The Cali Family

We loooooove the Cali family. Like, if there was a "big couple, little couple" program, they'd win the award for the coolest in the world. Jeremy and Tricia invite the big M and myself over weekly for Bible study, and we always enjoy good snacks, good convo, and goooood deep laughs while we're there. Among other things, Jeremy is one of the pastors at Missio Church. They have an absolutely BEAUTIFUL, close, WARM family that we are thankful to be a part of. Jer has even offered us his children as wedding gifts - what a guy.

J + T, we're so thankful for you two, and are blessed to call you friends. Enjoy!

Morning routine? Nothing like waking up for an 8am shoot on a Saturday. Mmmm.

Mommy getting the kids ready.

Meet: Endless energy, Aidan

Meet: The terminator, Nathan

Meet: Big sister, Sophie

 Can't forget Judge. He keeps it all together.

Coolest backyard tree, EVA!

Can you hear him? "Listen, lady... you stick that camera in my face ONE more time..."

Good MORNING, uncle Chris!

Since they look nothing alike, I thought I'd clarify they're bro-thers.

Showin' off the slinky skills.

Beautiful!

Superdad

Sophie being a loving sister. Aidan's face AFTER the shot - not so loving ;)

XOXO!

Alyse + Dylan :: Engaged

It was a year ago. I asked - BEGGED - Alyse and Dylan to model for one of my first couple shoots. Marcus and I knew it was only a matter of time. Alas, the day has come, and our darling friends are blissfully engaged and meant to be married. We were honored to capture the excitement and beauty of this time in their life, and as our friends, we anticipate their union of mind, body, and soul.

The future Mrs. is finishing her last year of college. After that stage is conquered, Alyse is planning to move forward in her own path as a photographer, with Dylan as the loving support he has always been. We wish you two an engagement full of laughter, anticipation, and God's peace. Enjoy the photos!

My girl doesn't waste any time!

This was the tree Dylan carved his proposal in.

She said yes ; )

Her smile is only this amazing when he's by her side.

Dylan trying to be too cool for school.

Loved her necklace. Classic beauty, this girl.

Uh, seriously Alyse? She's going to make a stunning bride!

They were such good sports. Totally rocked a busted pair of stellar anti-shades.

So serial.

Markypoo's shot.

Shopping for fiances is the new black.

How adorable are they?!

Ahh, I would have posted a million of their photos if I had time. They look drop dead in 'em all!

Marcus ROCKED our location choices, and found this cool car mirror. His shot!

I'll end on an amazing note. A note that will likely get me in trouble...

Love you guys!! XOXO

Michio, Elena + Mila :: Family

She may look edible, but alas, is not. Michio and his artist wife, Elena, are the proud, gorgeous parents of baby Mila... who in my opinion gets cuter by the hour. The three are wonderful friends of ours, and photographing them has never been short of our pleasure. We are so thrilled for all they are involved in, and can't wait to see where they'll be a few years from now! Love you, guys!

Always observing.

Hot mom of the year award goes to...

This is what I'm talking about. Should be edible.

Dare I say... smokin'??

Life's classic moments, captured. I'd probably look like that too if I pooped myself.

Wasn't so into it...

Way too independent for this "holding" nonsense!

 XOXO!!

My Gallery

...was such a blessing to me!!! I am SO thankful for my dear friends, Sarah Gorss and Terra Nova for hosting my very first show! I created a display of pieces from my time in Thailand as a missionary. If you missed that part of my life, you can backtrack here.

My work will be up for the next month, so if you're in the Albany area, please go check it out! If you're able to buy a piece, proceeds go to the INCREDIBLE LOVE146 organization. I am passionate about humanity, and have to refocus daily to see the world as God does. The point of going was to be changed, and make change. I adore showing and speaking about my experience for many reasons, but ultimately, because all the glory goes to Him.

Marcuspoo snapped some shots during the evening. Thank you, everyone who came out!

My long-lost twin.

Talking. Crying. The usual.

