He's my husband, and my love - truly a soulmate. He has me thinking deep thoughts today as he heads out on a mission trip to Haiti. Now, I know that most likely he will be just fine, even though some folks are a little negative about the trip. We are very aware that things are not totally safe in Haiti right now, but the work they are setting out to do is important and I am a woman of faith. We all know, however, how easy it is to say the words, but how hard it can be to FEEL it when it involves the love of your life... the father of your children. Let's just say it hits home.

I won't bore you all with all of the thoughts my mind is asking today, but I did want to share one small thing with you. Being the photographer I am, I can't help but document my family's lives. It's just what I do. It is even why I offer lifestyle photography sessions where I go and spend a good part of any given day taking pictures of whatever my clients do. Life is not meant to be documented only on special occasions, in your best outfit with your hair and makeup just so. I'm very much a believer in catching life as it passes.... the little day-to-day things. They can mean so much in the future.

I was working on an album design today and thinking how much this couple is going to LOVE sharing these pictures with their kids someday. (And those of us with kids can attest just how fast that 'someday' will get here! ;) This put me in mind to take a peak at some of the pictures I have of Tim that I love looking at.... not necessarily the BEST pictures I have, but the ones that speak to me on a personal level.

So I did, and you know what? It helps. To have pictures of him with the kids, doing the day-to-day stuff in life, it helps calm me. I feel more at peace with the trip and I know that, if my worst nightmare came true and he didn't return to us for any reason, it would be good to have these pictures. They would insure that the kids would have wonderful memories of their dad.

I told you, deep thoughts.

Now, some of you may cringe at the idea of talking about the potential death of a loved one, but I have seen it happen over and over in my years as a photographer... life is never a sure thing. We never know when it will be our 'time' and it soothes me to know that I have wonderful images of him - the pictures would be something I would cling to. I've had clients who have lost loved ones and have come back later and thanked me for my small part in capturing their loved ones for them. It makes what I do seem very rewarding. It's good to have reminders of what is really important in life sometimes.

Nowadays in our advertising-intensive world, the marketing of memories may make us all a little cynical at times, but please don't let it keep you from realizing how important photography can be. Lately I've had a few brides-to-be share with me that their dress cost several thousands of dollars so they can't afford to spend $2,000 on photography. I can't help but roll my eyes internally sometimes when I hear someone say something like "pictures shouldn't cost so much, they aren't THAT important". You have to know that someone who does what I do for a living would value photography highly, but that aside - I'm not just a photographer. I'm a mom, a wife, a daughter and I wouldn't take anything for the pictures of my friends and family. I know most folks are on a budget and have to make decisions about their priorities, but it doesn't mean that pictures are not important... it just means that something else may be more important. :)

I'm getting sidetracked here, something I don't want to do. I will write on this kind of thing in future blogs, but just take this away from today's post. Take pictures of your loved ones. Often. Resist the temptation to make them dress up or brush their hair. Catch them exactly as they are, doing things they love. THOSE are the very best pictures a person can have.

Thanks for listening.

G

I came across a blurb in this month's issue of Real Simple that I thought some of you may find helpful, especially if you are looking for a few ideas on your save the date cards or programs. The one above, shaped like a bell when closed, opens up to make a fan. A great idea if you happen to be planning a summer wedding in Highlands. Many of our local wedding venues are outdoors or have no air conditioning.... the Summer Chapel comes to mind. Something like this would be nice. There are many ideas, just hop over to this link to see some others. Links to individual designers' sites are right next to each image featured.... so even MORE ideas! Have fun. Hope you find the perfect thing!

The couple are horse lovers and each even rode up to the ceremony site on their mounts. It was a beautiful day for an intimate wedding in the country. I could've taken a lot more images, I had to rein myself in. :D Hope you like them! if you want to see the slideshow, just click here.

I love these two image of the ceremony. You can feel the love!

The kiss!

The guys did a great job with the music (if you have a website, just let me know and I'll post it up here.)

