Visiting the Orphanage

We pulled into the orphanage and children began to run to us. They pulled us in different directions to show us their drawings on the wall and how they could play the drums. 

I couldn't understand what they were saying as they talked to me, but I remember the great love that poured from my heart yesterday. I wanted to pick them up and tell them of God's great love for them and how He sent His son for them. And there is full life with Him. I wanted to tell them over and over again what the Lord has done for us. I wanted them to know that He is compassionate and He cares for them in the most amazing kind of way. Because even though their mothers and fathers have abandoned them, the Lord will hold them close (Psalm 27:10). 

Faithful to His Promises

The birds were singing just outside the window this morning. And the smell of fresh flowers filled the air. I am so very thankful for today.

The Lord is faithful to all His promises. Psalm 145:13

Willard Senior: Krystine Sechler

The walls were brown and orange with a hint of light yellow. It was warm. Inviting. And the smell of delicious coffee filled the air. We shared stories and talked for a while about plans for the year. She plays softball and is excited for her last year in high school. 

Krystine is so charming. Her smile seems to invite you in and make you feel so welcome. She seems like the kind of girl who would be running through a field of lovely wildflowers with a bouquet in hand. And then maybe she would do something incredibly athletic. She's like that.

Krystine, I had a fantastic time to know you and your family. You are so sweet. I am so blessed to know you guys!

Special Details {for the bride}

I love photographing weddings. Definitely no secret there :) But one of my favorite parts of getting ready is capturing all of those gorgeous details that the bride has incorporated into her wedding day. I remember all of the small details that were part of my wedding... the inscription on the inside of our rings, the detail on my wedding dress, the bouquet that my mom made for me. The list could go on and on. 

I always talk with the bride about the special details of her wedding day so that they are photographed and then told as part of the story. And I love to photograph these details because they mean so much to the bride. One bride used part of her mother's wedding dress in the back of her own. And another was extremely close to her grandmother... and the quilt that her grandmother started for her just before she died just happened to incorporate the wedding day colors. All of these details are part of the story on the wedding day. And I want to tell that story.

how much do you love this bridesmaid dress?! I looooove it!

Chandler Hill Vineyard Anniversary: Matt + Becca

I drove through the winding hills and watched the light dance through the valleys. This place was starting to feel like home and I wasn't sure if I would want to leave at the end of the night. Chandler Hill Vineyards is tucked away in the hills of Missouri. As the sun sets, it seems as though the valley of vineyards melt away into the sunset. 

It is something beautiful. 

Matt and Becca celebrated their third year of marriage, walking hand in hand through the valley. She told me about the beginnings of their relationship and the proposal and how they have journeyed together since then. Matt is a romantic. Always leaving notes and gifts for her. He would even have her friends deliver gifts to her when they were in college. And she is kind. Always thinking of others and pouring out encouraging words over their lives.

It is really something beautiful.

Matt prayed for Becca and for their relationship while they were dating. He wrote it all down in a pretty pink book and gave it to her the night he asked her to be his wife.

Since these pearls belong to Becca's mom, they were extra special.

a handmade bouquet...

so lovely.

Becca, you are GORGEOUS.

oh so sweet!!

 working their stuff.

Photography: Jordan Brittley

Venue: Chandler Hill Vineyards

Hair and Makeup: Studio Branca