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Wild Hearts & Western Weddings with Baleigh Rollins image

Wild Hearts & Western Weddings with Baleigh Rollins

S3 E67 · Kick Your Boots Up | Ag, Western Fashion, and Rodeo Storytelling
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This week on the Kick Your Boots Up Podcast, we’re getting behind the lens with none other than Baleigh Rollins—a ranch-raised photographer with western roots, a wild heart, and an eye for authentic love stories. Recently named to Cowgirl Magazine’s 2025 Class of 30 Under 30, Baleigh is the founder of Western Wedding Magazine, a trailblazing platform connecting cowgirl brides with the vendors who get their way of life.

In this episode, we dive into Baleigh’s journey—from picking up her first camera to becoming one of the most sought-after Western wedding photographers in the country. She shares the story behind launching her magazine, the trends she loves (and could live without), and the dream venues still on her bucket list.

But it’s not all work—get to know the woman behind the lens as we chat about her favorite road trip snacks, bar drink of choice, dating life, and her beloved weenie dog (aka “her ween”).

Whether you're a bride-to-be, a fellow creative, or just love a good cowgirl success story, this episode is full of heart, hustle, and humor.

🎧 Listen now, and don't forget to follow Baleigh on Instagram and TikTok at @baleighcreedphoto or visit www.baleighcreedphoto.com to see her stunning work!

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Transcript

Podcast Journey and Season Three Launch

00:00:00
Speaker
There was a moment where I was like, I have to be there for her and I have to make this work. You've got to perform. Yes, I have to. And it's the most wildest thing I think I've done. i Go for it. Because that's exactly, i remember all of the fear that I had. You know, I had this degree. I felt like I had to use it.
00:00:16
Speaker
Hey, everybody, and thank you for listening to another episode of the Kick Your Boots Up podcast. We are on season three, you guys. I can't believe we made it. We're here. I'm so thankful for everyone that has listened before. i've learned a lot in season one, season two.
00:00:31
Speaker
And this season, we have a lot in store, a big goal, big surprises. And we're back and better than ever,

Introducing Bailey Rollins

00:00:39
Speaker
honestly. So thank you so much to each and every one of you out there that are listening to this, watching this. I hope that you've enjoyed us being a part of your shopping experience, your driving experience, wherever you are, if whether you're at the gym, grocery store. I'm so happy to be in your ear.
00:00:55
Speaker
This week's guest is near and dear to my heart. A, because I'll just go ahead and tell everyone, we recorded an entire podcast episode last season that never saw the light of day. So this one's extra special to me because we learned a lot about each other at that episode, but then now we really actually know each other truly.
00:01:12
Speaker
And that's what this season is all about, getting to know me and my circle a lot better. So without further ado, you guys, this is Bailey Rollins. She's the owner of several different things.
00:01:23
Speaker
Bailey Creed Photography is what we're going to push first. But then Western Weddings Magazine, she's an overall boss babe. Yeah. And um I'm going to toot her own horn because she's very humble.
00:01:33
Speaker
She is, by the time this podcast will have been out, she has been inducted into 2025 class of Cowgirl Magazine's Under Yes. Which is how I get to speak with her this weekend since she's

Event Excitement and Introversion

00:01:45
Speaker
here for that. I know. i am so excited for all the things coming up. i Listen, all the things, all the outfit changes, all the events, meeting all the people and just that connection. I'm so excited.
00:01:55
Speaker
Well, then let's kind of talk about that because that's kind of basically what you do for a living in all honesty, except now you're just like cramming it all into one weekend. One weekend. So what do you expect? but Oh, I don't even know. i'm that i feel honestly how i explained it. I was like, this is my own NFR. Okay.
00:02:11
Speaker
I was like packing and I was like, oh, so this is like two outfit changes a day. Like this is the big daddy. And really this this year they've given you so many more opportunities.
00:02:22
Speaker
um I heard they're dividing you into groups to go shopping and then there's a seminar day. Yes. And we do even more interviews there. So this is kind of my like warm up. so they're gonna be like doing interviews for us and the speeches and it's kind of a huge just connection for the whole weekend and meeting all the cowgirls that you know online but really haven't met yet so I'm so excited wow yeah I'm excited for you this is gonna be so cool I don't know if any of you know at this out there but I seem like an extrovert I'm actually an introvert Bailey is too same girl
00:02:54
Speaker
So it's a very big extrovert weekend for an introvert. It is. i know. And I'm just like preparing myself. So I'm starting with my favorite, my friend. Good. Just to ease on into it. Yeah. Kind of dip your toes in the water and then go full force.
00:03:09
Speaker
Well, something that I learned about you in the last podcast that we did together that nobody saw and they will never see. wah, wa wah.

