Don’t Be Negative

16.07.10 personal

So, we’ve been brainstorming some ways to beef up our blog and one of the biggest requests we’ve had is for some more personal stuff on here.  You asked and you shall receive!  And since it was my birthday on Wednesday I figured it was only appropriate to do a little diddy about life… inspired by this crazy magnet I found at CafePress:

There are a million reasons to not be negative.  Life is good!  I’ve lived a great 20 some years and in honor of those 20 some years here are 20 some things that I’m thankful for.

1. Faith.

2. Family — I had some amazing grandparents that left a pretty neat legacy.  I still think about my nana nearly everyday and wonder what’d she’d think of me.  She died when I was ten.  She was the artist in the family and I really think I got it all from her. :-) I also have two amazing parents and four older siblings.

3. Friends —I have the BEST people in my life.  There are about five girlfriends of mine who reflect everything back so well.  I can tell them anything.  It’s so great to have people that TRULY understand me and love me.  They fuel me to keep going.

4. Boyfriend — All I can say is I’m a blessed girl.  :-) :-)

5. Passion — I am so thankful that there is such a thing as passion… Something that electrifies you.

6. The Way I’m Wired — I am thankful for my emotions, my wildly imaginative mind, and the fact that I’m a daydream believer.

7. Worship — Going to church and worshiping is kind of something we take for granted. You know, if you’re into that kind of thing. :-)

8. Love — Seriously, think about it.  It’s the most amazing act on the planet. Indescribable.

9. The Ability to Forgive — hallelujah. What a dark life it would be without it.

10. Spontaneity — The freedom to just pick up and go!

11. My Career — I am so so blessed that this little camera got dropped in my lap several years ago.  I have NO idea what I’d be doing without it.  Probably working as some corporate leadership trainer.

12. Early Mornings — What a great time of day!  All is calm, quiet, and cool.  It’s my favorite time to recharge and be still.

13. Travel — I am thankful for everything I’ve seen and done in my 20 some years of life.  Twelve countries and nearly all 50 states.  Looking forward to all seven continents before I’m 30.

14. Calvin the Cat — I am so thankful for that little guy!  He’s provided more laughs and love than is normal for a cat.  He’s so cool. :-)

15. The Ability to Dream — I love that we live in a country where the sky is the limit, a country where I can dream, believe, and do.

16. Jesie and Michael — This business would not be here if it wasn’t a team effort!

17. Coffee and Wine — Best liquids out there. :-)

18. Friends and Family — I know I already said then, but I just can exaggerate enough… if I lost everything but still had my relationships I’d be a happy camper.  One big key to a happy life is only surrounding yourself with those who believe in you.  Who uplift you and encourage you.  Who make your side ache from laughing.  Who forgive you.  Who are honest with you.  Who simply love you.

19. Faith — Same goes for this.  I’d be lost without Him.

20. And lastly, getting flowers — John sent these yesterday.  Answering e-mails and returning calls is so much more delightful when I’m next to these guys. :-) Thanks, baby!

Atlanta Wedding: Aubrey & Matt – Pt II

16.07.10 destination weddings

It was worth the wait.  Trust me.  Part II of Aubrey and Matt’s wedding is one to go down in history.  We pick up right after the ceremony with a huge group shot of all the guests.

A quick prayer while we were all together.

I don’t normally post family photos, but these two were adorable excerpts. I just had to share them!

After the ceremony we did a few shots with Aubrey and her girls.  Love them all so much!

Matt’s sister Lauren on the left.  We’re pretty much BFF after this wedding! hah

These are two of my favorites!  Caught from the inside of the Primrose House.

So, this bathtub is actually RED.  Aubrey was so excited to do some portraits in it.

Jesie took this…. and I must admit… I’m a little envious.

A quick, private meal for the bride and groom and then it was off to the reception.

Matt’s dance with his mom was a jerker for sure!

Love this shot Jesie grabbed during the toasts of the flower girl’s flower-headband falling in her face.

After the reception we headed out to do some portraits of just the bride and groom.

And they were wonderful.  Perfect ending to a perfect day.

I heart this.  Just a little…. Okay, maybe a lot.

Jesie in action.

Lifers!

The end!  Aubrey and Matt, you two are incredible… Thank you!

Atlanta, GA Wedding: Aubrey & Matt – Pt I

13.07.10 destination weddings

*sigh*

I’m not really sure where to begin.  Matt and Aubrey are two of the most genuine, kind, and beautiful people you will ever meet.  Both on the inside and outside.  They’re the kind of people whose sincerity just makes all your cares go away.  Their wedding was absolute perfection.  It was an overcast, humid Atlanta day… until Aubrey took her first step down the aisle.  The clouds opened up, spilling out sun rays that reflect the light in each of their hearts.

Jesie and I were truly blessed to be a part of this wedding.  We were showered with so much love and felt like family the whole weekend.  Aubrey and Matt, we can’t thank you enough for having us.  There are no words for how much we love you two and your families. We’re so glad you’re living in Colorado now and cannot wait to do some double/triple dating. :-)

With joy,
René

Aubrey is flawlessly beautiful.  She only wears clear mascara!

Matt was wrapping up a few last minute details on the get-away car when I arrived.

Aubrey’s dress was handmade by a family friend using some material from Matt’s mother’s wedding gown.

LOVED the paisley tie Aubrey picked for Matt.

Such a subtle way to distinguish him from the rest of the guys.  Love this detail.

Aubrey… you are breathtaking, girl!

We were all a mess as Aubrey was putting on her dress!

Aubrey and her sisters… Sooo sweet!

Daddy!

After a few more hugs, tears, and prayers in the bridal room, it was go time.

Loved this idea… Aubrey walked towards the alter, facing the crowd!

Matt’s parents.  Love them!

Love this set immediately following the ceremony:

The best is yet to come!

Breckenridge Engagement: Kelsey & Tori

12.07.10 engagements

Happy Monday!  To kick off your week in style, I am so excited to share with you Kelsey and Tori’s Breckenridge engagement session.  These two met at a dance class Kelsey was teaching.  They are so talented!  I begged them to do some of their dance moves and they ended up being some of my favorite engagement images ever.  Kelsey and Tori are super laid back, spunky, and PHOTOGENIC!  It was my first time meeting Tori and only second time meeting Kelsey, but honestly it felt like we all knew each other for years!  We finished off the evening over a bottle of wine and some of the best food I’ve ever had!

Kelsey and Tori, your wedding is going to be one for the books!  I can’t wait for your wine-inspired wedding! Love you!

René

Tori has some eyes on him!

As does Kelsey! So stunning!!

Love these!

So good!

Kelsey, you are my star!

Love these two!

I’m not gonna lie; we kind of risked our lives to get you this eye candy.  Yes.  You’re welcome.

Not following us on Twitter? Follow me!  Follow Jesie!