Me and the bro pondering my prints.

 

Richie + Patti :: Engaged

They are planners. They are best friends. They are flipping SO cute. And they are getting married!

Patti and Richie spent a beautiful evening with us, touring the fresh, crisp apple orchards of Skaneateles, and wandering the piers in town. They are simply beautiful together, and we can't wait to be a part of their wedding next summer. Love you, fam!

So sweet : )

Smokin' hot!

XOXO!!

Finding Our Way

What's a personal blog without personal honesty?

Engagement is special. We'll never be here again, so to myself in ten years, documenting who we are in this moment, is special. Marcus and I have reached the 39 days (who's counting though, really) before two become one. We've been shaken, frustrated, and lost during much of the process, be we have grown tremendously in our dependence and love for God and another.

The plan has been to leave for a year in December and continue in missional work throughout Asia. I began making connections while overseas, so without hesitation, we booked our flights, made the necessary arrangements, and announced it to the world. UNannounced to moi, God was strategically placing people in our path who would mentor us, and later help us realize this dream needed to wait.

It didn't make sense that serving God through mission could possibly NOT be what He wanted for us. But through much prayer and input since, we've confirmed this first year together needs attention, a foundation, and some kind of stability. I'm sure there are people who never struggle with what they do or where they're going, but it's not difficult to live in your own will, is it. I was devastated when Thailand left the picture, yet in a subtly selfish way, I'm quite alright with making time for US. We've never had it, so to this I raise my glass, and ching.

I have no doubt our hearts pull toward Asia, and when God has built up the team he's creating between us, we'll be there! Until then, I'll be enjoying all the glory a fresh marriage brings. When I'm ready to set Marcus and his clothes on fire because they can't make it to the hamper, or when he's ready to run me over because I've stickie-noted his entire body with reminders, I can look back to the joy and anticipation of our long-awaited union, and give thanks for his beautiful life, and perfect butt. 

 

We're just a couple'a'lovebirds, finding our way.

KC + Isaac :: Married

They were surrounded by an outpour of love from those closest, and hand-in-hand, KC and Isaac spent this day holding onto the person they will never leave, and always cherish. Marcus and I were truly blessed to be a part of their union, all while capturing their glowing, and often teary-eyed, faces. We wish you both a life filled with joy, excitement, growth, and blissful memories. Thank you for making us a part of your beginning.

She was radiant!

I absolutely adored KC's headpiece, as it was part of her mother's veil.

The cutest dog in the world next to mommy on her big day!

Marcus was on the other side of town shooting (with cameras, of course) the guys!

There's no doubt these two have a very special place in their hearts for each other.

Marc, the flowers were stunning!

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Rothwell!!

The couple hired a characaturist for the night.

How could we resist.

XOXO!

Leslie :: Lifestyle

They're practically family. Well, maybe I'm practically family. Leslie is a working mom of three beautiful children, who in fact, I have had the joy of watching grow since [practically] birth. They let me tag along on glorious summer vacations, invited me to family events and celebrations, and have also been a major part of my life's growth.

Leslie has invested much of herself to the practice of natural healing, and has even gone so far as to make this passion a full-time career. She, ahem, is MY polarity therapist. Yep. Mine. Leslie has been working on my relentless and chronic headaches, and I feel like a new woman after every session!

As Leslie continues to work and branch out in her venture, she thought it necessary to get some good headshots. Little did she know, "some good headshots" would turn into America's Next Top Model! Christina Noelle, my faaaaavorite and only trusted makeup artist, worked her magic before we left to run around Leslie's beautiful property all morning. Thank you for a beautiful morning, and wonderful memories with you and your family.

Hey girls, doesn't mom look totally fierce?!

"Why, yes. I would LOVE to give you these beautiful boots, Gina!"

Presenting, the amazingly energetic dog, Jasper!

Ahhh! She's so fabulous!

I know, right? It's OK to be angry. She really shouldn't look this good.

XOXO!!