Michelle Jensen Photography

Alison & Natalie | Sisters Maternity

2011-06-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Sisters...pregnant...together!!! I always wanted a sister growing up but this just makes me wish I had one even more! What an amazingly fun time in life for them right now! Sisters, Alison & Natalie are pregnant together! These photos were taken on Alison's due date and one week later she is still awaiting the arrival of her first child, Jacoby. Come on little guy...don't hide away from us any longer we want to meet you!!!! Natalie is 20 weeks pregnant...just at the halfway mark! And to make this story even better...they're both having BOYS!! I can't help with all the exclamation marks in this post!!!!! This! is! so! awesome!!!!!! :)

Alison is originally from California, where her family still lives. To ensure they were all here for the birth of baby Jacoby they came a couple of days before Alison's due date. And they had the fabulous idea of doing a maternity shoot...together!!!!! This was so much fun to do and honestly...two incredibly beautiful and photogenic people. Thanks for making my job so easy girls:)

I'm so excited to meet Jacoby and for little baby boy (still to be named) in your belly, Natalie! Thank you for asking me to capture such a special time in both of your lives...and what your parents must be thinking! Seriously...so much fun!!! I love you both so much and I hope these pictures get you, Alison so excited that you go into labor:)

www.michelle-jensen.com

Wedding | Brianna & Eric

2011-06-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

The sun was beautiful that day...which is definitely something to write about with the weather we've been having around here! And it was not only sunny but it was warm! Brianna and her bridesmaids sat in High Cedars Golf Club where the wedding was to be held wondering what to do next. You see, Brianna was probably the most organized and relaxed bride I've ever been around. There was no rushing around, no stress, no tears...here words were put simply..."everything looks beautiful and if anything has been forgotten, I don't care-I'm getting married today!!" Brianna, I want to put you in a bottle and open you up at every wedding I photograph!

Brianna and Eric go way back...in fact, they met in elementary school. They've literally seen each other grow up. Childhood sweethearts. They graduated highschool and went off to college...together...both attending Washington State University. As they wrapped up college Eric felt it was time to make it official and put a ring on her finger. They now live back on the western side of Washington State where they just bought their first house that they will live in together...finally.

I've known Brianna for quite some time now, as her sister, Carrie has been one of my very dear friends for many years. I also had the privelege of photographing her mom, Patti's wedding a few years ago. Love this family!!!!

Thank you all so much for the opportunity to capture one of your most intimate times in life. Your family and friends were so kind and generous and a blast to be around. Thank you for reaffirming my love for what I do. Even at the end of the day I walked away from your wedding more refreshed than I can ever remember.

Also, a HUGE thank you to Kelsey Lynne Photography for second shooting with me. Great photographer and even a better friend to me! I had such SO MUCH FUN with you and am so grateful for the way our paths have been crossed. Keep up with your goals and dreams...they're coming true! Love you!

To see more of Brianna & Eric's wedding and to sign their guestbook click HERE.

www.michelle-jensen.com

An Italian Themed Baby Shower

2011-06-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

What an amazing baby shower this was!!! Steve & Alison are some of our very best friends and have been for years. They are finally joining the rest of us in extending their family and we couldn't be more excited for them. A few years back they took a trip to Italy and, of course, fell in love with it. They decided to take one last trip before trying for a baby and...surprise...she got pregnant while in Italy!!! So it was only appropriate that Cara Garland, who planned the shower, went with an authentic Italian theme!

My favorite part was all of the details that were put into making this shower what it was. Cara...you honestly did a fantastic job and everything looked so beautiful.

Cara enlisted the help of and creativity of some great companies:

ADN Designs

Lifetime Events & Catering

(206 276-0281)

Thank you to all of the friends & family who made this day so wonderful!

Steve and Alison, I can't wait to meet little Jacoby...you have fought so hard for your family and are now going to see the fruits of your labor be passed down to your children. You both are going to make amazing parents!!!! I'm so glad to be in this time of our lives together! Love you both very much!

www.michelle-jensen.com

Okay, really...who has that great of legs and can pull of that dress when they're 8 months pregnant!?! You work it girl!

