Cheers to 26!

Today, I turn 26!! I am honestly blown away by how quickly time seems to be flying (cliche, I know, but it's true)!

Life looks a lot different than I thought it would at 26! I never imagined starting a business with my husband doing something I love so incredibly much. Let alone already photographing over 100 weddings! I never thought we'd start a young-adult small group and get to minister to/build community with people right from our living room. I never thought we'd get to go on as many trips/vacations as we have.

I'm so grateful for all the memories I've been able to make in my short life time already, and I count myself lucky to be surrounded by so many awesome people!

26 feels like a fresh start. I am excited, more than ever, to be joyful to strangers, to give like never before, to make more room for things that I truly love. I am so grateful for all of my friends and family for always making me feel so loved, not ONLY on my birthday, but every day of the year!

Cheers to 26! I can tell it's gonna be a great one!

My sister.

For some reason, I never got a sister growing up. I always wanted one (even though my friends said I was lucky since I didn't have to share all my clothes), and it wasn't until I married Caleb that I finally got my wish!

Caleb's brother was dating Erin, and we met back in 2009! We took those first few months to get to know each other and chat occasionally, but we really solidified our friendship over the next year or so. It came so naturally; we always had something to talk about, and quickly realized we could communicate with just a look. We basically spent everyday at work on g-chat and never ran out of things to say. How does that happen!? ;)

I could write out every memory stored up in my brain and it would probably take months, so I won't do that...but I thought I WOULD share a few... like the time we recreated a dance photo at each of our weddings just so we could have a side by side ;)

...or the time we planned a couples trip and spent the BEST week in Punta Cana together!

...or the time we finished running our first half marathon together hand in hand!

...or the time we spent probably 8-10 hours making the most ridiculous "wax paper chandelier"...this craft was probably not worth the time it took to complete, BUT having something to focus on while we chatted until the late hours of the night? Totally worth it.

or the time you kept me fed all wedding day, helped everything to go smoothly, and looked at me at the reception and said "we're finally family!", and we shared a tear filled hug.

Honestly, it's hard these days to find someone you can truly be yourself with. Someone you trust with either the biggest news or the most embarrassing secrets. Someone you can go to for advice and not feel judged. Someone you can laugh with over absolutely nothing. Someone who gets excited about the same things in life (like clearance candles, puzzle races, and birthdays!). Someone who will rush over when you need a tight hug or just want to make a good batch of buffalo chicken dip. Someone who would answer the phone at 2:00 AM even though she's probably insanely tired from constantly being a rockstar mom/wife. Someone who you look up to in so many ways, and know that they'll ALWAYS be there.

Erin! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Words cannot accurately describe our sisterhood, but I'm so thankful for it! You're so encouraging and I'm proud to call you my friend. God sure knew what he was doing putting us (and the guys) into each others lives, and I'm excited for all the fun that lies ahead in our future! You're one of the best friends I've ever had and I'm thankful you're stuck with me forever. I hope you have an AMAZING 30th birthday...you absolutely deserve it!  Love you! Lets celebrate!! <3

Our much needed staycation.

Last week was our glorious stay-cation. Since our Hilton Head Island trip got cancelled due to the hurricane, we decided to still take a few days off to enjoy time together, rather than cancel it all together. That vacation time of mine will go away by the end of the year if its left unused, and we all know that can't happen! ;) 

We worked Monday, so our staycation started that evening! But Tuesday we decided to go see The Accountant at the movies pretty early in the day. You guys, it was so so good! I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it! After that we grabbed lunch and spent the afternoon at home relaxing. That evening Caleb decided he wanted to burn a birthday gift card so we hit the town and did a little shopping.

Wednesday was Caleb's 28th birthday! We started the day bright and early with an 8:30 AM tee-time. I honestly know next to nothing about golf, but Caleb is really good! I only did 9 holes, but Caleb went with 18. He had fun teaching me the ropes, but lets be honest, the only thing I'm good for at a golf course is driving the golf cart! ;)

Once we got back home and cleaned up, I gave him his presents and then we hit the local outlets for a few hours! After the outlets we decided to try out Miami Valley Gaming. It was a lot of fun and we actually won some money at first, so we left early and had a very high-calorie dinner and decided not to be sorry about it. We're talking spinach and artichoke dip, burgers, shrimp, chicken, garlic french fries... yeah, I'm drooling again. ;)

His birthday was much different than I had originally planned, since I obviously had an entire day planned in HILTON HEAD.  But I presented Caleb with lots of options and he chose what he wanted and we had the best time together. I love that I have a husband who is so "go with the flow" and low-key. We could've stayed at home all day celebrating, and he would've probably been just as happy. Regardless, we had the best time celebrating how awesome he is!!

