More on Maui

One of the excursions I had to ensure we planned ahead was a snorkeling trip. Neither of us had ever been snorkeling and with all the rave reviews we'd heard about the trips to the crater and "turtle town" I was in. It didn't take 10 min in the water before both Devin and I were hooked on snorkeling. It's so beautiful. You really get a feeling that you are getting a chance to peek in on another world. We saw so many breathtaking colors and patterns down there. I swear if I were a fashion designer I'd do every summer line based on snorkeling trips.

We didn't rent the camera's to take underwater with us but after our trip we did hit the aquarium where they have a group of baby sea turtles. Sooo cute! I just love sea turtles. I mean seriously look at those faces!  We did get to swim close to a few at turtle town on the snorkeling trip. The visibility wasn't great and those awesome creatures are surprisingly fast!  I struggled for quite a while to finally spot one only to have it fly under me too quickly for me to catch up with.  Still... I swam close to a giant sea turtle in open sea which was basically the one thing on my list I was dying to check off.  CHECK!

I only wish the California coasts weren't so darn cold or we'd be asking for snorkeling equipment for Christmas. Oh well...next trip to Hawaii we'll be spending more hours with our booties bobbing watching the underwater life and finding hidden treasures swept off swimmers bodies. Hee hee.

Honeymoon in heaven

Well since I'm still waiting for wedding photos (as patiently as possible I swear) we'll just skip to the honeymoon.  Devin and I left the morning after our wedding for the airport and headed to Maui.  He's never been and I haven't been back to this gorgeous island since my family went when I was about 10.  First off a big, giant, huge THANK YOU goes to my generous aunt and uncle that made this trip happen by letting us use their time share points.  We were thinking we might be able to afford a trip to San Diego or Santa Cruz but when my aunt and uncle told gave us this awesome gift we went straight for tropical island.

Maui did not disappoint in any way.  From the perfect weather to the friendly people and the delicious food we soaked up every moment and cherished it.  These were all taken on day one.  I had to catch up on some sleep and Devin went exploring with out me.  I missed out on Devin spotting a sea turtle trying to catch a crab just feet away from where he stood.  Why must I require sleep? We stayed at the Aston Maui Kaanapali Villa's and loved the gorgeous beach the resort sat on.  But we didn't spend a whole lot of time there during our week.  It was a great place to relax and catch our breath but with so much beauty to see and the freedom to explore we couldn't sit still for too long.  I'll share some photos from our explorations later.  Too much for one post.  Sigh. I heart Maui.

A bridal shower and a baby fix

Whew.

Another weekend of running around making the most of every moment.

I crammed my car full of kids and hauled them to all kinds of fun on Fri and Sat. They arrived safely, got fed, didn't fight, and said they had fun, I think that earns me a star on my mommy badge.

I also picked up my wedding dress! Squeeeeeeeeal!

Then this afternoon a wonderful bridal shower was thrown for me by the amazing ladies from my church. I completely feel showered with love. I can't begin to explain what a beautiful and touching event it was and I didn't bring my camera so if you weren't there you will just have to take my word for it. I am blessed to have so many amazing women in my family, my future family, and my church family. I am overwhelmed, and for a change it's not by wedding details and stress but by the outpouring of love from women that are genuinely so happy for Devin and I they just want to celebrate!
34 days till this party is on!

Since I haven't had my camera out in a few I'll give you a baby fix from the newborn shoot I had the pleasure of doing a couple weekends ago. Her name is Evelyn.  Isn't she a doll? I'm getting an edit done here and there when I find free time.  Fortunately mom and dad are understanding about my crazy schedule right now.  I think they are too wrapped up in love with their precious new baby girl to care.  Thank God for that.

I hope the love that's overflowing in my heart tonight has oozed out through this post and found it's way into yours.
And if it didn't at least you can smile at that sweet baby face.

Paige and Thomas got married

Thomas is the little brother of a dear friend of mine. Bless her heart she dropped my name to him while he and his bride-to-be hunted for a wedding photographer. When I met with Paige and Thomas I told them I'd never shot a wedding before and frankly I was a tad (ok crazy) nervous to try but they wanted to give me a chance so we booked the date. I am so grateful to the both of them for the opportunity but mostly I feel grateful to have had the chance to meet this beautiful and amazingly sweet bride. Paige is a doll in every way and they make such an adorable couple. I wish them the best and hope they are happy with the chance they took on allowing me to capture this beautiful day.

A lotta love, a lotta prayer, this marriage has started off beautifully.  

Thank you so much for sharing your special day with  me.

Just hold still for a moment

Words I say to my child frequently but today I say it to myself. I always feel the need to be doing something lately, too much on my plate to waste a single minute. But if you don't stop and hold still and just take a moment to catch your breath, refocus, and allow yourself to soak in the now it will be nothing more than time lost.

Friends and family keep saying to enjoy these moments before the wedding but all Devin and I want to do is fast forward to it. The daily countdown has even started. There's still a long to do list but all of the big stuff is done. I find myself just getting through the weeks focused on finishing the work day and hitting the gym and staying on my diet before I crash out for the night. Then spending my weekends trying to get things done for the wedding and make some summer memories with the kids. What pre-wedding moments am I supposed to be savoring exactly? I've enjoyed putting the details together for sure but most of that stuff is done. Everything that's left is the not-so-fun details that require a lot of free time to kill. I'm not complaining, please don't take it as that. I'm just trying to figure out what it is I'm supposed to be enjoying right now so I can make sure I don't miss out on it.

I really just want to be married already. ;)

Just saw this on pinterest: Don't count the days. Make the days count.

challenge accepted.

Missing my space

I miss this little space o' mine. I miss being inspired to capture the every day beauty. When the wedding planning madness ends I'm settled into the new chapter I want to do another 30 day photo project. I've totally failed on the self portraits lately. Maybe, just maybe, this weekend I will get a moment alone with my camera. Fingers crossed!

I had the opportunity to second shoot a wedding a couple weeks ago. This awesome window was just a little taste of the coolness that oozed all over this venue. It was an eye opening experience and I learned a lot. Thank you Dave!

I shot a boudoir session last weekend, so much fun! I probably won't be posting many of those shots when the edits are done though. "For his eyes only" and all that.

So that's what I've been up to outside of crossing things off the long wedding "to-do list" and hitting the gym like Jillian Micheal's is after me. I can't believe the wedding only 3 months away! I'm so excited.

Hope you're all enjoying your summer!

xoxo