Alison's cousin, Janelle made these tirimisu cupcakes...they were delicious!!

Are you kidding me!?!

A little caprese salad on sticks!!!

Grandma to be.

Other Grandma to be.

Loving these details!!

Homemade biscotti!!!

You can't tell here but sisters, Alison and Natalie are pregnant together! Natalie is just a little ways along in her pregnancy but how fun to be pregnant with your sister at the same time!!!!

Cara had water bottle labels made of actual pictures Alison took...little Jacoby's ultrasound and his name written in the sand on their trip to Hawaii.

The family...three of these girls are pregnant at the same time and one had a two week old! How amazing!!!

So excited for all of you...what a fun time in life!

Alison has craved pickles while being pregnant and Patti, her mother-in-law, makes the best pickles...so we only found it appropriate:)

www.michelle-jensen.com

Back to life...back to reality!

2011-05-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

Back to life...back to reality

Does anyone else remember this song!?!

It was 1989, I was seven years old wearing my hot pink stretch pants with florescent green socks rolled at my ankles. My hair was in a side pony tail and my shirt was tied in a low knot in the front.

That's the memory I have associated with this song! I just went back to look at the lyrics and wondered how on earth a seven year old got away with listening to words like that!!!! Although, I'm afraid to admit that this was one of the more clean songs I used to listen to...I can't believe it!

The crazy thing is now we're back to wearing stretch pants but we call them leggings and side pony tails are back in we just wear them low and sweep them over our shoulder. Tapered jeans are in now but we like to refer to them as "skinny jeans." Let's just call it like it is:) Funny how styles come back around and we just rename them so they're cool again.

Back to life and back to reality is right where I'm at. Jay and I just got back from an incredible vacation...without any kids!!! That's the reason for my lack of blogging. We decided back in February it was time to get away and get refreshed when I so kindly told Jay 'someone is going to lose their head and it would probably be you.' He immediately got on the computer and planned our vacation to Maui, Hawaii. We stayed at the most beautiful resort, the Honua Kai. Honestly...the most amazing place I've ever stayed. Our goal while we were there was not to go to all the tourist attractions...it was to simply lay on the beach, be bored and have uninterrupted conversations. We accomplished our goal and it was AWESOME!!! We wish we could have stayed longer and put the kids on a plane to meet us there but such is life. We missed the kids so much but also had a really great time with just the two of us. It's now no longer optional...we need to make more time for just him and I together. Maybe not such a long vacation but even more date nights. Here are a few pics from our trip. Makes me want to go back...maybe some day:)

Newborn | Ailey S.

2011-05-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

What a doll! This is my new niece, Ailey! She is so sweet and did so well for her pictures! We had a very limited amount of time...less than I would typically spend with a newborn but she stayed on task and gave me what I came there for...great pictures! Congratulations Della & Travis...she's beautiful!

www.michelle-jensen.com

It's Finally Time!!

2011-05-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

It's taken me quite a while but I've been building my new website for a few months now and the day is finally here for the big reveal! I'm really happy with the way it turned out and hope you enjoy it as much as I am!

There are some really cool features that I've added so if you get a chance try them out!

There's a facebook comment tab in the lower right corner and you can make comments right inside of the website! You will also find links to my facebook fan page, twitter and blog.

Enjoy!!! And if you get a chance...let me know what you think:)

~Michelle

www.michelle-jensen.com

Coffee & a Good Read

2011-04-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

Growing up I was never much of a reader but over the last 10 years or so I've come to actually love and enjoy reading. Some of my defining moments in life have come from books filled with truth and wisdom. So I thought I would share some good reading with you.

I won't bore you with what the book is about...although, I have to tell you that this is not a boring book at all whatsoever. I will only share with you the books that are, in my opinion, some of the best books I have ever read and have helped me and are still helping me to become the person I am and want to be. Here is one:

"A leader has to do it, no matter how many obstacles there might be."

