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Just a quick note to tell ya whats up. Well, first off, traffic is TERRIBLE today in town- and NO ONE is paying attention to anything! Grrr makes me so fruity!

Anywho- TONIGHT & TOMORROW night at the Panida in SAndpoint, the documentary, BABIES, is playing at 7:30pm. Give yourself a break from the week and go see this light hearted beautiful movie. While you are there- don’t forget to check out all the babies that are on display inside the lobby.

I and another photographer are showcasing beautiful, squishy, adorable babies

If you come tonight, make sure you stop me and say hi

*****This post has some pretty graphic images*****

As a mom of 4, a housewife, and a business owner, i know all too well the stresses of life. Throughout the day my kids have pushed my every button and tested my last nerve….. but its them that remind me that they just need my attention. All too often I have yelled and screamed- just for them to LISTEN to me- or stop fighting- or just do what I ask them to do. But NEVER once have I ever put my hand on my child to HURT them… and tonight as I am thinking about the Angels Of Hope event, I do not think I will ever understand how ANYONE can do such a terrible thing. Just to look into the eyes of a child- so innocent. All they want is your love and praise. It makes me sick to think how someone could do such TERRIBLE things to a little child. Its funny how we need a license to drive a car or a degree to perform some job, but when it comes to raising children… no one blinks an eye or even questions your ability.

Tonight I was planning out a little video to share come August 1- the start date of Angels Of Hope- and I was searching for the perfect song. Something cute and upbeat for all our angels, when it crossed my mind of a song that I heard looonng ago. So I did what every other late night computer addict would do…. I goggled it

I am not sure if you have heard this song or even remember it. But tonight (or this morning as you are reading this), I ask you to listen to this song, think of your wonderful children and how much they mean to you… then I want you to think of those babies- those children, who are so small and eyes so pure, and ask yourself how you can help.

Don’t just look away. Stand up and make a difference.

Help support Kinderhaven, by either making a donation or by participating in the Angels Of Hope event. For more info click on the link above- Angels Of Hope

As I had said in my Facebook post… This wedding seriously tingled my fashion senses! From the bride to the brides maid to the little details that surrounded the wedding…. I LOVED it all. Of course there would be no way that I could pull off any of that fashion…. I’m too old now.. EWWWW just thinking about that made my tummy turn green! TOO OLD. YIKES! Well maybe if I had a personal shopper, dresser, and makeup artist, I could pull it off, but these days.. its all “mom” garb!

When I first met Kaylee, and she was describing her views and their style.. I was jumping for joy. It all sounded like so much fun! And they were!

On wedding day, I walked into a room of what felt like 30 girls getting ready for a fashion shoot. Clothes, shoes, pins, hair spray – all flying everywhere, but all in a sense of fun calmness. Even the dog had found a place on the floor to relax and sleep thru it all. Kaylee was looking AMAZING as the girls were getting her all dolled up for the big day. Over in the corner of the bathroom, something had caught me eye…. Would those be??? NO! Couldnt be. Are they REALLY? Kaylee’s wedding shoes! Oh I was in shoe heaven! They were like beautiful disco balls – ON HEELS! After I snagged those puppies for their photo debut, I was caught checking the size- just to see if my tootsies would look pretty in them as well. No such luck! PLus  I am not too sure how Kaylee would have felt if I hi-jacked her wedding shoes!

As the final touches were being made… the girls were ready to place the veil on. I remember hearing BIRD CAGE veil from one side of the room and again – inside I was squeeling like a little girl. Again – fashion excitement! Well after tearing apart the bedroom about 3 times – no veil was found But this beautiful bride did not let it spoil her day. In fact, they all came up with an idea of making one! So with a little creativity and a pair of scissors and a BRAVE bride, they flipped her dress and cut off a piece to make a veil!

Great idea… just didn’t work out. So again keeping in her positive attitude ( Much better than I ever would) – she decided “heck with it!”

Here is my “interview” with the New Mr. & Mrs!

What was the most memorable moment of the day

Bride: right as i was about the walk down the isle…I  realized all the stress of the wedding didn’t matter anymore

Groom:seeing Kaylee walk down the isle towards me knowing she would soon be my wife

(Awww- that is so sweet. I just LOVE weddings!)

What was your favorite detail?

Bride:the Japanese lanterns in the meadow til they got blown away by the wind and rain

Groom: the food

Funniest memory from your wedding day?

