Episode 067 - Wild Hearts & Western Weddings with Baleigh Rollins

Baleigh Rollins: Was a moment where I was like, I have to be there for her, and I have to make this work. Gotta perform. Yes, I have to, and it's the most wildest thing I think I've done. 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. Hey

Taylor McAdams: 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, and this season, we have a lot in store, a big goal, big surprises, and we're back and better than ever, 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. 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, 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 Baleigh Rollins. She's the owner of several different things, Baleigh creed photography is what we're gonna push first. But then Western weddings magazine. She's an overall boss babe. Yeah, and I'm gonna toot her own horn, because she's very humble. She is, by the time this podcast will have been out, she has been inducted into the 2025, class of cowgirl magazine's 30, under 30. Yes, which is how I get to speak with her this weekend. Since she's

Baleigh Rollins: 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. Well, then let's

Taylor McAdams: kind of talk about that, because that's kind of basically what you do for a living, and all honesty, except now you're just like, cramming it all into one week, one

Baleigh Rollins: weekend. So what do you expect? What? Oh, I don't even know. I'm the I feel honestly. How I explained it, I was like, This is my own NFR. 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

Taylor McAdams: really, this, this year, they've given you so many more opportunities. I heard they're dividing you into groups to go shopping, and then there's a seminar day, yes,

Baleigh Rollins: 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,

Taylor McAdams: yeah, I'm excited for you. This is going to be so cool. I don't know if any of you know this out there, but I seem like an extrovert. I'm actually an introvert. Baleigh is too, so it's a very big extrovert weekend. Yeah, for an introvert, it is, I

Baleigh Rollins: know. And I'm just like preparing myself. So I'm starting with my favorite my friend, just the ease on into it, yeah, kind

Taylor McAdams: of dip your toes in the water and go full force. Well, something that I learned about you in the last podcast that we did together, that nobody saw and they will never see, Wah wah wah, 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. Didn't work out this time because of all the travel happening and stuff. Well, we

Taylor McAdams: have to, because I want to farm. So tell me about

Baleigh Rollins: your weenie dog thing. Oh, little bons. Little Bon Bon. She's Bonnie. 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. So she is a tiny dog with a big bark. That's

Taylor McAdams: hilarious, because I'm sure you've seen those videos on social media where it's like a little weenie dog that's actually rounding up

Baleigh Rollins: cattle, yes, Oh, that. She wants to be that. If I would let her, and it didn't have scared 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, she's a load up kind of dog,

Taylor McAdams: which is honestly amazing, because you have a farm dog, but it's such a little one.

Baleigh Rollins: Yeah, she can go anywhere, right? She does go does she this is, I'm

Taylor McAdams: genuinely curious, because our Gus, if you've heard me talk about him, he loves to burrow under the covers. Does Bonnie do that? Oh

Baleigh Rollins: yeah, okay, oh yeah. She wants a heater blanket. And is like, let me just come right here. This is me, yeah, well, I was just

Taylor McAdams: talking to Juan 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 records, but I don't know what it is. Turning two has made him, like, stay in bed longer. He does not want to get up. Oh, that's

Baleigh Rollins: 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, yeah, like, you can go take a nap. Well, you might understand this.

Taylor McAdams: 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. Mom. Yes, the other night, actually, when we first got Gus I'll start there. When we first got Gus, Taylor 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 at Weiner 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 coworkers listen to this podcast, but if you want to know what we say, you should definitely follow our social media. Yes, to hear more like of the actual

Baleigh Rollins: Oh, I do 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 weedy 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. 100% I'm

Taylor McAdams: so glad we are the same person, because I love to shop at TJ Maxx, and they have, like, it's like, super hidden. 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 because why not. But there was one time I had 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 lunch.

Baleigh Rollins: I love that. I'm the same way, like in 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,

Taylor McAdams: seriously, and there's so many accounts to follow too. So yes, like, I follow Gus,

Taylor McAdams: yes. I just love the people that like go to the store specifically to find we need dog stuff. They like make it a challenge. I know I love so fun, but we didn't come on the podcast to talk about weenie dogs, so we'll move on. But you Yeah, but we could spend three hours probably we could compare wieners. Listen. We could the short ones, the long ones, the hairy, hairy ones.