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

~John C. Maxwell

I could talk about that one line for a long time. Obstacles, since childhood, have tried to take me down and make me depressed and keep me a 'victim' my whole life. But I just heard someone the other day say, "you can slow down, but you can NEVER give up." It's okay to rest but you can't stop the race. You might fall a thousand times but you only fail when you refuse to get back up again. I have fallen at times and couldn't get back up for months and in some instances years, but I was determined to get up and finish the race that I started. And it is in those moments when I finally make it across the finish line, do I realize those are some of the greatest and most defining races I will have run.

If you're running a race that seems too difficult to finish or you can't see the finish line I say those same words to you, " you can slow down, but you can NEVER give up!"

Hank C.

2011-04-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek of Hank C.

Coming soon to a computer near you:)

Newborn | Raegan Danielle Promise

2011-04-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

Raegan Danielle Promise

She definitely was a promise from God...11 years it took for parents, Sean & Stacia to finally have this little one in their arms. A lot of prayers, tears and trust is what kept them going and what brought this beautiful little girl into this world. I love you both and am so blessed to have photographed this amazing moment that will forever change your lives!

What to Wear Wednesday

2011-04-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

Featuring Maggie Sottero...my favorite designer...and some wedding day ideas in coral.

Are you kidding me with this dress!?! GORGEOUS!!!

To view this dress & more by Maggie Sotterro click here

Father-Daughter Banquet at GHCC

2011-04-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

This is one of the greatest times of the year for me to be a part of...Generational Hope Christian Center's Father-Daughter Banquet.

I watch as each girl comes through the doors beaming with pride and beauty as she walks arm in arm with her dad. She's been looking forward to this evening for weeks...she goes shopping for the perfect dress and gets her hair & nails done. I look over to my right and see a one year old little girl being held by her daddy and just behind her a grown woman who has children of her own standing proudly with her own dad. A few minutes later I see a young lady walk in who's dad has been absent in her life but amazingly still has a smile on her face and a "dad" who takes her under his wing as one of his own.

I wish more of the world would embrace the importance of a father in a daughters life. A father is the one who gives his girl the "stamp of approval" for her life. He is the one who "sets her price tag" as to how much she feels she is worth. If she is lacking the attention and investment of her own dad she'll go looking for it somewhere else. I speak from a place of knowing what it means to 'look for it somewhere else' because my own dad didn't know how to speak worth and value over me. And because of that I'm constantly stressing to my husband how important it is to have our little girls heart by spending time and speaking words of affirmation to her. It's one thing for me to do it but when her dad does it she lights up and I can see it being stored into a completely different place in her heart.

This is an evening to remind dad's that its worth taking your daughter out for a fun evening of dress up, flowers, dinner and a good laugh...but more importantly doing and saying special things every day to build them up. The question that is left with each man as he leaves is a good one to leave you with today:

What you value is what you will put your time and investment into...what is she worth to you?

With help from Josiah Michael, the photo portion of the evening was not only a success but so much fun! Thank you Joeysiah:)

For more information about Generational Hope Christian Center click HERE.

It's Been Quite Awhile!

2011-03-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm so sorry to those of you who love the blog so much for my absence! Looking at my blog is a bit embarrassing realizing my last post was in December. I've got to admit that business and family got a little crazy in December and January and I had to let a few things go to the wayside. I tried to keep everyone updated through my Facebook page. If you aren't connected to it you can do that here. My goal is to be more consistent with my posts...I hope you stay tuned in as there is A LOT that I have to share with you from the last few months. Hopefully this picture will hook you for what's to come.

Raegan Danielle...the little promise sent from up above to proud parents, Sean & Stacia.

Beautiful Baby Lyric

2010-11-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

Isn't she gorgeous!?! This little one was a preemie and at the time of these photos she was 5 weeks old and just a little over 7 lbs. So tiny & so cute! As her older brother, Joaquin slept soundly in his car seat, Lyric was wide awake and ready to put up a fight against sleep! But I'm came prepared...it was nothing that a little rocking and binky couldn't fix! She finally couldn't take it anymore and off to sleep she went:) Shanita, thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me take some photos of your beautiful daughter! I had such a great time with you all!!!