Thursday was spent doing NOTHING but gorging on donuts and starting The Lord of The Rings trilogy. This was Caleb's idea, but I have to say, I really liked them. Well, we only got through the first one that day but I really enjoyed it. It was the extended edition, so we're talking over 3 hours for the first movie, ha!

Friday we stopped by the OTHER outlets in town because Caleb was less than thrilled with Nike's selection on his birthday a few days prior at the other outlets, and he scored big! I was so excited for him! He found some really nice shirts that will definitely be his new go-to's! After that, we spent our evening at Dave and Busters gaming the night away. We had way too much fun!! I feel like a kid every time I'm there, and I love it!

Saturday was spent in a giant pit of never ending laundry and taking our tripod/new camera out for a spin. We took over 100 and ended up with MAYBE 4 cute ones, but we had a fun time, and that's what matters!

This was honestly the "reset" week that Caleb and I needed. We did whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. We did a lot of eating, resting, and also a whole lot of nothing. It was everything we wanted and needed it to be! Thanks for making it through the long post. It was just the best week!! I'm so thankful for that week off!

Hope everyone has a great day!

Happy birthday, hunk!

Today is this handsome guy's 28th birthday!!

Caleb, you're my absolute favorite person on the planet!! You constantly amaze me with how funny, kind and giving you are. I love the way you try to make everyone feel welcomed, how much you make me laugh, and that you never judge me (despite my weird flaws).

I'm so thankful that you're not only my husband, but my best friend. Life with you is such an adventure and I'm just thankful you're by my side through all the good and bad that life throws our way.

I wanted to thank you today, for ALL the little (and big) things you do for me! Thanks for...

...letting me steal the covers

...trying your hardest to stay awake during movies

...surprising me with random mountain dews

...doing our taxes every year

...always hugging me when I come home

...bringing me snickers ice cream

...not being mad on our wedding day when I shoved the cake in your face

...always pursuing me

...being down for ordering pizza at least once a month

...pushing me to be my best

...joining my photography dream team

...sending me sweet text messages

...being so darn handsome

...supporting my love of queso

...never taking life too seriously

...staying up way too late with me

...being so supportive
...constantly listening to my crazy thoughts
...loving me, and choosing me, every single day.

Basically, thanks for being the best husband EVER. You're my rock, and I'm so thankful you're mine! Have the best birthday ever. So thankful we get to spend today-and rest of the week-together on a last minute stay-cation! :)

A special day!

 Mom, today is your birthday!! I'm so happy to have you home today! I know with your traveling nurse job, we don't get as much time together as we'd like, so I'm extremely thankful for the few hours we'll get to share tonight with dessert in our hands! Eating ice cream has always been one of our favorite things to do together :)

You always know how to turn a negative into a positive. You're so quick to love on those in need, and even quicker to forgive. You taught me to never judge a book (or person) by the cover, and to always trust my gut. You have one of those amazing abilities to make anyone smile, and I always love how silly we are when we're around each other. You are one of the few people who can make me laugh until I cry!

You haven't had an easy life by any means, and I'm unbelievably proud of the person you are. You've taught me so many amazing things in life, and I can't thank you enough for that. I pray that one day you are back in Ohio for good, but for now? Continue enjoying this wild adventure God has called you to, and keep smiling your way through it.

I love you! Happy birthday, momma!

My 25th rocked.

I can't quite put into words how wonderful my 25th birthday was on Tuesday. I also can't explain the overwhelming love I felt ALL. STINKIN. DAY.

I had a great day at work with lots of well wishes to keep my birthday tank full!

I beat Caleb home, so I cleaned up a bit and then changed into a more casual outfit for dinner. Once he got ready he let me open my presents - and holy cow - he nailed it. We never ever make wishlists or anything like that, but he got me exactly what I didn't even know I wanted.

This gorgeous purse, the flowers, and the most simple perfect pineapple necklace.

We left the house around 6:30 and had plans to eat IN at Donatos Pizza (its a silly thing with me, but Caleb never wants to eat in restaurants like that, and I always do, so to me this was super fun and special) then head to the movies. When we first walked in the restaurant, I was in the middle of watching the sweetest birthday video my friend Becky sent me, so I wasn't very aware of what was going on around me. Caleb kind of turned me to the side and wouldn't you know - 20 of our closest friends and family were there in the party room screaming SURPRISE!

