Amanda + Jake | Grass Valley, California Wedding

In late June I met up with my dear friend Claire on one of our many adventures to photograph a wedding in Northern California. The wedding was full of good ole' boys from Montana and girls in cowgirl boots. It was a relaxed, down home affair. The wedding took place at the bride's mom and stepdad's house nestled in the woods between Grass Valley and Nevada City a few hours north of San Fransisco. After eating BBQ and spending the evening with everyone during the rehearsal dinner we couldn't wait to spend the following day with these sweet people. It was a hot sunny wedding, but that didn't stop any of the fun. Thanks to Melissa (the groom's sister) for organizing such a fun day and for having us come all the way from Colorado and Montana to be a part of it. Congratulations Jake and Amanda!

lately

The word "full" keeps entering my mind lately. At random moments in my day it will come forward in my mind and it's the only way I know to describe things. Our house has been full of friends and family over the last several weeks, but even in the emptiness of company when Scott and I are ending our night cuddled under a blanket on the couch falling asleep to episodes of Flight of the Concords, my heart feels full. We built a new kitchen table (I need to share pictures!) and the simple change of having dinner across from one another and not on the couch, awkwardly with pillows in our laps, has made such a difference. Our home feels full, especially in the mornings when the Autumn light filters into each empty room. It's a sign of change, something I welcome in the Fall as I turn a year older, the skies are darker, and the air is cool. My calendar is full with work too, something I feel exceptionally grateful for.

Here are just a few snapshots I've taken lately:

1 + 2. Our patio in the evening.

3. Scott making art in our 2nd bedroom that has been converted into a workspace now that all of our visitors are gone.

4. My first experiment in dying fabrics naturally with flowers.

5. Left) Photographing products for Serious Delights Bakery at the Durango Farmers Market! Right) Meeting with a client/friend over snacks and cocktails to discuss her fall engagement photos.

6. Taking pictures during a dress rehearsal for the Durango Arts Center.

7. Getting ready to make a tomato tart for dinner with goodies from the garden.

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sisters

A lot of people don't know that I am a middle child in a family of all girls. My older sister lives in Brooklyn with her husband and the littlest still lives in Oklahoma where I grew up. I haven't been in the same room with the two of them in a long time. Late this summer they both visited at different times and I was over the moon with happiness. Their visits didn't coincide at all but I'll take what I can get when family visits are few and far between. I'm so glad I got to share the mountains with both of you, have sleepovers at my house, eat homemade ice cream, and giggle until it hurt. I love you.