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!!!!

2010-11-17T07:05:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!!!!! Book your session now through December 20th & it will cost you only $75! Say WHAT!?! That's a $150.00 savings! Pictures make great Christmas Presents!!!

I know, I know...you might be asking yourself one of two questions, "what is she thinking!?!" or "wahoo...now that's something I can afford in this recession!"

I can relate with needing to keep as much money in my bank account as possible during these times...especially with the holidays right around the corner. So my gift to you is a major discount! I look forward to taking your photos!

First, Happy Thanksgiving...but even better...Merry Christmas!

www.michelle-jensen.com

Henry John

2010-11-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

So so so sweet...little Henry John. There is nothing better than watching a first time mom & dad fall in love with this new little life that has finally arrived. Ryan & Erin were such a joy to watch and I have to admit that I found myself fighting back tears as I watched them holding little Henry & trying to figure out "what to do next" for him...I fought back the tears because it reminded me of the joy and unconditional love I instantly had when my children were born. No one can prepare you or tell you enough how it feels...you have to experience it first hand to fully comprehend exactly what they mean.

Ryan & Erin, thank you for letting me capture such an amazing moment in time...you did a great job...he's beautiful!

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes & the Epicurious App

2010-11-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

Okay.seriously....best.muffins.EVER! I wasn't too sure if I'd like them...me and pumpkin pie aren't the best of friends but we do get along from time to time. I only went through with making these because I told my three year old the day before that we would...and she never forgets anything! Seriously...I wish I had a memory like hers! Anyway, if you want to knock some socks off this Thanksgiving season you've got to make these!!!

My friend, Joey, has been showing me all sorts of fun apps for my Ipad...one of my best purchases yet for the business:) Anyway, he showed me this app called Epicurious. If you have an Iphone or Ipad and have a love or semi-love for cooking or just need some new dinner ideas you HAVE to get this! You type in what ingredients you have to make something and it gives you recipes for it. Anything! And if you are one of many people with gluten allergies...this is definitely for you! So here's my recipe and photo for the pumpkin pie cupcakes. If you make these you can't leave any ingredient out...even the little bit of lemon zest on the top...it's the perfect compliment!

When I get to heaven...my house just might be made out of this stuff:)

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 tsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons butter, softened

3 egg whites

3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree

6 tablespoons skim milk (I used 2%)

3 tsp.vanilla extract

12 muffin liners

Frosting

6 tablespoons cream cheese, room temp.

6 tsp. butter

6 tablespoons confection sugar

6 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Grated zest of 1 lemon

Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmet, & salt until combined. Set aside. Mash (or mix) granulated sugar & butter in another bowl until combined. Stir in egg whites, then pumpkin, milk & vanilla. Add dry ingredients; stir until just combined. Pour batter into lined muffin cups to 3/4 full. Bake until cupcakes spring back to the touch 10-15 minutes.

Beat cream chees, butter & confection sugar in a bowl with mixer until smooth. Add yogurt & vanilla; beat until combined. When cupcakes cool, frost & garnish with zest. (To zest a lemon just take your cheese grater and use the smallest grater and grate the outside of the lemon! Just make sure you wash your lemon first.)

Okay so I thought I made these exactly how the recipe told me to but after typing this out I have realized I made a couple of adjusments...so I gave you exactly what I did.

You're gonna loooooove these...I stand by my word:)

www.michelle-jensen.com

Costume Photos

2010-11-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

We had the so much fun teaming up with Cutter's Point Coffee for costume photos! Here are just a few that came in for the fun!

Okay...seriously...could these kids be ANY cuter!?!

www.michelle-jensen.com

Giveaway!!!

2010-10-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

Time is coming to an end for the Costume Photo Giveaway!!!

