10 Happy Things for February
/HAPPY FEBRUARY?
Honestly, it was pretty hard to come up with 10 happy things this month. I have so many friends, colleagues, clients, and family members who are: LGBTQ+, government workers, immigrants, DEI, etc. and watching how they're being portrayed and persecuted has been devastating, to say the least. (Plus, the plane crash at our local airport didn't help!). If you're concerned as well, I found this helpful.
I digress . . . onto happy things.
10 HAPPY THINGS
As always, this list is pretty random, but hopefully something on it will bring you joy!
1. Loved this feel good story about a man going from museum security guard to museum artist.
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2. Lots of new entertainment suggestions - Reading, Watching, Listening.
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3. How to start a great conversation no matter whom you're with.
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4. This feminist art exhibit at the National Museum of Women & The Arts looks amazing.
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5. Have you seen the 50 Years of SNL Music Documentary? It was the perfect feel-good watch that I needed this winter.
I also really like Lucy Dacus's new song and video.
And, of course, Kendrick Lamar! (there's a lot to unpack here, the Squidgames references originally went over my head).
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6. Barbara Kingsolver used the money she made from Demon Copperhead to help open a recovery residence for women struggling with addiction.
7. How good (and easy) do caramelized kimchi baked potatoes sound?
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8. I've spent way too much time trying to find a "happy" wallpaper for my office makeover and I'm kind of obsessed with this print. Is too much? And do I care if it is?
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9. I recently blogged some new engagements, families, and weddings, including a gorgeous sunrise proposal at the Lincoln Memorial and two adorable dogs in wedding attire. Click here to check them all out.
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10. Love these Galantine's gift suggestions. (How gorgeous are the paper bouquets?)
COUPLES & FAMILIES - I HAVE OPENINGS IN FEBRUARY & APRIL, BUT MARCH IS ALMOST FULL
Also, please note that my rates go up on April 1, so if you'd like a lower price, please consider a winter session!
For info on my family rates, click here.
And for info on my couples rates, click here.
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I also have the following weekend dates available through April:
Sunday, February 16 (afternoon only)
Sunday, March 16 (afternoon only)
Sunday, March 30
Sunday, April 6 (afternoon only)
Sunday, April 27
FOR WEDDINGS, I'M BOOKING 2025 & 2026
If you're thinking of eloping or planning a mirco-wedding, please get in touch - I have lots of advice/suggestions!
Also, if you're interested in wedding venues/locations, here are some of my favorites.
BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENT
IN 2024, 2% OF MY NET PROFITS WENT TO THE ACLU & PLANNED PARENTHOOD. AS WILL 2% OF MY 2025 PROFITS (IF THEY STILL EXIST).
I know 2% isn't a ton of money, but at least it's a start. And these are two causes in which I strongly believe.
Do you have causes you care about? This is a reminder that I offer a pay-it-forward discount for families (see question #22) where you receive $50 off the cost of your session if you give the money to charity.
I also offer a similar, but larger, discount for weddings clients. Contact me for details.
RECENT REVIEWS
As cliched as it sounds, reviews mean the world to small businesses like mine - so THANK YOU again to everyone who wrote one!!
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Darcy is a legend. As you come across her page, freshly engaged, just do yourself a favor and book her! She is the sweetest lil lady you will ever meet, and a rockstar at what she does.
Darcy photographed our engagement photos and our wedding this past year. We got married in October, received our beautiful photos back in impeccable timing, and just, chefs kiss! I wanted candid photos and she delivered. Our friends and family mean so much to us, and having these photos of them having a great time, and us having a great time with them, means so much.
In every photo, I can remember every moment. Im like 'how did she get these incredible shots?' She is so professional and go with the flow, which for a wedding is exactly the vibe you need. We had a few hiccups before the wedding, during the wedding, and she was just like "we got this." Even when I would throw ideas at her, she'd be like "yes, lets go!"
I look at these photos probably every day, and I don't know how to pick a favorite!!! I don't think I ever will be!
Darcy, the compliments we have received on our wedding album have been exponential. You couldn't have made our special day any more special and we thank you for everything! We have been recommending you to everyone! You are just the best! - Joyce
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I found Darcy through a quick google search, and I cannot recommend her enough! We did our engagement pictures with Darcy downtown and they turned out amazing! If I could give her extra stars, I would. - Devan
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My fiancé and I recently had the absolute pleasure of working with Darcy on our engagement photos! Darcy was communicative through the planning process and adaptable when we requested some changes to our plan. During our shoot, she made both of us feel comfortable and confident... in addition to truly having so much fun! We couldn't have hoped for better photos. They are equally beautiful and fun, and Darcy was able to capture so much emotion and love through her camera. I am so thankful to have such beautiful mementos of our engagement. I would recommend Darcy to any DC area bride or family looking to have their best moments captured without a second thought. - Susan
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Want to see more reviews? Please click these links for google, weddingwire, and zola testimonials.
HAVE A GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE FAMILY SESSIONS? Then please click below.
Darcy Troutman Photography is a Northern VA/Washington DC/Maryland documentary-style family photographer, who believes in capturing real moments. Interested in learning more? Please click here to sign up for my newsletter or schedule a session.