Jesse + Justine

They were from two different high schools, something that during adolescence feels more like two different worlds. But as fate would have it they met. And fell in like. And then in Love. And though they went on to different colleges, they fought to not let the distance between them separate their hearts. When Jesse finished school and went on to the Marine Corps’ Basic School in Virginia, it was time for Justine to come, too. And again, last spring when Jesse began flight school in Florida, Justine was by his side the entire way. Last Saturday, in front of friends, family, a Marine Corps sword arch, and the back drop of Oahu’s North Shore, Jesse and Justine vowed to love each other for better or worse, through thick and thin, and come rain or shine. And despite the torrential down pours and impending winds, the pair just kept smiling – overjoyed that the day had finally come when they would marry their best friend.

The couple planned a dreamy affair at Oahu's Sunset Ranch. With rolling hills, rustic barns, and a breathtaking view of the ocean, the day was off to a pretty wonderful start...

I'm shamelessly in love with this ring. Ever since I first met Justine last fall I've been looking forward to photographing her gorgeous engagement bling. Is that weird? A little creepy? Maybe.

Jesse's reaction to seeing his bride for the first time was one of the sweetest and most emotional reactions I've had the honor of experiencing.

You two are perfect.

Before the ceremony we had a time for a few bridal party pictures outside. During which the sun decided to make a much welcomed appearance!

Ceremony time!

Oh, what was that? You wanted to see some more of Justine's bling? Mmmk, I think I can arrange that.

And then it was time to par-tay - something Jesse + Justine's friends and family know how to do extra well.

Jesse + Justine, I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have photographed your wedding. You two, along with your absolutely wonderful friends and family, made me feel more welcomed and at home than I can even express in words. Your love is so, so sweet and it was an honor to capture it over the course of your day. Thanks Mahalo a millions time over and welcome to the start of forever!!

Lots of love, Michelle

A Last Minute Purchase

SHUT UP!!! I answered Colton’s call with an extra obnoxious squeal through the telephone. It's been just a few days short of a month since I've seen my husband and his call marked the first time in just as long that I'd heard his voice. Unfortunately, because I’m in Hawaii for Saturday’s wedding I won’t be back to Southern California until late Monday evening - making the next few days of knowing Colton is back but not being able to see him absolutely brutal. This morning, after a series of texts and phone calls and I refuse to wait until Monday night to see you’s, we bought Colton a last minute ticket to Honolulu. His flight left forty five minutes later and as we speak he’s sitting in the San Francisco airport awaiting his flight to Oahu.

I'll admit it was a little indulgent and yes, he’ll hardly be on the island 48 hours before we leave. But they’re 48 hours we wouldn’t have otherwise had together. And with the year of training and deployment that lay ahead, those 48 hours of beach laying and frosty beverage drinking with a man I’m madly in love with? I wouldn’t trade those for the world.

People have asked how I’m doing with Colton deploying this year. Being completely honest I keep brushing the comments off because it seems a little early to be thinking about it - almost as if it's making his seven month trek into a fifteen month ordeal. But the truth of the matter is that it’s real and it’s our life. We like to think of it as just one of the many adventures, and twists and turns, that will create the stories we'll one day tell our grandchildren.

Aloha.

Michelle

A Veteran's Day Honor :: Featured

Happy Veteran's Day, Friends! Today I'm thankful for the incredible men and women who have sacrificed so much to give us this beautiful nation we call home. I am blessed to be able to call some of these individuals friends and I am genuinely in awe of their selfless desire to fight for our country. We are protected by a truly wonderful collection of military personnel.

For this reason it is such an overwhelming honor to have been featured today on two different wedding blogs recognizing our courageous veterans. A few images from Adam and Karin's day after session can be found on the new {and ohmygosh so fabulous} Washington DC wedding blog, United with Love. I am so bummed we are moving away from the area just as United with Love is launching. I know this blog is going to do great things!

And I cannot express just how humbling it is to say that the second feature of the day is on the Southern Weddings Blog. Less than a year ago I was the bride planning my own wedding and checking Southern Weddings on a twice daily basis. To be featured on this site on any day of the year would, simply put, be an absurd excitement. But to be featured on a day that is so dear to both my heart and our home truly means the world. In a word, Joe and Jill's engagement was surreal and I use all sincerity when saying that I was the lucky one to be part of such a day.

Tonight I'm cyber-hugging all of you amazing people who have so selflessly served our country. Thankyouthankyouthankyou. It is because of you that I sleep so safely at night.

Michelle