The Mind Reader

I had been browsing Etsy when I saw these super cute decals for MacBook's. It was something I really wanted but didn't really need it at the time. So despite wanting to click buy I bookmarked it and hoped to purchase it later.

A few months passed and I had completely forgotten about said decals. Well a few days ago I received the following decal from one of my best friends, Kristi:

It's even Canon. (Thank goodness, because a Nikon dial would be nothing short of tragic. ;) 

(Love it? Get your own here.)

Eveyone says you know you have a best friend when [fill in the blank]. Well I am here to add the list that a best friend is someone who can read your mind from 500 miles away. Maybe if I think really hard about those shoes I want she'll send those in the mail soon too! ;) 

Other reasons why me and Kristi will always be friends. Just in case you were wondering.

• She inspires me to run. Actually, she's about to run her first ultra marathon (50 miles!). 
• We can pick up right where we left off no matter how much time has gone by since we last talked. 
• She blogs. This one is my favorite. 
• She's likes shopping at TJ. Translation: She has good taste and doesn't spend too much $$. 
• We generally dislike the same things. Oh and we like the same things too.

Kristi, you know me so well. It's sort of scary. Now I  find myself wanting to go work in coffee shops just so I can say "Oh this? My best friend bought this for me!" Thanks!

Catching The Bouquet

He was tall, blonde, and handsome. She was his girlfriends little sister. They knew each other, but not well. They went to the same high school and were friends with some of the same people but soon went their separate ways after graduation.

Many years later Chantal and Ryan both found themselves back in Fort Collins living just a few miles apart. He likes eating breakfast at his house after church every Sunday. She likes making breakfast. So when Ryan started inviting Chantal over his apartments weekly "Breakfast and a Movie" they instantly clicked.

After so many years of being apart they didn't see any sense in wasting time. Before long they were inseparable; riding bikes together, hiking together, cooking together. They quickly realized that they wanted to be together... always!

They had been dating for a few months when Chantal's younger sister Holly got married. And as fate would have it Chantal caught the bouquet: 

Just a few weeks later Ryan proposed to Chantal at the top of a mountain. He told her he couldn't imagine life without her. She tried not to cry as she said, "Yes!"

We began their engagement session in this field that we found just north of Fort Collins:

So romantic:

Ryan and Chantal I could have photographed you all day long in that field:

Whenever I book an engagement session I always ask couples to bring a prop with them to their engagement session. Although some couples don't want to bring a prop I can't tell you how much better every session goes when they choose to bring something! 

Sometimes the prop will reflect something about them and their relationship. Other times the prop is just something fun to take pictures with. 

When I saw that Ryan was bringing a hammock I was ecstatic to take pictures with it! I love the following series:

It's almost like they were just enjoying a lazy summer afternoon without me there:

Chantal you're a rockstar:

I love the way Ryan looks at Chantal:

I love being able to capture two people just being in love:

Genuine smiles are my favorite:

I just can't get over how happy they both are!

Chantal and Ryan, it's obvious that you both love each other... a lot! I'm thrilled for the both of you to begin your lives together!

Today I..

Today I slept in. By slept in I mean until about 8:30. Living wild!

Today I awoke suddenly from a nightmare. I was in a big city but didn't have cell service. Then I woke up and was happy it was only a dream. Oh wait, it's not. I have AT&T.

Today I enjoyed Ezekiel bread toast with bananas and honey. My favorite "indulgence". 

Today I read this article and laughed until my stomach hurt. If you're a girl you should definitely read it.

Today I also had a 1 hour phone date with Frontier airlines. Isn't changing flights fun?! Don't worry, they kept it classy with Mozart playing in the background.

Look for this couple's post on Monday! 

Until then, have a great rest of your Friday. :)

I Love Water

Remember when I blogged about always carrying a water bottle with me? My need to always have a water bottle began not as an environmental effort. It was simply because I love water. It's typically the only thing I drink.  What other drink has 0 calories, is refreshing, is incredibly healthy for you and is virtually free? Answer: There isn't. 

Last night I was shown this:

 The Story of Bottled Water.

Although I was already aware of how bottled water is sometimes less clean than we think I was surprised to learn some things I had never known before.

It's ironic that as I watched this I was actually drinking from a water bottle. (MetroMint Peppermint water.. mmm!) For me it was a good reminder that bottled water is one of the most ridiculous things to purchase. Especially when you live in Colorado and the water already tastes heavenly.

If you have a few minutes watch the video and then go grab yourself a reusable (BPA Free) bottle today.

What do I recommend?

 {My current favorite water bottle}

{A past favorite collection of water bottles}

From the Bride: Holly

Whenever I meet with a potential bride she always has a lot of questions, some not even related to photography. This is why I've started "From the Bride". It's a segment that will feature tips and advice directly from the bride's that I've worked with. 


Today's wedding advice comes from Holly:

On keeping things simple and communication:

"I loved the decision to keeps things simple because it kept the stress level down. Working with friends and family was great because I felt comfortable with everyone and everybody pitched in. The only thing I wish had gone differently was communication between everyone about responsbilities, since I worked so closely with friends and family. I ended up being the middleman, and miscommunications occurred. In fact, some table cloths are still missing! By keeping communication more open, those kinds of complications could have been avoided."

What she did to make her wedding unique:

"We decided to go for something slightly themed by incorporating birds into the decorations at the reception. Bird cages and color-coordinated oragmi birds--folded by me and some helpful friends--decorated the tables. I encouraged the guests to take a bird or two when they left as a momento and a "thank-you" for coming to the reception. It was a colorful and unique way to add some personality to the wedding!"

Engaged: Rachel + Jordan

Jordan was out buying furniture when he met Oneita. When they started talking she learned that he had just moved to Fort Collins. So naturally, Oneita invited him over for dinner.

Oneita also happened to invited Rachel over to that same dinner thinking that they would both get along. She was right, they both did get along, but Jordan still had a girlfriend at the time. Over the next few months Rachel and Jordan would see each other in passing at church or at a friends house. They both enjoyed casual conversation but neither thought much of it.

Another few months go by during which Jordan and his girlfriend break up. At the same time Rachel was considering moving out of state. Rachel had a feeling that she should stay in Colorado. So she stayed, unsure why she felt that way.

A little more time passes and Jordan finally asks Rachel out on their first date. As they sat and watched "It's a Wonderful Life" together by the fireplace they both realized that being together was meant to be.

They've been inseparable ever since their first date and I imagine this will never change.

Rachel and Jordan compliment each other so well in so many ways:

Reason #2345 why they're perfect together: They make each other laugh.

Look how happy they are:

I love when I can catch a special glance between two people in love!

Sometimes guys have a hard time really smiling. Not a problem for Jordan:

My personal favorite photo from their session:

It's as if I wasn't even there:

Rachel and Jordan's wedding is right around the corner and I couldn't be more excited!