Seniors 2016 // Group Grad Pictures

What happens when you combine an amazing group of graduates with some great locations and unbelievable skies?  The results were some pictures I was more than happy with.

6 Life Lessons From a Cheesecake Flop

This afternoon I made a cheesecake.  It was going to be a delicious and beautiful thing:  white chocolate with a huckleberry topping.  I made one two weeks ago that was beautiful in every way shape and form, (top photo) unfortunately, this attempt didn't have the same result (bottom photo) and ended up all over the stovetop when I removed the side of the springform pan. I have never, had a cheesecake do that, even when I first started out at around the age of 11.  It was such a flop, it almost would have been funny if it weren't for the fact that I spent a good portion of my afternoon making that cake for my family.  But, so goes life sometimes, and in baking and life its best to learn from our mistakes and just move forward.  With a little bit of back story shared, here are 6 quick and easy life lessons to be gained from a cheesecake flop:

Seth & Haleigh // May 15th Wedding Highlights

This post is long over due. But, ya know, life happens.  (Is it just me, or does it seem that the way my life happens, blogging usually gets pushed to the back burner???)  Back in May I had the extreme pleasure of being Seth and Haleigh's wedding photographer.  I've  known and been friends with Haleigh for a couple years, and was delighted to photograph this pretty lady's special day with her now hubby Seth.  Even having just met Seth a couple weeks prior to the wedding, it was easy to see the mutual adoration they both hold for one another which made their wedding day so. sweet.  I loved their simple and laid back ceremony and reception that they included their family and closest friends in witnessing.

Celebrating the Blessing of Singleness + A Challenge

PC: Gabriel Monson

We see plenty of posts on social media celebrating how blessed someone is because they are "in a relationship", engaged, or happily married, but when was the last time you saw a post celebrating the blessing of singleness? "Is that even a thing?", some may ask.

I'm nearing my 20th birthday and I've got to say that I feel SO incredibly blessed and thankful for this time of young adulthood and being single. I'm extremely happy with where God has me right now; and beyond just being content, I'm living a life that is filled with passion, purpose, and doing what I love.

1 Year Later // Reflecting On My 1st Degree Black Belt Test

PC: Gabriel Monson

Today, March 28th, marks one year since the realization of a dream and goal that took 6 years to reach. Like anything worth having or any goal worth reaching, it was difficult. Getting there meant a great deal of sacrifice, time, sweat, tears, and blood (literally!). It was, and will probably forever remain one of the greatest and most remarkable days of my life. "Why?" you may ask. Let me try to explain.

A Month of Light // Week 4

Wow, the three weeks since my last post certainly flew by quickly!  The last two weeks especially so, since that is about how long I've had full energy back, and as soon as my energy returned it was right back into a busy schedule for me.  Maybe those three weeks of being forced to take it easy and rest while I was sick and recovering was God's way of slowing me down for a bit. 

A Month of Light // Week 3

Hey Ya'll!  Hope you are all doing well this fine Saturday morning!  I'm here with the 3rd installment of the series A Month of Light.  Check out weeks 1 and 2 here and here.

Positive Thinking: A Habit Worth Cultivating

"Is your cup half empty, or half full?"

That age old question.  It's such a simple question, and we hear it quoted so often it almost sounds silly, or at the very least cliche.  But, regardless, I still think it's a good question to ask and it illustrates a very powerful point:  There is more than one way to look at things.

A Month of Light // Week 2

Welcome back to the second week of sunrises, sunsets, and light photography!   Check out last week's post here.

A Month of Light // Photography

I have two things to tell you all today.  One is a confession and the other is a surprise for you.  The confession I have to make is somewhat of a secret.  Can I trust you all with the secret?  Cross your heart and pinkie promise you won't tell anyone?   You won't? (you had better not be crossing your fingers behind your back!)  Ok then, *deep breathe*  here goes the hard part of 'fessing up...

Raw Honey and 5 Ways I Use it as a Home Remedy // Natural Living and Beauty

This post is the start of what will hopefully be a new series on the topic of natural living and beauty care. Today, I am going to talk to you all about one of my favorite things ever:  raw honey.  Not only does it taste delicious but it also has some AMAZING properties and uses.