A day for giving thanks....

I have to start this post off first with an apology.... to those of you who have email or called in the past couple of days and I have not yet responded, my apologies. My grandmother has been very ill. After a couple of trips to the ER they finally found the cause of her problems and did an emergency surgery Tuesday evening. I visited with her yesterday and although she's uncomfortable following the surgery there is once again a rosey glow to her cheeks that we were worried would not be returning.

I find that today I have so much to be thankful for. I am so very thankful to the doctors and nurses at St. Mary's for looking deeper then anyone else had before. I know we were close to loosing my grandma and to have her here and healthy... there are no words that can come close to thanking those who made that possible.

As many of you know my father-in-law has been battling a form of Lymphoma for the past couple of years. I have been meaning to post an update on his progress and I will do that in more detail in a coming post. The stem cell transplant they performed earlier this year went nearly flawlessly and he is doing well. Through all of these experiences I have been repeatedly reminded of how incredible the medical staff at these facilities are. On a day such as Thanksgiving when we will travel to celebrate with family and friends they will be providing the comfort and care many of our loved desperately need. For that we can all be Thankful!

May you all enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving with the people you hold most dear. And if you are one to say a prayer at your dinner table... add a little mention of my grandma, she still has some recovering to do.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lesley & Chris

When it comes to the subject of automobiles each of us can name an individual who is an avid automobile fan. You know... that friend or relative who babies their car as though it were a member of the family. The person you consistently beg to allow you to drive their car but somehow the concern for their car's safety always out weights your pleas. Well for many years Chris was that guy.

The shiny red mustang that was parked in Chris' garage knew a love like no other. The delicate touch for each detailing, and the close watch that was placed over each and every mile it traveled. Chris was definitely in love. Every other day, like clockwork, Chris would wash and wax his baby. It didn't matter that the mustang was only really driven six months of the year. A summer Sunday afternoon was like heaven because it meant there was time for a drive in the mustang with no particular destination in mind. Yup, this was most definitely love.

Some men wait and save their whole lives to purchase that perfect car. Once they have it, they cherish it, protect it and enjoy it every chance they get. When you work towards a goal like that parting with it is never an easy task. That is of course unless your trading it in for something even better. When Chris decided it was time to sell his beloved mustang he made the sale without a bit of anxiety. He knew the sale didn't mean the end to those wonderful Sunday afternoons, rather the sale meant there was a new road map to explore. Within a week of the sale Chris had purchased an engagement ring and asked Lesley if she would spend forever with him. Her response? "Without a doubt"

Lesley & Chris thank you for allowing me to be a part of your families on a very special day. It was such a pleasure. I hope you had an incredible time in Hawaii!




I loved the detailing of Lesley's dress....



Stunning....









Karen grabbed this fun angle.





These two are so fun together...



This has to be one of my favorite bridal portraits of all time!







The big purchase.



These last two are just for you Lesley- it's all about the back. :)

Lindsay & Nathan

The weather was picture perfect... blue skies, a light breeze. Nate grabbed Olive's leash and asked Lindsay to join them for a walk. The strolled hand in hand down to the harbor and talked about nothing in particular. As Olive soaked in the suns warm rays Lindsay and Nate soaked in some quality time together. Life was perfect. What better way to spend a weekend then with no particular agenda, just relaxing together, laughing together.

When they reached the harbor Lindsay bent down to share the love with Olive... some rough play time and a few cuddles thrown in for good measure. Perfection. Lindsay turned to Nate to share her thoughts and found Nate had dropped to a knee. Apparently the moment was perfect in Nate's mind as well. For it was in that moment of perfection that Nate asked the perfect woman to share in his plans for a perfect future... a future together, always.

What makes this story so wonderful in my opinion is that the perfect afternoon was all perfectly planned by Nate. He must have been pretty confident in Lindsay's answer because following his proposal they made their way to a ship in the harbor where all of their closest friends and family were waiting to celebrate the good news! Talk about a perfect ending to an incredible day. :)

Considering the planning that went into Nate's proposal it came as no surprise that their wedding day was filled to the brim with incredible details. We had the opportunity to work again with Angela DuPont of Top Shelf Weddings & Events so we knew everything would go smooth as silk. Lindsay & Nate thank you so much for allowing Karen and I to document your wedding day. It was truly a pleasure working with you and your families. Love - J







Stunning.... favorite







Rooftop garden of the MMOCA







Nate's winning personality obviously runs in the family. :)





Stopping traffic!



