Hello America!

It's official. Last night Colton and I started the 2700 mile trek to our new home. While we had a painfully tardy start and are driving a vehicle 28ft. longer than anticipated, we're still smiling. Partially because the truck/trailer/truck contraption we're driving is akin to the Beverly HillBilly's meets an 18 wheel semi truck. But also because we like each other and the thought of spending a week adventuring across the country sounds fun to us. Speaking of people who like each other, last week we were graced with the company of Colton's parents. We spent a whole week drinking strong coffee, talking about ridiculous things Colton did as a kid, and exploring the areas the Cross's enjoyed when they lived here. While our attempts at being stealthy photographers were entirely in vain, we did manage to get a few shots of the happy couple during our last walk on the beach. If there was a word that encompassed being beautiful, cute, lovey, and happy I would totally use it to describe Neal + Kristy. Something like, beauticutalovappy? Yeah, like that.

Happy day,

Michelle

A Visit from Home :: Personal

I love the feel of a Friday morning. So much potential, so much excitement, and so much, well, freedom. Unlike the feel of Thursday morning, the 5am alarm on Friday doesn't feel the slightest bit painful. Instead of dramatically throwing the covers over my head and attempting to dig a fighting hole in the mattress, I usually leap from bed singing a happy song. Oh, yes! You haven't heard a joyful noise until you've heard this girl sing. I tend to lean toward medleys myself, most commonly comprised of old hymns, nursery rhymes, and Natasha Bedingfield - for good measure. To give you a taste, here's a recent favorite;

This is the day! This is the day! That the Lord has made, that the Lor-OH! Oh! What a beautiful morrrrrnneeeeng! Oh! What a beautiful daaaaayyyeeeeee! Oh! What a beautiful morrrrneeeenngg! Sunshine is coming my wa- I! gotta pocket, gotta pocket full of sunshine!

...

Basically, anything involving sunshine is fair game for a morning song. Much to my delight today was no different than the usual festive Friday morn. After a quick portrait session involving Marines wanting to replicate this painting (no joke), we are now getting ready to pick up Colton's parents from the airport.

I hope your weekend plans involve relaxing your body and feeding your soul. And maybe making some delicious food to feed your body as well! I thought it wouldn't be right to write about the Cross family visit before posting a few pictures from my mom's stay last week. My mother happens to have been given the jackpot of all gifts from God in that she can bake like it's nobody's bid-ness. This works out well for me when I feel like eating little more than carbs, butter, and brown sugar more carbs. While my mom was here last week she blessed us with sweet, wonderful company, many long walks on the beach, and enough chocolate-caramel-chewy-fudge-ness to last us through the black plague. Or at the least another flu epidemic.

Colton grabbed these shots of us on the beach and I couldn't be more thankful. I know I'm biased, but I think his skills with the camera are pretty good. I give him a B+ just because I can.

{Sneak attack kiss, courtesy of my mother}

Happy Weekend!

Michelle

Steve + Kristi :: A Capitol Engagement

She's a Southern girl, he's from the Midwest. And if it weren't for a Georgetown piano bar the two may have never crossed paths. But they did. And they fell in like. And then in love. And now, a year and a half later, they're planning to vow their lives to one another in a southern ceremony fit only for, well, Steve and Kristi. It's a fairy tale of sorts, and one that could only happen between a man in uniform and a sweet girl from Alabama. Story book perfect? I kind of think so.

Steve is a Marine stationed out of the Marine Barracks Washington D.C.. The couple wanted a few shots around the barracks grounds and I oh-so-happily obliged!

We then moved inside for a few shots at the Centerhouse Officer's Club.

Steve's mug and Kristi's ring. Kristi, you're a lucky, lucky girl.

Before I show you these next few shots, I have to say that I love...no, Luuurve, when a couple suggests different ideas and locations for their pictures. In this case Kristi and Steve had the idea of heading into the nearby Metro station and playing around with the amazing architecture. Fortunately for us the station was empty and we were able to take full advantage of the gorgeous ceiling. This never would have happened if it weren't for the couple's suggestion!

A few pictures at the Lincoln memorial with some heavenly morning light and a beautiful couple in love...

...And a few shots in front of the Capitol building where Kristi used to work.

I truly cannot help but smile when I look at these photos. Steve and Kristi, your love is infectious!

And one last parting shot of a beautiful bride to be.

Steve and Kristi, thank you a million times over for having me shoot your engagement session. You two really do make a perfect pair and I can only imagine the exciting adventures that lay ahead for you. Congrats on your engagement and upcoming wedding and, really, thank you again.

Michelle