Save the Date :: Mary + Korey

I had the privilege of taking my first engagement session for one of my best friends. These two are remarkable and so fun to be around. It's never a dull moment with them, that's for sure.

Aren't they cute or what? I barely had to do anything just a snap here and there. They totally fit the part for their rustic themed wedding too. Loved

Mary's swede boots and ivory dress.

For a hot and gusty day I think this shoot turned out pretty good. It's not hard with good models either!

 I take pictures for fun and do not use photoshop :)

Let me know what you think and maybe some photography tips, friends!

-Natalie

One Leaves Another Returns

It's amazing what true friends can do to our lives. They are placed in us for specific reasons and we don't always know the exact reasons why. 

After hearing the news a few months back that a great friend of two years was interviewing for a job back east I knew I was gonna lose something. Someone who was a weekly lunch buddy, Starbucks drinking friend, running partner, yogurt eater, gluten free advocate and strong Christian sister. She decided to set forth a dream and accomplish it. 

She did it. 

Sarah & I after my first half marathon! Thanks to her support!

Before her departure for Boston, we discussed ways to make it special. I decided to throw a baseball themed party including her soon to be favorite team the Boston Red Sox.

I got out my craft supplies and the eminent Cricut machine to make the magic happen. 

Candy Buffet was totally a hit! 

Hours later a fabulous party was taking place with; peanuts, hot dogs, brisket and the best bubble gum ever, Big League Chew. 

She said her farewells or as she would call them "see you laters" to the friends she met over the past couple years. 

Packed up her bags and headed east. 

I know she will be blessed with great things as she moves on with this endeavor. God rewards those who follow His will, and that I am certain. (Hebrews 11:6)

Call me selfish but I miss her.

A few weeks go by... I met with a lifelong friend for a margarita and some lunch. One of those friends you haven't seen for months but the minute you're together its like you pick up right where you left off. 

She moved away and recently moved back to start her career. We both share so much in common and enjoy every minute we're together. Not to mention we live 1 mile away from each other. 

Even though I've said "see you later" to a close friend (who I know I will be visiting) the Lord has reestablished a friendship that was missed. 

Summer Events

I cant even believe it's already August... where has summer gone?! It's been a very active & eventful one to say the least. Here is a recap of a few of the fun things I did!

I helped a friend out with her two kids this summer. They are totally fun and outgoing. We went on countless bike rides and trips for coffee. (I'm teaching them about Starbucks while they're young :)

I love our local farms. We have several in the Central Valley. The kids really enjoyed walking around the Fresno State farm but most of all they enjoyed the experience of milking cows! 

Water balloon fights rock, of course! 

Instead of going to a paid (overrated) crowded, smelly, poopy diaper infested, dirty water park. We stuck to a local, small splash park right up the street. Not only is it clean but they also have shaved ice! Kids love it, and so do the adults! 

You caught me! Enjoying a shaved ice.

I watched some Major League Baseball live! Went to Universal Studios, Washington on a train (21 hours to be exact, YIKES!), Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and several others. 

Trip to Washington was all around amazing! I think the fam figured out its been 10 years since I last visited. I was way overdue. I loved everything about Seattle besides the rain.  I almost stole the hanging flower baskets but remembered I was returning home on a train and oh, its illegal. They were jaw dropping beautiful. 

Cousin Molly, isn't she super cute?!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom was a quick, fun day trip. I hadn't been there in 15 years at least. I think I've figured out I'm a little too old for creaky wooden roller-coasters. Definitely felt like I had subdural hematoma immediately following the ride. (In case you were wondering, I'm better now). A friend and I had an opportunity to be in a Dolphin show, but because of a delayed response we missed our chance. Bummer!

For those of you who know me, I highly dislike hotdogs but I ate this anyway.

I should probably consider winding down on my vacationing considering school & work start back in two weeks. There are two more mini trips planned in those two weeks though, so we will see. What can I say, I just LOVE summer and I LOVE being busy! 

 What are some things you did this summer?