Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! We are enjoying being in Tahoe with family...but no snow. I had a few years to get used to the whole White Christmas deal but this year was different. As long as the people I love are around me, it could be lava on the ground outside and it would be okay. Well, maybe that is an exaggeration. 

Anyways, I just love my family. They are funny, thoughtful, and a little crazy--like most families...right?:)

My older sister and her fiance, Tim. June 30th will be a great day!

I hope you have been blessed with a great year and are looking forward to 2012!

Thank you, God, for the blessings of 2011. 

Merry Christmas!

Progress

Travis and I are finally feeling like we are making progress on our house. By 'we', I mean Travis, Me, and countless friends who have been amazing help. 

Here we are in our mess of a living room...

Eric, you rocked at painting our stripes. Travis, you couldn't have taped any straighter of lines:)

The above picture is a little nook off of the dining room/kitchen area. We painted white and beige stripes--it adds some character...I think. We still have some painting to do in that little nook but here is a peek at what it looks like with our little red friend.

 Trav and I have been loving the fireplace. With the flip of a switch, our home is extra cozy and warm.

 Did you notice the awesome spray painted Mason jars? They are my favorite! They were such an easy little craft and I am working hard not to spray paint every Mason jar I can find.

 We bought two of these fun chairs from World Market and love what they add to our living room! 

I also love that our dining room table looks like this right now because we are able to have friends over and fill our home with laughter and people we enjoy! Poker night was a hit--well, I was watching The Help with a girlfriend:)

 Thank you to everyone who has been sharing in our excitement! The cards, flowers, etc. are so thoughtful. We love you all--thank you!

 We have yet to hang a single thing on the walls--still have lots of painting to do. But, there has been some major progress and we couldn't have done it without some giving people. Girlfriends who helped move boxes, clean, organize, & line shelves:)...while the guys moved boxes, beds, and installed microwaves & garage door openers:)

Well, now I am off to finish editing this lovely couple's wedding...

Check back in a few days for their full blog post!

Thanks for following...

Family Session

I was excited when Ashley asked me to take photos of her and her family for the Holidays. Ashley has such a sweet heart and a cheerful, fun spirit. 

Yesterday we were both feeling under the weather and I texted her saying that I was putting in the movie'The Holiday'..."the coffee pot is on, the heater is on, and the couch is comfy"--she was over in 15 minutes. I love it.

Here are just a few photos from my time with Ashley and her family. 

 Thank you, boys, for trying your best with the goofy faces:)

I hope everyone is having a great week--the weather is just perfect. Well, it is "cold" for California but it is great:) Oh, and I am wearing sandals today--San Diego girl.

Thanks for following!

Home

We are enjoying making our home, a home. It was perfect timing to get into the house--Thanksgiving was just around the corner and visiting family were just a few days away. Boxes were stuffed in closets while we feasted on turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. 

I definitely did not think that we would be homeowners at this stage of our life. A few days ago Travis and I were driving home and I looked to him and said "We are married homeowners...how did that happen? I feel too young to be a married homeowner!" It is so funny how surreal all of this feels. 

So, this blog will be quiet for a while. We have lots of painting, organizing, and projects to do! Maybe I'll be disciplined enough to take pictures and share some of the projects along the way...

A fun Wedding will be posted within a week or so--keep checking in!

Patience...

We all know the saying 'Patience is a Virtue'. Well, patience is hard for me. There seem to be a lot of areas in life that require a lot of patience--for all of us. As far as our first home goes, we are just waiting. We have done everything we can do, as far as papers being signed and checks being written, but we still have to wait. Because it was a Foreclosure, we have to wait for Fanny Mae, or the bank, to sign. Thats all they have to do...sign. But, I guess Fanny Mae is notorious for taking their time.:) So, patience is a virtue. We are having fun looking at paint colors, though!

 As I sit here waiting for my phone to ring with our real estate agent on the other line telling us that they signed, I sip coffee. Which, in reality, is making me more anxious than more relaxed. But, it seemed like a yummy alternative to biting my nails. Patience is a virtue.

The good news is, I have a lot of work keeping me busy! Check out this photo from another Family Session...

My dear friend Ashley and her siblings...

Cute families, huh? 

Thank you for keeping me busy:) I am enjoying looking through the hundreds of photos! I am learning patience and just keep telling myself that we will eventually be in this house, whether it is this week or next.

Thanks for following!

Thankful

There are a lot of things in my life that I am thankful for. With the recent passing of a high school friend, I am thankful for life. He was a twin. I am thankful for the life of my twin sister--our relationship that is being strengthened daily. Things haven't always been easy between us but I think we are both growing up, maturing, realizing our mistakes, and learning to forgive. 

(Screen Capture from Facebook Album)

I am thankful for our Photography business and the best clients who trust us to capture their special days. Family sessions for the Holidays are upon us and there have been some fun sessions so far!

Our life has felt pretty crazy recently. We are in the process of getting our first home! I am so thankful for this. It really has gone by so quickly and we feel blessed. We have done everything we can on our end and are just waiting for the bank and the recording to happen before we get the keys! Thought I'd share a little picture of our first home. 

We met with our realtor a few days ago for a final walkthrough and got to check the mail for the first time! Who thought I'd be so excited to check the mail?!

There are too many things that I am thankful for to list them out with photos.:) I am thankful for that, too.

Napa Wedding--JJ & Carly

Travis and I have been blessed to be able to photograph weddings for people who we have known for years. Carly and I met our freshmen year of college and it was a joy to be a part of her and JJ's Wedding day. 

Carly has a kind spirit--she is beautiful and has a heart for people. JJ has a contagious laugh and it was touching to see him wipe the tears away as his Bride approached him down the aisle.

Once again, I hope these photos portray the joy of their day. While surrounded by breath taking views of never-ending vineyards, JJ and Carly became husband and wife.

JJ and Carly did not see each other on their Wedding Day until she walked down the aisle. 

I enjoy the time with the couple in their moments just after becoming husband and wife.

 The details of this wedding were perfect.

Travis spent some time in the vineyard with their beautiful rings.

 This wedding was full of beautiful people. Thank you JJ & Carly for the fun and memories--you two are great.

Thanks for following!