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Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

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When my best friend Christine announced she was going to graduate school five years ago, I was so proud of her and completely supportive of the idea. That is until, she told me she was moving to Ohio.

Ohio? Really? Leaving the Lone Star State for the Midwest? Leaving me behind?! I was a little bit heartbroken. However, as the years passed, I changed my tune. So many amazing things in her life have happened as a result: she earned her PHD, got married, and gave birth to an adorable baby boy, Robbie. This month, after years of wanting to make it up there, I finally hopped on a plane to visit Christine in her town: Cincinnati!

I had no real expectations going into the trip, but I now have the BEST things to say about Cincy. This All-American city is clean and urban, with pockets of sweet neighborhoods all around. Christine, Ryan and Robbie live very close to the cutest town square you ever did see. Our weekend was filled with fun activities:

{Lazy mornings lounging and playing at home}

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{Going for walks/jogs to the town square, trying Graeter’s ice cream (amazing!)}

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{Doing hot yoga (my first class, loved it!), dinners in/out, and of course, photographing my little ‘nephew’ — the Robs.}

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Christine + Co are about to move, so it was really special to document their lives in Cincy. Of course, we had a full photo shoot dedicated to Mommy + Baby pics. :)

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The trip was the perfect mix of relaxation, activity, spending time together, and trying new things. I just love these people!

xoxo,
Aunt “KK”

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I first met him when he was three months old, so it’s hard to believe Winston is now an energetic three year old! Last month, I documented his birthday party for the third year in a row.

W’s parents are extremely cool and always have a fun theme or special element to add some pizzaz to the party. Whether a bucket of cake, silly string, petting zoo or temporary tattoos for each guest, you know these events are sure to be a fun time!

Here is a small sample of fun from our afternoon. 

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Happy birthday, Winston! Stay cool, kid.

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Fake tattoos, balloons and CAKE! What more could a 3-year-old boy possibly need?

More to come soon from this fun birthday bash!

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GREAT times were had by all at the Austin Specialty Beer Festival. Thank you to Julie at the Boys and Girls Club of the Austin Area for inviting me to capture the fun at Fiesta Gardens.

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For the rest of the gallery, click here.

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February 17, 2013 will go down in history as one of the best days of my life. I realize days that begin at 4:00AM are not usually described this way – BUT – this was for Team Kate. So it was worth it.

Running 13.1 miles was easily the hardest thing I have ever done. With my fabulous trainer Moe by my side, we conquered hills and long stretches of urban blocks (alongside 18,000 other athletes) for three hours and twenty five minutes. I’m usually a treadmill/trail runner, so long distance city running was definitely a new experience. I’m glad I can blog from a seated position… I’m just a little sore today (ow).

This was the biggest physical challenge I’ve ever taken on, but maintaining focus on Kate and her cancer fight (as well as the cheering from thousands of spectators) was more than enough to help me push past any discomfort. Thank you to all of my family and friends who supported me before, during and after the race. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Now to share pictures from this amazing day, and of this incredibly strong woman and her supportive family and friends. I love you, Kate.

Co-captains with Kate!:

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Team Kate on the steps of the Capitol before the marathon began:

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Team Kate had 120 runners and collectively raised $60,000 for LIVESTRONG. So proud that our team was featured on KVUE!

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I usually reserve this blog to talk about my photography, but today I’m writing about something different. It’s a very important topic that’s especially close to my heart.

My friend Kate has stage four melanoma. She’s 26 years old. Over the last four years, it has spread to various parts of her body; including her heart, liver, back, hip, sacrum, adrenal glands, and – most recently – her brain. Cancer in her sacrum has resulted in a fracture of the bone, forcing her to avoid any high-impact activities, including her absolute passion: running. Kate finds her inability to run the most challenging part of her cancer fight yet.

In September, my friend Steph and I discussed getting a small team together to run the LIVESTRONG half marathon on behalf of Kate. If she can’t run this one, we wanted to run it for her. At the time, we thought Kate’s closest friends and relatives would join us. Little did we know, Team Kate was about to turn into something much bigger than we could have ever anticipated.

To date, we have over 100 registered runners and have raised over TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($25,000!!!) for LIVESTRONG. It makes me choke up to think about what this means for cancer patients and caregivers nationwide. Chills.

Let me tell you something about Kate: she is a fighter. My relationship with Kate is so important to me. She is truly one of the most genuine, selfless people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. I would do anything to help her, or provide some relief for this situation. And that’s exactly what I’m trying to do by participating in this half marathon on February 17th.

For a powerful piece about Kate, her fight, and Team Kate’s efforts (including photos from our recent runners brunch), read what fellow runner Sean Maguire had to say on his blog.

