10 Happy Things for December
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HAPPY DECEMBER
And Happy Holidays!! I'm sort of loving this cold weather, now all we need is some snow.
10 HAPPY THINGS
As always, this list is pretty random, but hopefully something on it will bring you joy!
1. So excited to be included in this amazing gift guide!!!
2. A brand new Reading. Watching. Listening. post is up on my blog - lots of great entertainment recs to get you through these long nights.
3. Best beauty rec ever.
4. Did something go wrong at your wedding? (I love these stories).
Three of my favorite wedding disasters that turned out wonderfully - (1) Sara and Ryan (double booked venue); (2) Amanda and Zack (outdoor ceremony during a downpour); and (3) Jill and Ray (Jill's entire HMU team ghosted her, luckily one of her bridesmaids found an HMU team from another wedding in the lobby and begged them to take on a second wedding).
5. If you're looking for something random (and free) to do this winter, I visited the Larz Anderson House a few weeks ago (for a client) and the tour was surprisingly interesting (request Paul Newman as your guide) - highly recommend.
Want for more suggestions? Check out Kid-Friendly DC's guide to the holiday season.
6. I'm loving the cozy illustrations of Paco Yao, esp. this one (because it is where I want to be right now).
7. I bought this ridiculous comfy (and warm) PJ set for myself and the girls and I love waking up and seeing us all in our matching outfits (is that weird?).
8. Lonely Planet's Places to go in 2025. AFAR's where to go in 2025. Also, 20 amazing hikes around the world. And off-seasons destinations for every month of the year.
9. Are these the 25 most important recipes of the past 100 years?
10. More random entertainment suggestions for December -
For those who celebrate, I finally made a fun Christmas playlist, which was heavily influenced by David Bryne's Christmas playlist (every December needs the Pogues, LCD Soundsystem, Run-D.M.C., and Phoebe Bridgers).
Further, I plan to spend a few weeks camped on the couch reading this memoir (On Monday, I attended her talk with Barack Obama at the Anthem - I felt like such a fan girl). And listening to this memoir while walking the dogs (because it sounds like a wild ride).
BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENT
LAST YEAR, 2% OF MY NET PROFITS WENT TO THE ACLU & PLANNED PARENTHOOD. AS WILL 2% OF MY 2024 PROFITS.
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.
BUSINESS UPDATE
COUPLES & FAMILIES - WINTER IS STARTING TO FILL UP!
I have the following weekend dates open in December, January, and February (please note that my rates decrease in January). I also have several weekday spots in and February (and a few in December).
Sunday, December 29
Sunday, January 19
Monday, January 20 (holiday priced as a weekday)
Saturday, January 25
Sunday, February 2
Saturday, February 8 (afternoon only)
Sunday, February 9
Monday, February 17 (holiday priced as a weekday)
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For info on my family rates, click here.
And for info on my couples rates, click here.
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FOR WEDDINGS, I'M BOOKING INTO 2025.
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.
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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I can’t say enough wonderful things about working with Darcy as our photographer for our wedding day! She has an incredible talent for capturing authentic, wholesome moments that radiated pure joy. Darcy made everyone feel comfortable, allowing genuine emotions to shine through in every shot. Her attention to detail and ability to capture those candid, heartfelt moments made the photos perfectly reflect the joy and warmth of the day. If you’re looking for a photographer who can truly capture the essence of your special moments, I highly recommend Darcy! - Chantelle
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Darcy is simply the best. Our engagement and wedding photos turned out better than we could have hoped for. She's kind, communicative, and warm - which really helped us feel at ease as we stumbled through the strange and overwhelming landscape that is planning a wedding.
Darcy was thorough and professional all the way up to the big day, she handled all of our requests effortlessly, and captured some truly great candid shots to help us relive all the special moments over and over again. We couldn't be happier and will definitely be recommending Darcy to anyone that needs a photographer in the DMV area. - Matthew
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Darcy photographed our downtown Annapolis courthouse wedding and was an absolute dream. She captured our love and joy and beautiful family in such a special way and made us feel comfortable immediately! The day (and the way it was documented) would not have been the same without her. - Jade
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Want to see more reviews? Please click these links for google and zola testimonials.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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.