Nick and Diana

I've been fighting with the internet to upload these pictures for the past few days, but FINALLY here they are!!

Nick and Diana were married in September in a small ceremony at the home of his grandparents, and on February 7, they celebrated as husband and wife with their friends and family.

Though it was a few months after their wedding, Diana's vision was to hold the reception as if they had come straight from the church. She and Nick showed up at the River Center at Saluda Shoals Park looking fabulous, AND just in time for us to catch some portraits in the afternoon light while they waited to be introduced.





Balloons, Flowers and Arches handled the florals and decorations, and wedding coordinator Dejoyce Riley kept everything running smoothly.









I love these little favor boxes!!





Even though it was dark, we snuck out after dinner to do a few shots of the couple alone. Thank goodness for the light in the gazebo!





Someone slept through most of the reception, but we woke him up for some family pictures with mom, dad and big brother.





Of course he waited until AFTER the pictures to break out into laughter and start racing around the reception hall.



I couldn't even begin to pick from all the dancing shots, so I didn't try. Suffice it to say that everyone had a great time!

And I must mention that I am ridiculously grateful to Dylan for second-shooting with me- this was definitely a two-man job.

Congratulations Nick and Diana! Dylan and I had a great time getting to know you and being a part of your wedding reception. And thanks for the DELICIOUS food you sent home with us!

So many pictures, so little time

I promised you pictures, and pictures there will be. But tonight, only one. 

I know, I know, but you don't need to cry yourself to sleep over it. Soon I will be sharing full posts of both shoots I've previewed- the wedding reception first, the adorable kiddos second. For now, I leave you with Charlie and his precious little hat. (More on that soon!)



Until then, if anyone has suggestions on how to squeeze a few extra hours out of each day (or just do without sleep), let me know!

I am in love

...with chocolate and peanut butter. (Also, I love my husband for sharing his Reese's hearts.) Not that we really needed an excuse to have chocolate in the house, but ok, chalk it up to Valentine's.



And here's a little preview from a recent shoot- more coming soon!

Yep, I'm here

A few things:

1. First of all, I am buried under a mountain of editing, hence my absence on the blog. And it's just been a busy week in general.
   
2. Secondly, ...

 ... ok, nope that's it. Just busy.

So, I leave you with a random picture and promises of a real post containing pictures of people (not my dog, shoes, or home decor) coming soon. Here is a bluebird that sits on my kitchen windowsill.

Speaking of bluebirds, I hear chirping when I wake up in the morning and it has been 75 degrees this week. Seriously, I know I live in South Carolina, but what is up with February? Didn't the groundhog call for six more weeks of winter?

Apologies from the dog

It was a pretty cold week so the dog spent more time inside than usual. As a result, he chased less squirrels and had more time to reflect on his recent behavior.



Riley has been thinking and has a few words he would like to share:


To our next-door-neighbor Bill, I apologize for trying to attack you each and every time you have pulled your Cadillac in or out of your driveway for the past two years. I also regret to inform you that I will never stop, as it is my duty to protect this back yard with my life.

To my best friend Oliver, who has been mysteriously limping ever since his last visit with us at Christmas, I apologize for whatever I did to injure your leg while we were playing. To your owners, I apologize for the vet bill and diagnosis of "growing pains."

To Kati and Stephen, I apologize for trying to eat your McDonald's fish sandwich right out of your hands last night. I am horrified at my behavior, and even more at the fact that I would consider a McDonald's fish sandwich to be edible.

To Karin, I apologize for the heart attack I gave you this morning when I started barking maniacally at the front door while you were trying to make breakfast.

To the Jehovah's Witnesses at the front door that caused the aforementioned barking, I apologize for the murderous look in my eyes and for any indications that I was going to eat you and your supply of Watchtower magazine.

To the landlord, who I sincerely hope does not read this blog, I apologize for the five-foot hole I dug in the backyard. I will have Dylan fill it in immediately.

If you look at my face, you will see just how sorrowful I really am. Please accept my statement of regret. I will do my best not to repeat any of these actions (until next week.)

Now excuse me, I am exhausted and need to take a nap before my afternoon yard-patrol shift begins. I apologize for the snoring that can be heard throughout the house.

Sincerely,

Mr. Ri Ri

Birthday!

The day is not yet over, and it is never too late for birthday love on the blog!



Happy birthday to Katherine, former roommate, forever friend, and one of the best dang bridesmaids I know. (Seriously, this girl is in high demand- you've got to book her way in advance.) I was going to post a funny story, but I really couldn't choose one- there are just too many.

So instead I will wish her a happy hour and a half more of birthday, and look forward to celebrating with her Friday night!

Nice to meet you

Hello, sweet new friends. We are so glad you have joined our life. Even though you are different, and you are not the reliable Brooks running shoes we have worn for years, we are excited to meet you.

We guess it was time for a change, but you are new to us, Mizunos. We appreciate your arch support and your shiny teal design, and are hopeful you can make good on your promises to provide sufficient back and knee support.

But just remember, as appropriate and yet horrible as this pun is, you have some very big shoes to fill. Brooks was always good to us, and we never got mad at them (except of course when they discontinued our favorite shoe.) We look forward to working with you- don't let us down.

Sincerely,

Karin's feet

P.S. Also, see what you can do about helping us keep up with the dog. It is embarrassing to be dragged around by someone who really doesn't even care about running and is just trying desperately trying to catch a squirrel.

Ta-da!

Wow, wait, what is going on? Is that a shiny new BIG picture on my blog?? Heck yes it is. Lucky Dad with his new hat and birthday cake in my last post got to debut a fun new change to my blog! All my shoots from now on will display bigger and better than ever. YAY!

Just to remind you how cool this is, I have included another picture for your viewing pleasure. My sister painted an awesome picture of Williams-Brice Stadium for me as a birthday gift, and I think the texture of oil paint on canvas is so cool. Check it out.



Alright, I guess it's Super Bowl time. Let me just reiterate that I am LESS than enthusiastic about this year's match-up - two teams I couldn't care less about. Hope it's a good game at least!

Don't be silly

Did you really think I would forget a blog birthday shout-out to my dad, one of the four people in the world that actually read my blog?

Of course not. This is just a little belated, that's all! His birthday was actually last weekend, but I wanted to wait until our celebration last night so that I could post a picture.



Happy birthday Dad! Love you!