Welcome

My eyes have led me down a path I never thought I would take. Although holding on to memories has always been important to me, I haven’t dreamed of being a photographer my whole life. I have, however, dreamed of keeping my kids small and my vacations alive. I have wished to stop time, to hold on to the moment, to bottle up my kids cute faces or the silly things they wear. To some extent, photography allows me to do just that. It has opened my eyes to a previously undiscovered world. It has allowed me to see the world around me with a deeper appreciation. I am constantly aware of the extraordinary among the ordinary and the beauty in the mundane. I don't see pictures. I see stories ... with both my eyes and my heart. I am a wordless storyteller. Thanks for joining me here.

Michael & Rachel [Wedding]

ANTICIPATE: TO LOOK FORWARD TO WITH EXCITEMENT OR ANXIETY; TO HOPE OR EXPECT

In thinking about Rachel and Michael's wedding and how to share what I know of their story, the word anticipate keeps coming to my mind. There is no doubt that they have been anticipating this moment for some time now...probably long before there was any type of ring on Rachel's finger (and wow, is that a gorgeous ring?!) Maybe even before she decided to move here to be near him... and maybe before she was job hunting near where he lived and was blessed by receiving a teaching job in the EXACT SAME small middle school that Michael worked in. God is pretty amazing to work that out.

Prior to any bride and groom's wedding day, Colleen and I meet with them more than one time. Listening to Michael talk in those meetings, he admitted both his excitement and his anxiety. Michael is a former college "dorm rapper" turned worship leader and middle school teacher. For anyone who has seen him in his teaching role, it may surprise you to know that he has a quiet, shy side....Because he wanted everything to be just perfect, and because he valued so dearly the meaning behind the wedding ceremony, and because he was just so excited to make Rachel not only his best friend, but his wife...he had a wee bit of anxiety too. Rachel, she was calm and collected. What else would you expect from someone who can recite the entire alphabet backwards in one quick breath??? (seriously, she can do that!) 

When I first saw Michael on that morning of May 11, 2013, he was clothed in calmness and peace. It was not what I expected at all. The day was finally here, and he was ready. This was the day they would become one. 

Colleen and I so enjoyed telling their story. Enjoy taking a walk through the day as you look through the images below. And then feel free to watch the following slideshow which is a little more comprehensive including both of our images and visit Colleen's blog specifically for a look through her eyes.











The moment he had been waiting for so long ~ to see his bride.
He wasn't the only one anticipating that.


It must have been special to be married in the Church where he worked by two of the pastor's he works with (one of whom introduced him to his wife).

More anticipation ;)...sometimes I love the moment before the kiss even better than the kiss. So sweet.












Praying for you as you embark on this new phase in your lives as husband and wife! "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." Mark 10:9 Thanks for choosing us to share in your Wedding Day! Blessings!