Bride:the arch blowing over right as we walked away

Groom: the odd 20 min rain storm during the reception

Any advice for future brides/grooms?

Bride:elope!

Groom:elope!

Where did/will  you go on your honeymoon? A short one to Seattle……then possibly Hawaii but not for a while

A little more on our Bride & Groom

How did you meet? A friend of mine was dating Avery’s best friend at the time and they both set us up at a get together they put on

How did he propose: hahah about 5 hours after i gave birth to our son, because with my crazy hormones, i told him not to propose while i was pregnant because i thought he wouldn’t really mean it..so he proposed right after hahaha even tho he had the ring for quite some time.

What is his/hers funniest quirk?

Bride: even tho he looks like a tough tattoo artist…hes a total nerd!

Groom: shes a bit compulsive about weird things lol

Besides the moment of saying “I do” what has been one of your favorite memories together?

Bride: when we first met and he made me watch weird movies like the dark crystal hahaha

Groom: hahahah watching her try to sit thru the dark crystal before she freaked out and was so scared she made me turn it off

How did you feel coming down the aisle? Were you nervous? Was your dad/mom?

Bride: not really i just couldn’t believe that the wedding had finally come

Groom: i was a little nervous

Your first dance at the reception, why did you pick that song: “The only Exception” by Paramore…..i love the song and it kinda represents all the crazy people we both dated till we found each other hahaha

Tell me what you were feeling during the song?

Bride: nice to have a moment away from all the craziness

Groom: trying not to trip over my own feet lol

If there is one thing you know you’ll never forget about your Wedding Day…
What would it be?

Bride:the crazy weather!

Groom:the crazy fight at the end of the night!

As a mom… we learn things pretty quickly on how LIFE works…

Rule #1: when it rains – it pours!

Rule #2: when you need to get stuff completed- that is when your kids NEED you the most.

Rule #3: When you finally get your kids occupied, your computer crashes!

It started off as a crazy weekend full of wedding bliss….and since then I have been struggling to keep afloat. I am so sick of computer issues that I have pulled out my hair and the ones that are left on my head….are gray!

I have finally been able to get enough pictures collected to show you all some photos from one of this month’s weddings.

I would like to introduce to you Justin & Jordan!

Dress | David’s Bridal

First Dance | “All Or Nothing” Theory Of a Deadman

Father Daughter Dance | “My Little Girl” Tim McGraw

Ceremony/ Reception | Bigelow Arbors

Cake | Cakes By Stephanie

DJ | Complete Music

Here are a few questions I got to ask the bride and groom about their big day!

What was the most memorable moment of your day?

Bride: Our first dance. It didn’t matter how many people were watching, it was our moment.

Groom: When she walked out of the dressing room and I saw her for the first time in her dress. She was so beautiful.

Watching their first dance actually made me cry! No joke… I was the sappy photographer hiding behind stuff wiping my eyes! The moment that they shared together was really beautiful.

What was your favorite detail?

Bride: The cake!

Groom: The cake topper, it was definitely us.

Funniest memory from your wedding day?

Bride: Taking my first step towards the aisle and tripping up the stairs! I knew it was gonna happen, I said so the first time I saw the venue and saw the stairs. It’s so me!

Groom: My best man thought he messed up his speech, although he did great, at the end he said “I f’d that up” and the mic picked it up. Not everyone heard it, but giving him a hard time about it made us laugh.

Any advice for future brides/grooms?

Bride: Learn to be organized prior to planning a wedding – it’s hair pulling confusing at times.

Groom: To future grooms, and to one specific groom of mine….on a 90 degree day when you have to wear a full black tux with coat, its good to know that you don’t have to wear the tux on the way, they have changing rooms at the venue man..

What was your favorite wedding purchase?

Bride: I’d say the caterer. Getting to have samples of all the food was amazing.

Groom: The cake, because we got to do tastings and design it.

Where did/will  you go on your honeymoon?

Bride: Somewhere tropical I’m thinking. Where we can just sit by the beach with Mai Tai’s and do nothing all day.

Groom: Somewhere warm, by the ocean, and laid back… Like the Caribbean.

Here is a little more about this sweet couple!

How did he propose? On our one year anniversary he took me to the same place we had our first date and proposed.

What is his/hers funniest quirk?

Bride: He spells sleep, sleeping, and sleeps, all correctly – but spells asleep as “asleap”….it’s cute

Groom: She’d rather have a can of pop be room temperature than be refrigerated.

