And then came Finley …

08.03.12

Amanda is efficient. As owner of In the Now Weddings and Events, Amanda is used to planning and executing events flawlessly. She’s so efficient, in fact, that she gave birth to baby Finley in 2.5 hours. Start to finish. And had time to stop for a bagel in between. That pretty much makes her a rock star in my book!

Now that Finley is here, Amanda and Josh have settled into their new parenting roles with ease. They are a team, through and through. In the midst of diaper changes, baths, and feedings their love for one another and their sweet baby girl is so evident. When sleep is in short supply and poop isn’t, it can be so easy to snap at a spouse or to speak less than kind words due to exhaustion. Not Amanda and Josh. At every opportunity they encourage and affirm one another with words of love and kindness. Finley is so blessed to have them as parents!

Josh, Amanda, and Finley – thank you so much for inviting me into your home to capture these photos of your new, beautiful family. Finley is absolute perfection!

Meet 11 day old Finley …

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John Henry and Kelsey – Married!

07.29.12

John Henry and Kelsey were married on a gorgeous July afternoon, beginning a new chapter in their epic love story. Theirs is a love story that is fully of twists, surprises, and, now, a very happily ever after.

As they stood in front of their closest friends, family, and especially their darling daugther, Karrisa, it felt like all of the pieces of the puzzle were finally coming together. All of us in attendance were witnessing answers to prayers and I was reminded, once again, that God’s plan is good and that even when things are hard, God has blessings waiting for His children just around the corner. I also couldn’t help but think about Karissa and how this was one of the most important days in her young life! Perhaps she won’t remember it, but the day her parents pledged to love one another forever was heartfelt, so full of love, and all around perfect.

John Henry and Kelsey – thank you so much for inviting me into your wedding day and into your lives. The love you two share for God and for one another is inspirational and the commitment you exhibit as you parent Karissa is admirable. I am so proud of you both and so thankful to call you friends!

Before I get too sappy, onto the photos!

Kelsey looked STUNNING thanks to hair by Chelsea Thompson and makeup by Christiane Davis.

Kelsey and John Henry opted for a first look and it was the sweetest moment …

Kelsey also arranged to have a kind of “first look” with her Dad. I’m pretty sure I only let one tear drop onto my camera …

The wedding party joined us at the park and boy, did they look good!

Kelsey, you are so beautiful! Karissa agrees with me.:)

Kelsey and John Henry arrived at the SeaCliff Country Club and began preparing for their marriage ceremony by joining the member of their wedding party in prayer and then lining up to walk down the aisle!

Following the ceremony, Kelsey and John Henry danced their first dance as husband and wife and kicked off a reception full of sweet toasts, amazing cake, and a whole lotta dancing.
Kelsey had a surprise groom’s cake made for John Henry from Rossmoor Pastries. I think it’s safe to say he was surprised and thrilled.

Second Shooter: Shauna Miller

Coordination: Brittany Klein

Venue: SeaCliff Country Club in Huntington Beach

Florals: Vickie Doughty of Abundantly More

Cake: Rossmoor Pastries

Hair: Chelsea Thompson

Makeup: Christiane Davis

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Bob Mattes - July 30, 2012 - 6:31 am

Wonderful! I will remember this for the rest of my life. Thank you!

And then came Clara …

07.17.12

Clara,

You, my dear, are most precious. Your sisters and your Mom and Dad waited so patiently for you to arrive and now that you are here, they just couldn’t be more in love with you. They love your hair, your toes, the little smiles you flash, the tiny sounds you make when you breathe. They are all about you and, I’ll confess, so I am. You are one blessed baby to have been born into your family – your sisters are amazing and your parents are some of the best I’ve ever seen. Plus, you’ve got a ton of extended family and friends who loved you even before you arrived! It has been so fun for us to see you from the beginning and we are excited to watch as you develop your own unique personality. Will you love books like Tessa? Will you have Molly’s beautiful blue eyes? Will you have your Dad’s sense of humor or your Mom’s laugh? Those things may still be mysteries, but one thing is certain – you are loved, Clara Rose. Loved by the God who created you, loved by the family who cares for you, loved by the friends who adore you and I for one can’t wait to watch you grow and become the person God created you to be!

Thanks for letting me spend some of your first days with you, Clara. Also, thanks for not pooping on me. I think that made me love you even a tiny bit more, as if that were possible.

Love,

Megan

Meet 11 day old Clara …

Posted in Babies, Children, Families, In home, Newborns

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Dave and Kelsey – Married!

07.16.12

Dave and Kelsey were married on a perfect June afternoon at the beautiful Dolphin Bay Resort in Pismo Beach, California. The stress of wedding planning faded away as Dave and Kelsey surrounded themselves with their closest friends and family and finally had the chance to catch their breath.  Thoughful, meaningful, joyful, playful … the day was all anyone could have asked for and more.

Dave and Kelsey, thank you from the bottom of my heart for including my family and I in the celebration as you officially begin your lives together. We are blessed by your love and friendship and I was beyond honored to spend the day documenting and soaking in the love surrounding you two.

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Rob and Olivia – Married!

06.27.12

“Chocolate! I need chocolate!”

Six sweet bridesmaids rushed to open the wrapper in an attempt to distract Olivia’s happy tears. “Oh, you guys are so sweet. That just makes me want to cry more!”

Olivia and Rob‘s wedding had finally arrived and the emotions of the day just didn’t seem to understand the misnomer that is waterproof mascara.

After Olivia got that small bite of chocolate, she gracefully walked down the aisle to meet the love of her life. With the gorgeous Serra Plaza as the backdrop for their multicultural ceremony, Rob and Olivia pledged to love one another and to help each other in their ultimate mission to serve God all of their days. It was beautiful and I felt so honored to spend the day documenting their love and the love surrounding them.

Congratulations, Rob and Olivia! Wishing you both so many blessings!

 

Venue: Serra Plaza

Coordinator: Hope from LVL Events

Catering: Jay’s Catering

Florals: Melody and Ron Phillips

Hair and Makeup: Christina Roberson

Assistant Photographers: Stacy DeGroot, Christopher Hartley

 

 

 

 

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Rob Desmond Golding - July 19, 2012 - 10:25 pm

I second that!

Jim Golding - July 19, 2012 - 10:04 pm

As someone who has studied photography, I’ve got to tell you, you’re a true artist. That is something that cannot be taught. Amazing work, thanks for making my son’s and Olivia’s wedding remembered with such finesse and beauty.

Jeannie Neubert - July 12, 2012 - 7:12 pm

WOW, this is the most beautiful and magical wedding I’ve seen in a long, long time. God’s blessing for a long and happy marriage.

Chet Hartley - July 3, 2012 - 2:09 pm

Great pictures Megan! I’m just getting around to seeing them. Rob and Olivia, congratulations! Beautiful wedding. May God bless your marriage somethin’ fierce!

Nancy Tori Hirota - June 30, 2012 - 8:48 pm

My birthday is November 23

Nancy Tori Hirota - June 29, 2012 - 8:09 pm

Magical…..were did you get such class? WE XOXO YOU! Signed, two of your favorite goofballs.