Weenie Dogs Bonding

00:03:16
Speaker
um was that you actually own a weenie dog too. Yes, girl. And we keep talking about getting our weenie dogs together and it didn't work out this time because of all the travel happening and stuff. But we have to because i want to farm.
00:03:26
Speaker
So tell me about your weenie dog then. Oh, little Bonds, little Bon Bon. She's Bonnie. um She is my life. I feel like you know that like weenie dogs have such big personalities and honestly she acts like she's a cow dog because that's how she was raised.
00:03:42
Speaker
So she is a tiny dog with a big bark. That's hilarious because have you I'm sure you've seen those videos on social media where it's like a little weenie dog that's actually rounding up cattle. Yes. Oh, that's she wants to be that if I would let her and it didn't scare me to death, that would be her because she gets in the truck herself like doesn't want my help. She jumps in there, open the door. She's all about it. So she's ah she's a load up kind of dog.
00:04:03
Speaker
Which is honestly amazing because you have a farm dog, but it's such a little one. Yeah. She can go anywhere. Right. She does go. Does she? and This is I'm genuinely curious because ah our Gus, if you've heard me talk about him, he loves to burrow under the covers.
00:04:16
Speaker
Does Bonnie do that? Oh, yeah. OK. Oh, yeah. She wants a heater blanket and is like, let me just come right here. This is me. Yeah. Well, I was just talking to one off camera. He's our producer here. i was telling him this morning that so Gus turned two and he I don't know if there's like a sleep progression. You know, they talk about parents talk about babies having sleep. break But I don't know what it is. Turning two has made him like stay in bed longer.
00:04:38
Speaker
He does not want to get up. That's Bonnie's been that way since she was born. She's about to be three this year. And she is that way. I mean, she she likes her naps, but that might be from like mom, you know, like you go take a nap.
00:04:52
Speaker
Well, you might understand this. There's not many people that I could talk about this kind of stuff with on the podcast, which is exactly why I led with this because I'm like so excited to get a weenie dog mommy. Yes. um The other night, actually, when we first got Gus, I'll start there.
00:05:04
Speaker
When we first got Gus, Tyler and I were like obsessed with him. We still are. But we would lay in bed at night and then just like crack up laughing me. at wiener jokes and specifically like wiener dog jokes and a lot of them probably can't be repeated in a work setting a lot of my co-workers listen to this podcast but if you want to know what we say you should definitely follow our social medias yes to hear more like of the actual oh i do it like if i see something weenie dog in a store or something or like if i go get a card and i don't care if this person loves weenie dogs or not it's like oh i love you this much and it's like a little weenie dog i'm like yeah that's the card you're getting
00:05:40
Speaker
100%, I'm so glad we are the same person because I love to shop at TJ Maxx and they have like, and it's like super hidden and you have to dig for it, but there's like cards that are on sale. First of all, i only buy the on sale cards, cause why not?
00:05:52
Speaker
But there was one time I hit the Holy Grail of weenie dog purchasing. There was like 10, okay, that's exaggerating. There was five weenie dog birthday cards, bought them all because I was like, yes everyone in the family is getting one. I love that. I'm the same way. Like, and my family even knows, like if there's something pretty cute with a weenie dog on it, just go ahead and bring it on over. Like seriously. And there's so many accounts to follow too. So that's so fun. I follow Gus.
00:06:19
Speaker
Yes. I just love the people that like go to the store specifically to find weenie dog stuff. They like make it a challenge. I know. I love it. fun. But we didn't come on the podcast to talk about weenie dogs, so we'll move on. But. you ah Yeah, but we could spend three hours probably.
00:06:34
Speaker
We could compare wieners. Listen, we could. I love them. The short ones, the long ones, the hairy ones.
00:06:44
Speaker
But on a more serious note, you really are a boss, babe.

