{Love+Learning+Together} Part 3 (Dec.-Jan.)

Christmas and New Year came and went fast! It didn't disappoint though. It was a wonderful "first" Christmas married (I know, I'm big on "first"). Our Christmas celebration started the Sunday before Christmas. We all (immediate family) went to mom's house. We exchanged gifts, and each couple also made a ginger house together. We played games and of course took a family picture :) (I'm a little shamed to admit that my camera was setting on our mom's trash can because I forgot my tripod--GUILTY).

Have you ever seen such an awesome family??!

On Christmas Eve we always go to Grandma's house! It was going to be the last year there (sadness). Christmas Eve has been at Grandma's ever since I can remember. We'd go about noon and spend all day and most the night there. A few years back when Grandpa passed away it was never the same. It's still special + fun + exciting, but not the same. My grandparents were married for over 60 years. When he passed away it took a huge part of Grandma's heart with him. Their lives together was such a demonstration of what God intended for married/love to be.

My Grandma was in the hospital when Reed and I got married so she couldn't attend the wedding. Made me very sad, but what can ya do? Once I received my wedding video from our fabulous videographers I gave a copy to her so she could see it all and know that we missed you SO much. Since we didn't get a picture with her at our wedding we wanted to make sure we got at least one at some point in time.

Lol. Our traditional picture on grandma's couch. You should see this room when we have all the grand kids huddled around grandma for a picture every year. It's pretty awesome!

Speaking of marriages-- have I mentioned how much I admire my parents. I have never appreciated their love and marriage as much as I do now that I'm married and know how much work it takes. They've taught me consistency! You can't just give up when you have a fight or you don't "feel" in love anymore. They've taught me to "trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not onto thine own understanding...". When they got married they said they weren't going to prevent themselves from having kids--that the Lord would give them as many kids as He wanted them to have. If that is not faith/trust demonstrated I don't know what is.
They took a leap of faith to home-school, back when that was a "no no". The list could go on and on. I'll come back to this conversation later my blog...

Aren't they perfect!

Christmas Day we spent running back and forth to families houses. It was so much fun! Being married and giving gifts labeled "From Reed & Lydia Campbell". We ended it with going to a movie with a few of my siblings.

(All the grand kids on Reed's side of the family.)

We took a trip last minute trip to Chicago, just because. Reed had never been and I wanted him to see a real city. We spent two days and a night there. I showed him all the cool spots. He loved it! We ate at a pizza place and had Chicago pizza and learned that taxes make a killing :p We went to the Chicago Art Museum--wasn't really Reed's thing, but I really enjoyed it. We discovered I'm a better driver in the city (lol)and he's a better highway driver...long story lol.

It was freezing cold, but so worth it. Oh and the pool on top of the hotel was pretty cool too.






New Year's Eve we spent at Church. We always have a New Years Eve service and gift exchange. We were at church until 3-4am playing "Things" with some friends (awesome game BTW).
(Photo: Courtesy of my iPhone)


The past few months we've been looking to buy a house. We found one we liked a lot, but by the time we were ready to pursue it it was taken. Strike one. No biggie, God obviously has something better in place for us. So we kept looking...and looking. We found another house. It was a fixer-upper, but we were in love with it. It was built in 1843. So much character along with five acres. We thought "this is it, this is our house". It had just been posted and was listed for a very low price, so we knew it was going to go fast if it sat long. We went home and prayed about it. We had a peace about it. We signed the contract and when our Realtor went to submit it he found out that on THAT DAY they accepted a different contract. We were bummed! Strike two! But when we prayed about it we prayed that God would close the door if it wasn't his will, and he closed the door. Well, back to square one. Looking for another house! The next week, on Sunday afternoon we went looking at a few houses I saw listed online. None of them were us..none of them were right. A few days later I discovered one house online that peaked my interest. Tim, our Realtor, showed us the house, Mom and I. Reed had to work. We looked at the house and were pleasantly surprised--it was beautiful inside, but yet was listed for a very low price. Actually, it was listed for the exact same price as the other house we wanted. Once we left that house I quick texted Reed and told him all about it, sending pictures along with it. Right after work he met me at the house to look at it. Tim met us there with a contract because I knew Reed was going to love it. Well we signed a contract again, in high hopes. We submitted it last Tues.  and heard back on Weds. with a counter offer. The next day we sent in our counter offer and then no news on Friday...and then it was the weekend. Of course, we had to wait Saturday and Sunday...then Monday (today) is a holiday. God is really working our patience, which I know I need. Thank you Lord for the trials you give us, I know it's making us stronger.

