, and take my anguish out into the ocean forever. Hoping no one will have ever noticed.

How does one prepare for this? Is there a course in seeing one of your family members sick. Because I guarantee if there is, I’d fail it. I keep telling myself that if I cry while I’m in the shower it doesn’t count, it negates it…cause it’s all water…cause I AM STRONG and CAN HANDLE IT.

Last night when I left my dad’s house I hugged him, just as I always do when I leave, but this time something different happened. He kissed me on my head. Just as he used to when I scrapped my knee, when I was struggling in school, and when he tucked me into bed with a tiny blue Tupperware full of Cheerios. One tiny little gesture took me back to a gazillion memories, a million flashbacks of when my father was not sick. When he was the dad, and I, I was the child. And as soon as I stepped out the front door onto the step, I wept. I wept for the livelihood that he has been robbed of. I wept for his passions, like sailing, that have been taken right from under him. I wept for the eloquent writing he once so thoroughly enjoyed. I wept for the father who has been taken from me, and is trapped inside a body that won’t respond. I am running out of steam, without the option to give up. I just want my old dad back, I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

Through all these storm clouds that have been lingering, I have learned one thing: don’t take life for granted. Love the ones you love. And love them with absolutely every ounce of your being. Life is just too precious not to.

And here we are: ‘the Core Group.’
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Work it!

For those of you who think being a photographer is cool, here’s some hard evidence to the contrary. These were taken by guests at some of my recent weddings.

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And right after this, my hulk arm reached out and ate all of the guests.
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I think they call them vegetables.

I live right outside of DC. So close, I could throw a rock and hit it. Monuments, museums, gardens, you name it. Although there is so much to do, and so much to see, I must admit I don’t take advantage of it all. I work so much that my bottom is starting to fuse to my computer chair. One day I will get up, and I’m sure it will be permanently stuck. I foresee it being a minor problem.

When my aunt was in town she and my mother wanted to go to Eastern Market in DC, and I was all Eastern Market?! But if you take a trip there, you will see all the goodies, and hidden treasures. Is there junk, yes of course. But I walked out with an awesome print taken in Morocco, and a pair of rockin gold earnings. I highly recommend it for a Saturday morning stroll.

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Tons of cool things to see. Although don’t be fooled, just because I gravitate towards green things does not mean I consume them. Unless of course they are green M&Ms.
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Meghan and Bill.

During my initial meeting with Meghan I had asked her what was important to her about her wedding day. And she answered that my friends and family are there, photography, and my shoes. Clearly, this is a girl after my own heart! And we will now be BFFs because of it. I anxiously awaited her wedding day to finally get a peek at her shoes, and as soon as I saw them, I knew the day would be fabulous. Every last detail was dropped with awesomeness that coordinated with her shoes. I mean really, why NOT plan your wedding around your shoes.

Meghan and Bill, Wow, what a day. Thank you so much for having me there and trusting me completely. You guys are that couple that everyone wants to be. Meghan you teach the world to be full of life just by lighting up even the darkest of rooms, and Bill balances you out perfectly. Watching him, watch you… you can see in his eyes how fabulous he thinks you are. And if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you think he’s kinda cute too. Thank you guys for being awesome, spunky and just absolutely magnificent. Much Love, Megan

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J. Crew pink and orange polka dot heels. Uber fab!
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The backyard had a swing in it, and I was dying to use it. Before I knew it Meghan had jumped on and said lets use this! Love it!
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Hello gorgeous.
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Her second pair of shoes for grass walking.
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And all her friends are just as good looking, and so sweet. What a great group of friends she has! Love their Lily Pulitzer dresses!
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They had a beachy, water, summery theme so we headed over to the pier for some more portraits. I loved that her and the girls got ready EXTRA early to leave tons of time to take pictures. Not gonna lie…I was in heaven!
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I love love love this one. Could be my fav.
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Bill looked so handsome that day!
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Da boys.
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Love everything about this image. The way they are both smiling …warms my heart.
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Finally!
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Such a trendy wedding party!
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They are one good looking couple…that’s for sure.
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I adore everything about this one, right down to her cute little bare feet.
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Wow.
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The way they look at each other is priceless.
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And even though Bill’s not a dancer, she dragged him out for one song!
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Meghan and Bill: Sneak Peek

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Nicole and Joey.

Nicole and Joey were married last weekend at Patapsco State Park in front of all their friends and family. It was relaxed, simple and they wouldn’t have had it any other way. The hoopla of the wedding day wasn’t important to them after all these years. And seeing them together makes you realize how true and genuine their love is.

Nicole is so down to earth and so positive about everything. When she’s with Joey she lights up, because I’m sure in her mind he is the most perfect person she wants to spend the rest of her life with. Upon first sight of Joey, I’m not going to lie, I was intimidated. He’s big, much bigger than my 5′1 stature and the only thing on my mind was how he could break me in half with his pinky if he didn’t like my work. Boy was I wrong! We met and all preconceived notions went right out the window, fast. He is the most gentle, kind, soft spoken and goofy guy I’ve ever met. Joey is so adorable with Nicole and their personalities compliment each other so well.