I couldn't believe it.

The tears came and went quickly, and I just tried to hug everyone as fast as I could! Then we all dug in! Caleb pre ordered a ton of pizza, wings and snacks for everyone. We all had a blast. I kept looking around like, I'm so lucky, and also - how did I not see this coming?! I feel like I'm normally good at figuring things out, and I was totally clueless this time.

Oh hiiiii cute nephew. Baby T is the cutest.

We all hung out for a couple of hours and caught up on life, stuffing ourselves silly. It meant so much that so many people came. I know everyone has a million and a half things going on, and it really made me feel special to see everyone toss everything to the side for a night to celebrate my 25th year.

This guy, though. I can't even begin to tell you how special he's made me feel. Not only for my birthday, but the last 7 years. He's pursued my heart day in and day out constantly.

The surprise was unreal, the gifts were amazing, and the food was delicious; but I think my favorite part of it all was the letter Caleb wrote me. It's something that I'll treasure until the day I die. It was more than just a sweet paragraph in a card, and I honestly can't talk about it much without crying. That's all I'll say about that, but goodness, I love this man.

So if Tuesday was any indication of how my year of 25 will be...I'm pretty dang excited.

Thanks for all the well wishes, friends!

On turning 25 today!

Today I turn 25!

It's kind of funny to look back at my "25 before 25" list that I made so long ago, because I've realized a few things:

one: I didn't do a LOT of the things on that list - whoops.

two: a LOT of my goals have changed.

& three: that's alright with me. 

I have a much different perspective on life than I did a few years ago. Things that I once thought were so important really don't matter to me anymore. I'm much less concerned with how much money we make, and a lot more fixed on how we can spend more time with people we love. I'm also a lot less concerned with what people think of me, and doing more of what makes me happy.

I used to want to celebrate by hitting the town with everyone I know, and now? We're keeping it much more low key. I love it! Caleb made plans for us tonight to visit a local pizzeria, go see a movie we've been dying to see, and stop by our favorite Mexican place for late night chips and queso...and you know what? It sounds amazing. Literally the perfect way to spend the evening together.

With every new year that passes, I'm realizing that life is about the people you spend your time with, not the random gifts you get. Although gifts are so much fun to receive and open, I always remember WHO I spent my birthday with, vs what it is we did that day or what I was given, etc.!

I really do love to make a big deal out of birthdays (usually other peoples), and while I do feel like 25 is kind of a "big" one for me, I'm just excited that I get another year with my husband, my family, and my friends!

I hope everyone has a great day!! Make it awesome!!

PS: my blog also turned FOUR this week. WHAT?! I can't believe it. I've made so many amazing friendships through the internet and its just the coolest thing! I love being able to look back on these first few years of our marriage and relive the moments all over again. Sometimes all the documenting and hours spent blogging can be tiresome, but its always worth it!

Happy Birthday Nanny!

I had a Friday post planned that recapped my week, but I realized there was a much more important topic to blog about today... my amazing Grandma and her 69th birthday!

Dear Nanny,

Happy birthday!!! You are unreal, in the best way possible. You have literally put everyone's needs in front of your own for your entire life. It amazes me how you would do anything for anyone. I just hope that one day I can repay all of that selfless love and generosity back to you.

You helped raise Brandon and I and there is no way to tell you how much that meant (and still means) to us. When life got uncomfortable, you gently steered us towards a better path. You taught us how to always love others, to never judge a person based on their past, and to always give second chances.

I really hope that you know that I wouldn't be who I am today without you. You've helped mold the person I have become. When I made silly choices as a teenager, you never made me feel less than amazing, despite my mistakes. When I got engaged, you were the quickest to offer your help and assistance. When I got married, you prayed for us like crazy.

I hope you know how loved you are...not only by me, but by everyone who interacts with you. You know you're special when even my best friends (and even some of Caleb's family) adopt you as their own un-official family and cannot imagine calling you by anything but "Nanny"!

You are the definition of selfless and I truly pray to be half the woman that you are. You are courageous, beautiful, genuine, and so spunky. I am so thankful for you!

Have the best birthday ever! I can't wait to celebrate!

A Birthday Wish!

