Cypress Albums

Happy Thursday, Friends! I was about to send off an album order for a past client's sweet mother (remember David + Allison?!) when I decided I just couldn't wait to show you the finished product. This self-mount Cypress album is seriously swoonworthy and the perfect solution for those family members looking for something other than a traditional album. The 60 page book is so clean and timeless and pretty that I can't help but want one for myself.

Or two.

Or ten.

The thick, letterpress quality pages are separated by a thin sheet of rice paper - something that makes this album feel extra classy.

I don't know what it is about Japanese silk book cloth, but I love it. I die. It's so pretty.

xoxo, M.

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

The New News

Can you believe it’s been two entire months since the last New News post?! I like to think this is because we've just been in a whirlwind of activity lately and haven't had time to put pen to paper. Nothing at all like the alternative - that I'm just a rather simple individual and fear you'll find me dull if I tell you what the real new news in my life is. Nothing like that...

>> This weekend I bought a book on baking bread and in two days baked three loaves. This also means that in two days my domestic abilities increased by at least 300%.

>> Colton left yesterday for a month. Ugh. I feel like someone just kicked me in the gut. Fortunately this is also my busiest month of the summer and I’ll only be at home without him for four days – the entire month! I like to think that’s some strategic planning by none other than, well, God.

>> I’m 1000 miles from MVP status with Alaska Air. I’m not entirely sure what this will mean for me, other than (fingers crossed) an extra bag of peanuts, but I’m still feeling wildly accomplished. In other news, 1000 miles? Really?! They couldn’t just give me those as a courtesy bonus?

>> Admittedly, I’m the last person who will ever make it to a Pampered Chef or Mary Kay or Most-Incredible-Tupperware-Ever party. There are just too many decisions and too many amazingly engineered kitchen utensils I don’t know how to use that I get stressed. But a few months ago my mom sent me a Scentsy candle in the mail and OhMyGawd I thought she had jumped from the box and made me a batch of chocolate chips cookies herself. Thanks to Scentsy my house now rests in a permanent state of fresh baked gooey yumminess and warm vanilla. Or at least the smell of them.

>> I can’t stop Pinning! While I’ve been using Pinterest since February, I’ve yet to blog about it until now. If you’re not already familiar with the website I highly recommend stopping by and wasting a significant portion of your evening. Be careful, though! You’re likely to redecorate every room in your house, buy a new wardrobe, and even do crazy, crazy things – like bake.

Happy Tuesday, Michelle