Teecy and Nick - Colorado Wedding

Man. What to even say about Teecy and Nick? If you know either of them, you love them. And if you know them TOGETHER, you love them even more. Teecy and Nick both represent a stable, constant, and loyal presence. They are the type of people you meet and immediately feel known and valued. They are vibrant and witty, thoughtful and kind. Truly, the best of souls.
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There is always something very special to me about backyard weddings. I appreciate the clear intimacy shared between family and friends, the small moments, and the unassuming details. Teecy and Nick's day was this and more. It was simple yet deeply earnest. It was joyous. It was lovely. And so. much. fun. The wedding took place amidst the foothills of the Rockies on the Stately family's land. The mood of the low-lit barn filled with Sigur Rós and greenery decor couldn't have set a better mood for the ceremony. And the energy during the reception - well, I'll let that speak for itself. ;)  Everything about this celebration reflected Teecy and Nick's devoted and joyful spirits in the best possible way. 

Teec & Nick, thank you for letting me capture these sweet memories for you. A lot of love and many blessings to you both. <3

Veak Ceramics - Winter Studio

I truly believe artist spaces are sacred spaces. There is something a little bit solemn, a little bit intimate & magic about a space that an artist spends their time. It's a birthing place of sorts.

At the beginning of February, I was able to visit the workspace of my dear friend Sarah (the mastermind of Veak Ceramics). February is slow and broody for me. It always feels like a time of solitude and rest, but also of stirring for rebirth into the spring months ahead. In Latin, the word "February" literally means "month of purification." How fitting, right? With the moods of February in full force and the best kind of melancholic lighting in this sweet basement studio, I couldn't have asked for a more fitting scene to capture the current essence of Sarah's creative process. 

It has been one of my greatest and favorite photo endeavors to document alongside of Veak Ceramics. When Sarah and I both lived in Denver, I was privileged to witness the depths and inner-workings of what makes Veak Ceramics run. What most people see is the completed perfectly lined & glazed mug, bowl, or planter. What most people do NOT see is the string of slow, monotonous tasks spilled into days that makes the magic actually happen. But that's where the growth is. That's why we have Februaries. The incubation periods. The times of hibernation before the spring breath bursts forth.

I'm very proud of this talented pot-making friend. For trusting in the patience and tension of the creative process. And for relentlessly seeking to bring more unity and togetherness into the world through the work of her hands. <3

{{Keep up to date with the finished products of Veak Ceramics at  www.VeakCeramics.com}} 

Women's March - Charlotte, NC

January 21, 2017 - I marched alongside of 25,000 in proximity, and millions in spirit. I marched for the marginalized. For those fighting for basic human rights and for those fighting against systemic injustices. For fair treatment, education, healthcare, and opportunities for all people. 

What I hope you will absorb in these photos is the variation of causes for which people are marching. Notice the diversity in race, age, and gender. I hope you will see the smiles on some faces, and the looks of determination on others. And somehow, I hope the love, kindness, compassion, empathy, courage, and peace that I witnessed this weekend can somehow transcend on the interwebs. 

It was powerful. It was beautiful. And it really doesn't stop here. The first step towards change is listening. And we all need to do more of that.  <3

"We stand together recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us. -- We work peacefully recognizing there is no true peace without justice and equity for all."

Besides listening and seeking to understand people who are different than you (which is most definitely step 1), you can also continue making a difference to the issues that are pertinent to you by following along at the website below. Silence is not action. <3   ❤✌🏼
https://www.womensmarch.com/100

Forlorn Strangers - Album Release Tour

If you have followed along at all with my photo year, you will know that I spent a great portion of 2016 with my dear friends, Forlorn Strangers. This past August, Forlorn released their first full length album, and let me just say, it is GOLD. So naturally, in light of the release, I hopped on board Libby the van (once again) and followed these guys around with my camera for 3 months. Perhaps my best decision of the year. ;) 

Man. I can't say it enough-- I love these people. They are life. They are brilliant and earnest and devoted. The motivation behind their creative work is producing music and an atmosphere that promotes wholeness, kindness, and steadiness amidst the chaos of the external world. I have witnessed this work in the band firsthand (not just this summer, but for all the years leading up to now.) Each member uses their gifts of storytelling and written communication in a profound way in order to make art that addresses the problems and pains of the environments and contexts that surround them. (And in a year like 2016, that is crucial.) I am continually amazed by the way their music is driven by spiritual truths, the human experience, and how they fit together. These guys have unknowingly taught me to use my own voice through my artistic craft, and have encouraged me to always try to usher goodness and peace into the world around me.

I could keep going. But I'll just say that I could not have imagined a better way to offer my documenting services, stumble through 2016, AND travel the wild west than with my favorite bandy crew.
 

