I am so overjoyed to be finally getting to share this post with you all! I am so thankful that I got to attend Half Orange Photography's Workshop, "Merry Making" this past Aug. I was filled with hope as I was surrounded by others with similar hearts, insecurities and dreams for their photography business.
This alone was encouragement enough, but the one thing I received from the lovely Half Orange ladies, (Stancy and Katie) that I feel has literally changed my life, is the art of "Merry Making".
The Lord used them to plant a seed in my heart that would grow a desire to make a lifestyle of celebration! This was just the beginning of the revelation the Lord has brought this semester about the discipline of celebration. Augustine Of Hippo quoted in the book, "Celebration of Discipline" said, "The Christian should be an alleluia from head to foot!" Amen! That Is my heart to walk in complete trust and obedience to the Lord that then allows me to walk "care free", celebrating life to the fullest! "Freedom from anxiety and care forms the basis for celebration. Because we know He cares for us, we can cast all our cares upon Him" ( Richard Foster in "Celebration of Discipline" ). I love that it pleases and glorifies Jesus when we truly celebrate what we've been given! It also tickles me that as we make a lifestyle of celebration and cultivate a heart of thankfulness, we will soon find that we are truly happier and more at rest in the Lord. "Finally, an interesting characteristic of celebration is that it tends toward more celebration. Joy begets joy. Laughter begets laughter. It is one of those few things in life that we multiply by giving." ( Richard Foster in "Celebration of Discipline" ).
That is my heart for my photography business, and I am right in the middle of the day to day mundane decisions to cultivate a heart of "Merry Making".

Join me in the adventure? :-)

A huge thanks to all the wonderful vendors!

Venue: The Duchman Family Winery

Styling: 36th Street Events

Flowers: D’Sweetpea Floral

Furniture rentals: Furbish

Dress: Blush Bridal Lounge

Cake: Polkadots Cupcake Factory

Stationery: Colette Creative

Hair and make up: Adore Make Up Salon

I am beyond excited to be getting to finally share these with you guys! This summer was a whirlwind of events and transition for me personally. I feel like I have been growing so much and also been greatly humbled by how much I fail to be the kind of successful wife/photographer/friend/leader/encourager/sister/daughter (insert whatever) I want to be without The Holy Spirit helping me and being with me along the way. I am actually a mess most days and don't know how I can keep trekking under all the "pressures" I pledge my time and efforts to. But then, in the midst of difficulty, I call to mind the hope I have in Jesus and that I am able to give Him my burdens and anxieties. He sees me where I am and still thinks of me the same. :) This has been my encouragement lately. Thanks for tuning in!

At last, I am so thankful for the creative hearts that made this happen!
Kate Vincent with Northgate Vintage for providing such stylish clothes and accessories. Go checkout her rockin store - www.northgatevintage.com

Anna Decker with Anna Decker Artistry for the awesome hair and makeup! Anna has done hair & makeup for literally the majority of the weddings i've shot. She's super talented! Call and book her or you'll regret it.

Doxie Wilson for being our amazing stylist, as well as jumping in last minute with her hubs, Cade and being our second hott model couple. :)

And to the soon to be newlyweds, Chris & Sarah. You guys are awesome, and all of us thoroughly loved getting to know you guys! Best wishes to y'all and your big day coming up!

Hope you guys enjoy these as much as I have!