Taylor McAdams: But on a more serious note, you really are a boss, babe, you 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. And girl, let me tell you, you're a hustler. I don't think that the wedding would have gone as smooth as smooth as it did, without you kind of being there and directing as a photographer. So talk about the behind the scenes as a wedding Love Story photographer.

Baleigh Rollins: 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 photography mode on a wedding day, I'm a different person, and I just try to make sure that that day 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 salsa, like I am whatever you need. I have cut sleeves off of a dress before I have sewn things onto a dress, I have bustle 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 being around me while I take photos. Love that, but yeah, it is a wild ride.

Taylor McAdams: 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 a 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 shot she wanted, versus, like, trying to figure it out day of and when you add in the elements. So like, this particular wedding was not supposed to be cold, but it was freezing, and she just was like, I have to text Baleigh and tell her how appreciative I am, because, wow, it makes a huge difference. So I

Baleigh Rollins: actually just had my wedding last weekend, was in Nebraska, and let me tell you, it's still cold in

Taylor McAdams: Nebraska, freezing, probably yes,

Baleigh Rollins: 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 gonna remember on your wedding

Taylor McAdams: day. 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

Baleigh Rollins: I truly feel like I almost become like a bodyguard, slash like bridesmaids, slash 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 it this, or, you know, Uncle Bob wants to this and this and this. I'm like, hold on. These are my people. You can't talk to them right now. Hang on.

Taylor McAdams: They're busy. Take a number. Yes. Well, okay, 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. My dad is. A hoot, but he's also, like, hard hearing and just, like, just a hoot, I guess. And 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 the DJ had said, like, oh, it's time to go cut the cake or whatever. So the bride and groom are over at the cake, standing at the cake, and somebody goes, Wait, where's the photographer? You were talking to my dad. My dad had cornered you. Yeah,

Baleigh Rollins: 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

Taylor McAdams: grandpa vibes. He's a grandpa, but I get cornered,

Baleigh Rollins: 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.

Taylor McAdams: And I think it he was talking about your boots at first. He was like, because still to this day, he's like, those boots. I love those boots. Yes,

Baleigh Rollins: yes, he was and it's so funny. I remember a lot of those moments from all the weddings that I go to, 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. Your dad included. Well, thank

Taylor McAdams: 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, wow, you're just so talented. I remember the first wedding that I had really learned of you was Abby Fauci, Abby and Zach and 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?

Baleigh Rollins: 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. So when you look back 50 years, I hope you remember, oh, Baleigh was so much fun, but it is, yeah, that wedding. I mean, like, I try to make sure that my couple again, 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.

Taylor McAdams: Oh, yeah. And one thing that I think is worth mentioning on the podcast, because you said it when we weren't recording, is like, you're so busy. How many weekends were you booked out of the year last time last year,

Baleigh Rollins: we did 53 weddings. And that is bizarre, but it's so hard. 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

Taylor McAdams: me know when I'll figure it out. Two weddings in one weekend, let's go. Oh yes. And

Baleigh Rollins: I spent countless like, last year I had a wedding in South Dakota. Wow, I'm about to sound crazy. I drove about halfway to Nebraska and did a wedding the next day. 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 photographers, like, miles and miles away? And the the bride was like, Yeah, I'm not worried about it. She does it all the time. That's does it all the time. 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. But

Taylor McAdams: 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. Yes, okay, another little hustle side business that you have is the wedding Western wedding magazine, yes. How did

Baleigh Rollins: that come about? Oh my gosh, 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, and they don't truly share, like 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. And so the magazine came about, and all the things.

Taylor McAdams: And from there, you've just been able to let it grow and let it grow. People are coming to you at this

Baleigh Rollins: 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, 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 ideal client, nor were they finding me. 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.