I fell in love with this cutie! She did an awesome job as flower girl!

Just had to get a couple with the horses!

What do you think, this one or the one above? I can't make up my mind.

I think this is my favorite of Matt.

Of course I took a few with Sierra and her horse. Here's one of my faves.

Sierra was a beautiful bride and her flowers were gorgeous, too.

All the western details were a perfect fit to their big day.

The first dance and the garter were two great moments that evening.

The guests, including Matt's sister, did a number on his truck!

Sierra had a time getting in, but they made it. :D I wish them all the best in their new lives together!!

I have had over my fair share of email issues lately. I've been on the phone with tech guys from all the major players and although they say that everything is fine, it isn't. I will keep trying, but until I can figure out what is going on, please call me if you need anything. If you haven't heard from me, I'm not ignoring you... most likely I've sent you an email that never arrived. It seems to work the other way as well as I've been waiting to hear from some clients and finally picked up the phone to find that they emailed me back after all.

I'm sorry for any inconvenience, and I want to be sure that everyone knows to call me at 828-526-5365 anytime you need me. I'm happy to help. :D

Thanks!

The guys braved the full sun so we could get a view of the mountains.

Ralph looked very handsome

Christy was a gorgeous bride! See?

This is a good looking bunch!

I can't decide whether this is my favorite picture...

or this one. What do you think?

All the details were fantastic... I love this menu.

This cake could possibly be THE most photographed cake ever.... everyone was impressed with it. ;)

The band, the Infinity Show Band, was SO very fun.... they truly rocked the house!

I love this shot of Christy and her mom, Debbie, getting down on the dance floor... there are many more coming soon! :D

The guys did their own thing in front of the car.

The girls answered in their own style

It was a great night. Check back soon for the rest of the images... they are uploading and should be available in the next day or so. Whoo-hoo!

The slideshow is ready, click here to see it!

All the flowers from Fiddlehead Designs were stunning!! I loved the colors and texture here.

The boys were having fun while waiting for the day's festivities to start.

Careful now.... the guys made it hard for me to take sharp pictures since they had me laughing so hard, so often.

Jenni is such a beauty and I love, love her smile.

Francisco is no slouch either!

The ceremony had been planned for a mountain-top field, but it rained so hard it had to be moved inside.

but the rain just meant a chance for some under-umbrella snuggling.

Then the food came out... the folks at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley really give the very best of service in addition to making some fabulous food.

Just look at this table setting.

Cute place cards!

The cake, by Sid Jackson at Creative Pastries, was raved about by the guests...

I love how this couple makes each other laugh...

The band was wonderful! So talented. Project Vida is the name... don't forget it!

Jenni and Francisco's first dance was so sweet...

but then things really cranked up. Here's one shot of the money dance. Jenni warned me that all of her family loved to dance. :D

Well, it didn't take the cover, but this precious puppy earned a spot in my heart and in the pages of Professional Photographer magazine with her precious look. I'm so excited to see this picture in print where others can enjoy it. It never fails to make me smile. :D

If you'd like to see the article, here is a link to the online version. (I don't know about your computer, but mine has inserted some blank pages within the article... just lettin' you know. ;)

To see the slideshow, just click here.

The ring, Chris made the box himself!

I was getting my 'spy on' in this one, I was convinced Val would see me!

I LOVE this shot!

After a while I got brave and got in close.

I wish, wish, wish I had a shot like this of Tim's proposal!

This old tractor was too cool not to use.

A little backstory - this is Pahlua. Her owner, Dale, is the brother of a friend of mine in town, Krysti. He was walking her one day when I was visiting with Krysti and I fell in love. I mean, who wouldn't?? I asked Dale if he'd ever had her picture and made and we were off and running. :) For the shoot we chose to leave her everyday blue collar on... and I'm glad because it really makes those gorgeous eyes 'pop'! She was a wonderful subject with those expressive ears, too. I quickly learned the sound to make to get her to react and it resulted in the image you see here.