Today is one of my very best friend's birthdays!!! :)

Ignore our overly burned skin. We weren't used to the Punta Cana sun.

I am so thankful to have known Erin these last (almost) seven years. SEVEN YEARS?!? I can hardly believe its been that long. There aren't many people you can talk to basically every single day and never run out of topics to discuss.  There also aren't that many friends you come across in life that truly make you a better person. Erin is always there to pray, support, and encourage Caleb and I whenever we need it. I know I can go to her if I just need a good laugh, but can also turn to her when I need some advice, or to even vent about who knows what. She's one of the few people I can be insanely weird around and not feel totally judged (mainly because she's a total goofball herself, and I mean that as a compliment- hehe)...

She is so special to so many people! My family has basically adopted her as their own...

It's been so fun going through life's big adventures with her, like being there on each others big wedding days...

...to traveling the world together...

...to spending evenings making ridiculous music videos and taking hundreds of photo booth pictures...

...or just simply celebrating every Bengals win together - we're always having a blast!

Erin, I hope you have an amazing birthday today!!! I can't imagine life without your friendship, and I'm thankful I won't ever have to! You're truly like my big sister, and I can't wait to see you become a momma to this sweet baby in a couple short months. Love you, soulmate!!!!

Friday {loves of the week}

This was a great week, for a lot of reasons!

ONE || I got my car back - its officially fixed! I can honestly say it doesn't look like it was ever hit, which blows my mind. The whole process was insanely smooth. The accident happened last Tuesday, and I had the check for damages in my mailbox by Monday. Although the process wasn't "fun", driving my dream car for the duration of the week WAS! Dodge Chargers ROCK.

Parked car. Don't worry. See? Zero mph!

TWO || I've been using the crap out of my first Maybook. Is this not the cutest notebook ever? I like having it for anything and everything I may need to jot down. It's most recently gotten a lot of use for planning Erin's shower, but I'm also writing down meal ideas, client notes, etc.! I love the freedom of a random notepad!

THREE || I think I stumbled upon my new favorite (youtube) cardio dance channel. This dude's got SASS and I love myself a good hip hop class. I'm too cheap to pay for a gym that offers classes (at least until we're out of debt), so this will have to do!

FOUR || This made Caleb and I both laugh so hard the other night. Probably because that's me 4 out of 5 nights of the week. Right after dinner, its make up off, contacts out, and sweats on. #sorrybae! JK, I don't really call him that... maybe... but I'm glad he still thinks I'm cute anyway!

FIVE || I've been editing my brains out this week and its getting me super excited for the other 27 weddings we have to photograph for 2016. Sometimes I get overwhelmed when I think about how MUCH we have ahead of us this year, but I do know that if I just keep that one-day-at-a-time mentality, we'll be just fine :) I can't wait to enjoy the ride that is 2016, alongside my man!

ALSO! This weekend marks my girl Angie's 25th birthday!!! I'm thankful for everything this girl is to me. She's one of a kind! So grateful we crossed paths and can be our totally weird selves when we're together! Love you, Ang! Cheers for being halfway to 50!! ;)

Linking up with Liz today!

What are you getting yourselves into these weekend?!

Nerdiest of them all.

Friday night, my sister in law successfully surprised her man with a "Nerdy Thirty" party! He thought we were having a nerd themed double date to a local arcade center called Scene 75!

Instead, a small group of his closest friends were waiting in a party room to scream SURPRISE!!! The whole evening was such a blast. The food was delicious, the arcade games were a blast, and I've never had so much fun playing mini golf. It was honestly hilarious how many people stared at us throughout the night, but is just reaffirmed my belief that I have the coolest friends in the world - who aren't afraid to be what we truly are...big kids at heart!

We slept like rocks that night, and woke up feeling pretty rested for our second to last wedding of 2015. Brittany and Matt got married at one of the prettiest venues around town - Cincinnati Music Hall.

This couple was just amazing. Their love story is heart warming, and it was actually Matt's BIRTHDAY! How selfless? To give up the one day you have to be "all about you", to now be about your best friend? I love it. They even had Holtman donuts at their reception - 18 dozen to be exact. SO they win at life. ;)

We actually got home at a decent time, and Caleb and I had a small date night in. Those are the best! Sunday I squeezed in an awesome morning at church, a couple quick photo shoots, and even a bonfire (and watching  the Bengals game that I don't want to talk about...)

This time of year is so easy to see all the blessings around me, and I'm not taking them for granted! Hope everyone has a great week!