With my due date approaching so quickly, and planning another home/water birth, I try to watch as many inspiration videos as I can. I love this one! Also, Terrence and I, and of course Isaiah too, went and had our maternity photos taken with the fabulous Willis Nelson from Joshua Ian Photography today. I can't wait to see them. I am super excited! Thanks, Willis!

Such a fun couple...

I first met Brandon and Michelle at Bridal Spectacular. They saw a portrait that I had on display similiar to the one I took of them below. I remember when Michelle called and spoke with me on the phone - she wanted to know about pricing, and I seemed to be out of her budget. I explained that wedding photography was an investment and that she should really get to know, like, and trust the person she hired to capture such important moments on her wedding day. She agreed fully, but just didn't know how she was going to increase her budget. I figured I would never hear from her again, but I was mistaken. A couple of weeks later, she called again. She set up an appointment for her and Brandon to come by and meet with me and look over my work more in depth. They both told me that their wedding day was very special to them, and they didn't want to hire just anyone to take photos - they wanted to hire someone who shared their vision and was able to see their day as they saw it. They gave me a deposit that day. :)

I love this portrait of Michelle.

This one too!

Michelle & Brandon kissing with each of their parents kissing above them. Awww...

This one always makes me smile. I just want to add pitchforks to their hands.

Just havin' fun. ;)

Bathtub shots = romantic & sexy!

And of course, how could we not end the night without capturing them kissing at sunset!

Thanks for an awesome time guys!

New business cards - finally!

I've finally gotten around to making some new business cards! I decided on this one of Sarah and John (left) for the front of my card. It was taken at Loews Lake Las Vegas. Poor Sarah was soooo upset on her wedding day. They flew in from Albuquerque for a beautiful destination wedding, only to be greeted by dreary weather. It rained the entire time they were in town, up until about 20 minutes before the ceremony began and remained clear long enough for post-ceremony photos! I just love the shot of them on the bridge. I chose the one of Melissa (above right) for the back image on my business card. It was taken at Lakeside Weddings.... the same place Terrence and I were married at, by the way! This image is going to be hung in Blush Bridal Boutique - a super cute shop located in the Montecito Marketplace, off of Durango and 95 - right around the corner from where we live! For any of you brides still on the hunt for the perfect dress, I highly suggest making a point to check out Blush. The dresses are gorgeous! And Kim, the store manager, is as nice as can be. She makes you feel right at home!

Relationship Advice: 10 Ways to Reduce Your Divorce Risk

Just saw this article on Yahoo! Thought it was interesting and figured I'd share.