Here's what you have to do:

First: Make sure you are a fan of Michelle Jensen Photography. You can do that here. Then: repost this on your Facebook and/or Twitter: "I just entered to win Free Costume Photos from Michelle Jensen Photography & you can too! www.facebook.com/michellejensenphotography"

Once you have reposted then leave me a comment letting me know either on my blog or my FB Fanpage www.facebook.com/michellejensenphotography It's that easy! If you don't want Costume Photos then enter to win for someone who does...maybe a niece, nephew or the cute kid next door!

Costume Photos will be:

October 30th & 31st

10:30am - 2:30pm

@ Cutter's Point Covington

(Across from Home Depot)

One lucky winner will get to choose any package they like! That's anywhere from $8.99 - $26.99 Savings!!

A winner will be announced Friday 10/29 @ 5pm!

Baby Henry

2010-10-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Henry...doesn't his name just melt your heart!?! So will this photo!

Little Henry was born to some of my very best friends, Ryan & Erin. Congratulations on one of the cutest little boys! P.S. Could you name all of your kids with cute names like Henry? Love it!!!

Stay tuned for more photos of Henry...this is just a sneak peek...I couldn't keep this to myself anymore and had to share it with all of you!!!

www.michelle-jensen.com

Giveaway!!!

2010-10-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

Okay...so here's the deal...it's GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Here's what you have to do:

Costume Photos will be:

October 30th & 31st

10:30am - 2:30pm

@ Cutter's Point Covington

(Across from Home Depot)

One lucky winner will get to choose any package they like! That's anywhere from $5.99 - $26.99 Savings!!

I've Got Some Exciting News To Share!

2010-10-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true! I am so excited to say that Cutter's Point Coffee Covington and I are teaming up for a very fun event! Get your costumes ready, put your make-up on for our first ever COSTUME PICTURES!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30TH & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31ST

10:30AM-2:30PM

We will be shooting photos right there in Cutter's Point! We will have a backdrop & lights set up to capture all of your great costume ideas this year!

If you've never had Cutter's Point Coffee you are missing out in life! Seriously, I'm not even kidding! I don't go anywhere else for coffee anymore...besides my own home! This is the best coffee around...and I'm not just saying that...it's really the truth! I cringe when I have to go somewhere else and I'm usually disappointed in what I get when I do!

So bring the kids, husband & wife along and tell all of your friends! You won't want to miss this fun event! Cutter's Point will be having some great drink specials too! If you haven't become a fan of Michelle Jensen Photography yet on facebook you'll want to do that! There is a giveaway associated with this event. I will share that with you tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by!

And the winner is...

2010-10-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Melissa Mahoney Goodnight!!! Melissa, I am soooo excited!!! For those of you who don't know Melissa, we graduated high school together! I am looking forward being able to spend a little time with you and meet your beautiful family in person! Totally random pick by my 2 year old...great choice, Madison! Congratulations again Melissa!

Everyone stay tuned I will be sharing some exciting news in the next couple of days!

Thanks for playing along and supporting my business!!

Come Celebrate with Me!!!!

2010-10-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Michelle Jensen Photography has a new Facebook Fan Page! I know what you must be thinking...what's so new about that? It takes me a while to jump on the social media band wagon...but I'm there, I'm finally there!!! So it may not be as momentous for you as it is for me...but I know something that you will be excited about...

To celebrate this momentous occasion I am giving away ONE FREE PORTRAIT SESSION to anyone who "likes" Michelle Jensen Photography on Facebook! That's a $250 savings!!!!! A winner will be randomly drawn on Sunday, October 10th @ 7pm! This is a great opportunity for those upcoming Christmas pictures!!! www.facebook.com/michellejensenphotography

www.michelle-jensen.com

Q&A: Get to know me!

2010-09-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

This photo? One of my all time faves!!!!

www.michelle-jensen.com

Here are some questions I am frequently asked that you might be interested in:

Q: How did you get to where you are today?