Wedding Photographer Extraordinaire

00:06:49
Speaker
You um I actually didn't get to see you and work until we had recorded our podcast episode, got to know each other. And then I saw you at a wedding.
00:06:57
Speaker
And girl, let me tell you, you're a hustler. I don't think that the wedding would have gone as smooth ah smooth as it did without you kind of being there and directing as a photographer. So talk about behind the scenes as a wedding love story photographer. i appreciate that compliment so much. I'm pretty bad at taking compliments just because I'm like, oh no, I just take photos. But when I am in the like...
00:07:21
Speaker
photography mode on a wedding day, I'm a different person. And I just try to make sure that that day it goes perfectly for the couple. And kind of like you saw, like I become the planner. i become, you know, the hair fixer. Like I'm not a hair stylist at all. Like I am whatever you need. I have...
00:07:39
Speaker
cut sleeves off of a dress before um i have sewn things onto a dress i have bustled dresses like i am there not just to take photos to make sure it's a great experience so you saying that you kind of see that by it being around me while i take photos love that but yeah it is a wild ride I am sure you've seen some stuff too. And I've really got to give you a compliment here because my friend and Cassidy and I, so Cassidy was the wedding that I was in that you were shooting or whatever. We were at a wedding recently and I wasn't there. i was just a guest, but she was in it. And she was talking about how like, how important it was that she didn't realize like how good it was to have a photographer that was like on schedule and was a, was like knew the shots she wanted versus like trying to figure it out day of. And yeah,
00:08:25
Speaker
when you add in the elements, so like this particular wedding was not supposed to be cold, but it was freezing. And um she just was like, I have to text Bailey and tell her how appreciative I am because wow, it makes a huge difference. So I actually just had my wedding last weekend was in Nebraska and Let me tell you, it's still cold in Nebraska.
00:08:46
Speaker
Freezing probably. Yes. um And it was windy and stuff. And it's kind of those things that you don't expect. But with experience, you kind of just know what to do and you know how to do it. And I even had a second photographer with me that day and I kind of explained it to her. I said, I know what I need to get and I will make sure I get it. But I'm going to make sure that my couple has the best experience because that's what you're going to remember on your wedding day.
00:09:09
Speaker
That's so true. I mean, realistically, at the end of the day, a bride and groom, they just want to be married. Yeah. And so like you making sure that they have all those moments documented is like such an important.
00:09:20
Speaker
I truly feel like I almost become like a bodyguard slash like bridesmaid slash but like all the things that one could be I'm there for all of it so I'm like they're getting her dress so I'm like you know I feel like a bridesmaids I'm making sure that happens but then when like family comes and mom wants at this or you know uncle Bob wants this and this and this I'm like hold on these are my people you can't talk to them right now Hang on. They're busy. Take a number.
00:09:47
Speaker
Yes. Well, OK, I don't know if you even remember this or if you associated that this was my dad or whatever, but I have to share a funny story because I still haven't gotten the full story. So maybe you can enlighten me here.
00:09:58
Speaker
ah My dad is a hoot, but he's also like hard hearing and just like. Just a hoot, I guess. And um at Cassidy's wedding, of course, like all of the bridesmaids, bridal party, we were doing our own thing. And I guess at some point um the DJ had said like, oh, it's time to go cut the cake or whatever. So the bride and groom were over at the cake, standing at the cake and somebody goes, wait, where's the photographer?
00:10:23
Speaker
You were talking to my dad. My dad had cornered you. Yeah, he had. He really had enough. It's so funny. Every wedding, there's a few. like I have a dear heart for dads and grandpas and all the things. so like He gives grandpa vibes. He's a grandpa. but I get cornered.
00:10:39
Speaker
And I was cracking up. He was so sweet and like asking me all these questions and like telling me his life story. so I was like... I don't know how to get out of this conversation, but I gotta go over here real quick.
00:10:52
Speaker
And I think he was talking about your boots at first. That's what's first. He was like, because still to this day, he's like, those boots. I love those boots. I'm like, okay. Yes, yes, he was. And it's so funny. I remember a lot of those moments from all the weddings that I go to. yeah. Because it's so sweet. Like, even your dad, like, he wasn't a part of their family or anything, but it's people that just, like, touch my heart. They're like, oh, like, I love that. And then they start this whole conversation. I'm like, I meet so many awesome people.
00:11:15
Speaker
but Your dad included. Well, thank you. But you handle you handle people really well too. And that's like, again, so important. I'm singing your praises. If anyone needs a wedding photographer, really in any area, because she travels, but more specifically like Midwest area, hit your girl up because, um wow, you're you're just so talented. I remember the first wedding that I had really learned of you was Abby Fogarty, Abby and Zach. And... um but a series of unfortunate events unfolded and you saved the day and like you were the only memories that they were able to have. Right. And that's I mean, it's just the industry is so crazy. So it's like I honestly take it as an honor in all the things when people choose me to be a little part of that. I'm like, wow.
00:11:58
Speaker
So when you look back 50 years, I hope you remember. Oh, Bailey was so much fun. But it is, yeah, that wedding, I mean, like, I try to make sure that my couple get that experience. I mean, you don't think of your wedding day as an experience because you're like, oh, we're getting married, this and that. But if you don't have the right people around or even the vendors or anything, it could be a nightmare.
00:12:19
Speaker
Oh, yeah. And one thing that I think is worth mentioning on the podcast, because you said it when we were recording, is like, you're so busy. How many weekends were you booked out of the year

A Year in the Life of Bailey Rollins

00:12:29
Speaker
last year? Last year, I did 53 weddings. And that is um bizarre.
00:12:34
Speaker
But it's so hard. um I'm kind of in a place where all my ideal couples reach out. And so for me, it's really hard to be like, no, sorry, I can't. I'm like, no, I'll be there. Just let me know when.
00:12:46
Speaker
I'll figure it out. Two weddings in one weekend. Let's go. oh yes. And I spent countless, like last year, ah had a wedding in South Dakota. and' about to sound crazy. um I drove about halfway to Nebraska and did a wedding the next day.
00:13:02
Speaker
And it was so funny to me because I feel like my brides know me, so I'm not scared to say this. One of the bridesmaids was nervous because I posted on my story like, oh, I'm in South Dakota doing this photo. The bridesmaid was like, dude, do you know your photographer is like miles and miles away?
00:13:18
Speaker
And the the bride was like, yeah, I'm not worried about it. She does it all the time. That's so good. I love it. I love that my brides and my clients and all those people know that I'm crazy. I'm that crazy lady.
00:13:30
Speaker
But honestly, you're so talented too. You have the talent to back it up, which I think is so important. You know, thank you. The crazy is worth it. The chaos is worth it.

