As if my schedule wasn’t crazy insane enough, Pictage decided to host their first Partner Conference of the year in Chicago the first week in May. I hated being away and having my couples waiting on their images, but Pictage is only hosting 2 conferences this year. At first, five of us from the Asheville PUG were supposed to attend. By the time we got there, Honour had backed out due to an out of state wedding, Michael’s house sold and he had to move right away and Corey Cagle got stuck in Florida after shooting a wedding there. So, internationally renowned rockstar photographer Corey McNabb (he likes the hype) and I flew to Chicago for 4 days. It’s funny that we have known each other for 3 years and used to speak briefly to each other at the bridal show twice per year. Now, we are such good friends and I can’t imagine many other people that I could be with constantly for 4 days and still have fun. This was our 2nd trip together and he keeps me laughing the whole time. A store clerk in Chicago asked if we were brother and sister, because we pick on each other constantly. I got home Sunday night from a wedding in Chapel Hill at 3 a.m. and had to be back up to go to the airport at 6:30 a.m. I was frantically looking for the charger for my point and shoot and finally gave up. Of course, I found it within 20 minutes of being home and not looking for it. So, almost all of these images are from Corey’s p&s camera.
Corey made his first ShowIt Web slideshow!
When we got to Chicago on Monday afternoon, Jessica Claire and Keats were setting up their ShootSac booth. I am so excited about getting my new camera bag next week! Corey ordered it for me the first day it went on sale in Las Vegas. I have been stalking Jessica’s blog daily for over a year.
Then, Corey had made dinner reservations, but it took us all forever to shuttle there in Leann’s SUV that we weren’t able to be seated at the main table. So, I was hanging with the boys at the small table. Here are Corey, Shaun Austin of KISS wedding books and Mike Larson, who was one of the speakers. 
Corey is usually easy to find, just look for the hot ladies! Amber and Shyla making a Corey sandwich. And then the rockstar shot!
Tuesday was the first day of speakers. I always get so excited at these conferences because you get to learn how other photographers are being successful and little things that can make a huge difference in your business. I think from being exhausted and spring allergies, my head was hurting so bad all day. I skipped dinner with the different groups, but came downstairs later to an empty hotel. I was just getting ready to take some food up to my room when Davide Greene from Canada showed up. I first met Davide at the conference in Los Angeles last September. He is so awesome and really doesn’t do anything “by the book”. He doesn’t even call himself a wedding photographer, he’s an “International Photographic Artist”. No advertising, no bridal shows, no marketing to brides, just a kick ass website and clients that love him. I always enjoy talking to him and was thankful for his company and insight. The next morning, I attended his sessions and it was so inspiring.
I was excited when I found out that LaCour photographers were attending the conference. I attended their workshop in February and just love all of them. Big hug to Erin, who wasn’t there! We missed you!!!!
Me and Andrew
Me and Rachel
Me and Mark
Corey and I with LaCour sans Erin.
After the conference ended on Wednesday, a big group of us went out for pizza. Chicago pizza is so different and goooood! The sauce is on top. Then, some of us went out to meet Corey’s brother-in-law (my former groom) for drinks.
Me and Amber from her blog.
Me and Sofia
The late night crew! My new BFF Mary and her hottie hubbie to be Justin. 
They make fun of me for being too short for these “self portraits” when one photographer in the photo is actually taking the shot.
Corey and I went sightseeing in Chicago on Thursday. HUGE mistake. Never walk 6 miles on the day you have to travel. We were exhauted by the time we finally got back to the airport and then had to drive home from Charlotte.
This shot is for Honour and her mail order chicks!
The typical tourist!
We were digging the shots at the Cloud Gate at Millenium Park. I was supposed to call Millie before we left the hotel, but our flights were messed up and I totally forgot. Sorry Millie!
A Chicago hotdog!
The Lego store was fun!
The guide said that Garrett’s popcorn was Oprah’s favorite. OMG!!! Who would have thought that the combination of carmel corn and cheddar popcorn was to die for??? We walked back to get more!