A: A lot of failures and a few successes! I always had a love for photography but began to realize it was more than that when I took a trip to Uganda, Africa in 2002. My husband and I got married in 2004 where we met our amazing photographers Doug & Sally Smith! (If you are in or around Georgia you've got to look them up!) At our first meeting at a local Starbuck's I knew we just had to be friends...honestly two of the most fun and refreshing people I have ever met! That following year I pushed my fears aside and asked Sally if I could be her 'apprentice' and just follow her around. I didn't want her to pay me...I just wanted to learn! I had no idea what I was doing but knew I wanted to do it! For Christmas in 2005 Jay bought me a Canon 20d and the rest is history!

Q: What is your favorite thing to photograph?

A: I've kind of been all over the board the last few years. I started out shooting weddings and then when I had my daughter I was doing more portrait photography...which led me to newborns. There is nothing more incredible and sweet than a newborn...maybe I feel like that because I have had two and the love that you have for this new little life is amazing. Now that both of my kids are getting older I am diving back into weddings and I.am.loooooooving it!!!! So...to sum it all up my passions are weddings and newborns!

Q: Camera?

A: Well, I've got my old school Canon 20d and I know I should and need to move on but it's my first love...and you never forget your first love! But...it's time, I have moved on to the Canon 5d Mark II...I have been stalking it for some time now and almost have it in my possession!

Q: Favorite lens?

A: 50mm 1.2 is hands down my favorite lens! But what is my favorite and what's actually in my bag are two completely different things:) So until one day when the 1.2 and I are official, I am loving my 50mm 1.4...which is still a GREAT lens!

Q: What is some material that has influenced you over the years?

A: I am reading one.of.THE.BEST.books I have read in a long time! It's called the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell. This book is a few things to me: humbling, challenging, life altering, envisioning...and is seriously lighting a fire under me!! I would HIGHLY recommend it if you are looking for a book like that! Some other material is wedding magazines, style & fashion magazines(some, not all-I don't enjoy nudity or almost nudity so I'm pretty picky about which ones I will pick up and give the time of day), The Search for Self Worth (One of the biggest foundational teachings of my life! Helped me to discover who I am outside of my insecurities and life situations & to be secure with who God created me to be). Anyway, just a few that have impacted my life greatly!

Q: What is one of the best pieces of advice you've been given?

A: Be yourself! You're never going to be able to be someone else...stop striving and just be who you were created to be! I still have to constantly remind myself of this that my style is my style...I don't need to be someone else...I can learn from others and implement some elements of someone's style & learn from them...but I will never be them...that's not who I was created to be.

www.michelle-jensen.com

Newborn Sessions & 25 Free Birth Announcements!!!

2010-09-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

Whether you just had a newborn or are going to have one in the near future now is the time to book your newborn's first photo session! Book by October 2nd and receive 25 FREE Tri-fold Birth Announcements! Even if your little one hasn't arrived yet you can still get in on the offer! For more information and to schedule your session visit: www.michelle-jensen.com You can click the "Contact" tab to schedule. Below is just one example of the Tri-fold Birth Announcement that could be yours!

www.michelle-jensen.com

Clarification

2010-09-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about the last blog I just published and wanted to clarify a few things. I, in no way shape or form, ever want to place any sort of condemnation on anyone. I believe that life is about choices. You can make good choices and you can make bad choices...and I firmly believe that what you sow you will reap. In other words - whatever you plant is what your going to produce...if you plant carrots you'll get carrots...you don't plant carrots and hope for peas.

Of course I mean this all metaphorically. If you sow good things in life...you will, in turn, reap good things in life. Now, that's not to imply bad things aren't ever going to happen...but your good and wise choices can turn a situation around...even if you have made bad and unwise decisions. There is always a way for restoration if that's what you choose. And for some I know that you probably haven't been the one to make the bad or unwise decisions...but unfortunately your life has been affected by someone who has. And you too can find restoration through forgiveness, if that's what you choose. And I believe that down to the very core of who I am...I have seen it done and have experienced the power of restoration through forgiveness myself. It was a hard choice, but once made, well worth it!!!!

