Featured | Jared & Samantha on Lucy Dylan Weddings

I was so excited to see that the beautiful wedding of my friends Jared & Samantha was featured on Lucy Dylan Weddings, yesterday! The only thing I love more than getting to document gorgeous wedding days (especially of friends) is seeing others excited about them and wanting to share them so that even MORE people can experience the beauty and creativity that the bride put into her special day. So, special thanks to LDW for wanting to feature their wedding!

I loved reading the behind-the-scenes info that Samantha provided for the post. She's so talented and put so much thought into each detail - which really showed in the way everything turned out. Such perfect touches of elegance and class! But, don't listen to me ramble on about it, head over to the blog post and read what Samantha had to say!

Marvelous Mondays | Return to Me, Pinterest & Starbucks Happy Hour

For a while now I've wanted to start a blog series that would allow me to share all the random things that I enjoy in life. This isn't an uncommon kind of series - several friends and bloggers I know do this. Many of them on the weekends, though (when, of course, you're happy to be released from work and free to think about and do lovely things). But, for me, sometimes I need that inspiration and happiness at the beginning of the week, when all of the impossibly-long to-do lists seem overwhelming and daunting and I'm just not sure I'll even MAKE it past Monday. If any of the rest of you are like me, then perhaps this new weekly series will be a welcomed pick-me-up for you, as it will be for me.

So, friends and readers, allow me to introduce "Marvelous Mondays"! I happen to really like alliteration (even in all of its cheesiness) and with an obvious play-off of my business name, I thought this would perfectly sum-up what I hope to do each Monday, from now on. And that is to simply show you things - ranging from potentially incredibly brilliant inspiration, to perhaps insignificant silly little knick knacks - that make my Mondays (and my life, really) feelmarvelous. There will never be any rhyme or reason to which things I choose to showcase, but that's what makes it so lovely. It's a way for me to let you all in on the many different aspects of things I love and appreciate in life.

So, without further ado....here we go! This week's Marvelous Monday items:

1) RETURN TO ME

So, last night I tried to watch a movie that I'd rented from Blockbuster, but for some reason it would not play. So, Aaron and I resorted to watching something we already own, instead. After much debate as to what it should be, we settled on Return to Me. One of my all-time favorite chick flicks. I love watching favorite movies at random times, especially when you finish it still convinced of its remaining one of your favorites. Not only is there charming romance, there's Chicago-style hilarity via Jim Belushi and Bonnie Hunt. If you haven't seen this 11-year old gem, do yourself a favor and pop it in some evening when you want to laugh, cry and be swept off your feet.

2) PINTEREST

So, I'm not exactly the first one to realize how awesome Pinterest is. In fact, I'm pretty late in catching on to it. I actually still haven't pinned much, but I lovvvve looking at all of the pretty things others have pinned, and it's certainly inspiring me to get better at it, myself. It's just such a brilliant concept to make digital inspiration boards SO easy. There are endless possibilities for designing themed boards and I'm pretty sure anyone, regardless of their interests, could get addicted to finding and pinning (or re-pinning) beautiful things.

3) STARBUCKS HAPPY HOUR

I needed to run some errands, and it worked out perfectly that it happened to be between 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. I made a quick stop in at Starbucks and happily got a grande frappucino for half of its regular price. I haven't had a frap in a long time, actually, as iced lattes are my main go-to. BUT, let me just say that a new favorite is for sure a caramel coconut frap. I haven't tried their normal mocha coconut, yet, but I'm pretty sure it would be hard pressed to rival my own caramel coconut combo. I love those two flavors more than just about any others and it was the perfect afternoon delight on a warm, sunny Spring Monday. Go take advantage of Happy Hour while it lasts!

And that concludes this week's features. Hope you all enjoy what's left of this Monday and will check back in next week for more current favorite things. :)

Goals | May

All right, I'm not gonna lie. I've been putting off this post these first few days in May.... 1) because I was in Indiana this past weekend, and was a little busy but, 2) because I didn't do as well on goals in April as I wanted, and I've not been looking forward to staring at it on paper and showing my lack of accomplishment to the world. BUT. The point is that I had goals, and do again for this month. And that some - even if not a lot - of progress is most definitely better than none. Right? Yes, that's what I choose to believe and thus have a whole new, clean slate for May and will hopefully achieve more than April. :)

With that said, lets take a look at how April went (items in bold are what I accomplished):

