Woot! Finally some pictures to show off.

Meet Alysha and Nate: they are probably one of the most photogenic couples ever to pass by my lens. I met Alysha in January at the Class City Bridal Show. I saw her immediately because she is incredibly beautiful. No joke, I said to myself, "holy crap I would love to photograph her" It took a tad bit of pursuading, but Alysha finally made the leap to have me be their wedding photog, and I am SO glad she did!

I had only talked with the both of them one time before our engagement session, but immediately felt more of a connection with them other than just being the "photographer lady" as I am so called by wedding guests. (fyi, I hate being called this). Anyway, on the day of the engagement session Alysha and Nate came strolling up in their white shirts and dark jeans, "aaagh, beautiful b&w's," I said to myself. (er, maybe I said it out loud?)

Their wedding colors are teal and a mixture of other brilliant oranges, pinks etc; but I am extremely happy that teal is their main color...OBVIOUSLY it's my power color :P

I'm so excited to show off some new work, and what beautiful subjects I had! There is much much more to come in the next week, I've been a little slacking on the editing process as of late. Let's just say I wasn't prepared for wedding season to hit me full force like it has. But alas, I love what I do and can't wait to show off all the beautiful pictures I've gotten over the last couple of weeks.

Hope you enjoy the following: (someday I'll figure out how to make the darn pictures bigger...)

Just devastating....

My dear blog readers, what is happening in our nation?? Every day I turn on my laptop to catch up on the news, I'm reading yet another headline about a father who has killed his family and himself. This is shattering my heart over and over again. I don't think it is any coincidence that all of these tragedies seem to be happening at around the same time.

In most of the reports, it has come to light the father or the family as a whole were having financial issues. The most recent I just read a few minutes ago said the father had a business that was failing and both the wife and the son had health problems. I just do not understand what is going through the minds of these men who are taking away the very life they helped create.

It's also making me realize even more just how terrible economic times are right now. In my own home we are thankfully doing well, but, I hear this through all channels of my relationships, how badly the economy is affecting people. But, affecting people to the point of murder and suicide??

These events hit pretty close to home in the last five days as my step mother learned one of her friends from church had been murdered. She was was 72 and along with her life being taken, so was the life of her precious 3 year old granddaughter. The little girl's father was assailant. As I type this, I am just numb, I have no idea what to think.

I look at my precious Jaxson, sitting the in the living room eating his "special toast" (cinnamon/sugar toast) and he's singing to Dora. I can not for a moment think of harming him. If anything, during these tough times I want to protect him even more. I want to shield him from the emotional strain that can come from poor financial situation. I have to believe that fathers feel the same way mothers do when they look at their precious children.

To me, these unnecessary murders go to show even more the unhealthy emphasis that is placed on money and status. For me personally, it's been a huge wake up call. As someone who often engages in "retail therapy" I have tried to block out the reality that things just aren't the same in this country, but the fact can no longer allude me as I see the pictures of these beautiful children murdered by their fathers. Their dad! The one person in the world who is supposed to be larger than life, with arms big enough to shelter them from the most dangerous of circumstances.

I have found myself on my knees, just furious with God. How can He let this happen? Why is He letting this happen?? I know that most people of faith will say, the Lord has a plan, but I just can't seem to wrap my head around how there can be a beneficial outcome to murdering innocent children. So, this leaves me to believe Satan has taken a much larger hold on people than I, as a Christian, really care for.

So, I implore all of you who are Christians, and even those who aren't, not to give Satan an in. Wrap your hearts and minds around the Lord, delve into what is good and loving in this world. If money is your god, turn away from it and run to the arms of the God who can take care of you.

We as my parents in this earthly world, can NOT stand by and witness beautiful lives being ended because of greed and desperation. If you have children of your own, I hope today, right now, you will go home and hold on to them for dear life. Make a promise to them that you will protect them, and never hurt them.

Father, please send your guardian angels to all of the children who need protection. Come into the hearts of those who are hurting and struggling and give them a sense of peace and hope. I know you can move mountains, You bring light to where there is darkness, and Lord, there is a lot of darkness in our nation right now. Send a beacon, to remind us that love can conquer all and satan has no place here. Protect those who are innocent and need a Father's embrace. Amen.