The Beauty of Marriage

2010-09-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

Marriage is the covenant between a man and a woman who have fallen deeply in love with one another. Covenant is committing yourself wholeheartedly to that single person for the rest of your life. It is meant to not only be witnessed by friends and family but supported by them also.

Someone once said to me one of the most revelatory statements I have ever heard, "If you don't have your word...you've got nothing. If people can't trust your word, they can't trust anything about you...your character or your integrity." Whoa!!!...those words sent chills straight to my bones the first time I heard them and have been ringing in my ears ever since. Your words define who you are...it tells people whether they can trust you or not.

We have turned into a society who has become so nonchalant with our words, telling people what they want to hear and, in turn, not being true or honest with our words or who we are. We manipulate and take advantage of others to fulfill our own selfish desires. I'm so grateful for the man I have been given to be my husband until death do us part. There is no doubt inside of me about that...not even an ounce....that we will be together until that day. And the reason I know is first and foremost we believe in covenant and stick to it. We gave our promise and word to one another and won't turn away from it...no matter how hard it gets. And the reason I know that is because we took the time before marriage to win each other's hearts and prove our character to one another...showing each other we could be trusted with the little things so in the future we could be trusted with the big. Jay didn't win me with his words or with his gifts...he won me with his character and integrity. I watched closely when he didn't think I was watching as to the kind of man he really was and is to this day. I knew he wanted to honor, cherish and protect me by guarding my heart and his own. He cares about who I am as a person and I know that especially when we argue and fight and at the end of the day he hasn't turned his heart of to me or mine to him.

We also had the support of a few mom's and dad's we could trust who weren't afraid to tell us the hard, honest truth when we needed to hear it. I want people in my life who aren't afraid to speak into me...sometimes the hardest things are the right things...I heard a song about that once:) I don't profess to do things right all the time and I want people around me who can get me back on the right path when I've taken a detour. And to this day those same people are walking with us through everyday life as a husband and wife and now a mom and dad...and Lord knows we need all the help we can get!

Marriage is meant to be the most fun, hard, challenging, joyful, peaceful, character building, humble, loving time of your life. It's not meant to always be smooth but it's not meant to always be rough either. Jay, thank you for taking me on this roller coaster ride we call life...I wouldn't trade it for anything and I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else!!! I look forward and gladly welcome the twists and turns and ups and downs it will hand us for the rest of our lives...I know in the end it will only make our love for one another stronger than the day we said, "I do!" I love you...

Take a Deep Breath...It's All Going To Be Okay!

2010-09-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

So...here's me...being real! I love, love, love photography without a doubt! Next to God and my family it is what I think and dream about the most. But, unfortunately it hasn't exactly been in that order for quite a while. I finally realized that I have been trying to make each of those things number one in my life and have been delivering poorly with all of them. I'm just sayin it how it is! Business is booming and I can't seem to keep up with it. I have this I-can-do-it-myself mentality when it comes to getting things done...this is where everything goes haywire. I used to be able to do it all myself...and then I went and had two kids which has changed things drastically! Things just aren't the way they used to be...I don't have hours on end to get things done like I used to. And my kids have been suffering...my husband has been suffering...Clients have been suffering. I start to feel guilty so I stop working on my "work"...and then I get behind...and everyone gets the raw end of my unprioritized life! (I don't even think unprioritized is a word...but it works:)

So...I've come to the conclusion that I need to get my priorities straight...ASAP!!! My time is worth more than money and if someone else can do exactly what I do in way less time than I can...then it's worth the extra money to provide me extra time with those that I love and the ones I have yet to meet!