Western Weddings Magazine

00:13:39
Speaker
Yes. Okay. Another little hustle side business that you have is the wedding, uh, Western wedding magazine. Yes.
00:13:46
Speaker
How did that come about? oh my gosh. Um, Just a place for vendors. So you have like, I don't know if everyone knows this, but you have like your North Texas like brides magazines or even like Vogue and stuff like that.
00:13:59
Speaker
And they don't truly share like ah Western oriented vendors. So it's kind of just a thing, a place for your cowgirl bride. I was like, okay, we do have Pinterest and you can kind of search through and make that stuff, but there's not a true place to go and get that inspiration.
00:14:17
Speaker
And so the magazine came about and all the things. And from there, you've just been able to let it grow and blossom. feel like people coming to you at this point. Yes. And it's so fun to see people like even reach out and say, oh, well, we found this inspiration on Western Wedding Magazine. And I'm like, I love when these cross. Yeah. I love when this crosses just because I wanted a place for vendors, even just being a vendor.
00:14:42
Speaker
I remember starting out and I would go to like Dallas and to the open houses and the things. And I wasn't reaching my idol client, nor were they finding me. hmm. And so with the magazine, those brides can come and just search through everything, get inspiration or find, you know, a vendor that they're like, oh, this person makes leather. It's just such a nice place to like find what we want in one place.
00:15:08
Speaker
It's so convenient, I must say, because like the, um I don't even know what you would call it, bouquet cover that's made out of leather. Yeah, that's a perfect example of how it would intertwine into, or like a custom belt to have matching belts for your dress and your bride and your groom, you know.
00:15:23
Speaker
um That's so cool. Yeah, so it's so much fun. Did you ever imagine yourself doing that? Did you ever imagine yourself being the founder of a magazine? no No, at all. It is a lot of work, but I love it because i just fell in love with like, you have your Western industry, but then you have your Western wedding industry and no one really knows that niche until you're in it.
00:15:45
Speaker
So when I went into it I would just went headfirst. I just dived into it and I was like, I love it here. Like I'm not leaving. So it's been really fun to kind of see everything evolve in all the weddings.
00:15:57
Speaker
You know, I mean, it's trendy. Now. yeah And it's so much fun to see it all just come to life and people like taking the inspiration or like us sharing someone's wedding and it's all over everywhere. You know what i mean? Like it's so much fun.
00:16:09
Speaker
And then, okay. So talk through the nitty gritty. Like, are you the only employee? No, I do have some girls that help me because he would not be able to do that by myself. Yeah, I have girls who help me with like social media for like the magazine or like we have a few things in our pocket coming up. And so I have them helping and emailing and getting all that set in stone. Yeah.
00:16:29
Speaker
Yeah. Okay. So because just imagined like if it was you, you would just be sitting in a room trying to be the marketer, the editor, the writer, the. See, i yes. And I do that for the photography side. So I had to outsource a little bit of the magazine. I'm like, you'll just come with me and then like we'll figure it out.
00:16:46
Speaker
Yeah, no. And that's so cool because you're becoming like not only your own boss, which is what you were, but then now having a team, there's probably been, that's been a learning experience. It has. it has. i think I get so busy with my photography that I kind of let loose a little bit with the magazine. So I've learned to kind of like, you can still be the boss and run it, but it doesn't all have to be on your shoulders. so So it's a fun learning curve. and you just can't go wrong with anything that you do. Like, oh, let's share this and share that. Like there's so many beautiful Western wedding, like inspiration. I'm like, it's endless.
00:17:22
Speaker
Just send it. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. So I'm going to dig into your personal life a little bit. And if it's too personal, just tell me, Taylor, i don't want to talk about it, but I can't help, but be genuinely curious. You're surrounded by weddings all the time, surrounded by love all the time. Uh, you know, Especially if you're single. So are you single?
00:17:39
Speaker
Yes, I am. ah I am single. And it's everyone makes it. like I laugh because everyone's like, well, you go to weddings every weekend. Like, don't you find someone? I'm like, no work. Bailey and personal Bailey are two different people. I'm like, honestly, people come up to me and they're like, oh yeah, i saw at so-and-so's wedding. I'm like,
00:17:57
Speaker
I couldn't tell you who you were because I was in work mode. i remember the bride and the groom. Yes, that's about it. And if there's a cute grandpa, that's who I remember too. But like, I, it's so hard to balance because I'm like, no i'm not going to be looking at a wedding for some guy, but it cracks me up because people think like, Oh, like everyone else goes and looks for like, I think they instantly think wedding crashers.
00:18:21
Speaker
Oh my gosh. You heard it here, Bailey is a wedding crasher. And I'm like, no, I have like cameras and I'm probably sweating and my hair is finally probably pulled up on top of my head and I'm like floofing dresses everywhere. Like, no, I don't have time to be looking cute.
00:18:36
Speaker
Honestly though, that would be the cutest meet cute or like Hallmark. Anyone out there that's listening from Netflix Hallmark, I have an idea. you know, you have a photographer at a wedding, she's hustling and then there's this guy that's just admiring her gorgeous hair blowing in the wind.
00:18:50
Speaker
That's not how that goes, but yes.
00:18:53
Speaker
That's so fun to think about though. I know. Okay. So, okay. So since you're single, are you going to turn on your like location for Fort Worth while you're here this weekend? Maybe. I mean, i am here. are the Cowboys at?
00:19:04
Speaker
Yeah. For real, you're in Cowboy Town. I know. and I don't know. They're so busy this weekend. Like, I was looking, and I think we have, like, an hour lunch break. And then we're back to the hustle bustle. Oh, wow. Yeah.
00:19:17
Speaker
I'll pray for you. That's all I can say. I know. It's going to be so worth it. But yeah, that's like, that's crazy. Okay. And I'm genuinely curious since we're on this topic. like What is your dream man? Like, does he have a certain look?
00:19:28
Speaker
I don't know. Cowboy tall. I'm tall. So it's kind of hard. true I mean, at least the same height as me. Okay, anyone out there listening, you know someone.
00:19:39
Speaker
Hailey's a really good girl. And be prepared to be some free labor. Oh, true. you In the job description, must be able to carry a tripod. Literally, though. Like, help me with my camera stuff. Help me put it in the truck.
00:19:53
Speaker
That stuff is heavy. It is so heavy. Yeah, I need some muscle bands. For real. The girl is getting tired of working out and carrying her own stuff. ah Hold my camera and watch this.
00:20:04
Speaker
Yeah. You need a hat or shirt or something. know. Yes. All camera, no cattle. All camera, no cattle. One day cattle. Right. Yes. That's the American dream. I love it. Okay. So since we're getting to know Bailey on a more personal level, what are some things that you've loved