So now what with the Forlorn Strangers bunch?... Well, they have settled in for the winter holidays to take deep breaths, drink good drinks, write good songs - all the necessary things. But as always, stay on the lookout for upcoming show dates. <3   
   www.forlornstrangers.com

Brielle and Justin - New Jersey Wedding

It is always amazing to me to see how a wedding is able to reflect the bride and groom, what details are used and tied together that are specific to the couple and their story. Brielle and Justin's wedding was one of the most unique and beautiful themed weddings I have been a part of. To honor Justin's career as a pilot, the couple chose an airplane theme for the day. It was incredible to capture them at golden hour on a runway, and also to celebrate within an actual flight hangar! 

Thanks so much for letting me be a part of this magical day, Brielle and Justin. You guys are stunning. <3

Sara and Scott - Nashville Wedding

Sara and Scott's backyard wedding in Nashville, TN was one of my favorite events that I have captured. I loved it because it was simple, without frills. Yet something about it was so sweet and delicately beautiful. The ceremony took place at golden hour with the light coming through the trees, as friends and family watched on from the hillside embankment. The moments shared between Sara and Scott were emotional and kind, reminding us all of the beauty found in humble love and that there is still pure goodness being ushered into the world. It was truly an honor to witness. 

Many blessings to you both (and of course Queen Zora James) in this new chapter in your lives.
xoxo! 

Landmine Design - Cambodia + Thailand

"...We can work for the oasis, the little cell of joy and peace in a harried world. We can throw our pebble in the pond and be confident that its ever widening circle will reach around the world. We repeat, there is nothing we can do but love, and dear God, please enlarge our hearts to love each other, to love our neighbor, to love our enemy as our friend."  - Dorothy Day

Kortney + Landon - Florida Wedding

Landon and Kortney were married this past October in the most beautiful woodland jungle in South Florida. Coming from someone who lived in West Palm Beach for 5 years, I had no idea such a place existed! It was dreamy and serene, the perfect hideaway for a wedding venue. 

Surrounded by family and friends, the day was filled with an abundance of emotions and love... As are most weddings, but seriously, I think I cried at least three times! Landon represents steadfastness and faithfulness, while Kortney represents adoration and care. Together they have such a deep loyalty and love for each other, it is impossible to not see when you are around them. From the sweet moments of the 'first look', to the personalized vows, to the original song that Landon wrote & performed for Kortney, it was truly a dream. 

I remember taking a step back halfway through the day and thinking to myself... what an honor to witness life stories unfolding before my eyes. It is a privilege to capture such dear and joyful moments that lead into many years of happiness together. Thank you Kortney and Landon for letting me be a part of these treasured and sacred memories. Many blessings to you both! <3 

Robin and Steve - Colorado Autumn Wedding

If you have ever visited Colorado in the Autumn season, then you already know how abundantly magical it is. The mountains with their interspersed Evergreens and golden Aspens, indigo lakes and crimson brush. It is dreamy. I was thrilled to be able to photograph a wedding in the midst of this beautiful season for my sweet friends, Steve and Robin.

Steve and Robin were married in Larkspur, CO at a picturesque cabin venue at the foothills of the great Rockies. From beginning to end, the day was stunning. From the beauty of sisterhood in the morning hours, to sweet moments between a new man and wife, to entertainment by the groom himself and his talented band, the day was flawless. 

Steve and Robin, thank you for welcoming me into your special day. I hope these memories are a treasure to you for always. Best to you in your new life together!  xo!  

Olivia + James - September Wedding

Earlier this fall I had the amazing privilege of photographing the wedding of my sweet friend Olivia and her hunk of a man, James. From top to bottom, the entire day was a complete Colorado dream. The wedding and ceremony took place at The Pinery in Colorado Springs, and we were also able to skip over to Garden of the Gods for some bridal portraits as well. 

Olivia and James are two of the absolute sweetest humans I have ever encountered. When I think of them individually and as a couple, the word "loyalty" comes to my mind. There is such a kind and resolute love between them. It is obvious that each desires to bring joy and light to the other, and in doing that, they are able to exude that same warmth to people who encounter them. I love that there is a steadiness between them that offers such a feeling of care and safety... as well as a complete quirky and childlike appreciation for life and the world that surrounds them. 

This entire day was filled with an abundance of laughter and tears - as is with most weddings. But what particularly stood out to me was the unity and rootedness between Olivia and James and each of their families. Siblings, parents, nieces, nephews, grandparents, (and even best friends) all played such a significant role in covering the day with a kind of love that only comes from the bond of family. Truly, it was a privilege to be a part of such a soul-warming day. 

Olivia and James, I wish you guys the very best. Thank you, thank you for giving me the honor of capturing the beginning of your happily ever after... xoxo!