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Monthly Archives: February 2009

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Johns Hopkins

February 27, 2009 – 6:36 pm

Today I received an email from a friend who also has a family member receiving care from Johns Hopkins. She wanted to know what my thoughts were on the hospital, and seeing I was about to do a post on my experience at Hopkins, I thought I would just share with you an excerpt from my email.

“My dad has a very rare disease called Spinal Cerebral Ataxia 5, which is technically degeneration of the cerebellum. Although it is not fatal (most people die from the brutal beating they take from the falls) it has turned his world upside down. His speech is severely slurred, motor skills diminished, and his balance non-existent. The effects of the disease mimic a person who is severely impaired by alcohol. He has finally come to terms with using a walker, and living his life labeled as handicapped.

I cannot even begin to tell you how highly I think of Hopkins. Since my dad started to get sick about three years ago, I have been with him to many neurology appointments. Most of them I have been completely and utterly disappointed with. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come home from his appointments (at UMD) and cried my eyes out, for their lack of interest, compassion and sensitivity for my dad’s illness. I understand it’s rare. I understand there isn’t that much research. I understand there is no treatment, but that doesn’t dismiss the fact that he is a person, with a illness that has completely altered his life.

He was at Hopkins yesterday for a spinal tap, to try and get some more information on my dad’s current progression of the illness and hopefully to spark research of the disease in general. The moment we walked in yesterday, I was taken aback. They were amazing…they wanted to know what my dad did for fun, if he had a boat, they wanted to know my name, what I did, etc, etc. And it wasn’t just one person who was genuinely concerned, it was everyone we came across. It is what I had been wishing for my dad since this whole thing started, someone who cared, and realized what this illness is doing to my dad. From the receptionist lady who called our number in about 1.5 minutes, to the nurse who took his blood…amazing. The facility is beautiful, the people are so kind, and you know your loved ones are getting top-notch care.”

Although I am not a big fan of hospitals, Johns Hopkins is one of a kind. They have set the bar high. I hope none of you ever have to experience a day in a hospital, but if you do, know that Hopkins is internationally ranked and has the best of the best, top-notch care that you can get.

By Megan Beth | Posted in Personal, Uncategorized | Comments (3)

Desert Style.

February 26, 2009 – 9:35 am

You would think that while at a photography convention you would use your camera…unfortunately that is not the case.  Starting at 730am there are classes, meals, networking, tradeshowing, parties…ahem….social events and such until 3am.   You do the math…that’s not a lot of sleep.   I was going through some major computer, camera, internet, email, facebook, blog withdrawal!  Come on, several days without my links to the world?! Crazy talk! How will I ever get through it?? So upon hearing about a shoot in the desert, I jumped at the chance, had a blast, and took the edge off a bit.

Never in my life, have I seen ground that looks like this. So crazy.

redrock

No backdrops like that in Bethesda.
redrock1

Yes, she is that drop.dead.gorgeous. in real life.
redrock2

By Megan Beth | Posted in Business, Personal | Comments (7)

Brittney and Adam

February 24, 2009 – 1:38 pm

A few months ago I received an email from an awesome fellow photographer, Kristen Leigh, asking me if I would be available to shoot a wedding for her that she couldn’t make. Of course I happily obliged but I certainly didn’t know what was in store…it was the absolute coldest day of the year so far, a HIGH of 13 degrees, DURING THE DAY. That certainly didn’t stop the show from going on, and didn’t phase Brittney and Adam, who are from sunny Las Vegas. The ceremony and reception were very small and intimate, but they had all the important people there, their closest family and friends.

Brittney and Adam are such an amazing couple, you can feel the love that they have for each other. Adam is so sweet with Brittney it makes my heart melt, a perfect gentleman for sure. When I walked in, I was trying to think of things to say to make them laugh and be more comfortable, but to my surprise Adam started cracking jokes, and I ended up being the one laughing hysterically. I absolutely know they are going to go far in life together, they have an amazing relationship full of laughter, patience, and most importantly love. Thank you guys for letting me be a part of your big day, 13 degree weather and all! Much Love, Megan

The ceremony was held at the Washington Club on Dupont Circle.

Look how sweet.

Her dad was probably the most emotional all day, tears just kept coming.

Brittney looked stunning.

Making it official.

I love these…they look so Godfather-ish.

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Sandler…yes, Adam Sandler, no wonder why he’s so funny.