Balancing Busyness with Downtime

00:20:22
Speaker
lately? Like it could be anything, skincare, movies, quotes, podcasts.
00:20:28
Speaker
My couch. Yeah. That's so nice. Coming off of the high of all the weddings last year, I have really just loved getting on the couch with some coffee and just.
00:20:38
Speaker
And your wiener. And my weenie. And just hanging out. I'm such an introvert that I never get to be an introvert. So when I do have the chance, it's really hard to.
00:20:50
Speaker
No, it is. I so relate to that. Like it almost comes to the point where, and I hope that you're here. I hope that you're at this point where you almost have to schedule weekends to be off. Yes. yeah I have gotten there. I, this year I did learn a work balance. Good.
00:21:03
Speaker
So it's a very nice, like I have this off and this off, like for this weekend, I didn't have to like rearrange, like who's going to do this wedding or talk to a bride or anything. i was already off and I was like, I'm not even gonna take anything. I'm not even gonna try. We're just gonna say we're unavailable. Yeah, no hustling this weekend. Yes. Only for yourself, only your own cheerleader. Yes. And then, okay, this is something that we also talked about off camera that it's totally worth mentioning.
00:21:28
Speaker
Not only are you in the craziness of the schedule for 30 Under 30, but you have your birthday on Friday. Yes. What day? We're filming on Wednesday. Okay. Birthday on Friday, all the cabral 30 Under 30 stuff happening simultaneously. And then what are you doing Sunday?
00:21:41
Speaker
Boys of Oklahoma. As an oaky, I have to go back to Stillwater ah and enjoy Okay, so tell the world about it because I know what it is. You know what it is. Yes. Cross Canadian ragweed is getting back together, y'all. The band is back together. And they are headed to Stillwater, which both of us love.
00:22:03
Speaker
Go Pokes. Yes, go Pokes. And they are just jamming out for Thursday through Sunday. So they're probably just as tired. They're going to be just as tired as we are. Okay, honestly, since we're on this topic, when the tickets first came out, I kind of got FOMO because, like, Tyler and I...
00:22:19
Speaker
We're like in this weird saving stage. We're like, we're not gonna spend money on any concert. You know, like we're going to Jenna Paulette and we're so excited. And that's like our extent. We're like, okay. So we're like, okay, we're just gonna miss it. Miss out FOMO, serious FOMO. And then they were like, no, night added. And we're like, should we? And we're like, no, okay.
00:22:36
Speaker
Final night, Sunday night added. We're like, wait, I missed, we're missing out. Is that kind of how you felt or? Oh no, girl, my little green man was running. So if you don't know this or not. When they drop the tickets, they kind of put you in a wait list and you have like a little green man who's in line.
00:22:53
Speaker
No, he was hanging out in the back. I was like, so what are we doing back there? Like, come on. Are we chit chatting? Are you yapping? Are you forgetting what we're trying to do? So I ended up not getting tickets, but then obviously people are reselling and stuff. And so a group of friends was like, hey, we're going buy your ticket.
00:23:10
Speaker
We know that you're going to be tired, but we don't care. So fun. So we're loading up. I was like, just don't make me drive. I'll be there. Yeah. You're like, I'm not the DD that night. Yes. Like I just let me in the car and I will be there. prop me up and send me I might fall asleep while standing but just shake me I'll be fine okay and that's actually good point standing in Boone Pickens Stadium for a concert that seems crazy it's gonna be so big I know but i if you think about all the football games that we did and we still I was never sitting in a football game so I'm just gonna we're just gonna go back to the college days we're gonna give it the college try
00:23:44
Speaker
I'm going to live vicariously through

