Kind Words + Something Navy

When Malia first emailed me to ask about an upcoming feature, I was caught completely off guard. Malia, along with her business partner Kaelyn, are the editors of the military inspired wedding blog, Something Navy. Being completely honest, I could have really used this blog a few years ago when Colton and I were planning our own wedding. At the time I hadn’t the slightest idea what a sword arch was, let alone at what point before, during, or after the ceremony it came into play. So when Malia went on to ask if they could feature not one but two of my wonderful clients on their blog I was absolutely floored. I was flattered and humbled and speechless, all at the same time. Which leads me to my next point. I know every small business owner says it – well, I hope every owner says it, but I really, truly feel blessed to get to work with the people I work with. I know I’m fortunate in that I get to spend what is quite possibly the happiest day in a couple’s life with the couple. But beyond that, what really makes my job a delight is working with these couples for the months and weeks leading up to their day. I love getting to know a bride + groom, becoming their friend, and then being there to watch as they vow their lives to one another. It’s a truly beautiful process and one I do not take lightly.

When Malia wrote back to let me know the first feature had been published, I immediately checked the blog – much like I do with every publication. What I wasn’t prepared for was the write up that the bride had written about her wedding day and her photographer. I sat in my office and read the sweet, kind words that Jill had written and without any warning I started to cry. Happy, grateful, humble tears.

Do you remember Joe + Jill and their unforgettable proposal story? This time it was their wedding that was featured! To see their big day and kind words on Something Navy CLICK HERE

And today I was thrilled to see Steve + Kristi's Washington D.C. engagement session featured on the blog as well. CLICK HERE to see their sweet, sweet love story.

To my incredible past, present, and future brides and grooms, thank you for being the beautiful people you are - inside and out. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for all the sweet + lovely goodness that you are. You make my day, my week, my month, my year, and my life a much, much brighter place.

xoxo, Michelle

Hula Skirts & Sombreros

Growing up I like to think I had slightly epic birthdays. There was the year of the cross-cultural Hawaiian/Hispanic party in which the front lawn was transformed into thirty children wearing both hula skirts and sombreros. Mom and Dad?! What were you thinking?! Or the year my friend Hannah and I drove three hours to go ice skating and have a sleep over with my Grandma. Ice skating and grandmas? They were all the rage in third grade (note: Grandmas will always be all the rage). Orrr the year I started middle school (and then turned eleven) and two girls punched - yes, punched - each other at my dress-up-and-play-with-make-up party. Oh.The.Drama my pre-teen years presented. So there really was no doubt in my mind that this year my birthday would once again be of epic proportions. While yesterday was my actual birth date, the day was spent driving fifteen hours from Southern California to Central Oregon. Today, however, my parents and I sat on the porch, watched the sun set behind the mountains, and played with Conway in the back yard (he’ll be staying in Oregon while I travel to Hawaii next week). My super wonderful dad grilled a sinfully delicious salmon (of which he caught himself on Saturday), as well as a few potatoes and fresh tomatoes I helped him pick from the garden earlier this afternoon. Sadly, neither hula skirts nor sombreros made an appearance at this year's event, but even sans pinatas and the limbo my evening dinner made me thankful for another year in this sweet life I have.

I may be biased, but growing up my mom was akin to a live-in Sylvia Weinstock - West Coast style. When asked what I wanted for my birthday my answer was simple, a cake. After three days of carrot caking from scratch, this is the form my birthday present took. I like to think of it as six layers of cream cheese frosting heaven. Yum.

I apologize for the recent delay in blogging but I’m happy to say I am now nestled into my cozy Central Oregon room for the next few weeks of work and weddings. And me? Well, I’m ready to round-house kick this blogging train in the behind. Er, caboose?...

You get it.

Happy Monday, Michelle

Unconditional Love

The plan was to leave Bend and leisurely make our way to Napa Valley. To stay the night and wake up to a hearty breakfast in wine country. My mom and I had been planning a cross state road trip for the last three months and yesterday was supposed to mark the first day of our adventure. But after Conway’s puppy sitter fell through mid weekend, the last thing we felt like doing was wasting time eating an enormous meal as Connie sat alone, and foodless, in his kennel. We bagged Napa, and San Francisco, and the I5 diners we had made a point of seeing and instead set the cruise control at 90, urr, 55… When we finally set foot in the house at 5:15 this morning, the fifteen-hour, nonstop drive all seemed worth it. Conway greeted us with the same excitement and slobbery kisses he always does and though tired I made the resolution to love something, anything, in my life as zealously and unconditionally as a dog loves his owner.

From my office I can see as my mom lay asleep on the living room sofa, catching up on the shut eye we failed to get last night. And Connie, lying on the floor beside her, is resting his chin on her shoulder. Waiting, hoping, praying that any minute now she’ll awake and take him for yet another walk around the park.

Happy Monday, Michelle