The words that came to mind as I was going through David and Allison’s wedding day images were joy and anticipation.  Anticipation… it was evident that these two were not only excited for this particular day that would forever mark their union, but for the journey together that their wedding day was just the beginning of.  Joy… I don’t think either the bride or groom stopped smiling all day long.  There are a few moments in life that are considered “epic” and your wedding day is undeniably one of them.

To see the slideshow, click HERE

Allison’s beautiful bridesmaids!  Allie had these adorable sequin tanks made for all the girls!  These are actually all her sisters and new sister-in-laws

Allison’s amazing dress…

The stunning bride…

Janelle, my fabulous second shooter at this wedding came up with this idea!  The bride and the girls were getting ready in the room upstairs, which was right above where David and the guys were getting ready.  When we had the guys step out of their room for this shot, we had Allison peeking over the balcony… they hadn’t seen each other yet, so we kept teasing David “no peeking behind you!”

The handsome groom…

Pastor John Politan did the ceremony.  I loved watching and listening to him as he led Allison and David in committing their lives together before the Lord.  He grabbed David just before the ceremony and led him in prayer… loved this moment:

Seeing his bride walk down the aisle…

I really really love Allison’s Dad in this photo… the love he already has for his new son-in-law…

The Firesky really has some gorgeous grounds!!  And a big thanks to Regina Osgood with Meant2be Events for making sure the day went smoothly!

Ceremony details…

Married!!

The Mr. & Mrs.!!

The one below was artistically enhanced with Nichole V’s yummy Dolci Textures!

Getting the party started…

First Dance…

I gotta give props to Matt Figueroa before the next two images!  He did an AWESOME job running the reception!  Highly highly recommend Figueroa D.J. Service for a fun and fabulous reception experience!

Hahaha!  Now that’s the way to do a garter toss!  Kudos to Matt {the DJ} for getting the guys THIS into it

David & Allison… I wish you all the best in starting out your lives together!  You had a beautiful day and I was so honored to be a part of it!

Joyfully, Erin

“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas the desert anymore”  Actually, this is really the desert, but if someone blindfolded me and plopped me in the middle of this green field of wildflowers, I would be having a bit of a Dorothy moment!  Oh, how I love Arizona in the spring!!  Sad, it will all be fire brush in just a couple months.

D & E probably had the most diverse range of light in the sky that I have ever experienced in one photo session!

D, you are simply stunning!

I had to post this one because I love when clients come up with great photo ideas… D & E are expecting a baby boy, so you can bet Dad is a little excited!  Love it!

Thanks for inviting me to photograph this amazing season of life for you D & E!!  I had a blast with you guys!

Joyfully, Erin

In an age of internet and email and the ability to send e-cards, it’s rare to receive an actual real live tangible card in that… what do you call it??… oh, yeah, the mail box

I love real cards and letters.  LOVE.  Don’t get me wrong, I also love the instant gratification of email and the speed of delivery the internet provides… I mean, how cool is it to send an email and get a response within an hour, send your response back, and get another response that same day.  I really do appreciate email.  But!  There is something “keep worthy” about a card or letter.  I don’t keep every.single.card I get, but many of them I do.  I love the postcards friends have sent from their travels, a special note from a friend that has moved far away.  Letters from my friends in Czech and Ireland that are so special to me.  Notes my mom left me as a kid to just say “Have a great day, I love you.”  Actually maybe it was my mom that started my little collection.  You see, I have letters from my great-grandmother from when I was 3 years old.  My mom kept them for me.

We just moved, so I was about to pack up these boxes where my little treasures are kept.  Someday when I’m old and gray, I will go back through these boxes.  They are time-capsuls if you will, and will make me smile as I remember each person.

I have a special box just for the cards I get from my man… nothin’ says romance like Homer Simpson and Dwight Schroot!!

Actually, those cards are two of my favs… they are so hilarious!  The Dwight one is a sound card and I so wish i could put a sound bite with what it says here.  Laughed so hard tears came out.

But a dear friend of mine sent me this card a couple weeks ago:

It says, “You are allowed to slow down.  You are allowed to turn off your phone.  You are allowed to lie down in the sun.”

What a great reminder!  Take a deep breathe today, walk away from the cell phone and email and *gasp* facebook, enjoy the beautiful weather (if you are here in AZ!) and thank God for another day of life.

And, send someone you love a letter… a real live letter.  In the snail mail.  Just because.

That’s one thing I’ll be taking a minute to do today.

Joyfully, Erin