PERSONAL GOALS

• Continue working out at least 4 times a week (only exception being when I was in Indiana...)
• Brainstorm and accomplish 1 for-the-home art project (it was more home decorative than artistic, but still! It counts. See photos below. :)
• Make at least 5 meals without Aaron's input (including but not limited to pan broiled rosemary lamb chops with a side of veggies, coconut chicken with mango salsa, mexican chicken with black beans, rice & fresh tomatoes/onions and lemon-pepper chicken with sauteed asparagus & onions!)
• Have girl time with at least 4 different friends in person
• Call or hand-write at least 2 far-away girlfriends
• REALLY Finish writing Thank-You's (except for 3 that Aaron, specifically, needs to write...but since that's out of my control, I'm still writing this off as a success!)
• Mail the last Thank-You's
• Order Wedding Album (another step closer! But still making final decisions on layouts...)
• Finish catching-up on personal photo editing & uploading (I made some progress, but it's nearly never-ending, it seems...)
• Organize iTunes & all Music folders on computers
• Help my Mom pick out frames & wedding photos to print when I'm in IN at the end of the month! :)

BUSINESS GOALS

• Get all receipts from March in order
• Blog at least 2 times a week (trying this again!)
• Finish researching Business Insurance options & decide on a company/policy
• Organize all 2010 pictures on all computers/hard drives
• Finish researching and choose a company for online backup & off-site storage
• Research new laptops
• Research new desktop monitors
• Make a list of prioritized purchases

Ok, clearly my business list is TERRIBLY unaccomplished. BUT, what wasn't on the list is that I shot two weddings and some bridal portraits and traveled to Indiana for the weekend. All of which took time and were accomplishments in and of themselves that I should have thought to put on the list.... Needless to say, I will be adding many of these back on May's list....

But first, check out the latest Watson apartment decor!

I've dreamed of having a plate collage for a long time. (It was always one of those, "When I get married and have a place to decorate...." sort of dreams) And I'm SO excited that I finally have the start of one. :) I hope and plan to have a wall decorated with only plates, at some point, but for the size of the space we have, right now, I really like the plate and picture combination. The best part is that Aaron already had this picture, and most of the plates were found for really cheap at thrift stores (only two were bought for regular price from Pier 1).

I love how perfectly our place mats (that we got as a wedding gift) and the napkin holders (that I also found for cheap at a thrift store here in Richmond) go with the look and feel of the collage.

It all makes me so happy, and I still periodically squeal with delight and thank Aaron for hanging it all up for me. (Our interior decorating styles/preferences aren't very similar at all....so the fact that he not only is ok with this, but helped make it HAPPEN is very sweet. I have a pretty great husband. :)

Ok, now that we've seen my current apartment happiness, lets get on with goals for May:

PERSONAL GOALS

• Continue working out at least 4 times a week
• Brainstorm and accomplish another for-the-apartment decorative project
• Make 2-3 meals per week, without Aaron's help (8-10 for the month)
• Have girl time with at least 4 different friends in person
• Call or hand-write at least 2 far-away girlfriends
• Mail the last Thank-You's
• Order Wedding Album!
• Make more progress catching-up on personal photo editing & uploading
• Work on organizing iTunes & all Music folders on computers
• Sort through all clothes & shoes and get rid of some!

BUSINESS GOALS

• Make detailed weekly to-do lists
• Total all receipts/costs from January - April
• Get mileage for both cars up to date
• Blog at least 2 times a week (trying this again!)
• Finish researching Business Insurance options & decide on a company/policy!
• Finish researching and choose a company for online backup & off-site storage!
• Finish researching laptops/desktop monitors
• Make a list of prioritized purchases!
• Edit one bridal shoot
• Edit two weddings
• Shoot two weddings
• Prepare for & lead the photographic team at TeenPact (the organization my husband works for) National Convention

May is definitely a full month, especially with National Convention. But here's hoping I can still get a LOT of goals accomplished!

How did you all do with your goals in April? And what are you hoping to accomplish in May?

Weddings | Personality-Filled Details

I love shooting weddings for friends, especially when those friends are as wonderful and lively as the Blake family. From Courtney, the bride, to her parents, brothers AND sisters....the whole family is just packed with spunk, personality, hilarity and wit. And her brand new husband, Scott, seems to be pretty spunky, himself.

All of which made for one heck of a fun wedding today (well, technically yesterday, now....)

And while I most definitely should be going to bed, now, so that I'm not tired for church tomorrow, I just wanted to share two fun shots, because I LOVE when the wedding party has an aspect of personality-filled details that create a spunky opportunity for memorable photos.

And these guys, certainly had just that.

