the engagement of... [brett + amy]

If I were to describe Brett & Amy in one word, it would be "dorks." I don't mean that in the Screech or Steve Urkel kind of way, though. You know when you're around someone you love and your entire demeanor just becomes dorkier? Well, they are quite possibly the biggest dorks I have ever met. I told this to them & they both started giggling & replied in unison, "Yeah... we know!"

I've known Brett & Amy through church for a few years now. However, taking their engagement photos was the first time I had been around them alone. Their love for each other & for God is absolutely infectious. They were constantly smiling, giggling, & joking around. It was so refreshing to be around them. After spending 2 hours with them, I immediately said a prayer of thanks & called Erik to tell him how much I love him. That's the sign of an incredible relationship- when it causes everyone around you to be joyful.

Brett and Amy- thank you for allowing me to get a deeper glimpse at your amazing, dorky relationship.

It was so sweet to see the way Brett looks at his future bride:



Brett, Amy & I all agreed that this bench was perfect for an elderly couple. We'll probably see them on this in 60 years!

Amy is rarely seen without her pearl necklace and engagement ring.


My favorite moment of the entire session was at the end. I asked Brett & Amy if they would feel comfortable praying together while I took photos. Not only did they agree, but they were excited to take a moment and thank God for each other. I love it.

Thank you, Brett & Amy, for trusting me to capture these precious moments. I can't wait for your wedding next summer!

a portrait of... [natasha]

"A best friend isn't someone who you can have fun with all the time. It's someone who will tell you the truth, even when it hurts." Natasha said these words to me as a preface to what she was about to say. Let's just say she had a mini-intervention with me. She put her foot down and told me she'd had enough. With loving but stern eyes, she firmly said, "You must follow your dreams."

I had spent all my life keeping my dreams separate from my reality. I was simply too scared of failure. Thank God for Natasha, who opened my eyes to the little faith I had in God. Because of her, I have finally committed to pursuing my dream of being a...

... wedding photographer!

I'll be honest- I have no idea what I'm getting myself into. I don't know where to begin, what to do, or if I'm even good enough. All I know is that it's been my passion for years. I love the way I feel behind a camera and I love capturing memories. I'm excited to see where God leads me on this path.

I am truly blessed to have Natasha in my life as a friend who tells me the honest truth. Our friendship has helped me grow so much in character. I am forever grateful God has put her in my life.

Not only is Natasha my best friend, she is also my co-worker. This past weekend, our office went on a retreat to San Diego. I was able to snap some photos of my beautiful friend and it was so much fun!

I fell madly in love with this blue fence:

She got this hat at a boutique in Little Italy. It is quite fashionable, yes?




This one is not my usual style, but I had to take advantage of Natasha's killer dance moves:




Lastly, me and Tash:

I love you, Tash. Thank you for being you!

fisherwoman

I went deep sea fishing for the 2nd time on Friday.  I decided I pretty much love it.  The best part of my day was fighting for a good 5 minutes minutes with a 5 pound bonito and winning. I haven't received a photo of me and the bonito yet, but here's one of the first calico bass I caught that day:

And might I add, I cooked it that night and it was delicious. :)  I can't wait until my next deep sea fishing trip!