Anyway, tomorrow we will hear (hopefully) on whether or not they accepted our contract. I was discouraged the whole weekend, thinking that it was going to be just like the other two houses--someone else was going to get it first, then my mom sent me this text "I know it's hard to wait, but I know from experience that the Lord wants you to have that house it will be yours. God doesn't deal in fate or luck. If it goes to someone else he has one even better for you than that one." Man, my mom has SO much wisdom and always has the right words to say. It made me realize this is such a small thing compared to God. He can do ANYTHING he wants, and he knows the desires of my heart better then I do. Also, my sister posted this verse on Facebook this morning that was exactly what I needed. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalms 103:1-5.

God can do all things!

I wouldn't mind if you said a little prayer for us though... :)

{Wedding/Personal} Timothy + Iuliana: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

 As many of you know there were four marriages in my family within ONE YEAR. Timothy + Iuliana were the last to get married, even though they were first to get engaged, which means there was a lot of waiting....waiting...waiting.

BUT IT FINALLY CAME!

 It was their day! Their wedding day had finally come and all the waiting was over. Timothy and Iuliana have known each other since they were little kids. They never dreamed they'd be getting married to each other, but God had a very different plan in mind for them and they were happy.

It was a perfect day, because it was THEIR day! Being able to photograph most the wedding and be in the wedding was perfect for me. I loved being able to follow them around all day and capture all the excitement, laughs, tears, soft kisses and, well you know, all that mushy stuff. ;) 

It was also such a happy day for me! One of my best friends was about to become my sister, and my brother's heart was about to be complete. Enjoy this peak into their day!

I didn't photograph the ceremony, obviously since I was a bridesmaid, so I don't have a lot of photos from the ceremony, but let me tell you....IT WAS PRECIOUS! Their vows to each other were so heart felt and genuine. I felt so thankful that my brother found Iuliana--someone who is selfless and beautiful through and through, and that Iuliana was getting my brother as her husband who loves and cherishes her SO much.

{Engagement} Brian + Missy: Columbus, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

{Wedding} Kirsten + Brady: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Kirsten + Brady's wedding was my very first wedding 2013. I love Winter weddings! There is just something magical about the snow on the ground and brisk air paired with a beautiful bride and a handsome groom and lots of laughs. Oh and the fact that God made it snowing right when we started couple pictures helped with the magic ;)

They met in 7th grade and have been lovers ever since. kudos to you both, that is really special and something to be proud of. I would've loved to seen you guys together as 7th graders. Eek, I'm sure it was the most adorable thing!! I love happy, fun, love-stuck couples.

Enjoy this peak into their day.

 

{Wedding} Pete + Jamie: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

{Engagement} Jenna + Kyle: Dayton, Ohio Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Jenna and Kyle are my kind of people. When we first met they told me they didn't want a lot of posy, LOOK HERE, fake photos...."Well, you've come to the right person!" I said. They are both super laid back, but they are one of the funnest(yes funnest lol) couples I've photographed. Full of life and energy. 

OOohh and their wedding it going to be amazing. They are having the wedding on their uncles land and the guest get to camp out afterwards--how cool is that?

{Part 1: Love+Learning+Together} My favorite Autumn

I'm going to start a new series of photos/blog post called "Love+Learning+Together". It will be all about Reed and I's journey together. May not be a huge post every time, but just a little post showing you a peek into our life.

So here goes Part 1:

Our 8 month anniversary was a little over a week ago. It seems like just yesterday that he proposed to me. It's been the best 8 months of my life, yet trying at times.
We learn more and more about each other every day...every single day. We have made our house a "home". We've made big decisions as one. We grow closer together daily. He's pushed me to try new things..like running a half marathon (which is tomorrow, EKkk!). So proud to be able to run it with him! He has encouraged me to pick up old things, like my violin, and rekindle my love for it. He's good for me. He has made me a better--stronger person. Life is sweet with my husband!

Well Autumn is my favorite season. I love the bonfires, hayrides, pumpkin spice candles,hoodies , Fall parties, the COLOR on the trees, the crunchy sound that the leaves make when I walk on them ;) but this Autumn has been unlike all the other Autumns of my life. This Autumn I'm a married women, and I must tell you it's been my favorite Autumn of all.

(these' were taken on our 8 month anniversary)

{Wedding} Denny + Connie: Kentucky Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Yay! I'm posting another wedding to the blog. I've finally had the time to blog some.

