weekend in review. [thankful]

I just now have a few moments to reflect and give you a re-cap of the fun and craziness of this past weekend. Starting on Friday- it was a whirlwind of setting up for the Expo [so thankful I was able to order a last minute photobook and pick it up in one day!] I would love for you to see it! Just ask. :) That afternoon- I had a photo session with 9 month old baby Beatrice. [she is so precious... there's a blog post devoted to her coming soon!] Then, I stopped by the art show of the lovely Elise Abigail [one of my fabulous 2nd shooters.] To top that evening off- it was movie [yes. leap year. one of my favorites.] and fondu with my sister... much needed. We headed out for Tulsa the next morning... it was a nice and relaxing trip... if I can say that about a short roadtrip. :) We checked into our hotel... took a breather... then walked down the street to the location of the "first look". I won't spoil the details of the beautiful day... because I will soon have a post devoted to the wedding. :) After lots of beautiful photos in a beautiful location with one very happy couple, we picked up some Braum's ice cream and headed back to the room... for a very early morning was coming. :) After making the trip back to Springfield [there is nothing like driving down the road on a crisp morning as the sun rises... it was lovely.]- we picked up some Starbucks at the new Bistro Market downtown and headed over to the expo. With our arms full of materials we would need for the day- we opened the doors into what would be non-stop hustle and bustle for the next 5 hours. I had such a great time meeting all the brides... it's especially fun to meet people who have been such faithful followers of my work... to put a face with their name. :) I loved the feel of my booth- very "me"- it felt like an exquisite boutique- kind of "couture". Thank you to all who made it possible! At the end of the day- I took a very deep breath... amazed by all of the opportunities that the weekend held... God gave me the strength that I needed- as He always does. I'm constantly amazed by the dreams God has for me- definitely different and greater than I could have dreamed for myself. I ended the day feeling inspired- but quite sleepy- and anticipating a work-free Monday. Here are a couple of "behind the scenes" photos from the weekend. :)

cousins | BFF

These are some seriously fun and beautiful girls! After a couple of months of planning, we were finally able to make the session happen when all three of the girls were in town. They wanted to have photos that captured their friendship and individual personalities. It sure was a hot summer evening, but they were all smiles. I can't wait for you to see more of these. ENJOY! :)

sarah | senior

I have had the privilege of getting to know this lovely young lady over the past year. She has such a beautiful heart, and you can't help but smile when she smiles. :) Sarah just graduated from high school and will be attending the James River Leadership College this fall. God's hand is most definitely upon her life, as she is following His call to be a worship leader. I love you so much, Sarah. I feel like these photos depict so much of who you are- your joyful and sweet spirit.