Hope all you papas had a wonderful Fathers Day! Ours was full of friends, good food and lots of baby snuggles. xoxoxo

Meet Amanda and Kenn

Get comfy people, this is going to be a long one.

I had the pleasure of welcoming Amanda into my life in 2007. She was looking for a place to live and we had a vacant basement suite. I knew from the moment we met that this radiant woman would become a special part of my life.

Amanda and I became great friends. She came and went but always made time to reconnect with us and let us be a part of her life, and continued to be a big part of ours.

Amanda is one of the kindest, most loving people I have ever know. She’s a perfect example of true beauty, inside and out. She’d always in my thoughts and in my heart.

Then one day, she came back into town and into our home, gushing about a man named Kenn. Me, being over protective of my “sister”, wanted to get to know this gentleman for myself. Then, an engagement. And then, I had the pleasure of having both these wonderful people in my home and very soon, both in my heart.

I was very sick at the time with baby #2 on the way, and they took care of me. They loved me and cared for me, and more than they know, they helped me get through every day they were with me.

I was thrilled when Kenn and Amanda asked me to be their wedding photographer. Well, they didn’t so much ask as they just made it happen. And so off I went to San Diego, leaving behind my son and husband for the first time, pregnant, emotional, and grateful for their unconditional love. Within minutes of landing I was welcomed into her kind, loving family instantly. Within minutes I was sharing a home with them, having my feet put up and a bed and food made for me. I understood immediately why Amanda was such a loving soul.

Here are some of my thoughts, reflections and photographs from that day.

Amanda and Kenn, August 2 2010

Happy love day!

It’s easy to see why these two fell in love with this location. Every where you look, couples are huddled close together on the cliffs, watching the waves crash. There is so much beauty here and it’s the perfect setting for this fairy tale wedding.

I love this woman!

Amanda put so much love into so many little details.

Being an emotional pregnant woman, far away from her loving husband and beautiful little boy makes for an interesting wedding photographer. I was a bit of a mess, really. I thought I could hold it together when Amanda walked down the aisle. Unsuccessful. When I saw the love in her father’s face when he saw his beautiful daughter in her wedding gown, or Kenn’s eyes fill with tears and his lips start to quiver as she walked down the aisle, I pretty much lost it. I was thankful for auto focus as the tears came.

A truly moving ceremony of love.

The next day we took it to the beach for some play/dress trashing good times. The water is Amanda’s healing place so it was perfect that we ended our creative times together in the ocean.

Some things I learned from Amanda and Kenn, and their love for each other:

Be spontaneous. Live...

Life happens when it happens and it happens as it's supposed to...

Laugh often...

Breathe...

Worry less. Play more...Love with your entire being...

Love with your entire being...

Amanda and Kenn, your love for life and for each other is truly inspiring. I feel so honored to have watched you two grow together and wish you so much happiness as you continue your journey. I love you.