walking miles

there is nothing better than watching first steps. it turns into a party every time. ask a parent about the first time their little one got up the courage to put one foot in front of the other, and they will light up. there is something about that pride that opens a whole door of emotion for me. we all want our kids to succeed, to learn and grow. we do our best to teach them, but in the end we stand on the sidelines cheering the big and small knowing that with each milestone they are growing into the people they were created to be.

i was there when dan and amy took steps toward each other, down a long aisle in a beautiful church. theirs was one of my very first weddings to photograph and still remains one of my favorites. they are beautiful people, the kind that miles will one day look back on with a grateful heart that he was given to them.

the native son takes his bride

he went away, but he belonged here. he explored, maybe drifted a little, but something was calling him home; her. they knew each other before but when he saw her again something shifted. in a way she was a beacon toward home, the force that pulled him away from the ocean and back to the plaines. their lives were so separate before but watch them, just for a minute, and you will notice they belong here and they belong together.

an incredible thanks to jeni jeppeson with acres of hope photography. she was my second shooter for the ceremony, and a blessing for this very pregnant photographer....

Jeni captured the next two shots, and i just love them too much not to share.

IW Book Club Friends

it's been three years. every month we come together and share ideas, frustrations, a little bit of gossip, wine, good food, hugs, and lots of laughter. my book club friends aren't stuffy, they aren't so concerned if someone can't even remember the title of the book we were suppose to read (me last night). what we are concerned with is each other.

over the last three years we have shared life together. some of us only see each other that one time during the month, but somehow that's enough. the friendships we have don't require phone calls, or lunch dates. they simply require showing up, giving a hug and way too much information about child birth or some other arbitrary but important topic.

my book club friends might have started as my friends from work that i didn't want to loose touch with, but now they are irreplaceable touch points in my life that make me a better person.

the real deal

we went out to dinner with with chad and autumn over the weekend and on our way home brandon said "you know what i really like about them, they are the real deal." i like that too. they are who they are, and don't try to be something different depending on the company. people like that make me feel comfortable, if they are okay in their own skin why shouldn't i.

they came to experience the farm last weekend and tyson picked his first ear of corn, counted tractors, and took a gator ride. brooke was content with her gianormous lolly pop. it was a good day.