With each day that we get closer to 2010, I can’t help but remember that this time one year ago, I could have never imagined all that 2009 would become. All my struggles and accomplishments, as cliche as that may sound. But seriously, I am thankful for the encouragement of my family and my friends. I am thankful for all the tough lessons that have helped me to grow and tackle life in a way that I never did before. And I am thankful for God’s love.
To celebrate 2009, I have included some of my favorite images from weddings this year.
May the good things in life be yours in abundance. Happy New Year!
~AK
Yesterday’s post reminded me of the Youtube wedding dance video that went viral this summer. And I wanted to watch it again, because it makes me smile. When I Googled for it, I found this website www.jkweddingdance.com. I am so happy to see that Jill & Kevin, the couple who married, decided to turn all the unexpected attention they got for the video toward a cause. They chose to support the Sheila Wellstone Institute, which focuses on ending violence against women, for reasons related to the song’s performer.
Just in case you’ve been living under a rock, or even if you’re like me and just want to smile, here is the video. (If you do not see it below, hit Refresh till you do.) While I watched the video, all I kept thinking was… “I really hope they prepped the photographer beforehand to be ready.”
~AK
Abbie & Jamal were married at the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims in Brooklyn Heights with a reception that followed at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. She wore an elegant, one-shouldered Vera Wang gown with flower details that was reminiscent of Michelle Obama’s inauguration gown.
I love to see how each couple makes their wedding their own. For Abbie and Jamal, it was their first dance. Jamal, a dancer, choreographed it. It definitely set the whole tone for the wedding. Their guests love to dance and worked it all night. Thanks to Jen Davis for letting me work with her on this wedding.
~AK
Love finds you when you least expect it. Lindsay & Brice met in Pismo Beach, CA. Brice, originally from Missouri, was working there at the time and Lindsay happened to be visiting. She lived in Phoenix, AZ. After not being satisfied with long distance, he moved to be with her. And just a couple months ago, they were engaged.
Lindsay contacted me because at the last minute Brice was given an unexpected 4 day pass, which they planned to spend together in NYC. Brice is in the Military Police in the United States Army. A couple weeks ago, he deployed to Iraq, beginning a one year tour of duty.
I am honored that they chose me to capture their love at this time in their relationship. My gratitude is enormous for the men and women whose hearts lead them to serve. Thank you Brice for your courage and passion, and to your family for their strength.
Our session started in the heart of NYC, Times Square, and we walked to Central Park. Although, by the time we reached the park, it started to rain. It was a light rain but consistent, so we still got wet, and decided to end at the Columbus Circle Mall. Lindsay trooped it out and threw her hair into a ponytail. I love a girl who rolls with the punches.
~AK
Amanda & Rory were married in Greenwich, CT. at the Belle Haven Yacht Club. This turned out to be one of those perfect fall days, when the weather is not too hot and not too cold, it’s just right. And yes, while typing that, I found myself saying it out loud. The way that Goldilocks would have. “Juuuust Right!” I know, sometimes, I’m a dork, get over it.
Back to Amanda & Rory… I shot this wedding for Jennifer Davis. The style seemed to fall right out of yacht club heaven. The backdrop of the pier with the water and boats was absolutely gorgeous. It’s a scene I rarely get to see living in NYC. And those navy bridesmaids dresses really are super cute. What you can’t see is that they have pockets! I am in deep love with dresses with pockets. It’s the perfect effortless mix of chic and cool.
~AK
Yup, this is my new favorite song. Jenny and Andrew introduced it to me on their wedding website. And like everything new that I fall in love with, I can’t seem to get enough. Yesterday, I had it on repeat all day and just had to share. It makes me want to get up and dance. Love it! (If you don’t see the video below, hit Refresh until it appears.)
~AK
Shout out to Shout. I’ve been wanting to say that for a long time. Seriously though, I want to give a shout out to Shout. Yes! I am talking about the stain remover stuff. I always thought those commercials that animate the process of stains magically lifting out the fabrics were a gimmick. But when my favorite dress had these mysterious stains that even the dry cleaning lady turned me down, I had to give it a try. Tada! That stuff really works. And now, I am sad about the miscellaneous clothing items I have thrown away in the past due to stains.
Another shout out today goes to Texas! I went to Grand Prairie for Thanksgiving to visit my family. We had so much fun. The southern hospitality is unbelievable. Seriously. People were so helpful and polite. While boarding my return flight, the airport staff reinforced for me what I love about TX. They actually made the friendly skies, friendly.
Sometimes going through all those security requirements can make me grumpy, especially at the end of a trip when I am already in a sad mood after saying my goodbyes. But there was the security guard to save the day! She saw my hands full and said “Wait, let me get that for you.” Then, watched and waited for my carry-on to come out the xray machine, rolled it around to the front and waited till I put my shoes, belt, jewelry, sweater etc… back on to hand it to me. I guess it also helped, that DFW wasn’t nearly as busy as I have seen JFK on a quiet day. But regardless, after that, it didn’t even rumple my feathers when my flight was delayed a couple hours. All that, only to land in NYC, when a fellow passenger decided that it would be nice to drop my coat on my head from the overhead bin because it was blocking her bag. I took a deep breath and repeated to myself “kill ‘em with kindness” a couple times. Then smiled and said Thank You. Here’s to hoping, that kindness will turn around her grumpiness and she shares it with someone.
Here are a few photos from my trip. Happy to get back to business!
~AK
Making the greens and gizzard gravy…
Miles and his friend Brownie waiting patiently for droppings. (Using the word friend is a stretch if you know Miles.)
The meal!
Cousin Jessica and Cousin Martel approving.
by Amber
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