Little Details.

"Love is the greatest refreshment in life" 

-Pablo Picasso

This weekend Brittany and Justin (first seen Here) said "I Do", exchanged rings, danced the day away, and spent the first moments of the rest of their life together. She wore Red as she looked into his eyes and told him how he is the one she has prayed for, forever. 

The day started early with hair and makeup, along with some advice from some mamas. Wedding days have got to be some of my favorites. I have had the chance to be with many brides as they prepare for the biggest day of their lives thus far. The excitement is contagious, your stomach feels butterflies just like theirs, and you hear the words that express how they are so glad this day has finally come. After months of planning, it culminates in a day. A day worth remembering. 

While looking through the pictures, I have seen so many that I am in love with. But these are the ones that say a little more. The ones that might have been missed. The little details that stand out in my mind. 

And just because it wouldn't be as good without a picture of the bride and groom. Here they are. Much in love. 

Life is beautiful.

Wonderment + Smiles

"Babies are such a nice way to start people."
-Don Herrold

Saturday morning I woke up ready for the day. Gabriella Sophia was celebrating 6 months of life, and she was ready for a photoshoot. This baby girl has the BEST smile and the cutest cheeks. We took some pictures of her at 3 months (seen here), but I love how in the last 3 months her personality has grown so much. Babies are the best. I love how they look at everything in wonderment and like each morning the world is new. 

The bottom picture is one of my favorite pictures I have ever taken. When I see it, it makes me feel happy all the way in my stomach. It was a moment, one while Mama and Baby were just getting ready for the pictures, but it is by far the most beautiful moment of the day. Theresa, you are beautiful and I think you are a wonderful mama. You adore your baby girl, and I am sure she feels your love always. 

Life is wonder-full.

A Little Piece

"My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way."

-Earnest Hemingway

For a while I have been anticipating the arrival of the most beautiful 2x3.5 pieces of paper ever printed on. My business cards. I have been working with Anna of adn designs on a logo design and business cards. I have been seriously blown away at how everything I communicated was able to become a reality. If you need a logo, check her out! She also does interior design and I am in love with her work! I can't wait to have a home, just so she can help me make it beautiful!!!

I could not be happier. Every time I get the chance to give one away, I feel excited. I feel like they are a little piece of me and my business. 

So, take a look, tell me how you feel about them. Let me know if you want one or two or ten! Thank you everyone for your support! I appreciate you so much! 

Life is worth remembering. 

Whiskers on Kittens: Part Two

"There are only two ways to live your life. One as though nothing is a miracle, the other as though everything is." 

-Albert Einstein

First, Albert Einstein is one of my favorite people. Yes, because he is a genius and all...But more than that he had to have confidence to sport that crazy hair in public. Albert, one day I will be as confident about my crazy hair as you.

Whiskers on Kittens is going to be a post that comes once in a while to feature a few of my favorite things with a photo to brighten your day. Let me know if you have the same favorite things or if you don't, I care what you love too.

All that to say, a few of my favorite things lately would have to be:

• Naps: Last year, I told myself that I needed to take more naps. This week, I have taken 2. Needless to say, I am happier than I have been in a while. 
• Sriracha Hot Sauce: YES YES YES YUMMY! The other day, I decided to buy some at the grocery store for my fam bam. We have been putting it on EVERYTHING! So delicious. 
• Brettany Stratton: Brettany is one of the most wonderful people I have ever know and one of the best friends I could ever ask for. She is married and will be having a baby in May! Our schedules are usually pretty opposite, but in the last few weeks we have gotten to spend so much time together. Pedicures, car rides, long talks at her home. She's like water in the desert. REFRESHING times a million. 

This picture was taken at a UW Huskies football game with Brettany and Steve. We had a great time, got super lost walking back to our car, and ended up getting home around 2AM. But it didn't matter. We all froze and laughed and walked together. And Baby Dawson got hungry in Brettany's tummy. We fed him Kettle Corn. I'm sure he liked it. 

Life is miraculous. 

A New Chapter.

"I have found the one whom my soul loves."

-Song of Solomon 3:4

As I sat in Starbucks, in the oversized chairs that I love so much, I heard their story. The story of how they met, fell in love, and how he asked her to spend forever by his side. She was radiant. Beaming. In love. She told me about the details, from the dress, to the friends who would stand by her side, but mostly, she told me about him. How he was exactly who she had dreamed of marrying and how she wanted forever to start as soon as possible.

Last Saturday, Jason & Janet started writing a new chapter, together. During the ceremony, it was as if everybody was invisible and all that mattered was them and their love for each other and life. When they said "I Do" everyone was there agreeing that they were made for each other.

When Jason saw Janet for the first time, it was as if everything in the world was made right. The rain didn't matter, it felt like sunshine. She was perfect, and he knew it. He knew he was marrying the most beautiful woman he had ever known and his heart smiled.

Jason & Janet, I wish you the best. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day. These images make my heart smile.

Life is a blank page filled with memories. 

Leap Fearlessly!

"If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves."

-Thomas Edison

New Years Resolutions are my favorites. I love lists, I love goals. So, of course, I love lists about goals. But the best thing about them is when at the end of the year, I can look back and see that I have accomplished something. Some past resolutions have included: Read 5 books that aren't required (when I was in High School), Stop drinking Diet Coke (aspartame=NASTY), and numerous other things I can't remember. This year I have some resolutions as well. 

Yes, I am a bit late, but you'll see why. Here is my list: 

• Think Before I Speak: Sometimes, I say things. Well, a lot of times. But there are times when it is like words go flying out of my mouth and I am trying to lasso them back in and pretend like they never happened. Maybe I wish they got stuck on my teeth and didn't actually leave to where people could hear. This year, I'm taking a little more time. 
• Run a 5k: It might be random, but I know that I've wanted to run a 5k for a long time. I just haven't really had time or made it a priority. 2011, this is the year. 
• Photograph More Weddings: I really enjoy weddings. I love the emotions of everything, the dress, the tux, and how everything that happens is special. I want to be able to document the moments that are worth remembering forever. 

There are more, yes. But I will keep those safe in my journal for now. I think the bottom line is this, I want to be brave. I want to do things I've never done and not let anxiety or insecurities hold me back. I want to do what I love and love what I do. Its worth it to me. 

There is a beautiful present on the wall next to my bed. Everyday I look at it and am reminded that fear is lame and only the brave are truly happy. Each time I see it, I remember again how rewarding risk is. I am reminded that grace is enough, and I remember that in my weakness, HE is strong. (2 Cor. 12:9)

Challenge yourself, be brave and strong and remember you are a superstar. Give yourself a reminder, because sometimes, we all forget. This is mine...

Life is full of risks, but they are worth it.