I have stumbled upon some of the most amazing people and tools who have been right at my fingertips. And I have put them to use immediately after much research! First off is Kelsey Blome...honestly, an answer to prayer! (Not much research needed for that one.) What a breath of fresh air she has been to me! If you haven't seen her work...well, you're missing out! ( Click here to see more of Kelsey.) She has taken place as my second photographer, stress reliever, my right arm (which I seem to have lost a long time ago), and most importantly, my friend. Seriously, love you girl! Second, I finally bought lightroom 3.0...whew...time off my hands using this...awesome!!!! Third, found this incredible place called Photographers Edit. They do what I do in way way way less time than I can. I use this mainly for weddings since there are so many photos involved! Don't get me wrong...post processing is typically very minimal & should be...but it still takes time away from my top priorities.

I took this Labor Day weekend to leave home and spend some much needed time with my family and to have a talk with myself...almost a let's-start-this-whole-thing-over-again type of talk. So...to start things off right here are some photos from a really great weekend!

Danielle - Senior Photos

2010-09-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

Stunning: -adjective: of striking beauty or excellence. This was the first word that came to my head when I looked at Danielle's photos . Wow!!!

We had the most beautiful day in Seattle and such a great time people watching. I always wonder that as I'm people watching, if there is someone watching me watch all the people. Not sure if that makes sense...but it's always a thought I have. (Just a peek into the random things that go through my head)

Danni (we call her that around my house), you are breathtaking and I enjoy every moment I have with you and I'm looking forward to all of the moments were going to have together this next year.

Love love love you!

Chris & Laura

2010-09-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

Laughter, laughter and more laughter. Just one of the many reasons why I enjoy Chris & Laura so much! I love to laugh...and anyone who can make me laugh is instantly my friend. A word of the wise I've read many times says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." Chris and Laura are good medicine to those who surround them...and especially to me!

It was not only the beauty of laughter that filled the day but the love that Chris and Laura have for one another. It was truly a delight and a pleasure to be a part of the first day of the rest of your lives. Thank you for allowing me to witness the covenant of two very special people!

Steve & Brettany

2010-08-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

It was as if not another soul was in the place when their eyes met for the first time on their wedding day. You see, Steve & Brettany decided to not see each other until the moment she walked down the aisle. The look on his face told of her beauty and how in love with her he was. As the prayers were prayed and vows stated to one another they sealed their covenant and the rest of their lives with a kiss and the blessings of many family and friends.

Steve & Brettany, thank you so much for letting me be a part of such a special day. You two are beautiful, amazing people and I'm honored to know you and call you my friends. You are a testimony of grace and trust. I love you both!

Christine - Senior Photos

2010-08-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

Naomi & Ellie

2010-08-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

These two little one's are definite characters...and some of Madison's favorite play time buddies. It was Naomi's birthday and time for some new shots of the girls. It was so much fun going off with them by myself and seeing just how much they loved "posing" for the camera when mom & dad weren't looking:) Thanks guys...I had a blast and love you all so much!

Generational Leadership Class of 2010

2010-07-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations on the beginning of the rest of your life!!! I am so proud of you all and so blessed to be a part of what Jesus has done in you this year. Thank you for walking in obedience...someone is waiting just on the other side of it. Keep your eyes and ears open, you've only just begun and there is so much more than what you've already learned and experienced! Love you all so much!! Remember this: "Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail"!!!!!

If you would like more information about Generational Leadership you can visit:

www.generationalleadership.org

Beautiful baby Emma

2010-06-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

So blessed to be their mom...

2010-06-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

Boy how time flies...Madison is 2 and Jackson is almost 1!
I was just sitting here reminiscing about the two of them in my mind and thought I'd share a few of my favorite photos with you.

A few more featuring Heidi

2010-06-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

Heidi's Senior Photos

2010-05-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

Not only is Heidi gorgeous but so was the weather we had that day! And we haven't seen sun like that since:( Heidi was so fun and willing to travel for her photos to a few different places, which made for some great backdrops...including Windy Hills Peony Farm in Auburn. If you ever get the chance you should go buy some peonies from them...the most beautiful flower ever and the nicest people! Here are a few photos from our time together.

Dayton Daniel

2010-05-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

The Deonigi's

2010-05-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

All I can say is...wow, what a beautiful family!

2010-05-06T14:50:00.000-07:00