Nicole and Joey, I can’t thank you enough for letting me be part of your day. I can tell just how real and enduring your love is and I’m so glad I was able to witness it. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you two! Much love, Megan

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How cute and summery are these little shoes?
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Loving Nicole’s reaction to seeing the bouquet for the first time.
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Something blue: Nicole’s father’s baby bracelet attached to her bouquet.
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Nicole was so relaxed and calm the entire time.
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Loved how her hair came out.
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Joey, the man himself, couldn’t wipe that smile off his face all day long.
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All the groomsmen sporting their Vans.
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During the ceremony the officiant made a reference to why wedding rings were made of precious metals. And by precious metal, he meant a key ring. Joey’s ring hadn’t come in yet, so they had to use the substitute keyring ‘ring’.
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Gorgeous ladies.
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Adore this one.
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They are sooo cute with each other.
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I see a photography career in this girls’ future. She was bopping all around and concentrating on getting the perfect shot, and then would move on. I tried to trail her paparazzi style, but I think she caught on. Although I did manage to sneak this one in.
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Nicole’s father had passed away, and since he couldn’t be there for the father daughter dance they asked the men to form a line to be the ‘Stand-in fathers’. One of the most touching father daughter dances I’ve seen so far, sans Nicole’s father. I pretty much lost it at this point. Thankfully my camera is big and hides most of my face.
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Nicole’s brother Matt, also stepped in.
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Snuck away for one last shot!
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Valini: Everyday

Fabulousness just follows her around. I mean really, I wish the stuff came in pill form; I’d get a lifetime supply. Drop dead gorgeous, check. Smarty pants, check. And one of the best friends you could ever have, check. Valini just graduated from Howard University and in honor, we decided to do her senior portraits the only way she knows how…uber fab! Congrats girl!

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I adore this one.
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You go girl…so fierce.
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Yes, even her drink matched her outfit. That’s just how she rolls.
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Ran into some familiar faces along the way.
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I think someone knew we were coming and painted the wall to coordinate with her shirt. Yes…I’m sure that’s what happened.
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Valini is so much fun to be around. I do believe here, she was laughing at her atrocious phenomenal dance moves. I should have shown her the ropes ;)
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These two have to be my favorite from the session. The golden delicious sun makes me swoon all over. Plus the super smoking hot girl in the pic…killer combo.
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Step one: I’m an addict .

Although some may claim that I am the pickiest eater in the UNIVERSE, I can assure you when I was younger it was ten times worse. Several years ago when I woke up, my sister Amanda said she was going to make crepes for breakfast. And I was all, strawberries, flat pancake and Nutella?!? Why would I ever want to combine those three things together into one meal?! And what is this Nutty stuff anyways.

She made them and nicely persuaded me, FORCED, me to have one. Internet, I was young, and naive and HAD NO IDEA. Now I currently plan my life around when I can get to Crepes A-Go-Go, and get a No. 27: Strawberries, and Nutella crepe. I have a frequent shopper card, and am working on getting my very own parking space.

The most delicious stuff your belly will ever taste.
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They just opened up a new store by Dupont circle. Thankfully, now I have one both north and south directions.
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You might as well just call it a masterpiece.
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Valini: Sneak Peek

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FAQ- Megan Beth Photographer- behind the camera

Since wedding season is in full affect, and although I didn’t think it was humanly possible, I am stuck to my computer more than ever before. My fifth arm, if you will. I have images, albums, editing, and emails coming out my ears, and loving every gosh darn second of it. Because of this my brain is slightly fried, and sentences these days are only being formed on an kindergarten level. Usually something along the lines of: Crabs? Yes Please. Needs water soon. And although no one is around to hear it at three in the morning, I often stutter, I.NEED.SLEEP. As you can tell, I’m trying to save the brain cells for adult conversations that I may be forced into having. So, today, I thought I’d do things a little different. Today, I will answer some frequently asked questions. If you like it, and keep asking questions, I will continue. Drum roll por favor.

How did you get started?
I have always had an interest in photography, and had an SLR since I was in high school. I loved photography, and my camera was a permanent fixture. After college, I worked for a government contractor in Annapolis, when I got laid off…22 getting laid off…what the heck?!? So in desperate need of money I got a job in a restaurant. I didn’t really have a choice, but would have rather not considering I went to college, have a degree, and hoped of one day working for the government. Then one day, it dawned on me, why not do something that I love and get paid for it…DUH. Yes, I’m retarded, it took me that many years to figure it out! I shot my best friends’ little sisters wedding and it took off from there. The referrals that I’ve gotten from my past clients are bigger and better than any advertising that I could pay for. So I started my blog and it just soared.

What is your favorite lens?
Hands down 50mm 1.2. The blur, the crisp, it was love at first sight. Although on a much more affordable level, but still super awesome is the 50mm 1.4. I always recommend to people… start off with good lenses. You can always upgrade your camera, but your lenses are where it’s at.

What is your favorite image, ever?
Ever? Geesh. Such a hard time picking ONE. But, it could very well be this one. fav

To continue these FAQ posts, and make it worthwhile, feel free to leave your questions below in the comment section. Anyone, can ask me anything your heart so desires. Photogs, friends, clients, mom, brang it :)