Besides the moment of saying “I do” what has been one of your favorite memories together?

Bride: Our daughter, she’s the memory that keeps happening, and that I’ll have everyday.

Groom: Going to Santa Monica with her. I had the time of my life and I was able to share it with the most important person in my life.

How did you feel coming down the aisle? Were you nervous? Was your dad/mom? I felt very nervous because everyone was standing up watching, it’s a lot of pressure to not do something dumb! My stepdad walked me down the aisle, and he was more nervous than I was.

Your first dance at the reception, why did you pick that song? Our first dance was “All or Nothing” by Theory of a Deadman. If you listen to the lyrics - there’s no need for an explanation of why It’s been “our” song since the day we met.

Tell me what you were feeling during the song?

Bride: I felt like it was the first time we met all over again…I can’t describe it.

Groom: I was excited, yet felt slightly awkward, there were 70 people staring at lonely us on the dance floor.

If there is one thing you know you’ll never forget about your Wedding Day…
What would it be?

Bride: Standing at the alter looking at him, knowing we were starting forever.

Groom: Sliding the ring on my wife’s finger and making the commitment to her that I will never break. She made me the happiest man in the world.

Here is more for a little bit of fun!

My favorite part of the day:  As most of you know I am just a sucker for love. My favorite part was watching the first dance and seeing the love between these two love birds. They were so engrossed with each other- and singing to each other… it was hard to keep myself composed. So yup, I was a sappy photog crying in the corner.

Meet your crew! Of course this is what your photographers look like for most of the day. You may not see it, but we actually do have Faces!!!

And the DJ- he was a great DJ person. He even tricked everyone into doing the chicken dance and hokey pokey. Sneaky Sneaky sir!

This image below… I have no idea, but it sure does make my smile!

And of course we can’t forget the shoes!

Justin and Jordan- thank you so much for letting us be a part of your big day. We had a great time!!

Remember those fun photos from the wedding photo booth? Check out the video!

There is just one word that sums up this session.

FUN!

I would like to introduce you to Miss DelaceyJo

Do you have a nickname- DJ

What school do you attend- Walla Walla High School

Do you have a hobby? What? – video games

“When I grow up, I wanna be”- (dream job) A psychologist

Fave color- Lime Green/ Turquoise

Food- Terriaki Chicken w/ rice

Music- Rock/punk/hip hop/Country

Must have clothing item-tank top

Fave school memory-duck taping a kid to our flag pole

Most embarrassing school memory-falling down the stairs

If you could go ANY where in the world, where would you go and why? i would go the Bahamas, i love the ocean and the ocean there is gorgeous

Special thanks to Zany Zebra for the fabo boots and All Smiles for always supplying my with balloons when needed

This session was such an exciting one.. it is so hard for me to even know how to begin to start this post.. that and I keep getting distracted with the thoughts of eating some Texas Road House steak and rolls.. yummmy those buttery and gooey rolls have me drooling and keeping me from concentrating on other things…..

ok- yes.

Back in August of last year, I was HONORED to photograph a wedding and to this date, it has been my FAVE wedding. There are many reasons why but I think it is the fact that it was all about the shoes! Ahhh. a bride after my own heart! You might remember that wedding. Her colors were pink and orange and again.. all about the shoes!!! Later that year I received an email that they were expecting a baby this year. I was so excited and happy for them. This couple was just so cute together and I could only imagine how wonderful this little baby was going to be! But at the same time i was celebrating for them, I was sad because they lived all the way in Colorado. Pooey!

The big day came when little Liam entered our world and was wrapped in love with his momma’s arms. She had a hard delivery that resulted in a c-section (ouch) but the little man was here (or there rather).  Ok and I just have to throw it out there, that this momma didnt even LOOK like she had a c-section. Yes, that would be a little jealousy there in my typing. Still love her though!

To my surprise, I was contacted and  asked if I could fly out there to do their newborn photos… umm. SCHYEA!!! I didnt even need to think about that. OF COURSE I would!!! I love this family- all of them and it means so much to me that I got to be the one that to capture this beautiful moment in life.

So last week, I boarded a plane and was on my way to Colorado to meet Liam…. and to see his beautiful momma and proud daddy!

We spent pretty much the whole day trying to capture some of his cuteness. WE got messy, playful, lovable and sweaty, but it was all perfect! He was such a good baby for putting up with me all day. Even mom and dad (and happy g-ma and big brother was great)

I had such a great time I only wish I could put into words how my heart feels, but I just cant find the right words to describe how thankful I am for my “job” or even how thankful I am that I got to capture this little man.