Denny and Connie had a beautiful wedding in May, at the Creation Museum in Kentucky. I love shooting at new venues! It was a very warm day, the poor guys were roasting in their tux's, but I didn't hear one complaint. They were real troopers! Connie looked stunning in her lace wedding dress (I love lace...my wedding dress was lace), so I may have been a little bias, none the less she was such a cute bride. She reminded me of a barbie doll all dressed up. I know Denny thought HIS bride looked drop dead gorgeous as well. He simply adores her and she adores him...I adore them both. I love having clients that become friends :) (You guys are awesome!)

I'm pretty sure I lost 3 lbs shooting their wedding--I was a HOT sweaty mess at the end of the day, but it was a awesome adventure. You all know how I love a good adventure ;)

Here's a sneak into their beautiful start to their happily ever after...

{Engagement} Kyle + Kristin: Dayton, Ohio Portrait & Wedding Photographer

This is Kristin + Kyle. They are an adorable, young, madly-in-love, gorgeous, perfect couple. I absolutely love couples like this--young and in love, I guess it reminds me of my husband and I ;) Anyway, I reaallllly fell in love with photographing their love. All the gentle kisses and hugs, little whispers and jokes, it was precious, ohhh SO precious. Seeing real love is overwhelming! Every time I look back through these' images it makes my heart melt a little. Man, I love my job.

Enough with the talking onto the good stuff.

{Wedding/Personal} Josh + Grace: Kettering, Ohio Portrait & Wedding Photographer

It was THE day! It was the day we had been talking about ever since we were little tiny girls. It was Grace's wedding day! She had been waiting for that day for 22 years. Waiting for the day she would say "I do" and marry the man of her dreams.

The weather was warm and the sun was shinning. It was a "perfect" day in June, just like we had pictured it as little girls.

Grace always said she wanted her wedding color to be purple. Ever since I can remember; PURPLE is what she wanted, and as you will see purple is what she got. My mom made all the bridesmaids dress',flowers, and the food (yep, she's pretty amazing!). All the details turned out beautiful. From the table settings to the guest book/scrap book that everyone signed. It was pretty amazing to see it all come together as HER WEDDING DAY. THE ONE DAY she's been waiting for her entire life.

When I walked to where the guys were getting ready Josh was SO excited. He couldn't keep it in. Yes, he's a grown man, but not to grown up not to act like a giddy school boy that was about to talk to the girl of his dreams for the first time. It was pretty cute to watch ;) Made me one happy sister to see a guy so excited to marry my sister. Even though no one would ever be good enough for my sister, Josh comes pretty close ;)

Grace was pretty chilled the whole day. She didn't seem nervous at all. She was glowing though. She was full of joy. She got her hair and make-up done and was ready to get in her dress. I hid it pretty well, but I was very emotional. My big sister, the one who I shared a room with most my life, who I told me all her secrets too, the one who I fought over clothes with and laughed with til 2am in the morning so many times, she was a bride. Her name would change from Robertson to Johnson. She was becoming a wife!

As soon as Dad started to walk her down the aisle the tears came. They were bitter sweet tears. There our Dad was walking her down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams. To promise him her love forever. It was happening, she was becoming Mrs.Johnson and I couldn't have been more excited.

Enough with my rambling...(don't judge me I just love my sissy ;) Here's a little peak into her wedding day.


(Since I was her maid-of-honor I couldn't photograph the whole day. So this blog is a little of what I got to shoot.)

Some of Grace's lovely details























She was one proud Momma!


(picture credit: Sarah Zylka)


She was so beautiful!










A few of us girls.
(picture credit: Melissa Esterline)


(picture credit: Sarah Zylka)


I love these' shots of us..we are pretty cool huh?





(picture credit: Melissa Esterline)






(picture credit: Sarah Zylka)



The whole group!

Pretty head table!
(picture credit: Melissa Esterline)

Grace wanted the cake to be perfect and it was just that. She loved it!
(picture credit: Melissa Esterline)


Haha, the cake was pretty epic to watch. Josh has such a awesome look on his face lol

They had a few little games planned that turned out to be so much fun.




The magic lanterns ;)

























































I loved writing this blog post. Personal post are my favorite. Grace couldn't have been a more beautiful bride (as you can see), Josh you looked pretty handsome too ;) So happy for you two love bird. <3 you guys!

