A. WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY: Anchoring Down, Lauren's Bachelorette Party

A few months ago I was asked if I wanted to attend a bachelorette party for a weekend. As the photographer. Um, heck yes!!

I was asked by a very close friend of mine, Jenna, who is the best friend and maid of honor to the bride, Lauren, to join them at the beach. At first, I was overwhelmed by what to expect. I mean, I didn't know if I would even know anyone besides Jenna and Lauren. I could see it now, "Oh heyyy, ya you've never met me, but SURPRISE! I'm going to follow you around with a camera this weekend." Yea... Then I started thinking about how many different situations I might find myself in. What kind of equipment did I need to bring? What should I be prepared for? Everything was the answer. All I could think about were all the sunset beach photos with the girls in all black, I was going to capture. Then I thought about how we could go around town where we were staying and take some fun photos. Neither of those things happened. I had gotten lost, and forgot that I wasn't there to have a "session". I was there to be a fly on the wall. To be their paparazzi. This experience was a little game-changing for me. I've wanted to practice my lifestyle photography more, but with a husband and dog who run from my camera, and my days spent inside at a second job, I've found myself lacking the subjects I'm looking for, to practice! This was the practice. I didn't do much "directing" this time. I didn't lead, I followed.

We stayed in Baytowne Wharf, Florida, just next to Destin. There were 10 girls, not including myself. They were ALL so welcoming! They took me in as their own, and I think I can safely say, I have made myself some new friends. :)

Read along through the rest of the post to see where all we went!

The girls first arriving!

The theme was nautical, more precisely "Anchoring Down". Jenna did such a great job at decorating everything so perfectly! (All those years as Social Director in our sorority paid off! )

Can't forget to hashtag! #LDBB

Everyone got cute shirts to wear for the next night's event. They read "Anchoring Down" on the front, "And she's tying the knot" on the back! SO cute!

First night out was a success!!

As a side note, you should know that most of these girls were volleyball players, and Lauren had played on a team with them at some time in their lives together. There was a lot of volleyball played. It's a good thing I was deemed the "paparazzi", b/c me and a volleyball...hahaha.

The second night, the girls got dressed in their shirts and glow sticks and went to a ...wait for it.... pole dancing class! Yep, it's all the new rage for bachelorette parties these days.

Yummies at the class!

They had SO much fun, and got a serious workout!

Last day on the beach started out with some relaxation...

But you know they had to get that volleyball time in there! I really did enjoy watching them. It's not a sport I'm super familiar with but I could tell you that they did it well!