Taylor McAdams: It's so convenient, I must say, because, like, the, I don't even know what you would call it, the bouquet cover that's made out of leather. Yeah, that's a perfect example of how it would intertwine into, like, a custom belt to have matching belts for your dress and your groom, your bride and your groom. You know, that's so cool. Yeah, so it's so much fun. Did you ever imagine yourself doing that? Did you ever imagine yourself, know, the founder of a magazine? No,

Baleigh Rollins: not 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. So when I went into it, I just went head first. 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, you know? I mean, it's trendy now, 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.

Taylor McAdams: And then, okay, so talk through the nitty gritty. Like, are you the only employee? No, I

Baleigh Rollins: 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 sentence. So, yeah, yeah,

Taylor McAdams: okay. So because I 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

Baleigh Rollins: 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.

Taylor McAdams: 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

Baleigh Rollins: 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 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, just send it. Yeah,

Taylor McAdams: yeah. Okay, so I'm gonna 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, you know, especially if you're single. So are you single? Yes,

Baleigh Rollins: I am, I am single, and it's everyone makes it I laugh, because everyone's like, Well, you go to weddings every weekend, like, Don't you find someone? I'm like, No, work Baleigh and personal Baleigh are two different people. I'm like, honestly, people come up to me and they're like, Oh yeah, I saw you at so and so's wedding. I'm like, I couldn't tell you who you were because I was in work mode. You 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 gonna 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

Taylor McAdams: here, Baleigh is a wedding crasher.

Baleigh Rollins: 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. Honestly,

Taylor McAdams: 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. That's not how that goes. But yes,

Taylor McAdams: that's so fun to think about. I know. Okay, so, okay, so since you're single, are you gonna turn on your like location for Fort Worth while you're here

Baleigh Rollins: this weekend, maybe, I mean, I am here. Where are the Cowboys at? For real? You're in cowboy town. I know. 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 yeah, I'll

Taylor McAdams: pray for you. That's all I can say. It's gonna be so worth it. But, yeah, so I was like, that's crazy, okay? And I'm genuinely curious, since we're on this topic, what is your dream man like, does he have a certain look?

Baleigh Rollins: I don't know, cowboy tall. I'm tall, so it's kind of hard true. I mean, I mean, at least the same height as me. Okay,

Taylor McAdams: anyone out there listening? You know someone, Kelly's a really good girl, and be

Baleigh Rollins: prepared to be some free labor. Oh, drew you

Taylor McAdams: in. The job description. Must be able to carry a tripod.

Baleigh Rollins: Literally, though, like, help me with my camera stuff. Help me put it in the truck. Stuff is heavy. It is so heavy, yeah, I need some muscle bands for real.

Taylor McAdams: The girl is getting tired of. Working out and carrying your own

Baleigh Rollins: stuff. Hold my camera and watch this. You need a hat or a shirt? I know. Yes, all camera, no cattle. All camera,

Taylor McAdams: no cattle. One day cattle, right? 

Taylor McAdams: Yes, that's the American. I love it. Okay, so since we're getting to know Baleigh on a more personal level, what are some things that you've loved lately? Like, it could be anything, skincare, movies, quotes, ooh, podcasts, my couch.

Taylor McAdams: That's so nice. 

Baleigh Rollins: 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 painter 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 do anything else.

Taylor McAdams: 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,

Baleigh Rollins: I have gotten there. I this year, I did learn a work balance, good. 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 gonna do this wedding or talk to a bride or anything? I was already off, and I was like, not even gonna take anything. I'm not even gonna try. We're just gonna say we're unavailable. Yeah,

Taylor McAdams: 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. 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 cagrol, 30 under 30 stuff happening simultaneously. And then what are you doing Sunday?

Baleigh Rollins: Boys of Oklahoma, as an Okie, I have to go back to Stillwater.

Taylor McAdams: Okay, enjoy the world about it, because I know what it is. You

Baleigh Rollins: know what it is? Yes, cross Canadian. Why? Cross Canadian? Ragweed is getting back together. Y'all.

