Sometimes while I'm crouched at the end of aisle with my Nikon resting on my lap I think about marriage and what it's really all about. Most ceremonies last for 30-40 minutes and consist of one pose...the face to face. I rush around to get all my angles like a stealth secret agent and then I find my spot and wait for the next moment. I hear the words that pour from the pastors mouth about love, patience, kindness, but rarely do they mention that marriage is hard. It's two people battling over how much they love each other. Most days it's just perfect, but then some days trickle down to the tone in what was said. Why, because you love that person and wish that tone didn't hurt. It's funny how love works.
I think that is partly why I love weddings. It's the one day when their love is perfect. Couples don't fight on their wedding days. They don't have tones, raised eye brows or rolling eyes. Just blissful glances into the depth of the others soul. The thing is that that is the base of marriage. When you have a tough day you can always look back at that base foundation and go, "Oh, yah I love you. What am I doing?"
I would love to hear one day that our photographs have caused a couple to remember just how special their love is. That maybe when they went to give a tone they stopped and gave a kiss instead. I am so lucky to capture the base. The one day that was just perfect even if everything went wrong.

I sat in the very back corner of the very dark gym, scooping through my vanilla ice cream and sprinkles. The rainbow kind, not chocolate. No one could see me in the shadows, but I was biting my nails and grinning from ear to ear. We were asked to cover the talent show for Faith Bible High School which is the same school where we coach track. I was so proud like a mother feels when they see their child pouring their hearts out on stage. I was so nervous for every single one of them and so incredibly excited for their amazing finishes. I wanted to jump up and shout for them or give them a huge hug, but I knew there was that coolness factor. So I clapped VERY loudly from my dark corner as Eddie lit up the gym with his flashes. I thought to myself that I have so much to be proud of. A great group of kids who actually listen during practice. A wonderful husband who loves to do things like the talent show or track with me. And the list goes on and on. I am blessed beyond my understanding and I love being reminded of that.

As I stated before, life has been really crazy lately. My world has been rushing by me at warp speed, but when I am most stressed out all it takes is a simple hand squeeze from Eddie, or a warm hug that makes me feel like my whole world has come to a stand still.
Eddie, I love you. You are my world fast and slow. Thank you for always squeezing my hand when I need it most.

I'll be the first one to admit that I get a little bit more than excited about the latest things in photography. I have spent my whole life trying to be cool and all at once throw it out the window as soon as I mention my geeking ideas. I have to admit that it is totally worth it though.
What am I all amped up about now? It's pretty simple, but really stinkin' fun. Personal websites for engaged couples, seniors, events and birthdays. Basically I can use my creativity to design a website for all of our clients. I know, I know...the Knot and other companies already do them for free. Ours are free too, but ours can be designed to fit your exact style and have engagement, wedding pictures and links to your galleries for family and friends to view. So they have a lot more to offer than a regular site which means we can offer more.
These sites are basically a mega site with cute personal touches. We are so excited to get started on this new addition to our business. We will post an update with our first site launched.

Here is a photo from Tara + Jon's wedding, enjoy!

It was super sunny today as we stood there listening to all of the kids talk about getting their driver's license or the terrible grade they got on their Spanish homework. I feel like I have been transported to my high school days where I wonder if the kids like me or if someone might be talking behind my back. It's all so crazy considering that I am coach and I still think about those things. Eddie and I started coaching the track team for Faith High school and it has been so amazing working with all the kids. In every way these kids are way better than I was when I was a kid. Respect is a first language for them and there motivation weighs more than all 4 of my high school years. Honestly, while doing jumping jacks they were shouting out the make up of all the elements. Make up...is that what you call it? Either way it was way over my head. That's when I realized that I am officially old. I have met that time when in my life where algebra has faded away and I am no longer any use to any kid's homework.
But, I can always coach. I love reliving the days when I felt (felt is the key word) like I was faster than wind. I can't wait for the next days practice.

It turns out that track has been the perfect break in the day for editing photos. I love it.


Here is a photo from Tara + Jon's wedding...we should be done real soon.

So I just realized that I am a creature of habit. As much as I like to think that I am a go at a moments notice kind of gal I know that I am not. It only happened today. That realization of the sad truth that I like things steady. The same day in and day out.
For years I had this vision that I was the kind of gal that would grab my flip flops and keys and head out on the open road with out a plan. Maybe I would swim in the river, sleep in my car and capture whatever I passed with my camera. It didn't matter because I didn't have an agenda.
As my bubble popped and I came to and realized that I like it boring. Even now it's hard to say. I guess I am ashamed. Eddie and I have become very busy over the last week and it is throwing my schedule off. Way off. Hence why I haven't blog in a long while. My regular pattern of reading my bible, going for a walk/ jog, and then blogging has changed to getting up changing and taking off. I don't know what to do with myself. So I apologize friends....I will get back on the saddle and find a new pattern. One that will allow all of the above to happen in a slightly different order. Tonight I blog at 11:53 pm. Heck maybe I'll go on a wondering drive.

Here is a photo from our last engagement session.

I still remember the first time we met Josh. The crowded coffee shop was packed with people clicking away on their laptops and nowhere to sit. We searched for a couple who appeared to be waiting for someone. Maybe they would be holding hands, chatting and sharing a latte. Then Josh appeared. His blond hair was shining in the sun and immediately we knew it was him. He just had that, "I'm looking for someone look." He was calm, collected and new only a few details about the wedding that his fiance Cheryll was planning. He seemed so quiet and such a sweetheart.
The day we met Cheryll we saw him change. Sounds bad right, like he turned into a jerk? Not at all. Josh came to life. As if he was holding his breath before and now he can breath. It melted my heart to see how much happiness she gave him. He was cracking jokes, taking the lead, and just being his true self. Cheryll, know this...this man loves you very much!! It's impossible to not see it.
The wedding was held at the Troutdale House. The wedding was beautiful and very intimate with close family and friends. There I watched their love story unfold. A quiet beauty meets a warm and affection man, they fall in love, become best friends, and marry. I loved capturing every minute of it.
Josh and Cheryll you are a beautiful couple. It was so refreshing to be a part of your day and I know that you two will be happy for the rest of your lives. Congratulations!!



This is the second time that I have had a chance to work with Karen from Beauty Studio 102. She has been amazing for us. She really understands how to make a bride look good for pictures without looking like she is caked in makeup. Thank you Karen!







Cheryll is so gorgeous. You can see that Josh thinks so too. He just can't take his eyes off her.