I adore my husband. I love him with all my heart and made vows till death do us part. But then you see a story like this…and it tugs at my heart and challenges all my selfish love that lives within me.

I’ve since watched this video 3 times and last night I decided I wanted to show Branden. We sat on the couch starring at the computer screen…and within seconds I was in tears again. I clenched Branden’s hand as he watched for the first time their amazing love story.

I wanted to share with you a beautiful love story that is full of trials, joy, and selfless love. May it inspire you as it has me.

I’d love to hear your thoughts below after you watch it!

When it comes to wedding shoots I’ve got to improvise. I have to find height so I can get the shot. During the wedding day I have my assistant carry this collapsable stool I found at TJMAXX for $6.

My second shooter Jessica sent me this picture this morning and shows me behind the scenes rocking the stool. Below you can see the final image.

Cheers to all the us height-challenged shooters! ~Katie

This is how the shot turned out.

Edition 15

May 10, 2012

Annabell eats chocolate

Dear Annabell,

Not even a week home from my Maui vacation and the chaos ensues. From one problem to another, the juggling act of life continues.

Early Tuesday morning sun rays sneak through my white blinds to wake me from my sleep.

I sit straight up and see you on the floor whimpering and whining. I know in the depths of my soul there is a big problem.

Annabell, you just don’t whine like that.

You look at me with those lovable brown eyes as I begin freaking out.

Like an investigator, I begin to hunt for clues throughout the house for the issue. It didn’t take long to see the many piles upon piles of your illness.

I sprint to my office and dig in the white bin where frantically I pull out the one gallon zip-lock bag to see every single Hershey kiss was gone. All of the chocolate was EATEN!

Annabell, you ate two bags of Hershey kisses for breakfast?!!!!!

Not one just one bag, you had to eat TWO BAGS?!

And then I erupt into tears mumbling, “bad Annie, bad Annie.”

I reach for the phone and dial our beloved vet.

My frustration soon turns to sorrow as I watch you miserable and in agony.

With my car covered in towels I pull you into the backseat for a ride to the hospital.

This was not a car ride you enjoyed but we made it to the hospital

and 12 hours later, 15 spews later, you pulled through….my carpet on the other hand did not.

Annabell, no more eating chocolate for breakfast.

And if you do, at least don’t eat all the pretty colored wrappers.

Annabell, I am thankful the Vet saved you, once again.

You are only 2. Can we please not have any more of these tragedies. My heart is going to fail me.

Annabell, Can you just eat dog food from now on?

That was the most expensive 2 bags of Hershey Kisses I’ve ever bought.

I love you doodle-bug.

Love your stressed out, poor,  frazzled doodle owner.

This was Annie when we picked her up. Smiling that she gets to come home!

I cling to hope.

The rainbow is coming.

The promise of trials, pains, tears, and sorrows will soon be no more.

The rainbow holds a promise.

Hope.

Hope that the dark clouds will soon be rolled away and the rain will stop pouring in and swallowing my soul.

The rainbow is coming….

Escaping the madness of crazy schedules to reflect.

Rest.

Retreating to scenery that invigorates your soul with creativity.

Rest.

Where we let our guard down to hear the gentle whispers of God.

Rest.

Taking deep breathes of ocean air that infuses new inspiration.

Rest.

Where we take time to fall in love again.

Rest.

Discovering true hope.

Rest.

Taking time to lift our eyes up and remember where our help comes from.

Rest.

Psalms 64:⁵ Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.

I am speechless with where to even begin sharing. So I leave you with some instagram shots until I compose a recap blog post.

My heart is full.

~Katie

God knew I needed him.

See, I am an introvert. Truly, I am so content to live by my lonesome. But then I married Branden. I didn’t just marry a sort of extrovert–I married the most extroverted person I know!!  And God knew I needed a man like him to lighten me up, make me laugh, and get me out of the house! Over the past 10 years of being with him, I’ve changed. I’ve learned to find ways to become an extrovert and live on the edge…well, for me it’s risky! To be honest, I don’t know if I’d be where I am today in my photography business without him. He’s pushed and challenged me to get out of my box and go for my dreams when I didn’t think I had what it took. Because of him I’ve found a new side of me that I didn’t know was within me. Though to my core I am an introvert, I’ve learned to become extroverted. And let me tell you it takes all the energy I have stored up in me to live like that for one day! You introverts know what I am talking about!

In our home we laugh over are polar opposite introverted/extroverted ways. But in the end, we balance one another. I’m thankful to have married a man who makes fun of my introverted quirks, is patient with me and has made me a more balanced girl! He’s a keeper and I adore him!

I’d love to hear…are you an introvert or extrovert?

and this is the story of Branden and I’s life…

Here is there story as told by Kathleen…..

Joshua and my love story truly began on September 27, 2010 when he asked me to be his girlfriend, and I bashfully said yes ☺ He and I had been friends for quite a while before we became a couple, and I think our friendship and genuine love for each other has kept us so connected for these past 16 months.

No couple is ever perfect, and Joshua and I made a choice that we knew was wrong. It’s an uncomfortable topic, no doubt, but it’s part of our love story. Out of this mistake, we received a blessing, and his name is Bentley Isaiah George. We found out that we were expecting a baby in June, and he is due in just 8 short weeks now!

Throughout the pregnancy, we have had our ups and downs (my hormones probably aren’t helping much). There were a few times where we came extremely close to giving up and moving on, but for some reason we didn’t. I don’t know if our reasons for staying together are the same, but I know that I love Joshua with something deeper than “young love.” He is a man who loves God, has pride and integrity, is full of love and compassion, and is going to make a wonderful father to our son. How could I just throw all of that away?

I think Joshua and I knew we wanted to get married about a week after we started dating (as crazy as that sounds). To this day that feeling hasn’t changed, and about a month ago he made that feeling a reality with a scavenger hunt, a dozen red roses, and a beautiful ring ☺ He is such a creative guy, and I was so impressed!

Our love story sure isn’t what people might consider “normal,” but it’s ours, and that makes it beautiful. God has blessed me with an amazing man and life partner, and a sweet baby who I will get to meet soon! I truly couldn’t ask for anything more.

The day was truly perfect and Katie and Brendan were ADORABLE together! I just loved shooting such a fun couple! They also brought along their sweet puppy Owen for some pictures and he was such a good dog!

Katie and Brendan, thanks for allowing me to shoot your engagement session–you two rocked it out and looked amazing!! I can’t wait for your August wedding!

~Katie