Bekah + Jeremy [MARRIED!]

You'd think I'd be hiding under the covers. The first wedding of the season was only hours away, and I couldn't be anything except excited. Butterflies in my tummy, yes, but my oh my, the sun was shining and the sun's warmth touched my shoulders. Let the wedding march begin.

Adam and I have known Bekah and Jeremy for about a year or so, and we couldn't have been more honored to be able to document their special day. May 21st was beautiful and the perfect day for a wedding. Their smiles were east to west, and their eyes sparkled with love.

Absolutely loved Bekah's shoes! What can I say? The girl's got style! ;)

LOOK AT THAT BLING! Ow, ow!

E

The rain even held off for a bit for us to take a quick trip down to the beach for a few minutes.

Bekah! You are stunning! Jeremy...you're pretty handsome yourself too. ;)

This final picture could quite possibly be my favorite picture from the night! The entire crowd was begging for the couple to kiss, and what a view I got! ;)

Congratulations, friends! Your day couldn't have been any more perfect, and Adam and I wish you the absolute best! We hope you're having a wonderful honeymoon! I have 317 more pictures still to look over and give you guys! ;)

Love,

A & B

"Daddy, did you know...?"

All children seem to recognize dandelions as flowers. Their bright yellow florets mirror the life and vivacity of those who pick them as "flowers." Every mom's counter-top will display these proudly at least once. And the puff-balls that soon arrived after the brilliant yellows? Every one knows they're made for wishing.

I also picked these as a child, but Daddy made sure I knew they were weeds (he, of course, broke the news gently after I reached the precious age of 5). They were pretty, but not exactly what makes a perfectly groomed yard.

I still beg to differ.

"The dandelion plant is a beneficial weed, with a wide range of uses, and is even a good companion plant for gardening." (thank you, Wikipedia.)

Oh, yeah. Its still a weed, but OH! BENEFICIAL. And so, I'll keep my dandelions around for the love of all things innocent...well, at least in the backyard. ;)

Photographic Prophecy

I take many pictures. Of daily events like laundry piles, new development in my garden, the handsome face of my fiancé. But, oh, the highlights of my week as well: cooing babies, dinners at the park, and of course, upcoming weddings.<3

It's only right that I dream in photographs as well. Two nights ago, I dreamed I was at my parents' house searching through an album of my baby pictures. Smiling, drooling, and of course, potty training-- which included both of the former as well. As I reached the last page, I found a picture completely foreign to me.

I was lying in a hospital bed, obviously a few years older, with side-swept bangs and a bit longer hair with highlights and lowlights. SMILING; ear-to-ear with a joy that could only come from something -or someone- completely God-sent. And in my arms, a baby. A baby girl swaddled tightly in a pink blanket. At the top of the picture, a date was printed: April 2015.

While I decide whether or not this is a prophecy (or whether I believe in now-a-day existence of them) or even if I want to have children in four years!, I will continue to take pictures of the big babies I have now...

(taken via iPhone)

Happy Tuesday, all!

Michigan Spring

No matter how long we endured the blizzards, the ice-scraping off our cars, the wind that left your lungs aching, and bundling up that took 10 minutes before setting out the door...Spring is always worth it. Especially Spring in Michigan.

As soon as the first 65 degree day hits, I have winter amnesia. I forget all those days where I swore I'd move in a heartbeat; somewhere warmer where the only place it gets to be 18 degrees is in your freezer. But this...oh, this makes it all worth it.

Dandelion covered fields, soft green grass, freshly stocked garden centers in Home Depot, open windows, picnics on blankets by the beach, having to wash off your feet before you crawl into bed, *thunderstorms*, the smell of your neighbor grilling outside, seasonal fresh fruit, not having to hold coats but instead hold hands, jogging outside, and my favorite...new growth. On trees, bushes, flowers,...and even us as individuals.

It's an untouched season. A re-birth of all things stale and tired and cold. Transforming into something pure, beautiful, and new.

Welcome to Michigan and our perfect Spring.

Artistically Stretched

The summer is booked with weddings. I've got table pieces crammed into the closet, scraps of ideas nestled in every nook, and rice coming out of my ears. So, in the midst of it all, I searched for a creative outlet that dealt less with photography but still with my business. Thank you, Chelsea.

I credited Chelsea with initially requesting my photography service for her senior pictures, so was I surprised when she pushed me artistically to design her graduation announcements? Not completely, but I jumped at the opportunity.

(invitation half-way through)

Instead of examining the pictures I take with my camera, I was able to take a blank canvas and transform it into something she (hopefully!) loves. I, once again, could take part in her celebration.

Thank you, Chelsea, for always believing in my work! You are a beautiful woman, and I can't wait to see where life takes you next!

:)

Blessings Abound

I must be the weirdest bride around. Bridal Confession: I have loved planning my table centerpieces more than finding my dress. I mean, I love my dress. Love. It fits the theme of our wedding, and it.is.timeless. And I do try it on every time I go home. But I have been planning these centerpieces, picking out items here and there, for months. And yesterday, I became MY MOM.

Deer moss, weathered wooden boxes, old milk-bottles from my Grandpa, field-fresh flowers, and baby bird nests? I am beyond excited for our country, barn wedding. Where are my cowboy boots? Oh, that's right. Hidden by my STILLETOS.

And to top of my day of heavenly craft planning, Adam and I were able to meet my parents for late night pizza and a walk through our favorite summer time. All the stores were closed, but the coffee to-go kept us warm from the whipping wind coming off the lake. Plus, the chilly weather was a great excuse to cuddle close and walk stride-in-stride.

Saturday was beautiful in celebrating our wedding and our families coming together, but Sunday was unique and beautiful in its own ways as well. Since Easter for me consisted of dry toast, Disney marathons, and naps on the couch, Adam and I saved our egg decorating kit for a time better suited for us. It just so happens that that time was yesterday. After a gorgeous morning of fellowship and worship with our dear friends, my cousin drove up to spend the afternoon with us. And so we did things cousins do:

Eat ice-cream.

Decorate eggs all sorts of light, airy colors.

Stroll downtown Holland in spring jackets and rockin' shoes.

Stop for coffee and smoothies at our own indie coffee shop.

Then enjoy said beverages by the outdoor fireplace.

And even make a new little friend.

It was a great weekend. Here's to an even better week.

Happy Monday, friends!