{Engagement} Timothy + Iuliana: Dayton, Ohio Portrait & Wedding Photography

I did my brother and soon-to-be sis-in-law's engagement session last fall, but never got around to blogging it(bad sister I am lol). Better late then never, right??! Anyway, it's a pretty sweet story of how God brought them together...here read for yourself. ;)

A little background on our relationship with Iuliana and on how we met her: We met her when she was 4 years old. Her family attended our church when they adpoted her. YES, she's adopted from Romania (how cool is that?!)!!! Iuliana and I were around the same age so we instantly became best friends as soon as her family brought her to church. We were best friends the entire time they came to our church, but her family decided to attend a different church (Iuli was about 11). After that we didn't really have much contact(even tho we missed each other a lot). At the time Iuliana only really knew Timothy as my older brother and Timothy only knew Iuliana as my good friend. So that was that. We didn't really see each other much.

Well about 6 years later on a Friday evening we were invited to a volleyball event. Our family is big into volleyball so we all went. We saw a lot of old friends including Iuliana and her family. (FYI: This is the same volleyball event that I met my husband and my best friend, Eastlyn). We ended up coming back the next Friday also and the following week. It was becoming a every-Friday event. We all loved it!











Well shortly after we started coming to Friday-night-volleyball we went to a friends orchestra recital, Iuliana and her family so happened to be there too. That night was when I really noticed something, something between Timothy and Iuliana. Timothy couldn't take his eyes off of her. I had never seen Timothy look at a girl like he looked at Iuliana. I remember walking over and seeing the two of them sheepishly making conversion together. They were talking the entire evening. They didn't leave each other's side. Keep in mind neither of them are conversationalists. I knew something was up!!!! As the weeks went on we saw Iuliana almost every week. Timothy and Iuliana talked every chance they got. By now we ALL knew they were "interested" in being more then "just friends". Timothy wanted this girl, he wanted her attention. He wanted to spend every moment he could being with her and talking to her, same with Iuliana. I could tell she was head over heels for my brother. Since Iuliana and I had been good friends in the past and were quickly catching up with our friendship like before so I was thrilled about them being a couple. I would've never imagined, when we were little kids, that they would eventually be together, but God knew. He had it all planned out.





After a year or so Timothy and Iuliana started courting-- meanwhile Reed and I were courting. Since Reed was like Timothy's best friend and Iuliana was one of my oldest friends the four of us became inseperable. We went on a ton of double dates, and spent most Friday nights together. We were like family already. Iuliana was like my sister and they weren't even engaged yet. We talked about getting married in the same month, going on vacations together, we even tossed around the idea of going on a honeymoon together, I know pretty close huh?

Well about a year or so into the future Timothy and Iuliana got engaged. Yep, he bought her a stunning ring and got down on one knee on her front porch (where most of the best conversations happened between the two of them) and asked for not only her hand, but most important her heart. Iuliana called me as soon as he proposed and told me the exciting news, even though I already knew he was going to propose that evening I was still SO excited. It was official! There was so much joy in her voice as she told me. We were all SO happy for them. They both glowed when the came over and showed off the ring.

Wedding planning quickly started. They needed to pick A DATE. Believe it or not that's harder then you think. I had already booked a lot of weddings for the next year so a lot of dates were taken already. They had to work around my schedule (sorry to be a pain lol). They finally found the perfect date. Septemeber 22nd, 2012, which so happens to be 9 days away. (Wooohooo)!












Timothy is a year and half years older then me so we were pretty close growing up. We'd play cars together in the mulch in the front yard. Race around the cultisack on our bikes. Play "woof woof" around the house with the neighbor kids. Hide in the tree fort and knock the latter down so the little kids couldn't get up. He was my friend, even though I'd never would've admit it at age 13 lol. As we got older we got even closer, especially as we started courting our "significant others". Seems like we were all always together (still are).

Timothy moved in with Reed and I back in June and it's been SO wonderful having him here. I love having him here! Makes me sad that he will be moving out after the wedding. I'll miss seeing him everyday, but I know Timothy is the happiest when he is with his Iuliana. She completes him! She makes him smile like NO one ever could, so I know he is in good hands--I couldn't have picked a better person for Timothy. Iuliana is one of those girls that are so rare to find. She's gorgeous, and everyone knows it, but her. She's always been a good girl. Always did what was right. She's got a contagious smile and laugh. OMGSH, you HAVE to hear her laugh--it's the bomb ;) lol. Anyway, she's an amazing girl and I'm so happy I get to have her as my sister in 9 DAYS.





