We are running as Team Kate to show our support for an incredible woman, cancer fighter, and friend. I appreciate everyone’s support of our team as we make a difference in the battle against cancer, and lift up Kate. So, if you can, I ask that you donate: $5, $10, $100 … every little bit helps. It would mean the world to me and all members of Team Kate. Thank you.

Love,
Katie

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2012 was a year of change and growth. As with every New Year, there’s something reassuring about starting anew. I’m entering 2013 feeling optimistic, calm, and forward-thinking. I can’t wait to see what this year holds! Who knows what kind of recap post I will be writing one year from now!

As always, I am thankful for your readership, your business, and your friendship. Her Side Project would not be what it is today without you.

This year:
I made new friendships (both inside and outside the office), finally set the Her Side Project Facebook Page live, started wearing new specs more often, upgraded my camera equipment to the Canon 5D Mark III (big personal/professional achievement!), celebrated the marriage of five different wonderful couples!, started running and training for my first half marathon on behalf of an extremely important person, celebrated one year with that certain special someone, attended several live music shows (noteworthy: Florence & The Machine and Joe Pug), joined and became quite active with an amazing organization (AWC Austin), cheered on the Texas Longhorns (Hook ‘Em!), attended another fab year of SXSW, met the famed Boot Whisperer!, supported my best friend as she became a mother, traveled extensively… and so much more.

Wishing you a bright year full of new beginnings.

All my love,
Katie

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Here are the highlights:

A sweet redheaded baby boy:

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 Met one of my favorite bloggers at SXSW ’12: cupcakes and cashmere.SXSW2012_2

Visited beautiful Washington, DC, Beaver Creek, CO, Charleston, SC, and NYC.

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A windy Spring day.
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Met a little girl with a flower in her hair.

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Old family & friends in the beautiful Texas Hill Country!

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Birthday twins.

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“Got Smart.”

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Hung out with some super fierce crime fighters.

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Photographed my dear cousin’s picture-perfect family.

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Celebrated some rockin’ birthday parties.

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Pretty in pink portraits.

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Nuptials in Jamaica, mon.

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Posed with the sister: graduate edition.

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Brotherly love.
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Christmas: A family affair

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2011 recap.

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Happy, happy 5th birthday to one of the coolest kids around: Liam!

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Liam and his parents threw an unforgettable glow bowl part-ay at the Union Underground. From bowling ball cupcakes, to glow stick necklaces, to mini bowling alley decorations on the table — Jennifer had every detail down to a T. The kids seemed to enjoy every minute – and so did the parents!

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The room was evenly divided between bowlers and air hockey fanatics. A good time was had by all!

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Again – happy birthday, Liam. Hope it was the best one yet and there are many more wonderful ones to come!

Now, go forth and be as pumped about today as this kid is about bowling:

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They say nothing is official unless it’s on Facebook. Well, believe what you’d like, but please consider liking the brand spankin’ new page for Her Side Project!

Yours in photos, memories and perfect light,
Katie

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I can’t recall why, but when Laura (my little sister/partner-in-crime/lifelong friend) graduated from high school in 2007, I missed it.

I was in college, so perhaps I was in the middle of final exams? Or traveling? Or sick? For whatever reason, I wasn’t there… and I swore I’d make it up to her four years later.

Fast forward to her undergraduate ceremony in 2011 when I came down with mononucleosis. MONO! As an adult! It was terribly odd, and I once again – I missed the graduation festivities. Not cool.

Fast forward to present day, December 2012. Laura has completed her Masters degree in Electrical Engineering! I couldn’t be prouder! On Monday night, the week of graduation, I  developed a sore throat. Chalking it up to allergies, I ignored it. However, by Tuesday morning I knew something was wrong. Several packets of Emergen-c, countless cups of scalding tea and trip to the doctor all confirmed: I had a viral infection. G-r-e-a-t.

By Thursday evening, my fever had been broken for 24 hours and while I felt bad, I was clear to spend time around people. So, not to miss my THIRD opportunity to be by my smart sista’s side, I hopped in the car with my folks and made a day trip to Dallas.

I’m so glad I was there! I found myself holding back the tears as my sweet little baby sister marched to Pomp & Circumstance, attentively listened to the speaker, and crossed the stage (where the Dean of Students actually hugged her!) — all with pure joy written across her face.

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I don’t know this kid, but he’s awesome and pretty much epitomizes graduation.Lgrad_hsp3

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While this intelligent chica may pursue her PHD in the future (she’s qualified!), I’m glad I didn’t take any chances on missing this graduation. Can you imagine missing all three? That would be the worst.

Congrats to one of the coolest grads around.

Yours in hot beverages & soup,
Katie

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