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The past few weeks not only have been enjoyable as I have been loving on my little baby, but it has also been eye opening, thanks to my hubby

I have been in a crazy limbo about my biz- not really sure what I was really MEANT to do in my business. I know what I want to do and I can see it but I don’t know the steps I need to take to get there. That is where my hubby has made it all so clear for me. I knew all along where I belong in my path- God has been using me – my gift- to bring blessings upon those who need it I can go into a long story- and I am sure I will at another time, but for today…. I want to introduce you to a couple that I got to capture- in Gods way- gracefully.

I was contacted by this BEAUTIFUL bride to be just after I had Jack- she was looking for a photographer who could take an hour or so of their time to capture their intimate wedding. Listening to their needs, I knew in my heart what I wanted to do, but I was confused on what was the RIGHT thing to do and what was the “business” thing to do. So I do what I do best, ask hubby. And he only needed to ask me one thing, “what would you want someone to do for you in that situation”.

(Am I getting too mushy yet?)

I contacted back my beautiful bride and told her that I would LOVE to capture her wedding.

 

Their wedding was held at the Beautiful and peaceful Talus Rock in Sandpoint Idaho. It really was just a peaceful world there. Out doors roamed friendly dogs and chickens. The grounds were perfectly groomed and full of fall colors. Indoors was just breath taking and cozy.

The new Mr & Mrs S looked like they were in complete bliss… and how lucky I was to be able to capture their love on their special day. Here is a peek into how beautiful they are!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T & L- thank you so much for letting me share your day and capture it. Ya’ll were so sweet and cute- and made me smile. I wish you nothing but complete happiness in your journey together.

**leave some blog love and FB love for this couple. if they recieve 10 comments or more they get a FREE gift!**

Those of us who live here in Sandpoint get to experience the beauty of Lake Pend Oreille ( Ponderay) and the mountains, but for the couple that actually LIVES the Sandpoint way, what better way to celebrate their love then on the shore of the lake!

I first met Andy as he delivered photo packages to the home and studio and then realized that we both attended the same church. And I first met Zoey by accident one day while visiting a friends house- and she was BEAUTIFUL and sweet. Over the next few years we all ran into each other here and there, shared some small talk and went back to our daily lives as Sandpoint residences.

A few weeks ago I received a phone call from my friend asking if I would be available to take some photos of a couple that was getting married- simple short and sweet. It wasn’t till a few days later that I found out it was Andy & Zoey getting marriend. I was ESTATIC!! I was beyond happy for them as I knew it was not only going to be a beautiful ceremony but also a great love of a lifetime.

We all met up a few days ago to see the location ( AMAZING) and go over details.. it was then that I HAD to know their love story. After all, I am a sucker for love…. Their story was sweet and true and after hearing it, you could tell that God was and is a huge part of their lives. What better way to be in true love with someone then having God on your side and in your marriage!

The Wedding

It was what every wedding should be…. Ok well, maybe I am a bad judge for  that because I love weddings lol, but this wedding was simple and so sweet. They were surrounded by true friends that got to share their heart with them. A&Z had 3 friends share something special and my goodness it took a lot of control to NOT cry listening to them talk. I figured the last thing any of their guests needed to see was a sweaty, crying pregnant lady trying to walk in sand. That could have ended badly!

After they said their vows to each other- which once again- was just so sweet and beautiful- they sealed their love with a kiss and jumped in lake together. I thought it was a perfect touch!!

I was so glad that I got to be there and capture their day. It makes life so enjoyable when you get to witness LOVE

Zoey- you are an amazing person- full of beauty!!!

Andy & Zoey~ Congratulations to the both of you. I am so happy for each of you and I know that many wonderful things are to come- as there have already been wonderful things that happened for you both. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your wonderful day. Many loves and hugs!!

No matter your age, size, married, single or expecting… come celebrate the beauty of YOU~

All reservations must be received by January 26th and paid in full

TRASH THE DRESS

I know the title is pretty scary, but it’s not as dramatic as you think

Trash The Dress or The Day After session is a chance to get all those FUN photos. This is the time to have fun, relax and be playful- without the worry of getting your beautiful dress dirty. During the wedding day, I know that the last thing you wanna do is get any spect of dirt on your gown- I get that… that is why TTD or TDA sessions are just so much fun!

This beautiful bride got married last year so we hooked up this summer for a little Idaho Fun! We headed back to Dover, since that is where we did their engagement session and part of their wedding photos.

I always have a great time with H- she is just so happy and up for anything! She had mentioned getting in the water… and here is a little secret to all your brides out there…. if you say or mention getting in the water- you can bet someone will and Hopefully it wont be me!

H was a GEM floating in the water- her dog even joined in on the fun!

Here is a peek into our session!

Thanks again H- you looked amazing!

I had saved this post for a few days with a funny story written in it… when I came back it was GONE – grrrr- I will see if I can remember it so I can share it with you moms. silly computer!

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!!

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~

Guess what?! I am featured on Spokane Bride!!!! So exciting for me that it has caused me to get up and dance a little dance!! My kids and hubby think I am just a little odd, but that is ok – that’s me

So here is the link…… Spokane Bride….. check it out!!!

I am a sucker for LOVE.. any kind of love. Makes my heart swoon!

This young sweet couple, surprised their parents by getting married so to celebrate their LOVE, we headed out for a mini session!!

Congratulations A & L!! It was wonderful meeting you both and I pray for the best in your journey together

Wheph… I have FINALLY finished my photos.

This shoot was so much fun! And hello – look at this BEAUTIFUL model!!!

I need to give a BIG shot out to the vendors that helped make this happen for me. Without them – I dont think these photos would have looked so amazing (if I do say so myself

?Flowers were provided by Petal Talk in Sandpoint Id. If you are getting married, having a baby, sending some love to your friend or lover, and just want something special for you…. Go see Nicole. She does amazing work. Also she is doing a kick-butt Mothers Day Special. Give her a call!!

?Dress and accessories were provided by the ever-so-sweet Rosalie at Storybook Bridal inside the Shoppes across from the CDA resort. Her dresses are AMAZING. I wanted my own collection to wear around the house! And all her accessories are SO affordable and fun!! She even has this cake server spoon in the shape of a SHOE. I want one SOOOO bad! If you are in need of any kind of dress for any event- go see Rosalie. I promise you- you will not be sorry!

?Makeup was provided by Shasta Hankins. She is a FABO makeup artist based out of Spokane. I wish I could have her live with me and do mine every day so I look FAB! What makes her special?? AIR BRUSH application!! If you are getting married, I HIGHLY recommend her. It is totally worth getting a professional makeup application for your big day. Your makeup will look flawless, its one less thing for you to worry about and it will make your photos BETTER ….and easier for me!

?If you like the locations you see.. you will see them around downtown CDA. Our first stop, unfortunately is no longer available for photo sessions or events- makes me sad- its a GREAT place!!! Our next stop was the Roosevelt Inn. A local bed and breakfast.

Thank you again VENDORS for all your help and donations. I am so grateful for you all! It was a pleasure working with you all and hope to do so again in the future!!

Now- check out some of my fave photos!

Yesterday was the BIG day of my Bridal Fashion Shoot. I had originally planned on having two “brides”, but yesterday brought on some sickies. My “urban” bride was feeling ill, which I could totally relate to. I was having some nasty tummy issues. I think I figured it was because this ol’ body of mine can’t handle 3 plates of cabbage! ok.. so enough personal information for you!

I have lots to share and stories to tell, but before I unload all the good stuff to you.. here is a sneak peek of a few pics. But no worries- more are to come!!

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