You can call her Mrs. Paramore
There’s a very specific kind of devotion that gets you out of bed before sunrise for a night concert.
For me, it started at 6:00 AM.
I have never waited for a concert like this before, so with no expectations of a break or a bathroom, I prepped accordingly. No coffee. Hardly any sleep out of excitement. No food either really. Just the understanding that the day ahead was going to be long and worth it if I played my cards right. I got out the door closer to nine, thank you anxiety. Later than planned, but still early to be intimidated about doing this alone. Unfortunately, my partner in crime had to work until before the concert, so the adventure was mine to have if I wanted any possible good spot for photos at a 5 foot shorty in the midst of the crowd.
We always try to get a walking distance hotel to the concert to not worry about parking. On this morning, Atlanta was 45 degrees…bone-cutting with the wind and shade.
I had packed for the concert, not the wait. It had been about 80 degrees all week prior, then THIS day it was freezing, of course. Thank the Lord I brought a single sweatshirt to relax in, otherwise I would have had to purchase something just to hang on. Instead, I put on every t shirt I brought under the sweatshirt with my crop top on bottom layer, just telling myself I’ll have to carry or ditch anything I don’t want later. Whatever. Throw on my 5 inch platforms for photo taking, expected not to be able to come back, and I walk.
I bring a book and a water bottle to grip tightly as I hold my breath to get in position.
And the line not only has begun already, but started the second Hayley Williams closed out the FIRST night in ATL. People with sleeping bags and chairs lined around the sidewalk corner of the Tabernacle and I make my way to get #50 in line. People in front of me immediately passed down a sharpie for a hand numbering system and I asked if they cared if I wrote #51 on my other hand for my husband? Without hesitation they explained that not only was that okay, that I could leave and go get food or use the bathroom if needed. Just the main goal is to be here most of the day!
They immediately offered me a chair as their group was getting breakfast. Made space for me in their corner. Let me exist in their warmth without question. Genuinely I would have not survived the same if it wasn’t for this type of friendship that I am so thankful for! The friends made in line became not temporary quickly with continuing support from them with the photos I captured. So to the Ego Gang: Amber, Angelica, Zach, Bailey, Tim, & Meagan, thank you for sharing your kindness and can’t wait to run into you again!
As the day continued with conversation, energy saving, early merchin, we wait a total of 9 hours I believe? For gates to open at 6pm with security. Guy's meeting ran over and with the traveling he made it in line literally 10 minutes before gates opened.. our friends didn’t have to honor this mystery husbands spot all day without meeting him yet, and they did so graciously. So I shared the gallery with them as appreciation to not let me be totally alone for the concert!
We all run in to get CENTER for the night. Some of our group got a little closer to the barricade on the left side.
There was one hat they only sold in the doors, so Angelica and I sent Zach and Guy to try and snag them while we held down the spots. They got us both one!! We were so pumped since there was limited production made. We got the brown one!
Then we wait just a litttttttlleeeeee bit longer….
By seven, the room belonged to Water From Your Eyes—a groovy, off-kilter alternative set. Not my typical palette for music, but I was intrigued their performance.
But then—
Hayley Williams.
Miss Hayley Williams had moved me in a way I can’t explain at 8 years old, and now again at 29.
She stepped out in a light gray, almost flight-attendant-inspired look, complete with a pilot hat—equal parts surreal and iconic. The crowd buzzed with energy and I’ve never heard the Tabernacle that loud yet.
We were four, maybe five rows back on the floor.
I’ve never been this close to her ever.
And that’s when my hands started shaking.
My camera struggled to focus because I couldn’t contain the excitement.
Even if from the crowds, photographing someone who has shaped not only your life, but the so many others is a feeling so unique that I’m still working on the words to describe it.
She performed Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party in full.
Every note flew straight through the chest. Her voice pierced the room and I felt everyone shook. The floor vibrating with every jump and scream.
At one point, I’m about 99% sure she was crying.
I think Atlanta was the perfect place for her to kick off her tour.
After the last note, no one wanted to leave. People kept waiting at the front for photos and set lists. I was still in shock when it ended so I was ready to move on, until I thought MAYBE she will come outside and see people at the exit?
So I hug everyone that wanted to stay for setlist, and we dart— tagging along with Angelica and Zach!
And because devotion doesn’t just turn off when the lights come up—
We waited.
Two more hours behind the venue I believe, hoping just for a moment or a wave of telling her I loved her directly.
She never came out., and honestly didn’t fully expect her to. I just didn’t want to miss it if she was going to.
But, the Tabernacle security is some of the nicest individuals working events like this, and a security guard gave us BOTH a setlist!!
My first one ever, so felt worth it to me! Now I have a memory of each song in order, that I will add at the bottom!
I left with frozen toes, a parachute hat, a setlist I’ll frame forever, and a camera full of images that don’t just show a concert—they hold a feeling.
This wasn’t just a show.
It was a reminder of what it means to show up—for music, for strangers, for the version of yourself that still believes in moments big enough to change you.
And now sharing it with the world has proven that to me. Paramore fans are all over the world, and once I started sharing the second night of her tour online, everyone wanted to share her success! Was honestly amazing to watch someone like her be celebrated through my very small lens. Paramore fan accounts has placed me on platforms that support art beyond anything I’m used to in small town Alabama.
Maybe I’m delusional with this concert portfolio, but I’d rather be delusional with a dream than certain that I don’t have one.
If this was the beginning of something to this—
I’m ready for whatever comes next.
Stayed tuned for more!
Prints Available Through Link Below
Set List for Hayley Williams Night 2 of Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party - Tabernacle, ATL 3/28/26 :
MIRTAZAPINE
SHOWBIZ
DISAPPEARING MAN
ZISSOU
ICE IN MY OJ
HARD
KILL ME
BLOOD BROS
EGO DEATH
WHIM
GLUM
NEG SELF TALK
TRUE BELIEVER
BROTHERLY HATE
LOVE ME DIFFERENT
DREAM GIRL IN SHIBUYA
GOOD OL’ DAYS
—————————————
DISC CHANNEL
I WON’T QUIT
PARACHUTE