I am a sucker for all those little baby details. I love the fuzz on their ears, backs, and everywhere else. I love the way their lips curl with such ease. I just love babies!

** S, R, lil R, and R&J, thank you so much for this opportunity to come out there and capture his cuteness. I really had a wonderful time and enjoyed every moment. I really hope you enjoy the photos and I pray for all the best for you and your family!**

I am trying as hard as I can to get all these wonderful sessions edited and posted, but life as we all know it, has a few surprises for us – when we least expect it.

Today I had planned on knocking out these sessions because I was going to have very well behaved kids and have some extreme focus.. WELL….. I guess its part of Murphy’s Law… I dont know who the heck he or she is… but I am not liking that person very much. My day did not turn out like I had hoped. With trying to get all the little details lined up for Angels of Hope, Dover Days, sessions and weddings…. my little guy’s small diaper rash turned into a huge bad diaper rash that resulted him into screaming all day, crying, not wanting to sit, stand, crawl or lay down. My poor guy was just miserable.. and one of the hardest things to do is to sit and watch your kid be miserable. On top of all that.. my computer decides to crash on me UGH. silly thing. Thankfully its all back up and running – for a little while at least.

Totally off topic… I have been gloomy for like….a while… on my weight issue – now I know some of you are way too sweet and say “please girl, you are not fat”, but I am the one that looks at myself in the mirror and it’s  not a very pretty reflection. In fact, when I see that girl in the mirror, only one word comes to mind…”dAaMMnnNN!!!” So my hubby so graciously agreed to get me an exercise machine since getting out of the house is near impossible. My first task was to put that sucker together. I got half way and then needed to call in the help. I believe in every piece of THING that you must put together, there should be a set of directions for the men and then one set of directions for women… the women directions would have pretty colorful pictures and EASY directions to follow. Just saying!  We got it all put together and I looked at my heart rate machine and thought it looked weird.. umm, yeah.. HELLLOOOO…heheheh I screwed it on upside down. I thought it was funny. Charley on the other hand just gave me THAT look!

So there it sits behind my couch waiting for me to lose some weight and inches. Tomorrow….. that will be the day!

To start the weekend off productively (hopefully) here is a sneak peek of 2 pics of my Colorado newborn…. I cant wait to share that story with you!

Another one of my beautiful Bebe’ Me members….. and this sweet little one is just makes my heart happy!!! Full of smiles and giggles. I could have played with her ALL day!

I mean – look at her sweet face.The perfect eyebrows, the sweetest gummy smile, and just enough chunk to continuously want to squeeze!

I sat at my desk editing this session with so many giggles, smiles, “ooh’s” & “ahh’s”. I hope you all enjoy this sweet little once as much as I did

***A & C, it was so wonderful seeing you all again. It was once again such a great pleasure. I am so amazed how on beautiful and BIG Miss A is getting. I cant wait to see her again this fall!**

The NEW Mr & Mrs!!!

This has been eight years in waiting – So I have heard, and there was TONS of people that were so glad to be a part of their big day ~ as were we! I have to say that the brides and grooms that we get to work with are so wonderful – and HAPPY! But I think this couple has the TOP points for the HAPPIEST couple EVER!! NO JOKE! The kept laughing and giggling the WHOLE day! The best part is every time I went to take a photo- they giggled! They kept me in stitches all day!

This shot was so hard for them to do.. they would get serious for like TWO seconds and then crack up laughing again. After a while you start wondering if the reason why they are laughing was because of you.  { hmmm???}

The Ceremony.

Ah La Amore’ I am such a sucker for love and weddings. Every wedding we do I tell Charley, with a big smile on my face and hearts in my eyes, that we should get married again. And EVERY time he gives me THAT look and says to just enjoy THIS wedding. ugh- MEN!

But yes, every ceremony is just amazing- and yes being a girl I get all chocked up in it all.

Here he is.. waiting for his beautiful bride as she walks down the isle. Can’t you just FEEL the happiness?!!

The Kiss!

I now announce you HUSBAND & WIFE!!! WaHOOOOoooo!!!

This part of the ceremony always makes me tear up.. that and the part where the bride walks down the isle.

The Details

Sarah had a beautiful dress! AS I admired it on the hanger and then on her… I secretly wished I had one JUST like it so I could play dress-up at home! Yes even “grown-ups” can feel pretty!