College Memories and Concerts

00:23:46
Speaker
you. I will send you all the pictures and snaps. Please post. Do all the things because I'm like, wow, that's actually going to be so fun. If you have service. I know. I remember football games. There was no service. yeah So and I'll hear about You'll hear me on Monday. Just dump it all in.
00:24:01
Speaker
I love that. Okay. And we mentioned um like propping you up and stuff. So I've got, I'm genuinely curious when you go to Stillwater, are there any bars that you're going visit specifically? Yes. All the above. how do you go to the strip and not go to all of them? I am so excited. The penny has changed so much. Good or bad.
00:24:20
Speaker
ah Define change. Maybe it's not good or bad. oh Like all of the signatures are off the walls. They covered up all of our signatures. Yeah. It's just changed a little bit. Yeah. Are there still, there was something on the ceiling. Was it money?
00:24:35
Speaker
What was on the ceiling? No. Maybe there's nothing on the ceiling. Oh, I think I'm thinking of a bar here in Yes, you are You're thinking about the basement bar here. Yeah, I am. Sorry about that. But I feel like there was something else. Okay, but do they still have limeys at the bar? Oh, they still have limeys. I had a limey about three weeks ago.
00:24:52
Speaker
Amazing, see, okay, for those of you out there that don't know, you guys all have your own college superstitions. If you are familiar with Stillwater or Oklahoma State, you probably know this, but um ours was like going to the Copper Penny to get a limey. That was like the thing. There's like things at each bar, like you can order a ah drink at one of the other bars and it's called like a tidal wave and it like splashes you full of water. Payne County Painkiller. Okay, I've never heard of that. What is that? What?
00:25:18
Speaker
Okay. I didn't really seriously. So I'm gonna take you to Stillwater soon. First of all, I'm trying to give you guys a lesson, but really I need a lesson first. I'm taking Taylor to Stillwater her to actually show her the strip. But then like all of like sorority fraternity, and I guess really other everyone had a goal by the end of the night to make it to the Palms, which I never did. i See, and I never went to the Palms. Mine was Outlaws.
00:25:40
Speaker
Okay. always shut down Outlaws and they play time and take my drunk ass home and flip on all the lights. Yeah. And we all leave. The ugly lights actually came on Yes. So I have a funny story then about the copper penny, if you don't mind. Yes. Love me to tell. So um whenever the world was about to shut down, so like end of 2019, I had just reconnected with my now husband, Tyler.
00:26:01
Speaker
But at the time we were just dating and or actually not even sorry, not even dating. We were just talking, you know, he like slid into my DMs on Instagram. It was a whole thing. But i had we had made plans to meet up and I had Bible study on Thursday night.
00:26:14
Speaker
And after Bible study, I drove to Stillwater and I was in Tulsa at the time. So drove to Stillwater and met him at the Copper Penny. i love that. For a limey, but it gets worse, Bailey, because like you understand, like when you're in college, you're like broke and you don't have any money.
00:26:27
Speaker
Tyler gave plasma like the week before to pay for my limey that night. And then I didn't even drink it. Like I might've had one sip. Oh my gosh. didn't know that until like so much later. I will say donating plasma was a whole thing in Stillwater. i think we all did. I thank God never did. Did you?
00:26:47
Speaker
Did you? No, I didn't. But I know so many people. Like I think it was just a Stillwater thing. Like one kid learned that you could do that. And so then all the kids were like, Yeah, we can do that. And when they say in real estate, location, location, location, that place was on the strip, like walks away from um campus, like right next to campus, right next to the strip. Like they had a really good thing going. and I love Sewater so much. I could talk about Sewater all day. It's like such a small, big town.
00:27:16
Speaker
It gives, it's like, you don't realize, I mean, it's not a town when college kids aren't in there, but like when school is in there, like, You got all these people everywhere and then you still get that down home vibe. Like you you're going to know somebody. For sure. It's like this so yeah. So weird. Such a small town. Okay. I told you I like limeys.
00:27:35
Speaker
What's your favorite drink at the bar? I like an old fashioned. I'm a whiskey girl. Okay. And I kind of will take my whiskey any way you give it to me. Especially if it's free when a cute guy, cute cowboy buys it Yes. will take it from him gladly. I appreciate it.
00:27:50
Speaker
That's awesome. Is there any, um, anything that you wish you could go back and tell your younger self when you were living in the glory days of Stillwater or?

Advice for College Students

00:28:00
Speaker
oh to not cry about the boys. Okay.
00:28:05
Speaker
That's solid. And not take it too serious. I feel like I didn't have a very good balance of school and bars and friends. And, you know, now it's like, oh, I have all this responsibility. Why can't I go back then?
00:28:18
Speaker
When you thought it was bad. Yeah, when I thought it was bad. I mean, I was pretty broke. Like maybe save those pennies and not get Taylor or Limey. I was getting ready to say, it's really it's really like you in the moment you were like, oh, I have money to do it. But then it's like, if we would have just saved money then, we would be way more ahead now. Yes. And even like this weekend, you know, I have ah i told you, it's my NFR. So I'm like looking all these outfits and this and that. And was like, i remember back in college when I was like going to Goodwill and hoping they had a cute shirt because it was rough.
00:28:48
Speaker
Yes. I actually worked at Cavendish's and I was always waiting for those discounts. I was like, yeah. How did you ever have any money? I didn't actually. Because I would spend my entire paycheck. just I did.
00:29:00
Speaker
Did you get, when you were at Cavendish's, did you get commission? No. Okay. So were just paid? Yeah, girl. I was just paid in. minimum wage and then trying to go to the football games and to the bars and then to school listen we were thriving then we're hustling then so I think that's where that still comes from yeah and this is so relatable too because I know a lot of our audience is around our same age but I remember in college thinking just like you mentioned it was the end of the world right like everything was so hard it was so hard to balance personal time especially for people like us that are like boss babes we want to get school done
00:29:32
Speaker
But then looking back, it's like, those were the days when you could just go to someone's house on a Tuesday because you both didn't have class. Like you could just hang out with your friends or whatever you wanted to do. Go to the ah Lake McMurtry and walk or whatever.
00:29:46
Speaker
boom Boomer. Boomer Lake. Okay. Wow. It's crazy how much it comes back. i know It's just crazy. Or even just calf rye up there. I mean, whoa Talk about a blast from the past. Yeah.
00:29:57
Speaker
Like calf rye. That's the world's largest testicle festival. Let me be talking about weenies. Listen, it's so much. Back then, it was so much fun. I don't think I went to class that week.
00:30:10
Speaker
It was like preparing your outfits, preparing for that. like And it was the week before finals. which I know. was awful. Who planned that? I needed it to be like the following week. After finals. Yes.
00:30:20
Speaker
As like a celebration. Yes. Because I really think people would stay for it. I think maybe they're afraid people would leave or whatever. Yes, but listen, it made it her a little rougher no on the roof. No, for That's so fun. Wow, we've gone down such a good memory lane. yeah and And I think this is a perfect time to ask you then, what do you think is your best piece of advice for someone that is either about to finish college, just finished college, trying to navigate the next steps?
00:30:44
Speaker
ah Go for it, because that's exactly, I remember all of the fear that I had. You know, I had this degree. I felt like I had to use it. I didn't know what I wanted to do. You get this degree and you still have no idea.
00:30:56
Speaker
For real. in I just remember how I went

