GRATITUDES + BREAKTHROUGHS // JUNE 14, 2016

Gratitudes

Harpers Ferry was the perfect spot for McClain and Tommy’s engagement session. These two visited this place as their first weekend getaway when they were dating. This town is remarkable with the winding streets, the Potomac River, eclectic shops and tall mountains hugging it all. It was really sweet watching these two walk the streets hand-in-hand listening to details of their first trip. I’m so glad we were able to reschedule during all of that rain in May! You’ll see more in Instagram and a full blog post in the next week or so!

Saturday my little sister Katlyn married her high school sweetheart. Sometimes you get lucky and you give your heart away to the right person first, that’s what happened with these two. They started dating senior year and Russell asked Katlyn to prom. They went to separate colleges for a year until Russell transferred to Longwood to be closer to Katlyn and his family. They stayed together, growing as individuals and as a couple those four years. After graduation they both came home and stayed at their parents houses – separately – while they found jobs and got in touch with the real world (you know… jobs, student loan payments, cell phone bills, car insurance, etc.) Not once was there a time where they wavered in their faith and hope in each other, slowly and silently they worked and saved so that they could set themselves up right. Together in a little over a year they were engaged, they purchased a house and paid for a wedding. I’ve watched them as free teenagers transform into these strong, loving and refined adults. Being able to share their wedding day with them as a sister, bridesmaid and huge supporter was special. I listened to Katlyn say her handwritten vows and watched as Russell delivered what I would say were there most genuine and sweet vows I’ve ever heard – and I’m a wedding photographer. The rings were exchanged as well as a kiss and they were finally together forever. We danced, sang and hugged the rest of the night. It was the perfect day for the two of them.

Also a big shout out to the Hill family for throwing a beautiful rehearsal diner at their home on Friday. They welcomed our entire family with food and drink and surprised Katlyn with a Kate Spade theme. There was a beautiful stripped tent that had rectangular tables dressed with gold glitter, wild flowers, a black + white stripped runner and a single bright clementine to follow the wedding colors and the bride’s favorite hue. We heard their family talk about Russell, Russell + Katlyn and their wishes for them. My favorite part was his older sisters toast where she included their senior prom picture and said it was the first time they met her. There were so many stories and memories shared that afternoon. It was the best way to start the weekend.

Nail polish for this week, as you know I headed to the nail salon to get pampered before Katlyn’s wedding. I needed to find a color that I liked that would compliment my tangerine orange bridesmaid dress. As a true OPI lover this was a bit tough for me, I have always wanted to try the color/mood changing gel nail polishes and this seemed like the right celebration. Although I did have a miniature internal struggle but in the end I went with color change! I selected a traditional bright pink that faded to white, in an attempt to stay true to OPI I matched my toes with Suzi Has A Swede Tooth. It was perfect except the color change polish was only pink when I was cold and white when I was warm. So for all of Katlyn’s wedding I had bright white nails and a bright pink toe.

Breakthroughs

Everyone I imagine has come in contact with the saying “It takes a village.” It’s usually referenced in raising children but this weekend I saw our family come together to help create a magical and surreal day for Katlyn + Russell. For weeks my Mom has been DIYing small details for the wedding, Kensey (youngest sister, maid of honor and real life event planner) was working with her boyfriend to organize the layout of the space and call vendors to confirm contracts and delivery times, my Dad was spray painting, hammering and fabricating photo booth frames, Kellyn was searching for details, Grandma Jean was looking for family photos and I was helping with the timeline and organization of the bridesmaids getting ready. It takes a lot to plan, coordinate and execute a successful wedding. My family was at the venue on Friday, unloading, organizing, layout and steaming table clothes, cleaning wine glasses, moving tables and hanging tulle to make sure the day ran smoothly on Saturday. I would say most families wouldn’t be so giving of their time, resources and man power. I’m lucky that I have such a dedicated and giving family. I’ve always known this but I think big life events like this always tend to remind me. We, together as a team came together to make something remarkable for two kids that have loved each other always.

As always, thanks for reading. xoxo.