Paulene & Chris wed on a fabulous Kauai Beach.

I was so excited when Paulene told me that her and Chris had decided to say I do on a beautiful Kauai beach. Marriage is most definitely an adventure. What better way to start the adventure than to search out the perfect spot. The bride, groom and a few close friends headed out on Saturday afternoon to investigate the eastern part of the island for the perfect beach. The first spot wasn't right for the wedding, although it allowed for some fun driving in the mini van and a slight distraction when the guys saw the dirt bike racing track. Heading north they were sure to find the perfect spot, and find it they did.

We followed the paved walking path down to a short dirt path that led us to a remote and beautiful Donkey Beach. They new almost immediately this was the spot and after some more exploring made the decision that there was no need to keep looking. They had found the place they would say 'I do.' I was so happy for them and excited to see how it would all come together in just a few short days.

It was no surprise at all that Paulene was a most beautiful bride and Chris a most handsome groom.

The entire day was magical as two best friends pledged to spend the rest of their lives together.

Paulene & Chris were extremely lucky as they had a great group of family and friends that flew all the way to Kauai to celebrate with them. It was so wonderful to get to see all the people there that represented so many facets of their lives. Family that has known them their whole life, friends that have known them since childhood and those they have met as a couple. I couldn't be more happy for the two of them.

Congratulations to the both of you. I look forward to many years as friends with the two of you. Thank you so much for letting me capture your day for you.

Where is summer?

I realize this is not a simple question to answer but I couldn't help but ask. I also realize it has been awhile since I have written and wanted to fill you all in on what has been going on. Our family recently became parents to 9 little chicks. They are most fabulous and we love them. This last weekend good friends of ours came to help us build out chicken coop and it is well on the way to being completed. Love it. Work is busy, girls are wrapping up their school year and we are all excited for summer. And so we come back around to summer and I can't help but mention the fact that it is June and the weather has been so wet and groggy lately. I really need some sun. Had some sun today which was lovely. Took my lunch break and sat outside in the sun while I read. It felt wonderful. Went on a walk with my girls and spent a little time outside in the yard. Just love the sun. Then the wind picked up and the clouds rolled in. Figures.

Have a bunch of pictures to share with you all and definitely need to get a post in here about our fabulous trip to Kauai to photograph the wedding of a dear friend. It was magnificent.

'A tree grows in brooklyn' by Betty Smith

Last night I brought to a close the long number of months I have been working on reading this magnificent piece of literature. I have to admit that it took me a few months just to get to the point in reading it that I didn't want to put it down. This was probably largely because of the busy life of a mother but also because of the depth of the novel. This novel delves deep into each character, setting up the history of each so you can better understand their thought processes and the reasons for their actions.

I would definitely recommend this book. Because of the depth of the novel, I wouldn't recommend it to someone looking for a light read. This isn't the right choice for that. But to someone who wants to get into the life of a character, or someone who wants to learn about a time in history that is most definitely so very different from their own, this is the book for them.

**** I would recommend this book as a inspiring read. Read it if only to peak into what it would be like to truly have nothing and yet have everything at the same time.

A Happy Easter For All.

This year our Easter was wonderful. Some previous time spent with family celebrating our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.

We met up with the rest of my family for breakfast at our church followed by a wonderful service. We then headed home for some time just the four of us to enjoy the morning and pack up some changes of clothes before heading over to my parents' house for lunch, egg coloring and an egg hunt. The girls were very excited.

Us adults had a lot of fun watching the three cousins decorate hard boiled eggs. All of them did such a great job and we managed to only get involved when the risk of dying the floor came into play.

Lunch was magnificent, my mother did a fabulous job and I would say the girls favorite part was the egg hunt in the yard. There wasn't one part of the day that didn't go off wonderfully. I can't say there is any other way I would want to spend an Easter.

This isn't to say that there weren't catastrophes. We had one injury at the very end of the egg hunt when Olyvia walked straight into a tree branch, stabbing her eye and causing it to immediately turn red and water. She managed to throw a smile on though even though she was pretty sure if she removed her hand her eye may fall out.

Annelise W. - a brisk morning on the waterfront

Annelise and I met up Saturday morning for her senior portrait session. The weather was sunny but extremely brisk. Our hands were frozen and we had to take a few brakes to rub them together and get warm, but I very much enjoyed visiting with her and hearing about her upcoming plans. She is extremely talented and is being rewarded with a full academic scholarship to college this fall for cross county. Wow! I am excited to hear how it goes as she makes the transition from her hometown to college. Many exciting things ahead of her.

Megan H. in Downtown Poulsbo

I first met Megan over 3 years ago. I have had the pleasure to travel with her, to study scripture with her and to just be a part of her life. She is such a wonderful young woman. Her smile captivates you while her spirit warms your soul. Although the weather didn't shine on us, our time was definitely bright. We spent time walking around in downtown Poulsbo and along the waterfront visiting and joking as I attempted to capture her fluidity.

Her next five months are going to be busy as she graduates from high school and embarks upon the adventure of college. I am so excited for her.

Thank you Megan for choosing me to capture this special time in your life. I look forward to being there for you throughout the years.

Beautiful Baby Sophia.

Even as an infant, just barely a week old, Sophia knows what she wants. She is a strong willed and beautiful baby and I was so lucky to get to visit her home and take some pictures of her. Her mother, a co-worker and friend, asked me and I was more than happy to do so. We had been hoping for a sleeping baby but when I arrived at their home was met by a very much awake and alert little one.

Thank you Carly for letting me take some photos of your princess. I am excited to watch her grow.