Behind-the-Scenes: Our CrossFit Photoshoot

Yesterday I promised to share a few behind-the-scenes photos of our CrossFit shoot with Katie Nesbitt and her husband, John for Southern Weddings’ blog. I’m still in shock that this whole thing even happened–just a month ago this idea was a shot in the dark! It was literally just one of those long overdue items on my to-do list to “email Southern Weddings.” I’m so glad I finally did it! Here’s a look at some behind-the-scenes photos John captured with his iPhone.

Initial thoughts: When I received word from Southern Weddings’ Lisa that the shoot was a go and Katie would be our photographer, I literally squealed. First of all: look at Katie and her husband! They’re sweet as can be! And who better to shoot a husband-and-wife “date night” than another husband and wife? Also, bonus: Katie and John are into working out! John is big into weight lifting and Katie is a marathon runner!

When we met them in person on the day of the shoot, we immediately started pouring the CrossFit kool-aid! “You guys have to try it! You’ll love it! It’s functional movements! No workout is ever the same!” They probably thought ‘uh oh, another CrossFit cult,’ but honestly, I think they were into it! Either way, our conversation was exactly what I needed to help take my mind off what was about to happen next: you know, being front and center for the camera!

Truth: Aaron and I haven’t been professionally photographed since our wedding in 2011 – ha! Not to mention, this is CrossFit. You know, the place with no mirrors! The place of PRs, not pretty photos!

Thankfully we were able to shoot in the middle of the day during the week when there were hardly any other CrossFitters present… I think I would have died if there were people watching us box jump into a kiss! Totally corny! Totally not CrossFit! But, then again, maybe I’m wrong, right? Isn’t that kinda the whole point of the shoot? Showing that CrossFit is growing in popularity and it’s couples who are doing it! AND THAT’S COOL!! AMEN?

Anyway, another reason I was nervous was because the shoot had to be scheduled in a small window of about 3 weeks, right around Christmas. The pickings were slim! We actually nailed down the date the day before, which meant no time for nails, hair, or makeup. In fact, I had an appointment for physical for my other job (you know, my REAL job) the same morning…

I literally hauled ass across town after my physical to make it to the shoot. I changed quickly in the bathroom – we did manage to pick-up a decent outfit from the Reebok in Georgetown the night before. I went with a tiffany blue top to match my nanos and a pair of black leggings with CrossFit imprinted down the side.

First realization during the shoot: I really should have done something with my hair! It was in and out of a pony tail and seriously so annoying! I was self-conscious about the color, too. My hope had been to french braid it but that didn’t happen… I’m still kicking myself over this!

Second realization during the shoot: I love Aaron! He’s so easy going! He wasn’t stressed at all!! He just smiled and looked at me — the calm in his eyes was just what I needed (I was freaking out), and he really made it fun! He was also full of fresh ideas! He even jumped into an upside pose on the pull-up bar! It was awesome!

Third realization: this is so much harder than it looks! Seriously box jumping into a kiss is not easy! Neither is that quitessential overhead-squat-kiss shot I’m always seeing — especially when you have to hold the kiss for 5 seconds for the photographer to get the shot! I have a whole new respect for the submissions I receive, especially from brides who do this on their wedding day!

Unexpected delight during the shoot: 5-second kisses with Aaron are amaze! You might not think 5 seconds is a long time but try this: count to 5 the next time you kiss your husband or boyfriend. I bet it’ll be the longest kiss you’ve had in awhile! We’re always giving the peck and go; it was so nice to slow down and savor a sweet kiss!

After the shoot: I was emotionally exhausted – my anxiety had about the shoot had been building for days and now, it was finally over. Hallelujah! Afterward we went to one of our favorite restaurants, DogFish Alehouse, ordered nachos and a beer! When we got home, I literally fell asleep in the recliner! Whadaday!

What happens now? Well,Wednesday was New Year’s Eve and we had a blast bringing it in with close friends. Then we worked on putting away Christmas decorations and just getting back into our work routine… Then, last night, I got the professional photos back from Katie!

And…

Drumroll…

I actually really love them! 

Of course I see things: lumps and bumps, and I really should have done something with my hair, but none of that matters. What’s most important is that we did this, together. We got to do what we love, with the one we love, and share that with the world through a wonderful publication in a really unique way!

We were a great team, too! I had the idea, but Aaron held my hand through the process. I couldn’t have done it without him! He encouraged me when I stressed about calling our box owner to ask about doing this. He went with me to pick out the outfits. And on the day of the shoot, he was charming and flirtatious, which made the whole thing a lot of fun. Isn’t that what life and love are all about anyway?

Thank you Southern Weddings and Katie for this awesome opportunity! 

I’ll share the full feature here next Monday — it’ll be on Southern Weddings’ blog Friday!