miss r | cozumel, mexico

So I was invited on a 4-day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. The catch? Take boudoir photos for a group of girls.

If you're going to twist my arm.

So I went. And OMG I had a fabulous time. Probably too fabulous of a time, lol.

Anyways, we did this session on our last day on the boat. I could not be more pleased--I was so worried about the size of the room; whether the colors would be cheesy; whether the gigantic mirror on the wall would seriously impede my ability to take a photo; the list goes on and on.

But no. It all worked wonderfully.

And I'm here to tell you that if you need me to accompany you on your next cruise to a gorgeous island in the Caribbean....fine. I'll do it. ;)

Thanks again, R! Hope you love the photos!

the g family | albuquerque, nm

I met Rosie and her family when we moved to Albuquerque last year. Her youngest daughter, Milagros, was in my son's pre-K class. She and I instantly bonded over our time spent together at the occasional class field trips and eventually, she was offering to help me out whenever I needed someone to watch my kids while I was out of town.

I'm so thankful for my friendship with this woman, and for the friendship our own children share.

Thanks again, David + Rosie! I hope you love love love your photos. :)

justin + abby | ft. worth, tx

So, I'm ashamed to admit that I don't really know a whole lot about the history of Justin + Abby. I have no idea where they met, how they met, or even how long ago they met. But the things I DO know about these two have led me to believe that they are in it for the long haul.

Aside from the love and adoration I watched each member of the wedding party have for both the bride and groom, I laid witness to many stories about each of them. The one that stands out in my mind the most is the story of how Justin was in a pretty horrible car accident earlier this year that left him bed-ridden and in a lot of pain. Through what was apparently a really, really painful and difficult recovery (Justin lost three toes on his left foot), Abby stood by his side and was his main caretaker. All while she worked and planned a wedding.

As someone who has been a caretaker before, I know exactly the kind of work that goes into something like that--it's hard work, emotionally and physically--for everyone involved. Even when it is your own fiance. To be able to survive something that must have been so difficult for the both of them before the marriage will only contribute to a very strong, sturdy foundation for the future.

Aside from that, I have come to know Abby as a friend. The girl is funny. So funny. And sarcastic. And expressive--OMG is she expressive. I never once felt like I was walking into a stranger's home when I showed up on the day of the wedding to start documenting Abby getting ready. It felt like we had just had lunch at Panera Bread the day before, and I was just casually slipping in to take a few photos. Lol.

So now that I've rambled on and on about how wonderful I think these people are, on to the photos. :)

Justin + Abby, may you have a lifetime of happiness together. Thank you so much for bringing me into your life, and asking me to be a part of such a wonderful day.

xoxo