When you dream about a happily-ever-after, sitting in a lawyer's office and dividing your assets isn't usually part of the dream. Divorce isn't 100 percent preventable, but there are steps you can take to avoid the nightmare scenario. And if you are already divorced, don't be discouraged -- just apply what you've learned in your next relationship.
To increase your chances of retaining an everlasting marriage, follow these guidelines.
1. Get married after about two years of courtship
Researchers say that if a couple's courtship is average in length -- around two years, four months -- there is less chance of divorce.
Researchers say that if a couple's courtship is average in length -- around two years, four months -- there is less chance of divorce. Couples who rush to the altar, as well as couples who drag their feet to the altar, have an increased risk for divorce. "The couples who are slowest to marry tend to be the quickest to split," according to Ted Huston, Ph.D.
2. Rethink living together
Living together before marriage is more popular than ever and it stands to reason that you might want to take someone for a "test drive" around your living space before you commit to marriage. However, research doesn't support this. Couples who live together before marriage have a higher risk of divorce.
3. Wait until you are a little older to marry
Statistics show that if you marry after age 25, your marriage will have a much better chance.
4. Talk about the big issues before you get married
How many kids do you both want? How will you handle your finances? It's important to clarify these questions before the honeymoon. Premarital education or counseling can help with this. Studies show that those who go through this process have higher levels of marital satisfaction and more commitment to their spouses.
5. You can argue, just don't let it turn into World War III
Arguing is a natural part of a relationship and in and of itself does not predict divorce. However, the way you argue does. Researchers Gottman and Levenson say they can predict divorce by watching how negative a couple gets with each other, as well as how many constructive, positive interactions they have during an argument. Things to avoid when arguing: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Learn to tone down heated arguments with humor and a few kind words.
6. Do stuff together
Yes, you both need to have your own individual interests. However, if you take this too far you may start to lead separate lives and grow apart, like if he spends every Saturday golfing and she spends every Saturday swimming. Learn to reconnect by taking part in a hobby or activity that you both enjoy. Also important: Take time for intimacy even when it seems like you don't have a minute to spare. Forms of intimacy like massage and cuddling are wonderful ways to bring you closer together.
7. Share the chores
If one person does the majority of the housework while the other slacks off, that's a recipe for divorce.
8. Be as polite to each other as you are to strangers
Sometimes we treat the people we love most with the least amount of respect without even realizing it. Ask yourself, "Do I treat friends, acquaintances, coworkers, and even strangers nicer than I do my significant other?"
Take time to give each other compliments and remember to say "please" and "thank you" rather than barking orders or nagging.
Take time to give each other compliments and remember to say "please" and "thank you" rather than barking orders or nagging.
9. Have issues? Get help!
Is one of you suffering from depression? Does one of you have substance abuse issues? Has one of you cheated? If you don't address these types of issues individually as well as a couple, you dramatically increase your divorce risk. Take steps to decrease your divorce risk now by addressing these issues through counseling and other means!
10. Marry someone who wants to be married
It seems obvious, but it's really not, since so many people ignore it. If you have to beg, cajole, manipulate, and hurl ultimatums at someone before they will agree to marry you, common sense says they probably don't want to be married. If you think something is going to change when you get that ring on their finger, you're wrong. Don't set yourself up for failure. Find somebody who wants the same things you want!

Best vows I've ever heard!

Today I had the honor of attending one of the most truly moving ceremonies I've ever been to. I get so excited when couples choose to have cinematography done in addition to photography. Why, you ask. Well, simply because as phenomenal as photography truly is, it lacks one thing: the ability to record sound. Natalie and Michael wrote their own vows - not only were they sentimental and humorous, but they were serious and showed a true demonstration to what commitment is all about. Everyone who was present at their wedding, and those who weren't and will be privileged to view the DVD, must have felt or probably will feel the overwhelming sesne of joy and sweet tenderness that was spoken from the couple's lips. My hat goes off to Natalie and Michael for their genuine commitment to one another and to God. And of all things that impressed me the most, their commitment to stay pure for one another is absolutely amazing! Wow - I hope they have a wild, passionate time tonight!!! Natalie gave a cute little, "suggestive" commentary on the video for Michael before the ceremony began. Michael's commentary to Natalie was less suggestive and more emotional. Both, however, were equally adorable, and I know they will look back on this day as the day they loved each other the least. It will only get better from here, guys! Yes, there will be fights along the way (Try to keep eye-gouging and throwing sharp objects at one another to a minimum), but you've definitely convinced me that you two are perfect for one another and will make it through anything! Best wishes to you both for a lifetime of happiness!

Rounding Baby Bump

Hey Y'all! Well, I'm 6 months pregnant now. It's amazing how many people act shocked when I tell them that I am pregnant.... because I definitely look it, even if I'm not particularly huge at this point. So, our soon-to-be one-year-old son, Isaiah, is going to be having a little sister! We decided not to find out the baby's sex before hand with our first child, and as a Father's Day gift this year, I went and had an ultrasound done and ended up buying Terrence a little baby Lakers cheerleader outfit. It is soooo cute and girly, and Terrence was so happy and excited!

Picking out girls names has been exceptionally difficult, but Ariel Joy Lighten is at the top of our list right now. We want a name that is strong and has a good biblical meaning. Ariel means "lioness of God." And Joy is... well... pretty obvious.

We have been super swamped with weddings and appreciate everyone's patience as it is one of the busiest times of the year for us! Terrence is in the middle of working on his 2007-2008 demo video, and I can't wait until we can post it... it looks amazing!!! We'll be passing a bunch of them out at the Bridal Spectacular show coming up in two weeks!

Trash the Dress

Last one, I promise. Well, for now at least. ;)