If all groomsmen could be that awesome, and that wonderfully dressed, I'd be a happy photographer.

Today was absolutely wonderful, but I'll blog in more depth about Scott & Courtney's wedding later. For now, enjoy the inspiration for adding fun wardrobe details to YOUR wedding, or heck, just your regular life. A bit of pattern and a lot of color can't help but do the heart good. :)

Happy weekend, friends. Hope you're enjoying it!

Personal | Happy Easter!

I know I've been failing at my blogging goals (again) this month. But the fact that I blog significantly more, now, than I did at this point a year ago is still progress in my mind...

But, what I really came here to say was Happy Easter, my friends! I truly hope each of you has enjoyed a beautiful, blessed day with loved ones - reflecting on and cherishing, most of all, the love and salvation that comes from a risen, ALIVE Savior. I'm grateful that today, and every day, I'm made worthy in the sight of the Lord because of what was accomplished on the cross. And furthermore, what was made complete by the resurrection. What a beautiful cause for celebration!

I'm grateful, as well, for this first Easter spent with my husband! (Quick self-portrait taken before church this morning - don't mind the hair eating my face, or Aaron's skeptical look. Both are pretty common...)

AND grateful for family-away-from-family (we love you Shanks/Haggards! :)

I missed seeing my own family today, but I'm happy knowing I get to see them this weekend and am mostly just amazed by all the many ways God loves and blesses me. May YOU all feel loved and blessed, as well!

Personal | Teapots, Flowers, & Happy Bridal Showers

Even though I've lived in Richmond for over 5 months, now, I still often feel like "the new girl in town". Not in a bad way, but in the sense that I'm still adjusting to my surroundings and getting to know people. And I feel like that's probably perfectly reasonable and normal. I mean, 5 months isn't really that long, after all. But because of that, one of the things that I've looked for and put intentional effort into finding is opportunities to hang out with and get to know other ladies in the area. For those of you who know me, you know that I love people and I really value making new friends, and deepening relationships with current friends. So, when I got asked a couple months ago to work with two ladies I hadn't yet met to head up the decorations for the bridal shower of a friend (and my first bride of 2011! :), I quickly volunteered. Especially when I found out the theme was a "vintage tea party". Could there BE a better combination than making new friends AND creating a pretty environment based on a theme that was perfectly up my ally? I think not.

So, throughout March I worked with two fabulous ladies - Gail (who organized the entire shower) and Anna (who was my decorating partner-in-crime) to pull together this envisioned theme, culminating in what I'd say was one very successful (and pretty!) bridal shower on March 26th. It was fun to put my creative energies into a new facet and to get to know both Gail and Anna who are most definitely as amazing as I'd heard they were. :) Plus, it was really fun to get to do something for Kari as a friend, before getting to take on the role of her wedding photographer. (Both roles are pretty equally awesome, and I'm so grateful to be her friend AND to be entrusted with documenting her day. I can't wait!)

Without further ado, here are some of the pretties of the day. :)

We created the entrance spot with this cool hutch (that Kari & her fiance Peter already had!) and lots of random stuff compiled from me, Anna, Kari & Peter's moms, and other generous friends.

One of the main things we wanted to incorporate in the "vintage" aspect were photos from Kari & Peter's own families. So, this awesome large portrait is Kari's mom. How cool is that? Every bride should have something awesome like that for their daughters to one day admire. :)

We then used these black dividers to lead the way down the hallway to where the shower was taking place.

And even had Peter's grandmother's dress on display!

The table-top decor, probably my favorite, was made up of a different hat box, teapot, and pair of gloves on each table.

Accompanied by a different set of China (belonging to someone in either Peter or Kari's family) on each table. I love the way it all looked elegant and flowed wonderfully, while being eclectic.

(Btw, it was super fun to get to put some of my own favorite teapots to use....the green, brown, and ivory floral ones. And I really love the turquoise one that Anna brought, too. I was so tempted to swipe it, afterwards... ;)

Also on each table, there were two sets of Scrabble pieces, and the table members had to work together to spell as many wedding-related words as possible. Kari then chose the word board she liked best, in the end. It was such a cute/fun idea that I can take no credit for. MaryAnn, another friend, added that touch.

The meal was a "light lunch" and all of the beautiful (and delicious!) food was prepared by the groom's super talented sister Anna and their mom, Liz.

Along the walls we strung wedding/couple shots from parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles of both Kari & Peter, and a few shots of them, as well. There were so many great options to choose from! I love how cool vintage wedding photos are, and how that coolness multiplies even more when they're actual family photos.