Right after the ceremony Brittney’s dad gave them a huge hug and some words of wisdom, I almost lost it.

Brittney looked so elegant.

Smokin hot!

Yes, I almost got hit by a car to get this one. Whoops.

This one is my favorite from the day. It’s soo them and their relationship, fun, classy, elegant, stunning, and beautiful.

Their reception then took place at the Tabard Inn. Adam’s mom made these chocolate favors…made them, how awesome are they?! Little White Houses.

Seriously though…how do they expect me to keep it together when they keep doing his…

By Megan Beth | Posted in Weddings | Comments (6)

Taaaaaaaaaddddddddddaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

February 23, 2009 – 5:12 pm

What?! You didn’t like the new white screen look?  I was trying to be a trendsetter, with a new fresh, clean, WSOD (white screen of death) look. Ok just kidding, I did something to my blog two weeks ago, and haven’t been able to figure it out. Enter Vu Bui.  No, not a blog fixer upper, but a fantastical photographer/videographer extraordinaire from Orange County.  He fixed my baby up like new, and it’s all squeaky clean, with a few new added colors (other than white). So make sure you head on over and check out the Bui Brothers‘ awesome work. Thanks again Vu!

Now, in a totally unrelated subject. I got really sick last week, and then went to Vegas, WPPI to be exact. I know. Bad move. There wasn’t a whole lot of sleeping (and if you know me, you know I need LOTS of sleep), but I met a whole bunch of new photographer friends, and went to some amazing classes very early in the AM.

There aren’t many pictures of me in Vegas, mostly because I refused to document the unslept and sickly look, but here is one of the few. Casino’s do not allow photography, whoops, mistake.

And the first person that can correctly identify where these pictures were taken, gets something…not sure what yet. But I’ll think of something. AND if you already know where I was going, you cannot participate.

By Megan Beth | Posted in Business, Personal | Comments (2)

Christine and Tommy

February 4, 2009 – 3:11 pm

My good friend, and amazing photographer, Kristie Blake, let me tag along to one of her weddings back in December and we had an absolute blast. Thanks Kristie!

Christine permeated with grace, elegance, bliss and serenity. She sat on the couch watching as her best friend, sister and mother were putting on their final touches. Her dress was waiting, and so was Tommy. She slipped into her jewel studded gown, and wrapped in a snowy white shall and made her way down the hall and into the elevator. As the doors closed I couldn’t help but notice her old world class and glamor. She made her way down to Tommy and when he saw her for the first time that day he was speechless. There were no words. No words to describe how amazing she looked. Then he kissed her lips, and gently took her hand to lead her to the church.

Christine and Tommy,
Thank you so much for letting me a part of your amazing day. You two are so sweet and light up a room when you walk in it! You showed me that love should be kind, gentle, take your breath away, and at times leave you speechless. I hope you had a wonderful time in Paris! Much Love, Megan

How gorgeous are these babies?!?

One of my favorite images. EVER. I love a good sparkle, and rich chocolate browns!

So delicate and classy!

Sorry ladies…off the market!

Tommy and the boys waiting downstairs.

Absolutely stunning.

Christine and Tommy chose to see each other before the ceremony to allow for extra time for pictures. I can’t recommend this enough and absolutely love catching the intimacy of the ‘first look.’ (Plus it is vital to getting awesome pictures before the sunsets)

Christine is always so perfect, everything right down to how she places her hand!

Oooooraaaahhhh :)

Hanging with Marty

Very last moment before they headed down the aisle.

Christine and her dad, had quite a dance. He could MOVE!

Their first dance was so graceful and sweet! Not gonna lie…I was impressed!

And if you’re looking for a man on the 1s and 2s, I have just the guy for you, Michael K! He got the party started right!

By Megan Beth | Posted in Weddings | Comments (4)

Facebookie.

February 2, 2009 – 3:10 pm

Ok, Ok, I finally caved. After much opposition, I gave in, and joined Facebook a couple months ago. My biggest reason for not joining was… did I really need something else to occupy my time while I’m on the computer?! I think not. But my good friend Kenny, convinced me that I should do it, and now I can’t pry myself away. So make sure you head on over HERE and friend, poke, request me…whatever they call it. Just think we can actually have back and forth conversation, versus on my blog, where I do most of the talking and you mostly listen.

And if you aren’t on Facebook… you should join, I mean really folks, my mom has facebook :)

By Megan Beth | Posted in Business, Personal | Comments (3)