When I edit weddings, I often come across what I call "little presents". These are images that move me but I initially overlooked during my first cursory edit. I love when I find these images--usually they either excite me or make me cry. :) Yesterday I realized that on top of these little presents, hundred of images of joy are imprinted into me every day. It seems a little silly but I finally just realized that these beautiful, happy people are becoming part of my soul... just by editing them! Wow, such a gift. So from now on, I'm going to do additional posts with images of joy. Sometimes it will be weddings, sometimes engagements, sometimes things that make me happy because they are pretty/yummy/funny/touching/exciting/.

Enjoy the joy, friends!

A couple of weeks ago I snagged a great little garden built inside a wine box. I loved the idea and the ease it made of having a mini herb garden. Then I found out that a twelve year old boy is putting these together and donating half the profits to the East Palo Alto School District. You can pick one up at Calafia in Palo Alto and if you live elsewhere, you can make your own in half an hour. Imagine this as a favor at a vineyard/farm wedding? Amazing.

I met Marla & John the night before their wedding at a boisterous rehearsal dinner overlooking the gorgeous slopes of Keystone, CO. I was immediately struck by the love of their family and friends who had traveled from all over the country to celebrate with them. Marla and John have such a twinkle in their eyes for each other--it made me giddy; I feel like I've known them my entire lives. It was a fabulous celebration at Ski Tip. Congrats, lovelies!


 
Marla's mom is fabulously zesty!

 
Emily from Bella was incredible! Her name passed the lips of the guests about five times in six hours. She is awesome.

The first time I met Johanna, we chatted for well over an hour about life, love, beauty and pain too. It was one of those great, real connections that we all crave in people we meet for the first time. It brought me pure joy to witness Johanna & Norris' families come from all over the world to celebrate with them at Villa Viscaya. Laughter filled this beautiful home and intimate celebration. It was such an honor to toast these lovely people.

                

Sabrina & Josh told me that they are jokesters with more inside jokes than anyone can handle. I live for jokesters so I couldn't wait to meet them. Yes, these guys are hilarious but I was really struck by their sweet, deep love; the kind that gives me goosebumps.

Sabrina was on a traveling jump rope team as a child (!!!) and they are both huge baseball fans. I was thrilled when they agreed to bring these things along. I've never seen anyone do the tricks Sabrina had up her sleeve.