I love you both and I couldn't be happeier for you guys. <3

[{Personal/Engagementt} Josh + Eastlyn: Dayton, Ohio Portrait & Wedding Photographer

I remember the first time I met Eastlyn, her and her family came over, along with some other friends, so the Moms could talk about "homeschooling". We spent the day together, had lunch and hung out on the swing sets in the backyard (yep, we were cool like that, and very young lol). At the time Eastlyn and I didn't really hit it off-- we didn't really "click". The day came to an end and the Moms said good-bye, us girls said good-bye, and that was that. We really didn't see or talk to them much for the next couple years, not because we didn't want too our paths of life were just different. It wasn't until about 4 years when we were invited to a "homeschool" volleyball event (I really do have a lot of gratitude toward homeschooling lol). So we went, and we saw many familiar faces. People we knew, but didn't REALLY know. I saw Eastlyn, she saw me. We said "Hi"..and that was about it. We hadn't seen each other in 4 years, and we were just kids back then. There was still no click between us. We starting coming more and more to the volleyball events that were held on Friday nights. It wasn't until the 4 or 5 week of us coming that something clicked between us. I remember Eastlyn and her sister, Michaela came up to me after volleyball and just started talking to me. I'm not sure what it was about our conversation, but we just realllllyy hit it off well. THat conversation is really what started our {awesome} friendship. As our lives had bumps and curves we were always there for each other. You know how the teen years go, that's when you really need a best friend the most. She helped me with SO much. She talked me through SO much! We've pretty much talked everyday after that. Whether it be email, text, you name it. We had built such a strong friendship. (She also had a HUGE part in setting me up with Reed, my husband.)

I know you are anxious to hear how Eastlyn + Josh began as a couple...well just wait, it's coming.

Even though we were awesome friends it wasn't until her graduation party that I learned who she was head of heels for. Her party was coming to an end and we were sitting by the fire, just her and I. I finally just asked her who she liked (she was very secretive about it). She was hesitant to tell me at first, but she told me. She was in love with Josh Tolle. The boy she had/has known since she was 10 years old. NO one else knew! She was so giddy and happy when she told me. She hadn't shared it with anyone else and I know she felt awesome to be able to share that with someone, and I'm so happy it was me. ;)

Like I said, she has known Josh since she was 10 years old. It wasn't love at first sight, but it was a growing love from year to year. They were friends first (SO important).

What Eastlyn didn't know was that Josh too, had the same feelings toward her, if not stronger, but there was one problem-- they were both very shy and reserved toward each other. I watched them flirt in their "shy" manor and pass little hints toward each other of their feelings, but the timing wasn't right. Josh didn't make any moves toward a "relationship" with her. God still had work to do in their hearts to prepare them. It left Eastlyn guessing of his feelings (you know how us girls are). They both went with a big group on a mission trip to Mexico. Eastlyn sent me letters telling me about everything that was happening. She thought for sure he liked her, but when they came back things just went back to normal. She was confused!!! I was confused lol. As her best friend I didn't really know what to tell her. What we didn't know was God still wasn't finished with preparing Josh and Eastlyn's heart for each other. Patients is really the only thing I could tell her and that God would work it out. Sometime passed and I could tell Josh was opening up a lot more with Eastlyn. They were talking more, things just seemed SO right. IT WAS FINALLY TIME. Their hearts were ready. Josh asked her Dad if he could court Eastlyn. He was more then overjoyed. I remember very clearly Eastlyn calling me on the phone telling me that Josh had asked if he could court her. This was the happiest I've ever seen. Her voice was full of not only happiness, but joy.


They were both full of joy. Seeing them together for the first time was so perfect.











He was finally able to be with the one his heart loved.






They quickly became best friends.







It was easy to see that this love was becoming more and more serious with each day, with each phone call, with each sweet text message, with every sunset...







They are truly a match made in Heaven. They have so many character traits that compliment each other. It's hard to explain it. It was just RIGHT!




When you know you just know. That's how it was with Josh + Eastlyn. Within a few months of courting they knew they were mean't to be together forever. Everyone around them knew it too. Josh went out and found the perfect ring for Eastlyn, after asking her Dad if he could have Eastlyn's heart by marrying her. Her Dad gave approval without hesitation. He asked Eastlyn if she would marry him and make him the happiest man in the world. Her dreams were coming true. She said "YES"!!!
