Career Leap from Hospital to Photography

00:31:00
Speaker
part time. So I worked at a hospital before I did photography. Oh, wow. Yeah. And so I worked there and then kind of did it as a side gig. And then I went part time and did a little bit more. And then finally I went like PRN and did it. And then that was too, was like, okay,
00:31:15
Speaker
This is where I take my leap. Like if I want this to be what I wanna do, this is the time. And I just quit there and said, hey, this is Bailey Creed Photo, hire me. And now I have this website and this beautiful time.
00:31:27
Speaker
And how many years ago was that? Um, that was 2020. So five coming up on five years, Bailey, that did you see yourself five years ago? Absolutely. Where you are now? No, i could never imagine, you know, you kind of photography is kind of weird. Like you don't think people are going to pay for you to travel.
00:31:45
Speaker
Like next weekend I go to California. for a wedding and you just don't think the mindset of oh people will pay for me to go out there and I was just like oh I'll just do some North Texas Oklahoma weddings like kind of hang out no I think I've been to like 25 states now yeah and it's awesome so I just go for it just you get one life and don't want to say YOLO but but you But go for it.
00:32:12
Speaker
That is really inspiring. Even for someone like me, too. I'm like, wow, 25 states. That's incredible incredible. And you didn't ever allow your mind to put a cap or like fence you in or box you in. And I really am and inspired by that. oh Thank you you. Wow. This guy really is. the limit It is. It is. It's so much fun. Like, I feel like the first few times I traveled, it was just like, wow, like.
00:32:33
Speaker
What's happening? And now I'm so to like catching a fly and go, it's weird if I'm not traveling. Yeah, I bet. yeah And you're just like always raking up the miles, whether it's flying or driving. You're like always here. I love following along on your weekend adventures because you're like, oh, I was, yeah, South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas.
00:32:52
Speaker
It's so funny. I we actually just started a Bible study with some girls and i was in Nebraska on Sunday. And our Bible study was on Monday.
00:33:03
Speaker
And I drove back that night. And so sitting there, someone was like, weren't you just in Nebraska? And I was like, yeah, I made sure was back in time. They're like Bailey. so do you drink coffee or what do you do now? Oh, energy drinks, girl. Energy drinks, okay. I know, it's fine. We're fine. Everything's fine.
00:33:18
Speaker
Literally, they're going to say something is bad for our hearts one day. We're going to be like, I don't know what you're talking about. I had five of those in one day. yeah That's all we survive on. i swear. I know. Nowadays. It's bad. Who inspires you? who Where do you get you pull your photo inspo from?
00:33:34
Speaker
Everywhere. i feel like I'm that girl who always finds something that I love that's not Western based at all and kind of twist it. So like my dress this weekend, kind of like sewing Navajo pearls on it my shoes, I might be putting some like contros on them and they're just kind of basic shoes that I loved.
00:33:54
Speaker
that's i don't I always try to not stay in the mindset of, oh, I'm in the Western niche. It has to come from there because I feel like the Western roots are very wide open.
00:34:06
Speaker
Yes. And I try to get pieces from everywhere because, you know, you think Western, you think cowboy horses, but there's also cattle and sheep in farmers and wheat and all the things. So I try to keep that mindset when I'm also kind of pulling my inspo.
00:34:21
Speaker
That is, I love that. That's such a solid answer because um episode one, Shelby Shank was in with Texas Farm Bureau and she kind of said off camera, she's very much on the ag side. And she kind of said off camera, like there's a big division between Western and and ag. And so I love people like you that in her too, that are like,
00:34:38
Speaker
trying to bridge the gap. Yes. And I truly try to bridge that because even with the magazine, like I don't want to just share people. Like I don't want people to feel like, Oh, I can't be shared if I don't have horses.
00:34:48
Speaker
Oh, I can't do this. Like even photography, like, capturing so many different love stories. I've gone to farms. I've gone to ranches. Like I've seen pit. Like you just see more than just what your average Joe thinks Western is. And I love that because some people don't want to wear cowboy hats and that's totally okay. That doesn't make them less cowboy than the next, you know, it's just so much fun to see all that. And, you know, you'll have guys who put on caps after because that, you know, that's their comfort zone and that's your FFA and you're all the things. So I love seeing all of the different
00:35:24
Speaker
I guess corners of our industry. You have seen it all though. I have. And I think that is like making me genuinely curious about like, what is the weirdest thing you've ever experienced at a wedding?
00:35:34
Speaker
Oh my goodness. Listen on the spot. Yeah. I have, ah i the best story I have is the bride that I literally, I redid her dress.
00:35:46
Speaker
So the top of her sleeves were like, it's not the weirdest, I guess, but like the most wild experience I've had. Not a photographer job. No. So her sleeves were like laced to here and then connected to mesh.
00:36:00
Speaker
Okay. Were they long sleeves? No, they were just like halter. Okay. And the lace was ripping from the mesh. Oh no. and at some point they both came undone.
00:36:14
Speaker
So I took scissors and cut it into a sweetheart. Okay. and then took fishing wire and connected it to the back so that it would it looked like a new dress without falling off her body.
