A warm welcome

Hi there!

I’m Kayleigh Omang, your new Black Tie reporter. I guess you could say I’m surprised to be here. I never thought I would call myself a Black Tie reporter, and I never thought I would live in a place where I usually try to vacation.

I graduated from college this past December from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a photojournalism degree. While in school, I kept busy owning a wedding photography business, having multiple campus jobs and doing other work here and there.

As college graduation neared and wedding season was in full swing, I decided it was best for me to look for my one “dream job,” no matter where it was, and slow down my life a little. When I stumbled upon this job, it seemed just right.

Hailing from the chilly plains of North Dakota, it’s been a nice change my first few days here to feel the warm sun and ditch my jackets — though I’ve quickly noticed that Floridians were not appreciative of the weather last week. To me it feels like winter has done a fast-forward and it’s now spring. Actually, I feel more like I’m on a vacation, and it’s been a struggle to wrap my head around the fact that home is now here in Sarasota and not in the frozen tundra.

Photography is my No. 1 love (unless you count petting dogs and cats), and I’m excited to bring my photography skills to The Observer. This position is a great fit for me because I consider myself a photographer first and a writer second.

I know I’m going to miss attending and photographing  beautiful weddings every weekend, so I’m particularly looking forward to documenting all the glamorous parties of Sarasota’s social scene. Similar to a wedding reception, this is a branch of journalism I wasn’t expecting while conducting my job search, but I’m thankful I found it.

When you don’t see me with a camera in the evenings among the socialites, you will hopefully find me at the beach, gym, shopping downtown, or at home with my two cats. I also hope to get involved with our local humane societies. I used to foster and volunteer at a few different animal shelters back home, and I know I will for sure miss puppy cuddles! I might also be taking riding lessons at a nearby stable, but that is to be decided.

If you see me around, come say hello and introduce yourself. I may be on the quieter side sometimes, but I enjoy small talk, meeting new people and hearing cool stories others have to share. And, if you would like to know something about me, just ask!

I am so excited to start this position and meet you all. Feel free to email me story ideas, comments and questions at [email protected].

See you soon!

Tidbits 

The holidays are for traveling ... This holiday season, familiar faces Doug and Erin Christy traveled from Dec. 29-31 to Boston for a wedding celebration. When they weren’t toasting to the newlyweds, Doug and Erin took the time to celebrate their own marriage with cocktails in front of the fireplace. Christina Sandler and Chris Brown also took a quick getaway trip Dec. 28 through Jan. 3 to Seattle. While on vacation, the couple skied Crystal Mountain on Mount Rainier and took a helicopter ride over the city. Unwelcome party-crasher ... At the Celebration Dinner following the Perlman Music Program Celebration Concert on Jan. 4, a barefoot party crasher sat down inside the ballroom of Michael’s On East. Employees threatened him with police involvement if he did not vacate the premises ... A year worth celebrating ...Dustin Stroth and Nicole Kaney celebrated their son Reed’s first birthday on Jan. 6 ... Best friend baby bumps ... Montana Taplinger traveled to Miami over the weekend to be with her best friend Meagan Cole for Meagan’s baby shower.  The shower was hosted in Coconut Grove, with an adorable pineapple decor theme. Montana and Meagan are due one week apart, Montana having a girl and Meagan a boy. The two friends joke about having an arranged marriage set up for their children.