This post is going to be a little rambling. For those of you who come to the blog to see the pictures, and not to read the posts, sorry. I’m including a few photos just for you

I have been working a lot lately. I have so many weddings and photo shoots to edit that sometimes it feels like my whole life is editing, punctuated by brief and exciting little nuggets of fun time where I am out shooting. It’s easy during the busy times of year to get a little overwhelmed with all the “work” that we have to do and forget why we’re even doing it. Sometimes it just takes a step back and another look at the images to really see what it’s about.

As I was going through a stack of images from my sister’s wedding (sorry Allison, I know you’re going to kill me for posting these “scrunchy face photos” but I love them) I found these ones. She had just gotten her wedding gift from her soon to be husband delivered to the getting ready room. Her reaction to opening and reading the card was a rush of emotion. Pure and raw. Love, excitement, butterflies…. I remember it so well from my own wedding day.

He had made her this AMAZING jewelry box from scratch in his own wood shop and had been slaving away at it for months in secret. Inside were a pair of beautiful earrings for her to wear on their big day, and what I can only assume by her reaction was the world’s best handwritten card.

I love that I was there, not only to experience that moment, but to be able to capture it and save it and share it with her. I am a very visual person and I know that my sister is too. And my hope is that whenever she sees those images, or ones of her intense happiness, anticipation, beauty and radiance on that day, that a little bit of that day will come rushing back to her.

Our memories are shaped and perfected by reminders that we have of the experiences. Some of the most powerful reminders we have are photographs. I feel truly blessed that I am able to provide those memories for my clients. How amazing is it be be able to give someone that perfect reminder of one of the best times in their lives?! I’m blessed not only to capture weddings, but so many of life’s most amazing moments. Love between a couple, a family, a new baby. I know I’m on a kind of a sentimental kick right now but I am feeling overwhelmed with the feeling of LOVE. Capturing, spreading, and sharing love. A few of my favorite moments of love from the last few months…

I can very clearly recall a conversation I had with Ben, long before we had kids, before we got married, and before I was a photographer. We were sitting on a grassy hill and watching a family play. The kids were running up the hill and rolling down, squealing with glee. The parents were playing with their kids and one of them was snapping pictures. I remember thinking aloud to Ben that someday, when we had kids, I wanted to be able to take good pictures of them. I’m surprised he didn’t run screaming from that hill but instead we sat and talked about photography, about life, about the importance of memories. From that day on I made it my mission to learn to use my camera to its fullest potential. I became completely immersed in learning everything there was to learn about photography. I was excited and passionate and LOVED taking pictures. I knew I had found my calling.

Some days when I’ve put in long hours at the computer I forget that passion, that first love of capturing life. But all I have to do is look at my screen, at the smiling faces of my children and those of my dear friends, to know that I’ve succeeded in attaining that goal I set back on the hill that day. I do take good pictures of my kids. No, I take great pictures of my kids. And I’m very proud of myself for it. One of my new favorites, the babies with their grandma.

I love what I do

Ok I have been a terrible blogger (sorry!)  where have I been you ask?

Well I’m glad you asked because I have been BUSY!  My little sister’s getting married in just two and half more weeks (hip hip hooray!) so between that, father’s day, our recent trip to Kansas to visit family AND a massive amount of wedding album design sitting on my plate at home I have been swamped!  I hope you’ll forgive me!

I have lots of fun things to blog coming up very soon but for now how about I join the 21st century with a Facebook page?  I know I know I’m SO BEHIND in not having one already, but come on… I have twins… cut me a break So I finally got around to starting one up this morning and poor little old me has only one fan (myself, how sad is that?!) so please go visit my Facebook page and become a fan?  Just click the link below and it should take you right to it… I’ll love you forever!

And because I was out of town for Father’s Day I didn’t get a chance to post and proclaim that Ben is the best father ever (which he is) here’s a belated thank you and picture of superdad in action. Ben you’re the best. I love you and so do the peanuts I hope you had a wonderful first Father’s Day!