00:36:29
Speaker
Wow. That's a hidden talent. is I don't know. I was very stressed. She wouldn't know it, but she's going to die if she hears this. I'll have to send it to her. But it was a moment where I was like, I have to be there for her and I have to make this work. Got to perform.
00:36:46
Speaker
Yes, I have to. And it's the most wildest thing I think I've done because I was taking scissors to this dress. That probably cost a lot on the wedding day. Was this after the ceremony? You know, I don't remember.
00:36:58
Speaker
like don't ask me details. don't think, I think we got through the ceremony with the sleeves and I think this was like after, but we hadn't taken their sunset photos and stuff like that. So like the majority of her photos hadn't been done yet.
00:37:12
Speaker
And I just remember her, I kind of that rock place of, I feel like I'm a rock for a lot of people. just remember her looking him like looking at me and I was like, it will be okay. I got you. It will be okay. I will take scissors.
00:37:26
Speaker
I'm going to act like I'm not stressing out, but I'm going to do it. You know what? If I ever need anything, I'm to call you because I know that even if you're stressed on the inside, you're fine on the outside. I've gotten very, very good at that because wedding day, I can't.
00:37:39
Speaker
Yeah, no. I'm not going to. I'm going to make sure that they think, I think, I think everyone thinks I know everything. I'm like, yeah, it's fine. Yeah. And really I'm like, oh, I don't know what we're about to do, but we're going to figure it out. And that, my friends, is your 20s.
00:37:55
Speaker
Yes. I still live in my 20s every Saturday. ah Wedding days are just, yeah, I have to stay in my twenties. They keep me young for sure. Sure. And also maybe bald.
00:38:06
Speaker
Cause like you want to pull out your hair. Yes. It's listen, gets a little wild. I'm just like, no, I mean, today's not the day to stress about it. We don't have time. Yeah. True. no we'll figure it out. The last time I saw you, you were blonde. Yes. well I love it. By the way, we just did a little switch up.
00:38:20
Speaker
Okay. I'm getting used to it. It's yesterday thing. yesterday knew yesterday before this big weekend that was like another opportunity that's like your hairstylist if it went wrong there's no time to change it no got i was a little via stressed yesterday and that was actually something i asked you off camera i was like wait did you do this by yourself did you box dye it i used to box stuff but then we got out of college and i can pay for it now Yeah, even if it's like on the, yes, for sure. i My sister is a hairstylist, so I was like never, and was very fortunate, never desperate enough to like go the box dye route, but 1000% would have. Oh, college, I was box dye, yes, yes.
00:38:59
Speaker
And this I was in a sorority and they would do that at the sorority house too. And I would just be like, Red, you're going with red? Okay, sounds good. Are you sure?
00:39:10
Speaker
oh man. Well, this has been so fun. i have loved getting to know you more. I'm so thankful that you took a small amount of time out of your busy entire weekend to come sit with us. Of course. Get to know us better. um You guys, if you want to know more about Bailey or follow along with the organized chaos,
00:39:27
Speaker
um You can reach her at her Instagram. Her Instagram and TikTok both are consistent. Bailey Creed photo. Wait, TikTok too? Yeah, that's i thought. I'm like, I'm not making this up. no um Bailey Creed photo. And Bailey, you can see it's written down here um or like below.
00:39:42
Speaker
ah Spelled B-A-L-E-I-G-H, which I love. And then you can visit her website at www.baileycreedphoto.com. Seriously, everyone has a friend that's getting married.
00:39:54
Speaker
and I can't recommend this girl enough for photos. um She's just like a joy to have around and a key necessity for the wedding day. And then now that I've actually seen her work in person and stuff. So I'm so proud of you, friend. I'm excited to see where the future goes for you. And I'm just like stoked for all your next endeavors. And I must say for you guys that are listening that are males or have male friends, the girl's single.
00:40:21
Speaker
ah She is. um So see you at your next wedding. Yeah. See you at the next wedding. That's so funny. That's I'm still waiting for Hallmark. That movie is going to happen or Netflix. I'll reach out to him. yeah like so My life.
00:40:35
Speaker
When you need an agent, call me. I'm your girl. Anyways, you guys, this has been a fun, chaotic conversation. i hope that you were able to gather something from it. And again, if you want to learn more about Bailey, follow along on her journey. You can see her sweet little weenie dog too.
00:40:52
Speaker
And um I am so thankful that you guys have consistently tuned in to watch Kick Your Boots Up. If you have questions, if you want to see anything else, if you have a comment about this episode, comment below. we would love to hear your feedback.
00:41:05
Speaker
um As always, i would love for you to like and subscribe and share this with your friends. And most importantly, please leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, you name it. It means a lot. I'm so happy to be here in season three and I can't wait to see you the next time you kick your boots up.
00:41:21
Speaker
Thanks for joining us on Kick Your Boots Up. I'm your host, Taylor McAdams, and we can't wait to share the next story of the West. Until then, feel free to like, subscribe, and leave us a review.
00:41:32
Speaker
Follow us on social media at Justin Boots to keep up with our next episode. And we'll see you the next time you kick your boots up.