Taylor McAdams: The band is back together, and they are headed to Stillwater, which

Baleigh Rollins: both of us love. Go Pokes. Yes, Go Pokes in. They're just jamming out for Thursday through Sunday, so they're probably just as tired. They're gonna be just as tired as we are. Okay, honestly,

Taylor McAdams: since we're on this topic, when the tickets first came out, I kind of got FOMO because, like, Tyler and I, we're like, in this weird saving stage. We're like, 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, new night added, we're like, should we? And we're like, no, okay, final night, Sunday night. Added, we're like, wait, I miss we're missing out. Is that kind of how you felt? Or, oh

Baleigh Rollins: 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 now 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. We know that you're gonna be tired, but we don't care. That's so fun. So we're loading up. I was

Baleigh Rollins: like, just don't make me drive. I'll be there. Yeah, you're like, I'm not the DD that, yes, like, I just let me in the car and I will be there,

Taylor McAdams: prop me up

Baleigh Rollins: and send me. I might fall asleep while standing, but just shake me. I'll be fine,

Taylor McAdams: okay, and that's actually good point standing in boom Picken stadium for a concert. That seems crazy. It's gonna be so big, I

Baleigh Rollins: 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, true. So I'm just gonna, we're just gonna go back to the college days. We're gonna give it the college try. I'm gonna live vicariously through you. I will send you all the pictures and snacks, post,

Taylor McAdams: do all the things, because I'm like, wow, that's actually gonna be so fun. If you have service. I

Baleigh Rollins: know I remember football games there was no service, yeah? So I'll hear back. You'll hear me on Monday, yeah?

Taylor McAdams: Just dump it all then I love that. Okay? And we mentioned, 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 gonna

Baleigh Rollins: 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.

Taylor McAdams: Good or bad? Define change. Maybe it's not good or bad. Oh,

Baleigh Rollins: Like all of the signatures are off the walls. They covered up all of our signatures. It's just changed a little bit. Yeah, are

Taylor McAdams: there still there was something on the ceiling? Was it money? No, yes, on the ceiling, no, maybe there's nothing on the ceiling. I think I'm thinking of a bar here. And

Baleigh Rollins: yes, you are. You're thinking about the basement bar here. Sorry about

Taylor McAdams: that, but I feel like there was something else. Okay, but do they still have limeys? Oh,

Baleigh Rollins: they still have limey. So I had a limey about three weeks ago.

Taylor McAdams: 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 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 drink at one of the other bars, and it like, it's called, like a tidal wave, and it like splashes you full of water,

Baleigh Rollins: King County painkiller. Okay, I've never heard of that. What is? What? What? Okay, I didn't really seriously, so I'm gonna take the Stillwater soon. First

Taylor McAdams: of all, I'm trying to give you guys a lesson, but really I need a lesson. First, I'm

Baleigh Rollins: taking Taylor to Stillwater to actually show her the strip.

Taylor McAdams: But then, like, all of like, sorority, fraternity, and I guess really, everyone had a goal by the end of the night to make it to the palms, which I never did see, and

Baleigh Rollins: I never went to the palms. Mine was outlaws. Okay? I always shut down outlaws, and they play time and take my drunk ass home and flip on all the lights, and we all believe actually

Taylor McAdams: came on. Yes, so I have a funny story then about the copper penny, if you don't mind. So whenever the world was about to shut down, so like end of 2019 I had just reconnected with my now husband, Tyler, 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, 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 for limey. But it gets worse Baleigh, because, like, you understand, like, when you're in college, you're like, broke and you don't have any money. 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 have had one sip. Oh, my God, I didn't know that until, like, so much later,

Baleigh Rollins:  I will say donating plasma was a whole thing in Stillwater. I think we,

Taylor McAdams: I thank God never did, did you?

Baleigh Rollins: 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 could do that. And when

Taylor McAdams: they say, in real estate, location, location, location. That place was on the strip, like, walks away from campus, like right next to campus, right next to the strip, like they had a really good thing going.

Baleigh Rollins: I love so water so much. I could talk about Stillwater all day. It's like, such a small, big town. It gives it's like, you don't really, 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 gonna know somebody for sure.

