Perfection in Imperfection.

I met her while I was a lowly college student eating ramen noodle soup (still do actually) and working at Panera(ha! I loved that job). Laura was a highschool student that went to church with me. My college friends' and I took to the highschool girls, they were such sweethearts! Eventually, Laura was in college herself, then off working the friendly skies as a flight attendant, as for me I moved from Tampa but was always happy to see her whenever I came back to church for a visit. She is a bright and lovely gal.  As life fortunately goes for many, she met the love of her life. A wonderful guy at that! Maybe one of the friendliest, warmest guys I can say I met! (no kidding, you go Laura!) His joy was contagious and though his family spoke very little English, they were so much like him with such a joy for life and family and love, you didn't really care about the language barrier. So that is what it means when it's said 'love knows no boundaries'.  That's part of it anyway. So on July 22nd, they decided to tie the knot at the beautiful June Orchid Estate.They were just so happy together that the rain didn't even slightly bother them. A shrug and the show must go on was as much of a response from the two love birds when asked about the monsooning outside.  Lucky for us, the sun peaked out just as the ceremony ended and our last session began. Really, nothing is perfect, but if you don't focus on the imperfections, everything to you is perfect in your eye. And their love for each other is perfect to them. Congrats Daniel and Laura!!!

I just loved this Daniel and Laura wrote their vows in Spanish and English. Daniel read his in English and Laura read hers in Spanish.

They did the first look, in the orchid room before the ceremony, I was more than thrilled for a first look before the ceremony. Sure it's not the traditional way to do it, but I promise it calms nerves and doesn't take away from the walk down the aisle.  Just ask brides who've done it before, it's actually a tremendous bonus to your big day!

God Knows.

If you think about our time and then contemplate history, not just talking American History but thousands of years back, we can't imagine how many families have come and gone..broken families that have had issues and tragedies to well built families that we have never touched but are connected to us in some form or fashion, and then the families that have been recorded in history for their stature or dent in history.... Regardless, families are blood related, not slightly disregarded in each upbringing...such an interesting concept right?! Whether your family is broken, together or recorded in history, there is such a GREAT importance to where you have come from. It paves the way for many things that I could just write novels about (at which you probably wouldn't really care to read, I don't have a degree in it) BUT as I watch families grow, I am so touched by the strength of the one who keeps it healthy for the ones who are just discovering the world in all it's glory. To me in my belief, God knows your strengths to gravitate to a new generation and to teach them what is right in the world. Here is a family that focuses on that, and a woman(not that I am biased but she is my sister) that creates a joy and playful center grounding for her children to develop in.  Make sense to you? Hope so. Because it very barely makes sense to me, but for Donita and Chris, they have begun to create something beyond themselves.

 Deeda may groan about me putting this one up but tough!!!! I like it and I think ya'll are cute!

 SOOO, I just have to add, it was the end of the day and these boys decided they were pirates. Now not just a child pirate where they will break character when they see an adult, these guys stayed in character until we left the park for ice cream. I just couldn't stand it! They were phenomenal pirates never once losing character!

And then there is the beauty of the family....such a beautiful girl inside and out with lost teeth and everything, she makes folks realize what is wonderful in God's creation!

Cameo/Antique Rings by Emma Lou Vintage.

I had the pleasure while in my ole hometown of Louisville, to take pictures of these unique, stylish rings made by Emily Peters, owner of the Butterfly Garden Cafe.  I secretly wanted to take the whole lot of them, but of course that would defeat the purpose of me taking the pictures anyway. So I reluctantly handed them back at the end of our mini photoshoot. Do you blame me though??? These cameo and vintage style rings are so cute, not over the top, timeless, embellishments to make your fingers feel oh so pretty.  They will be featured in Parenting Magazine later this year, but you can purchase them now at the Butterfly Garden Cafe OR if you do not live in the Greater Louisville area, feel free to go on to Etsy under Emma Lou Vintage, they should be up for your purchasing pleasure within the next couple weeks or so! When I know the online specifics I will be sure to blog that info, to keep all in the know and all.  Enjoy your Tuesday folks! 

 Went old school with a couple shots, just for the fun of it.