Sneak Peek: Santa Monica Engagement: Katherine + Jesse

Pin It Just a quick and sweet sneak peek from a recent engagement session with Katherine and Jesse.  More to come soon!

Have a wonderful weekend!Pin It

Happy Friday!

Pin It Do you ever just have one of those days? You know, when nothing seems to go the way you want it to. When even the most simple of tasks seem to morph into something so complex, like those diagrams I had to draw in chemistry in high school, showing how many protons, neutrons, and electrons a given compound had. Or like trying to translate that letter I received from a Russian pen pal in middle school. I don't know how I got signed up to be a pen pal to that friend in Russia, but alas, I digress. If you follow me on facebook, you may have seen my status this morning:

"A bend in the road is not the end of the road...unless you fail to make the turn." ~Unknown

Somehow that quote, as simple as it is, struck a chord with me, and has since turned my day around. So to that unknown author, please know that I appreciate your words. Thank you!

And since a blog post is so much more fun with a photo, I found this one in my archives and loved the summery feel of it. The seashells made me smile. I hope they make you smile too.

Happy Friday!

Pin It

Something about Lucy

Pin It Reggie came home from hanging out with friends.  He mentioned there was some stuff for sale that he saw on his way home, including a vintage green chair.  So we hopped in the car to go take a look.  Stuff of all sorts was scattered about the makeshift yard sale.  We were about ready to go when I saw a crate.  I peeked inside and saw some blankets and a pillow.  Nothing else.  I took a step away, then had to go back and take a second look.  In the back corner of the crate, this little furry one was panting and curious.  Curious about me.  Why was I staring at her?  The gentleman selling his wares was very friendly.  I asked his puppy's name, and he answered, "For Sale!"  It was hot out, and we were just about to leave and run some errands.  We paid for the green chair and few other odds and ends before heading to our next stop.  As we drove away, Reggie said, "Should we get a puppy?"  We have been talking about getting a dog for quite some time.  And there was a cute little one waiting for a good home.  We drove a little more, thinking about what all she would need.  And thinking about what Lola would have to say about it.  We couldn't stop thinking about the puppy, so we made a u-turn and went back to see if she was still there.  As we pulled up, the gentleman seemed a little surprised to see us back so soon.  We inquired about the puppy.  Reggie opened the crate and slowly reached inside to greet the little one.  She hopped to the front of the crate to get a closer look at us.  After Reggie held her, it was my turn.  She wiggled a little in my arms, and then just relaxed, like she had been there forever.  And that was it.  We were smitten.  There's just something about Lucy. 

Happy Monday!Pin It

Village of West Clay Wedding: Jessica + Derek

Pin It In the Midwest, the weather can be quite unpredictable.  Especially in the summer.  And specifically on Race Day!  Unlike the weather, their day would be very predictable.  Why?  Simply because they knew at the end of the day, they would be married.  And that was what mattered most to Jessica and Derek.  Their wedding was small and intimate, beautiful and perfect.  Just like their love.  Their closest family and friends surrounded them on a sunny, Midwestern summer evening, and their hearts rejoiced as they celebrated into the night.  Since their engagement session, I have grown more and more excited for their Big Day.  And with good reason!  From Jessica's glamorous vintage wedding day look, to Derek's dapper appearance, to the elegant ballroom at the Village of West Clay, it was truly a spectacular day.  Jessica and Derek, thank you so much for trusting me with your wedding day.  You two are such a wonderful couple, and I'm so grateful to know you.  Wishing you all the best forever and ever!

Jessica's hair and makeup were absolute perfection, by Britt at West 86th Hair Design.

Jessica's ring is absolutely to die for!  I was slightly obsessed with it!

Jessica and Derek have a collection of lovely antique items in their home.  They worked just perfectly with Jessica's vintage glam details!  I was in heaven!

It was as if this area of their home was created just to hang Jessica's wedding gown! Love!!!

Gorgeous bride to be in gorgeous light.  

Upon arriving at the Village of West Clay, Jessica's cousin, Lindsay, helped with her dress. 

Final moments before seeing her soon to be husband, Derek, at their First Look. 

Ohhh Jessica!!!! You were such a stunning bride!  So beautiful!

Then Jessica's father came in to see her.  

Meanwhile, Derek was outside waiting to see his bride for their First Look.  Thank you, Jessica and Derek, for incorporating this into your day!  It was just wonderful to witness these next few moments...

I get butterflies when I see this next image, just like I did in the moment!

Derek was beaming as he turned to greet Jessica.  They both were so excited!

So sweet!

These two were so sweet together!  Derek helped Jessica with her necklace...

 ...and Jessica pinned on his boutonniere. 

Then they worked it for the camera before the family photos began.  

So gorgeous. 

 Since their wedding was so intimate, and since they opted for a First Look, we had plenty of time for photos of the two of them before and after the ceremony. 

Love this one!

Watching as guests arrive for the ceremony. 

Jessica descended the stairs, as it was finally time for the ceremony to begin!

 

 

 A favorite!  Reminds me of one of my favorite photos from my own wedding day.  :)

Reverend Ida-May Hanson performed their ceremony. 

  All smiles as they exchange rings.

 Married!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

 What a perfect day for a perfect wedding! 

 Jessica's dad signs the marriage certificate.

 Guests enjoyed the sunshine during cocktail hour...

...and the newlyweds and I ventured off for a few more portraits. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 To the reception! Another favorite!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs.! 

Toasts were given by the bride's father and brother, Mitchell. 

Their cake was so pretty, so intricate, perfectly matching their wedding invitations, table numbers, and theme for the day!

Guests watched as they cut their cake in harmony...

 ...then decorating each other's faces, as if planned!  You two are so good!  ;)

 A sweet first dance to Train's "Marry Me."  Favorite! And I love that song!  

If you haven't heard it, I highly recommend listening to it! 

With such a beautiful evening full of amazing light, we just couldn't resist a few more photos. ;)

Derek, I love the way you love her.  Favorite.  Yes, yes, I know, I have more than one favorite. 

 Jessica, you are stunning. 

Those eyes!!!

Time to dance!

I love when people cut loose on the dance floor!  

Jessica's brother, Mitchell, was a dancing machine all night!

 Mitchell's best friend was giving him a run for his money on the dance floor!

 

Jessica and Derek, I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to document and witness your wedding day! I will never forget it! Your family and friends are amazing, you are both loved so very much!  

And I couldn't be happier for you both!

Cannot wait to hear all about your honeymoon in Maui! 

Pin It