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The Birthday Trio. That’s what we call ourselves. First it was the Birthday Duo (back when it was just my twin sister and I) and then last year, we added the sweetest little man to our birthday celebrations. We all share April 19th and it’s pretty special. This year on our birthdays, we had little Jude man’s bday party (which I posted here) but shortly after, we continued the celebration with a fun visit to Disney World. Now, the little man was just a bit too young to fully appreciate where he was but it was still so fun to see this special place through the eyes of a child. We took our time, more than usual, and just enjoyed being together (along with my parents) as we walked around the park. It was a simpler way to do Disney than I’ve done before and kind of nice. I can’t wait to come back, years from now, and see it through my nieces/nephews and who knows, maybe even my children’s eyes! What a fun day that would be. Who knows, I just may ‘wish upon a star’ and see if it comes true!
So, in the Name of Disney, making wishes, and the Birthday Trio,
I Say, Take Me Back!
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Tuckered out.
And just because his Easter outfit was too good not to share…
Oh, Monday. Why do you always creep up on me and then hit me like a mack truck? Don’t you know the softer approach is better?
Ok, I’ll stop talking to intangible things but today is a typical Monday. A Monday of Madness. I just drove in from Arkansas having done a sweet newborn session yesterday and the list of ‘To Do’s’ is piling up. With a session tonight, I’m having to prioritize and put on my best ‘time management hat.’ Let’s hope its a cute ‘Kate Middelton kind of one’ cause well…I’m gonna need to wear it for a while. Yep, it’s my busy season and busy I have been. I’ve had a shoot what feels like every night for a couple weeks now, keeping me buzzin’ like a busy bee. Since I don’t have time to post a full session today, here is a sneak peek of some of the things I have been up to (minus the multiple bridal sessions of course). Can’t wait to show these full posts but until Kate’s hat collection becomes my own, it may be just a bit.
Happy Monday!
I’ll close with this sweet face! Don’t get to do many newborns so its fun when I do!
“I just can’t figure out why I am so exhausted,” I told my friend, having felt like my body was a ton of bricks and wouldn’t obey my will to get going. “Well, maybe it’s because you haven’t rested,” she said quickly.
At first I thought that was a funny statement since the whole point was that I was having trouble waking up in the morning. Then I realized what she meant. I haven’t RESTED. There is a difference between rest and sleep and I definitely don’t do the first one well. All my life I have been known as the ‘girl who never stops.’ At first I thought maybe it was a compliment…you know, like I’m a go-getter and all. As time passes though, I’m not so sure that it is a compliment as much as it is a complicated reality that is catching up with me. In the last few years, I have been challenged more and more on this. Learning the art of rest and realizing that I’m just plain NOT good at it. I like to be on the move. To feel the thrill of being busy. To face the challenge of ‘getting it all done.’ I’ve prided myself on it, I suppose, but recently (much to the credit of my body) I am seeing that it’s not something to be proud of. God Himself knew the art of resting…so maybe I should as well.
This week has been one of the craziest in a long while, with sessions almost every day and in places all over the state. Not to mention, some life decisions and technological complications that have added stress. It’s been a week that has challenged me emotionally and physically…leaving me much in need of some rest. True rest. I wish I could tell you that I have a weekend planned full of rest but that’s not exactly the case. I won’t be working all weekend but some. This is more of a public confession of my need to establish some intentional practices of rest. Maybe when the whole Internet knows, I just might make some changes. Fingers crossed.
If you are like me and struggle to make time to simply be, I encourage you as I encourage myself to take it seriously. Something tells me that it will be worth it.
Happy Friday!
“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
So today’s Take Me Back post is a little bit different but very special. I decided to combine a wedding post and a TMB post because this couple really does take me back. You see I knew this couple before they were ever a them. In fact, I knew them before they knew each other… all thanks to a place that is near and to my heart and to theirs. It all began during the summer months of a little Ozark town within the gates of a special place called Kanakuk Kamp. All three of us were just crazy college kids wanting to spend our summers with other crazy college kids as we made lasting memories and tried to impact the next generation for Christ. We would work all day in the summer heat, put on crazy costumes just because, entertain children with silly skits and wacky games, and simply enjoyed being in a place of retreat from the world. If you’ve ever worked at a summer camp you know what I mean when I say there is nothing else like it. Your friendships develop quicker than anywhere else and somehow last longer because you’ve worked together so closely for a common goal and in some of the most stretching environments.
I knew Cooper first and then I met Blair…and then they met each other. They were friends first, not thinking much of it, until one summer when their particular positions at camp meant that they would be working closely together. All summer long their friendship deepened and so did their affection for one another. He began to see that this woman was something special and she began to see that she loved being with this man. I still remember the day she called me to tell me that he had asked her out…catching her completely off guard. For a little over a year they dated long distance and boy was it a sweet season of pursuit. These two are incredibly fun people separately but together…well together they are just a blast. Blair called me almost immediately after they got engaged and asked me to be there to photograph their special day. I of course heartily agreed, not wanting to miss such a wonderful celebration. So, on a beautiful day in March, I loaded up in my car (having just shot another wedding) and drove through the night to be there with these two. It was totally worth it as I got to stand in agreement with them as they vowed forever.
One of the reasons I love photographing weddings is because it celebrates something God so beautifully designed. Relationship. God is a relational God and He has made His people to be relational beings. Not only is that the beauty of marriage but it is also the beauty of those standing with you as you join in lifetime union. That is what made this day so special. Not only was I getting to document a union between two people who I love dearly but I was getting to do it surrounded by people who I love dearly. A good portion of the guests were people I had worked alongside during those hot summer months…creating again those sweet relationships. As Blair and Cooper held hands and exchanged rings, promising to be faithful til death, hundreds of people joined with them in support. I may have shed just a tear or two behind the camera as I witnessed such a beautiful event. Maybe.
Blair and Cooper, how fun that I have walked this journey with you literally since before the beginning. You two are some of my favorite people and I am beyond privileged to have been able to document such a wonderful day. I cannot wait to see where your journey as husband and wife takes you. I am confident that God will do mighty things through your marriage…and I am confident that it will include crazy costumes and epic dance moves.
So, in the name of sweet friendships,
I Say, Take Me Back!