We also had some tulips sitting on a table near where Kari would open gifts because her dad has nicknamed her Tulip for a long time, and it's SO fun to be able to work in meaning like that. (Gail was brilliant with that one!)

It was such a fun time, and I loved seeing Kari encouraged, blessed and supported as she heads into this most exciting and incredible phase of life.

(And I also love this shot of Kari's grandma, and Peter's grandma, apparently sharing comments while Kari opened gifts :)

So, there you have it! I'm so happy that I got to help with it, and I'm beyond excited for Peter & Kari's wedding on April 23rd!

It's such a blessing to have friends here in Richmond, and I'm so happy that Gail and Anna are both new ones, now, thanks to collaborating together last month. :) Hope you enjoyed seeing a glimpse of the lovely afternoon!

Personal | On Being 25

Well, another year has officially come and gone, and as of Friday, April 8th, I am now officially older. As in...25 years, altogether. Quarter of a century. 75 years from being 100....etc.

This is certainly one of life's milestone ages, and a pretty happy one at that. I'm not thinking about the fact that I'm only 5 years away from being 30, or that I'm "getting old". On the contrary, I feel like more of a legitimate adult and pretty much in the prime of life. Though it's still weird to look at the number and mentally connect it to how old I am. But, that's normal. I still feel 16, inwardly, and not old enough to be married, owning my own business...let alone even thinking about being a PARENT in the next couple of years. Time goes by quickly, and it's crazy to see how far I've come and to even TRY to understand how I've gotten to where I am today. But that's what's awesome about living one day at a time - it eventually all adds up to this crazy cool journey that you may not be able to track on a daily basis, but when looking back over a year or several years, you see the incredible path that God was paving for you, one step at a time. And how living it out really DOES take you places, in the long run.

I can't wait to see where the next 5...10...and 25+ years will take me! But before I get too far ahead of myself with all that, let me tell you about the perfectly wonderful ways I was able to celebrate turning 25 this past weekend.

I'm a girl who gets the most pleasure in life out of small, thoughtful gestures. Things that show me I was on your mind while you were planning your surprise, or thoughtfully writing a note, or intently hand-crafting a random silly item because we once talked and laughed about it. Sure, I love getting gifts, but not as much as quality time with a loved one or a sentimental note from a friend. And my darling husband knows me so perfectly that he couldn't have blessed me more wonderfully or made me feel more special and blessed on my birthday.

The day began with Aaron getting up early to "go to the gym" - which he HAS done a time or two, though generally he goes in the evenings - so I said goodbye half-asleep and rolled back over to continue enjoying my slumber. About an hour later (when he would normally be waking up) I heard the bedroom door open again and in my still half-asleep state I rolled over and saw him walking towards me with a vase of beautiful white, yellow and purple Springy flowers. I instantly woke all the way up and was trying to recover from the sweet surprise when he asked me what kind of tea he could make me, what kind of bagel I'd like and that he'd momentarily return with breakfast in bed for me. I sat there stunned and giddy, and knew that even if nothing else wonderful happened the entire day, that my birthday was made perfect by those sweet surprises. (He proceeded to sit and eat breakfast with me for a while until he had to head to work - which was the best I could have asked for. Surprises + quality time = major win in my book. :)

My beeeautiful flowers:

My rather delicious breakfast (that also was lunch, because I couldn't eat it all in one sitting)

The rest of my morning was spent being wonderfully bombarded with phone call after phone call from my family members and in-laws. It was so lovely to hear all of their voices and know I was being thought of. And for good measure I painted my nails a favorite color that afternoon before I went and got my free Starbucks drink, bought a few soon-to-be-crafted items from Michael's and some plates from Pier One to add to my wall/plate collection (which you'll see in a soon-to-come post!). On top of those fun things, I couldn't help but notice and appreciate how I got an amazing parking spot every place that I went AND how traffic magically cleared up each time I was at a long or tricky intersection. It's like God chose to give me a few extra little blessings that only added to making my day beautiful in all ways.

In addition to the perfect day, my husband ALSO pulled together a little surprise party for me Saturday evening! It included that much more happiness, fellowship, favorite food & drinks and laughter. What more could I ask for? I have a husband, family and friends I truly don't deserve, but am blessed by continually!

Thank you to EVERYONE who added something - whether in person, on the phone, via text, Facebook or Twitter - to my special day. You were each treasured as I pondered how I could possibly be as blessed as I am. :)

Here's to being 25! (This is what it looks like on me... ;)