Josh proposed to Eastlyn while Reed and I were still on our honeymoon. As soon as we pulled into port my phone went off and I found a picture from Eastlyn and it was a picture of a ring with a text saying Josh proposed to her. I WAS ESTATIC! I was little mad at Josh for doing it while I wasn't even in the country though lol. Reed and I couldn't have been happier. Their wedding planning began immediately.










































They picked a date!!!!!!!! The date to start life as "One" would be Septemeber 1st, 2012. I still can't believe it! It seems like yesterday when we met at my house as little girls. In just 10 days you'll be getting married to your Josh.
































I'm so honored you asked me to be a bridesmaid and stand by your side when you say "I do" and become Mrs.Tolle. I can't tell you how excited and happy I am :)



10 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you Eastlyn.

{Happily Ever After} Nick + Monica: Cleveland, OH Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Nick + Monica's wedding was fabulous. They got married in Cleveland, OH. It was a beautiful, perfect day in May. Well, I hadn't met Monica until the week before the wedding. We talked about the details of her lovely day. When I left I knew it was going to be a wedding I'd never forget. It was going to be perfect!
Monica was quiet and reserved, but confident. She is one of those girls that has such a pleasant and sweet personality that everyone can't help but love. I hadn't met Nick until the wedding day, but I knew right away how good of a match they were. They complimented each other in so many different ways.

Monica had a lot of family come from Egypt for the wedding (how cool is that??!!). They had friends from all over the US come in for the wedding also. It was awesome to see all the love and support they had on their wedding day.

We started out early photographing Monica as she got all dolled up for Nick. She was glowing the entire day!









Monica had some gorgeous details...her dress, shoes, rings, jewelry--it was all beautiful!!!


I'm partial to LACE. I just love it.












Like I said SHE WAS GLOWING the whole day.




I'm pretty sure her daddy was on cloud 9 the entire day.






The guys were waiting for me at the church...a very fun bunch of guys!






ALL the girls looked just perfect!






BUT the day wouldn't have been the same without her little sidekick ;)

















































Nick's dad had passed a away a few years ago. When he found out he didn't have long to live he wrote Nick a letter, and he wanted the letter read to Nick on his wedding day. It was one of the most touching moments I've ever heard.


Nick's Mom





THANK YOU both for letting me capture your love!!

{Engagement} Oh wait...THIS is my engagement ;)

"She's so young, and he's so perfect. They waited for love and it was worth it. She want's to feel like this for a hundred years.."Francesca Battistelli.

"Once upon a time there was a little girl who saw this boy, and the boy saw her. They fell madly in love"...next thing you know he is on his knee proposing to the girl of his dreams and she replies with "Yess!!!".

That's basically how it happened! Well I guess I didn't mention all the yummy details like how they've been together since she was 15, and the fact that they are each other's best friend. Oh, and the cool little part about how he proposed at Myrtle Beach at sunset, that was kinda a BIG deal too(I love talking about myself in the 3rd person). There's so many details exploding in my mind, but I'll just keep it simple and tell you all the BIG details about "US" and the engagement.

Fun facts about Reed & Lydia:
We love laughing together.
We play thumb war...all the time.
He's beats me at checkers.
He calls me beautiful, I call him handsome. Insert "Awwwww".
We box with each other, he loses though. ;)
He buys me sour patch candy and I'm bad at sharing it. I share with him, just because I love him ALOOOTTTT.
We wink at each other.
We text each other even though we are sitting together.


I got engaged to the man I've always wanted.



This was litterally seconds after he proposed. I wanted everyone to see the joy on my face.




After he proposed we walked down to the pier where fireworks were about to go off. It was soooo magically. I know that sounds cheesy, but it was "FOR REAL" so magical.


Our walk back to the hotel, Ahhh it was the BEST night of my life.


The next morning we got up at sunset and walked on the beach. We were/are sooooo happy!






The bling bling he bought her, oh I mean me.


Then, ya know, once you change your relationship status on facebook to "Engaged" you get all the "Congrats!" "Omgsh!" "No way?" "FOR REAL?"..you get the jift. People were very excited for us. People love us! We love them back. People are awesome. Especially my people!


The wedding planning began. We did the most important thing first. We booked out photographer. You thought I was going to say "we picked a date", didn't you? Nope, we consulted out photographer first then we picked a date. Photography REALLLYYY is the most important part of the wedding, aside from the actually "getting married" part, of course. Melissa Esterline, a good friend/fellow photog did our engagement pictures. We love her! She did 3 seperate sessions just for us. We went with "The Notebook" theme so we had to meet up a few times to fit everything in. She's a darling! Here's some of our pictures from the sessions.

