Things I can't resist: Waffles, yoga, and Travis

When I moved back to Colorado last fall I knew that I was where I was supposed to be. Everything just felt right. I was close to my family, my business was growing, and everything just seemed to fall into place.  

After church every Sunday one of my friends, Ryan, would host brunch at his condo. I was a little hesitant to go to brunch until I learned that they would be having waffles: my weakness. Eating waffles soon led me to meeting Ryan's roommate: Travis Whitsitt. Travis and I got along well and could talk easily. I typically get along better with guys so I didn't think much of it. Besides, he was dating someone else.

A few weeks later I was talking to my mom and I told her that Travis and his girlfriend had broken up. My mom instantly lit up. So when are you two going to date? she asked.

My face instantly scrunched up. What?! I am never dating Travis, I told her.

A few days later I invited Travis to a Bikram Yoga class. Travis professed how wonderful Yoga X (from P90X) was so I decided that I had to put him in his place and show him the best kind of yoga on earth. He came and I was still oblivious to the fact that he might like me or that I even liked him. After class he walked me to my car and asked me to go out to dinner with him later that week. I was completely taken aback but I still accepted his offer. 

Then out of nowhere I found myself really excited to go on a date with Travis. Not nervous, just excited. As we walked around City Park later that night I found myself completely at ease; not typically how I feel on first dates.

We spent the next few days together and I realized that we might be dating. Dating? Well that was definitely not in my plans for 2010 so I told Travis that we should just be friends for now.

Riiiiiiight. 

That lasted for about.... 3 days. We've been inseparable ever since. 

Travis was accepted into Northwestern's Law school, one of the best in the country. Unfortunately that meant Travis would be leaving Colorado to live in Chicago this fall. We both agreed that long distance was not something that would work for us. So that left us two options: break up or move to Chicago. 

I wasn't quite ready to let Travis go so I decided to move to Chicago. After a few stumbling blocks I found a perfect place to live as well a job. Everything fell into place and things just felt right again.

We had been in Chicago for just a few days when Travis pulled me over by the windowsill. Looking out the window you can see Lake Michigan and the nighttime lights. He began to recall a conversation that we had had a few months ago. I listened to the sweet things he said and was once again oblivious to what was happening. Soon he was down on one knee asking me to marry him. I was completely surprised but I still knew the right words to say: Yes! 

Taken from our recent trip in Holland, Michigan. 

We'll be getting married this December back home in Colorado! :)

(Funny: Just last December I had blogged about always wanting a winter wedding.)

Married: Jordan + Kristina

I met Jordan and Kristina during college. While they were dating me and my roommates would comment on how cute they were together. "They should get married!" we thought.

Then not surprisingly they did just that.

Jordan and Kristina were married in the Oakland, California LDS Temple. It was actually a cold, wet day in California but they still had an amazing day!

First kiss outside of the temple:

Kristina, even with wind and rain you still make a stunning bride.

Jordan carried her train throughout the whole day!

A moment alone:

LOVE Kristina's cowboy boots!

Of course, another shoe shot!

Usually when I shoot a wedding I spent about a day with the bride and groom. Since I flew out to California for Jordan and Kristina's wedding I got to be involved not just during the wedding day but with the bachelorette party and other fun activities.

Jordan and Kristina (and family), thanks for welcoming me not only into your wedding day but into your weekend! It was a pleasure to get to know you and your families.

A Moment Away

It didn't seem right to go up to the mountains on a weekday. I have so much to do, I thought. I wondered if I would be able to relax or if I would just have my to do list on my mind the entire time.

As soon as we arrived the mountain air gently carried all my cares away. The fresh air, cold water, and quiet refreshed my body and spirit.

In this moment I felt so blessed. Blessed to be able to get away from the world and just feel at peace.

We hiked the hillside, ate delicious food, and enjoyed each others company. I can't imagine a better day.

The view from our hike:

This was taken at the end of our hike in a secluded spot among the trees:

A busy bumblebee: 

I could have spent days on end up there with my camera. There is something so magical about being in the mountains. 

"I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright." - Henry David Thoreau

Engaged: Lauren + Sterling

It was winter in Colorado when they met. She melted his heart with her charming smile and infectious laughter. He won her heart with sweet words and the best bear hugs.

Shortly after Sterling left for school. He wondered how he would live with Lauren and the light she brought into his life. Soon he realized that he couldn't. When he came home for Valentine's Day he told her just that. He returned to finish school and Lauren stayed in Colorado with a ring on her finger that promised that this would be the last time they would be apart.

It was raining outside so we began their session inside of a nearby library. After being apart for an entire semester you can tell that they were thrilled to be in each other's presence:

We had to a get a shot with the umbrella they brought:

The sun was shining so we headed to a grassy field:

Perfect lighting + perfect laughter. My favorite:

Lauren and Sterling brought a small picnic along with strawberries:

Seems like they were practicing for their wedding day:

They sipped on Izzy Raspberry soda's as they basked in the warm evening sunlight:

Sterling you have a great non-squinty smile ;):

Lauren is so genuinely happy in every picture! I love it:

Cowboy take me away:

More smiles:

Lauren and Sterling, I loved getting to capture you both so indelibly happy! 

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!