Taylor McAdams:  It's like, so, yeah, so weird, such a small town. Okay, I told you, I like limeys. What's your favorite drink at the bar?

Baleigh Rollins: I like an old fashioned I'm a whiskey girl, okay? And I kind of will take my whiskey any way

Taylor McAdams: you give it to me, especially if it's free, when a cute guy, yeah, probably buys it. Yes,

Baleigh Rollins: I will take it from him. Gladly. Appreciate it. That's

Taylor McAdams: awesome. Is there any anything that you wish you could go back and tell your younger self when you were living in the glory days of Stillwater or,

Baleigh Rollins: Oh, to not cry about the boys. Okay, 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 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 alively, I was getting

Taylor McAdams: 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 like, Yeah, way more ahead

Baleigh Rollins: now, yes. And even, like, this weekend, you know, I have, I told you, it's my NFR, so I'm, like, looking all these outfits and this and that. And I 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. Yes, I actually worked at cavenders, and I was always waiting for those discounts. I was like, Yeah,

Taylor McAdams: did you ever have any money? I didn't, actually, because I would spend my entire paycheck just I did. Did you get when you're at cavendores? Did you get commission? 

Baleigh Rollins: No, okay, so I was Yeah, girl, I was just paid in minimum wage, and then trying to go to the football games into 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. 

Taylor McAdams: 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. 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, yeah, with your friends, yes, whatever you wanted to go to the lake McMurtry and walk, or whatever. Okay, wow. It's crazy. How much it comes back. It's just crazy. Or even just Calf Fry up there. I mean, whoa.

Taylor McAdams: Talk about a blast from the past. Yeah, like half, right? That's the world's largest testicle. Film Festival. 

Baleigh Rollins: Listen, it's so much back then, it was so much fun. I don't think I went to class that week. It was like preparing your outfits, preparing for that like, and it was the week before finals which stopped. Was awful. Who planned that I needed to be like the following week after finals, yes as like a celebration.

Taylor McAdams: Yes, because I really think people would stay for it. I think maybe they're afraid people would leave or whatever. 

Baleigh Rollins: Yes, but listen, it made it a little rougher on the roof.

Taylor McAdams: That's so fun. Wow. We've gone down such a good memory lane, 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. 

Baleigh Rollins: 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 for real. And I just remember how I went 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 to it. I was like, Okay, this is where I take my leap. Like, if I want this to be what I want to do, this is the time. And I just quit there and said, Hey, this is Baleigh creed photo, hire me, and now I have this website in this beautiful time. And how many years ago was that that was 2020? So five coming up on five years

Taylor McAdams: Baleigh that, did you see yourself five years ago? Absolutely not. 

Baleigh Rollins: Are 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 gonna pay for you to travel, 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. I don't want to say YOLO, but, but YOLO, but go for it. 

Taylor McAdams: That is really inspiring, even for someone like me too. I'm like, Wow, 25 states. That's 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 inspired by that. Oh, thank you. Yeah, wow. The sky really is the limit. 

Baleigh Rollins: 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, what's happening. And now I'm so used to, like, catching a fly and go, it's weird if I'm not traveling.

Taylor McAdams: Yeah, yeah, I bet. 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.

Baleigh Rollins: 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, and I drove back that night, and so sitting there, someone was like, weren't you just in Nebraska? And I was like, yeah, they chose back in time.

Taylor McAdams: They're like, Baleigh, so do you drink coffee or what do you do? 

Baleigh Rollins: No, energy drinks. Okay, no, it's fine. We're fine. Everything's fine. 

Taylor McAdams: Literally, they'regonna say something is bad for our hearts. One day we're gonna be like, I don't know what you're talking about. I talking about. I had five of those in one day. 

Taylor McAdams: That's all we survive on. I swear. I know nowadays bad, um, who inspires you? Who? Where do you get you pull your photo inspo from

Baleigh Rollins: 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, 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, 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 and farmers and wheat and all the things. So I try to keep that mindset when I'm also kind of pulling my inspo.