Get ready for some "Awwww"ing.

You ready?!

Ok. Ready set go!

This is one of mt personal favorites! He makes me fly in the sky...SEEE! SEE!











He makes me laugh...SO...hard!


We are silly when we are together. Well its more like "I'm silly and he's mature", but sometimes I get him to be silly with me.


That's us!







:) We are too cool!


Hahahahaha. Makes me laugh EVERYtime. I love his laugh, especially when he's laughing so hard he can't control it.



Awww! (I bet you "Aw"ed?)


This reminds me of "Ann of Green Gables"..where Ann talks to Gilbert over the fence. So sweet!







..and, of course, we had to fit some camera stuff in. I like taking pretty pictures.


He makes me feel soo protected. He my as I call him.


He's pretty much the most handsome thing on planet earth. Yep, thats offical!













He loves me!


I love him!


We really are best friends. We make quite the couple.


Hey Reed, maybe we should be face models. Nah, I think YOU should just be the face model.

His eyes are blue--her favorite color is blue. Her eyes are green--his favorite color is green. :)




The bling bling again.















The wedding is 24 days away!!!!!!!!! Ahhhh. SO. MUCH. EXCITEMENT. stored in my body.

{Engagement} Ben + Elizabeth

FRIENDS, I think that is the very best way to start out a relationship between and guy and girl. That's exactly how Elizabeth + Ben started out. They met first at Springhill, a Christian camp, in 2008 where they were co-counselors. They became friends and after camp, they stayed in contact until 2010, and that's when they really saw a spark between them and ben started pursuing her as more then just a friend. Eventually they did start dating and falling more and more in love with each other everyday......As bf/gf and the best of friends!

Hmm, their so cute!










Ben loves how fun and loving Elizabeth is!!!!!!!! Her caring spirit is what he loves most about her though.


Elizabeth loves Ben's laugh and sense of humor. She especially loves how pasionate Ben is about the things he does.






THE PROPOSAL-On October 27, 2011, E went to B's house after work. They sat and talked for a little while before B asked E if she would like to go on a walk. They got in the car and went to Pill Hill park. B told E there was a neat trail that he found while he was mountain biking that he wanted her to see. They started going down the trail and came to a clearing where B said he had to go back to go to the bathroom. E waited for B in the clearing. A couple of minutes later, B's friend, Joe, appeared and set up a table and chair for E to sit at and enjoy cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. E didn't suspect anything was up until she saw Joe. After Joe left, two of the high school guys in B's youth group, Austin and Timothy, came out and played E a song on the guitar. They also brought her 2 roses that B had written notes on. After they played, they set up a boom box and the song, "Look After You", by The Fray started playing. After they left, B appeared in a suit and got down on one knee and asked E to marry him. The rest is history!! (awwww, I'm a sucker for a good love story!!!!).

Ben picked out the ring ALL BY HIMSELF. No help!!!!!! Needless to say Elizabeth LOVES her ring. (I also loved it, he did a great job. it's gorgeous..!)


They were so fun and cute together. I could tell, by just being with them for a little while, that they both passionately love each other.








They both love to Hike and play tennis together, and drink coffee from Caribou Coffee ;). Cooking was also another favorite thing they love doing together. :) Sounds like a perfect couple to me.













Soooo very excited for their wedding in March (shortly after mine!!).

{Engagement} Courtney + Daniel

Daniel and Courtney first met while working at The Monk’s Kitchen. It only took about a year and a half for them to actually begin talking. Finally one day at work they figured out that we were going to the same wedding that weekend. While at the wedding Daniel asked her to dance and he just had a feeling that she would one day be his, that was the beginning of the rest of their lives.
They hadn't realized how much they were in love with each other until he left to go back up to school in the fall of 2008. Daniel, some of his family, and Courtney took him up to school to help him move in, and when they pulled out of the parking lot to go home, leaving Daniel there, THEY BOTH felt like they were was going to fall apart. They had only been dating for around 2 months, but it was terrible! They KNEW they couldn't live without each other!!!!!!!!!!!









Then came the time for Daniel to buy the ring. He walked into the jewelerys knowing exactly what he ring he wanted to buy her. He took her out to her "Favorite" restaurant, Olive Garden, (girl after my own heart). He popped the question and she said 'YES'!





Daniel works at the Red's stadium and they are both HUGE fans!

{Engagement} Jake & Stephani

Their love story is simply adorable!!!!