And yes.. one more shoe shot! Sorry peps- I cant help it!

Sandpoint, ID

florist | Petal Talk
reception venue | Private Residence
band | Disc Jokey
dress | David’s Bridal

their songs:

first dance: “My Favorite Memory” – Merle Haggard
father/daughter, mother/son dance: “My Little Girl”  , “I Love”
processional: “Smile” – Uncle Kracker
recessional: “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz

Sarah & Stuart:

What was the most memorable moment of your day?

Sarah - Really, I can only pick one?  There were so many to choose from.  I loved standing at the altar with Stuart holding my hands, the feeling I got when he was looking into my eyes while we were saying our vows was amazing.  It was hard not to cry.  I also enjoyed watching everyone dance and have a good time, those memories will stay with me forever and the pictures everyone took have been priceless to date, we smile every time we look at them thinking back to that moment.
Stuart – The toasts were most memorable for me

What was your favorite detail?

Sarah- On my bouquet I had a locket that very few people knew of that held a picture of my grandma, my dad’s mom, who passed just 4 months before I was born.  She was someone I never met but I feel I know her very well.  I was able to remove the locket before I tossed my bouquet and now I have that as a keepsake that is special to me.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?

Sarah – So, we all know that I couldn’t dance after the money dance and I had to sit the rest of the night.  The funniest part of the wedding we saw was when about 8 people lined their chairs around the dance floor and while the song “Rocky Top Tennessee” was playing, they were sitting in their chairs moving their feet as fast as they could to the music.  It’s hard to describe but it makes me laugh every time I think of it.  Chelsea, my maid of honor, caught a 30 second or so video of it and I love it!
Stuart – The photo booth was funny and watching people take those pictures was great

Any advice for future brides/grooms?

Sarah – enjoy every minute of it.  If something doesn’t happen as it was supposed to – who cares?!?  No one knew what you had planned so they aren’t going to know if it’s not the order it was supposed to be.  the less stress you allow yourself to have the better time you’ll have to enjoy those who came to celebrate that day with you both.
Stuart-let your soon-to-be-wife figure it out, it will be so much easier

What was your favorite wedding purchase?

Sarah – this question seems loaded.  lol.  Just kidding.  I don’t think I have just one because all of the purchases allowed the day to be perfect!
Photographer – these will allow our memories to be shared for years and decades to come.
Florist – the flowers helped pull everything together and accented everything else that was there.
DJ – he kept everything going and kept it flawless
My dress – I loved it, it was just what I’ve always wanted and it fit in perfectly with what I was hoping to accomplish while planning.  It will definitely have sentimental value forever and ever
Dance floor rental – people laughed, cried, fell, the dog even danced with one of the kids, lots and lots of pictures were taken and memories were made because of this purchase
Wine/beer – this just added to the overall experience for some that drank it and those that watched those drink it.  Oh, and it added a nice color to my dress.  lol
Stuart – Sarah’s crutches

Where did/will  you go on your honeymoon?

Sarah – We did not go on a honeymoon right after the wedding, which was probably a good thing.  it would have sucked for Stuart since I’m a gimp right now.  lol  next year we will be taking an Alaska cruise 7-10 days.  Anyone is welcome to come, we can have another party.  I think so far there are 2 or 3 other couples/families that are looking into going with us.  Can’t wait for that!
Stuart – We spent the night in the ER in our wedding clothes

Cute and sexy shoes are a must… but pain is not!! That is why we girls resort the the ever so faithful and comfy of Flip Flops!!

Not only were they celebrating a wedding, but also an ANNIVERSARY!!

{Congratulations to these 2 love birds}

Jackie & Charley

What was our favorite part of the day?

Jackie & Charley: Our favorite part of the day was spending the time with Sarah & Stuart. They really were just so wonderful to be with…and so stinken HAPPY! I think my most rememberable moment was the Best- Man Speech. I laughed hard…but then felt terrible for laughing. I don’t think its all that polite to laugh at the groom- but DANG- he was funny!!  And oh yes- the food was SO good. SO yummy- so yummy- there was a party in my tummy!!

The Photo Booth!

Just for Sarah & Stuart we brought our Photo booth for some fun photo ops! The photo booth is a great place to remember your friends and family- in a lighthearted, let loose and get wild ( PG-13 Fun)

Here is a sneak peek of our faves!

In loving memory ~Hank~