Taylor McAdams: That is, I love that. That's such a solid answer. Because 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 ag. And so I love people like you that in her too, that are like, trying to bridge the 

Baleigh Rollins: 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, 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. 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 they, you know, that's their comfort zone, and that's your FFA and your all the things. So I love seeing all of the different I guess corners of our industry, 

Taylor McAdams: 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? 

Baleigh Rollins: Oh my goodness, listen on the spot. Yeah, I have, I the best story I have is the bride that I literally, I redid her dress 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. Okay, were they long sleeves? No. They were just like counter, okay. In it, the lace was ripping from the mesh. Oh no. And at some point they both came undone. So I took scissors and cut it into a sweetheart, and then took fishing wire and connected it to the back so that it would it looked like a nude dress without falling off her body.

Taylor McAdams: Wow, that's a hidden talent. 

Baleigh Rollins: I don't know. I was very stressed. She wouldn't know it, but she's gonna 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. Gotta perform. 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 on the wedding day. 

Taylor McAdams: That probably cost a lot. Was this after the ceremony?

Baleigh Rollins: you know, I don't remember, like, don't ask me. I 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. And I just remember her, I kind of that rock place of, I feel like I'm a rock for a lot of people. I just remember her looking like, looking at me, and I was like, it will be okay. I got you. It will be okay. I will take scissors. I'm gonna act like I'm not stressing out, but I'm gonna do it.

Taylor McAdams: You know what? If I ever need anything, I'm gonna call you, because I know that even if you're stressed on the inside, you're fine on the outside.

Baleigh Rollins: I'm very, very good at that, because wedding day, I can't, 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. Really. I'm like, Oh, I don't know what we're about to do, but we're going to figure it out.

Taylor McAdams: And that, my friends, is your 20s. Yes,

Baleigh Rollins: I still live in my 20s. Every Saturday. Wedding days are just, yeah, I have to stay in my 20s. They keep me young, for sure, sure.

Taylor McAdams: And also maybe bald, because, like, you want to pull out your hair.

Baleigh Rollins:  Yes, it's, listen, it gets a little loud. I'm just like, No. I mean, today is not the day to stress about it. We don't have time.

Taylor McAdams: Yeah, true. No, we'll figure out that. The last time we saw you, you were blonde. Yes. What happened? I love it, by the way. 

Baleigh Rollins: We just did a little switch up. 

Taylor McAdams: Okay

Baleigh Rollins: I'm getting used to it. It said yesterday thing, yesterday, new that's amazing. Yesterday, before this big weekend, that

Taylor McAdams: was like, another opportunity. That's like, your hairstylist, if it went wrong, there's no time to change it. No, I was a  little via stress yesterday. That was actually something I asked you off camera. I was like, Wait, did you do this by yourself? Did you box dye it? 

Baleigh Rollins: I used to box style stuff, but then we got out of college and I can pay for it now, yeah,

Taylor McAdams:Yes, for sure. I, my sister is a hairstylist, so I was like, never. I was very fortunate, never desperate enough to, like, go the box style route. But 1,000% would have, oh, college, my friends did Yes, yes. And this, I was in a sorority, and they would do that at the sorority house too. And I would just be like, I just be like, red, you're going with red. Okay, sounds good? Are you sure? 

Baleigh Rollins: Oh, man. 

Taylor McAdams: 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. Get to know us better. You guys. If you want to know more about Baleigh or follow along with the organized chaos, you can reach her at her Instagram, her Instagram and Tiktok both are consistent. Baleigh creed photo, wait, Tiktok too. Yeah, that's I thought, yeah, like, I'm not making this up. No. Baleigh Creed photo. And Baleigh, you can see it's written down here, or like below, spelled b, a, l, e, i, G, H, which I love. And then you can visit her website at www.baleighcreedphoto.com. Seriously, everyone has a friend that's getting married, and I can't recommend this girl enough for photos. She's just like a joy to have her. Round 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. Thank you. 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 single. She is, so you at your next one? 

Taylor McAdams: 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, my life, when you need an agent, call me 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 Baleigh, follow along on her journey, you can see her sweet little weenie dog, too. And 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. 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. 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. 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.