A Sweet Kiss

I won't lie, I think I've mastered the art of packing. Clothing is rolled as to all fit in one carry-on, toiletries + the laptop are in my purse for easy access through security, and jewelery doesn't go on until after I make it to my gate. I'm heading out bright and early to shoot this sweet couple's wedding on Saturday and capture a few engagement sessions while I'm home. I came across this picture last week and realized that I can't look at Sammy + Griffin without smiling - something that makes me extra excited for their big day.

"You should be kissed, and often, and by someone that knows how" - Gone with the Wind

xoxo, M.

Trevor & Jillian

There are couples whose day you just feel honored to be part of. They’re the kind of people who make you feel special for being there. The ones that make you feel thankful for the job you have. Trevor and Jillian are easily this couple. On Saturday I headed East toward Julian to meet up with my dear friend Em for Trevor and Jillian’s farmhouse wedding. As I rounded the mountain and passed miles upon miles of apple orchards, I knew the day ahead was going to be a beautiful one. If you’ve never been to Julian before I’ll be the first to tell you it’s an adventure. Nestled just over an hour inland from the Pacific Ocean, the journey to get there is nearly as beautiful as the town itself. Complete with fresh apple pie stands, cider presses, and an endless supply of orchard eye candy, the town – and surrounding area – is a true nod to another time.

When I finally pulled into the Farmhouse Inn it was evident that Jillian had put in so much of her time and devotion to securing every last detail of the wedding. Her heartfelt efforts were reflected in a perfectly unique and meaningful day. But the most beautiful thing (and all too rare, I might add) was that on the day of her wedding she was simply able to be her - calm, cool, and stunningly gorgeous. With a handful of extra lovely bridesmaids doting on the happy bride, I could not have conjured up a more beautiful wedding day setting had I tried.

Isn't Jillian breathtaking? Goodness.

Trevor seeing his Lady for the first time...

Trevor and Jillian, thank you for allowing me to join you on the most wonderful day of your lives. You are truly sweet people and I feel blessed to have shared your day with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and congrats on the beginning of forever!

Michelle

A Real Life Photographer

‘I, I, I,’ I stammered. ‘I just want to be a real life photographer’. It’s what I said at least twice a day throughout college, sitting on our living room floor amidst anatomy and chemistry and biomechanics textbooks.

‘You know,’ I continued, ‘the kind that gets paid and travels the world and takes pictures of gorgeous people in love? That kind of photographer’.

And as my hobby developed into a dream and my dream developed into a business there were stages I envisioned reaching. They were the hypothetical goals I had come to believe would be making it. But every time I reached these said goals I didn’t feel quite the sense of accomplishment or security in my job that I had imagined. Of course, I thought, when I book my first destination wedding I will absolutely have made it. Or better yet, when I’m published in my first magazine I’ll definitely be there. Or how about if I’m featured on a major wedding blog? Well, there’s no doubt that that’ll be the day.

But it never seemed to be the right day or time or instance to feel safe.

Last month, as I climbed the fifteen foot ladder to take a group photo at Jeremy + Lindsey’s wedding, I couldn’t help but crack a smile. I looked below to hundreds of guests staring right back at me. And frozen in the sky I prayed to God above that they didn’t notice my shaking hands or see up the skirt I made a last minute decision to wear. And as the DJ prompted me to speak, I whispered, ever so faintly, asking the crowd to smile. It was completely unexpected and caught me totally off guard, but in a voice even more faint than my whisper to the crowd I heard myself say ‘You've got this. You’re a real life photographer.’

The truth is, I hope I never feel as though I’ve made it. I don’t ever want to stop striving to be better, to reach my next goal, or to take a prettier picture. And while this realization wasn't exactly what I thought it would look like, I'll admit that life hasn’t really turned out the way I expected it to either.

It’s turned into something considerably more beautiful than that.

Happy Monday, Michelle