Jake & Stephani had a gym class and band class together during freshman year of high school. They had a long conversation during a final exam in gym class and found out that they both loved sports and country music! They seemed to really enjoy each other’s company. So, on Valentine’s Day, Jake had a pink carnation sent to Stephani's homeroom (Insert an awwwww). She thought this was the sweetest thing EVER and decided to ask Jake out to the Turnabout dance--Jake agreed to go. After going out to dinner and to the dance, (Which they had a great time of course). However, they ended up drifting apart and didn't talk for awhile after that..(sad face).

A year later, during sophomore year, Jake and Stephani had another band class together. Slowly they started talking again, and Stephani asked Jake if he would drive her to the upcoming band concert. Jake agreed and drove Stephani. They had a great time and shared a lot of laughs. A few weeks after the band concert, Jake asked her out on HER first real date. After he picked her up at home, they bought ice cream at Dairy Queen and went on a drive in the dark. After talking and laughing for awhile, Jake suddenly pulled over on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. She was a little freaked out and wondered what he was doing. Jake switched on his brights and ran out of the car, yelling for her to join him. Scared, but wanting to know what was going on, Stephani got out of the car and followed Jake into complete darkness. Jake had taken her to the fossil beds by Caesar’s Creek! They both ran together to grab a rock as a souvenir (The rocks in the picture). When Jake dropped me off at home later that night, I wrote the date on her rock: 3-27-04. They have been in love ever since. (*Sniff Sniff*, I love a good love story!!!)








Jake picked out the ring himself!


On August 9, 2010, Jake decided that he was going to ask me to marry her. He went to the jeweler's, bought the ring, and went to K-Mart where he tracked down her dad. After asking her dad for Stephani's hand in marriage, her dad said, "Yes." He then picked her up and took her for a drive--something THEY always loved to do.
Around the spot where he took her for their first date, he got out of the car and went on a walk with her. They walked next to the creek and back up the trail. He planned on proposing to her by the overlook of the creek; however, when they got there an older man was sitting there reading! So, Jake decided against proposing there.
After that he took her to the exact place he took her on our first date: the fossil beds. We walked around and ended up sitting on the huge cement dam overlooking the fossil beds.
After sitting and talking for awhile, Jake turned around and got down on one knee and asked her to marry him, and she said "YES!".




They've known each other 7 1/2 years!!!! Their so perfect together!












The rocks we spoke of lol.

{Engagement} Jared & Amanda

Jared & Amanda's story starts out with BOOKS and CAR-POOLING! Yes, I'm serious!!!!

When I asked them how they met and fell in love they replied with "We fell in love after long nights of studying and car pooling to and from school" *insert an awww*, but yeah it started out with just studying and car pooling with each other....THEN...



...of course Jared starting pursuing her...Jared:"I pursued Amanda because I could not resist her good looks and amazing personality"..so he asked her out...THEN...she learned the more time she spent with him the MORE time she wanted to spend with him...she was falling in love...



After a short period of time they BOTH knew...knew that they were in love. Jarod says "I knew shortly after dating Amanda and hanging out with her that there would never be another girl that could make me as happy as she does"...



Amanda also came to find out there wasn't any other man on the earth that she'd rather spend her life with. She were hooked!!!!







I asked Amanda how he proposed, she told me "Jared proposed to me while we were studying for a midterm. I was totally surprised! He got down on one knee and said “I figured since we met and fell in love while studying, that it would only be appropriate if I asked you to marry me while we are studying.” I of course said yes, but needless to say I did not get much studying done that evening!"







Then they picked out the ring..and they were offically engaged!






I thought this was cute!! I asked them what they loved most about each other.

Amanda: "I would have to say my favorite characteristic about Jared is his sense of humor. He always knows how to make me smile, no matter what kind of mood I am in!"




Jared: "The characteristic that I love about Amanda is that she laughs at my jokes and gets my sense of humor. She also makes me laugh constantly and we have a lot of fun together"











They brought along their dog ;) He was such a good sport about the whole picture thing lol.












Ok, so we are at the UD campus, and we see the pretty fountain, and I'm thinking in the back of my head "that would be soo cute for them to go in the fountain"..I didn't say a word about it. About 5 minutes later Jared asked Amanda is she would get in the fountain with him...(Me, thinking in my head...YES! SCORE!)..waiting for the response-Amanda was all for it. (yay!). So they played in the fountain a bit.



They did a little bit of kissing then we called it a night. SOOOOoooo excited for your wedding next yr.