Erica & Andy ~ Married!

Genuine. When I think about Erica, it's the first word that comes to my mind. She is a breath of fresh air and she wears her heart on her sleeve. She lives her life with sincerity, integrity and passion. She first met Andy in college twelve years ago. She needed a place to live and he and his buddy needed a roommate. During their years at Oregon State, Andy and Erica fell in love. They graduated, secured jobs and made a home on a little piece of land on the outskirts of town. And they lived their lives. This past August, twelve years after meeting, they exchanged their vows in front of their closest friends and family. I was honored to be there not only as their photographer, but as their friend.

Erica and I also met in college and we quickly became friends. Unfortunately, after I graduated, Erica and I lost touch, although I thought of her often. I never thought I'd see her again until Justin and Lena walked into my studio to have their newborn son photographed. I immediately recognized Justin as Andy's buddy - the one he was living with when Erica moved in. But I was too scared that I was wrong about who he was, so I didn't say anything. Until two years later, when they returned with their newborn daughter. I couldn't help myself and I asked them if they knew her. As fate would have it, they are the best of friends and Erica is the Godmother to both of their children. They told me that she and Andy were planning their wedding and I asked them to please let her know that I would love to reconnect with her. I didn't hear anything for several months until I received a wedding inquiry from Erica. It has been such a blessing to have my friend back in my life. She is still sincere. Still passionate. And more genuine than ever.

Best wishes and all my love to my dear friend!

Dance like no one is watching...

We were driving in the car when I said something to my husband about it. About her and how innocent she is. She was buckled in her carseat, bright eyed and smiling; singing one of her made-up-on-the-spot-songs that have become one of my favorite things. She was unaware of anything else, lost in her song. It was in that moment, that I could see her innocence.

It's not uncommon to hear comments about childhood innocence. Children and innocence go hand in hand, afterall. But there's something about Addison that is ultra-innocent. Her innocence is so pure and so obvious, you can feel it. She doesn't have a care in the world. She's not bothered by the peanut butter and jelly on her face or concerned that the tutu she's adorned doesn't go with her outfit. She sings Christmas songs in Target to whoever will listen and isn't the least bit concerned that it's January and the Christmas decorations are nowhere to be seen. She loves completely, sings loudly and dances like no one is watching...