Miss DC US International - First Official Pics!!!

I took my first set of photos as Miss DC US International with local photographer Arantes Stephen.  Here are the photos from that shoot:

Appearances 2/9 - 3/14

I've had my title for just over a month and I've already had so many opportunities to make some great appearances.  Since I've won my title I've welcomed home the troops with Operation Welcome Home Maryland, packed food for those in need with the Hunger Project, attended the Tigerlily Foundation's Pajama Glam Party, and walked in Daffodil's & Diamonds annual fashion show benefiting breast and ovarian cancer research.  Here are photos from these events:

Miss Maryland USA Pics!!

Even though the Miss Maryland USA pageant was months ago, the pictures have finally posted online!  I'm so excited to share the photos from each phase of competition that I can't even wait to order the official ones!

This photo was taken right after my private interview with the judges.

This was during the top 16 swimsuit competition.

This was during the top 16 evening gown competition.

Looking forward to seeing what my next year in pageantry has in store!

Miss District of Columbia US International 2014!!!

On February 9, 2014, I was blessed to win the title Miss District of Columbia US International 2014!!!  I will be representing DC at the Miss US International pageant in Orlando in June!  I'm so thankful for this opportunity and I will keep this blog up to date with things that I am doing leading up to nationals and throughout my reign.

Here are a few other pics from the competition shot by Jaclyn Nicole Photography:

Photo Shoot with Craig Matthews

This weekend I had the opportunity to shoot with New Jersey photographer, Craig Matthews, at Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City, NJ.  Here are some pics from the shoot (click on each photo to view the full size).  You can view more of Craigs work at cmworksphotography.net.

Miss DC USA 2014!!!!!

Image courtesy of Ciera Nicole Butts' blog.

Your Miss DC USA 2014 is Ciera Nicole Butts!!!!!!

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Miss DC USA pageant this weekend at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown DC.  The overall production was wonderful and all of the contestants performed well and fought hard for their chance at the title.  It's always a great opportunity to be able to sit back and enjoy a pageant without dealing with the pressures that come along with competing—and it's even better when your friend wins the title!

Ciera and I met three years ago when we competed together at the 2012 Miss Maryland USA pageant and have since supported each other in our numerous pageant endeavors ever since.  I am so thrilled for her to have the opportunity to grace the Miss USA stage, and I can assure that she will do all that she can to represent the district well and to take home the Miss USA crown!

Ciera and I shortly after her crowning.

Miss Maryland USA 2014!

My experience at the Miss Maryland USA 2014 pageant was absolutely amazing!  It was hands down the best time I ever had at the pageant.  It was my first time placing in the semifinals after competing two years before, and I met some of the sweetest girls there!  Congrats to the winner, Taylor Burton!  She is kind, beautiful and totally deserving.

Here are some photos of my pageant experience:

In my interview outfit before I left to check in to the pageant.

Photos of the preliminary swimsuit and evening gown competitions.

A photo of my best friend and me after the preliminary competition.  One of my biggest supporters (along with several others)!

A photo from the semifinalist swimsuit competition!

Also, here are some photos from my pageant head shot photo shoot from the wonderful Chad Heller!

This was my official head shot for the program book!

And some other pics from that shoot!