We caught the evening light at just the perfect time.





Lindsay you are gorgeous!



Love this! You two are so sweet together. Favorite



Daffodil Parker did an amazing job on the floral arrangements.






Lots more beautiful images coming your way! Up next....

Lesley & Chris
Heather & Aaron
Amanda & Jim
Elizabeth & Andrew

Lynn & Lucas

The role of matchmaker is a tough one. To successful match up two souls, two personalities... Many people have tried and nearly just as many have failed. It's a delicate line to walk, but every now and then we come across an individual who is perfectly suited for the job. Randy is just such a man.

On a girls night out on the town Lynn & her best friend Emily made their way to the Hody Bar. Between rounds of drinks, gossiping about work, friends and family Emily and Lynn found themselves eyeing up the cute bartender behind the bar. How could they draw him down to join in their conversation? Laughter, conversation and the drinks were all flowing freely that night. It was then that the slightly older gentleman sat down next to Lynn and began to strike up a conversation. He was celebrating his birthday, so of course the girls had to share a toast and a few laughs. The conversation might have ended there.. and Lynn & Emily could have gotten back to their plans for the bartender... but this gentleman was special.

Randy was one of those very few individuals who don't simply join in conversation to pass the time.. but truly are interested in what the other person has to say. In those few moments of chatting with Lynn he listened closely and heard details even Lynn didn't realize she was sharing. As Lynn chatted about life.... Randy heard Lynn's dedication for her friends and family. He heard her sincerity and her humility. He heard her longing for love. Randy heard in Lynn's voice many of the same things he heard in his own son's. It wasn't long before Randy was talking up his incredible son Lucas... and the matchmaking was on. As he pointed to Lucas across the bar Lynn's heart did a flip in her chest. By the end of the night the two were dancing together as though they had known each other for years. A match made in heaven... by the future father- in-law! All I can say is... well done Randy.




We had a little fun with the boys before the ceremony...



I think Lynn was a little excited to she Lucas.







The beautiful Lynn and her parents.





I love, love, loved this group of girls! They were so wonderful, sweet and supportive... Lynn is so lucky to have had one of the best groups of bridesmaids I've ever worked with.





Nose to nose.. love it. Favorite!



Ummm, yeah.. definitely a favorite!



Lynn and Lucas played right into the fall theme with their wedding favors... caramel corn!



Love this cake from Carls Cakes.



Lynn & Lucas love live music. They had an incredible band Altered Five play for their reception.
Favorite!

Heather & Nick

Everyone knows there are a few key components to setting the stage for a romantic evening. Flowers are always a good idea, candlelight, perhaps a bottle of wine and some well chosen music. Music envokes memories.... memories of happy times, our younger years, or even 'our song'.

There are many great selections out there to set your romantic evening out on the right note, pun intended. :) Louis Armstrong, Etta James, Michael Buble' all classics that pull at the heartstrings of millions across this country. When it comes to love and romance for Heather & Nick though there is a completely different musical lineup. Frank Sinatra or even the classic ballad Journey's Open Arms???? Nope, just not doing it for this couple. For Heather & Nick the song that brings those warm happy thoughts of love is none other then 'Happy Birthday'. For if it were not for the birthday celebrations one evening at the Nitty Gritty Heather & Nick might never have met. Through the blinding light of a glowing birthday button Nick's eyes met Heather's and their lives have never been the same. Each year as they gather with friends and family to celebrate the milestones of parents, grandparents and siblings Heather & Nick will share a knowing glance through the chorus 'Happy Birthday'. A glance that says I'm so thankful for you in my life.

Heather & Nick thank you so much for sharing your day with Karmen and I. We loved your willingness to try any of our crazy ideas.... I think we got some amazing images as a result! I hope you love them as much as I do. Congratulations again and much love. - J






Heather & Nick decided to see each other before the service... I think Nick is just a little excited.





Two of the most adorable wedding party members ever... don't you just love her little chariot?!?





Following the service we stopped at the Orpheum for some unique photos.



Ummm, yeah.. hot, hot, hot. Definitely a favorite!!



Then it was off to the railroad tracks...





Heather.. you are gorgeous! Favorite.





This ones for Jennifer.... your daughter is too cute for words.



Nick's parents were so sweet.



Favorite....