When I was little, I used to pretend I was a horse. Or a wolf. Sometimes a tiger. Whatever suited my fancy. I was one of thooose girls. I didn't really play with dolls or put on lipstick and wear my mom's heels. Instead, I created elaborate stories in my head and played them out for hours, sometimes days, until the story was complete.

As I got older, I thought for a time that I wanted to be a writer. Instead of acting out the stories in my imagination, I tried to put them on paper. I would sit down and start these grand novels, only to begin another one after a few chapters in the first. I had every intention of finishing them. I just... never did. Apparently writing isn't my strong suit.

Then I found a camera. Jackpot. I found a way to stop time. To tell real stories. The kind of stories that should be remembered. Need to be remembered. Stories full of life and love that beg to be preserved and shared.

So I guess you could call me a story teller. A really, really ridiculously blessed and happily married story teller who can't cook but laughs a lot and has three dogs. I love my life.

And I'd love to tell your story : )

Handmade Albums

One of my absolute favorite things to do is look at old photos. I love being transported to another time, another place… And there is something so wonderful about holding a photograph in your hand, the texture of the paper and the richness of the print. I’m all about the tangible product and not just looking at things on a screen. (Which is probably why I’m not a huge fan of Kindles. But that’s a whole other can of worms.)

I got to look at a lot of old photographs of my Grandma and Grandpa last weekend. Their wedding pictures were my favorite. They only have a couple from their small wedding, but those few pictures are treasures. Yet another reminder for me of just how important wedding photos are, not only to the bride and groom, but to their families and generations to come. Which is why I am SO excited to share the albums I will be offering in my 2012 collections. I searched for a long time to find the perfect album… One that is beautifully crafted, yet sturdy and able to stand the test of time. One that represents my brand and the weddings I photograph. One that provides a gorgeous display and can be made as individual as my brides are.

I found it in Ginkgo Albums. Their breathtaking albums are each handmade with a lovely fabric cover and bound by beautiful satin ribbon. The pages are actually archival mat board, and every single photo is matted into the page, rather than pictures printed onto a paper page. This means it will last long after the grandkids and even great grandkids get to look at it. Plus it’s the prettiest album I could imagine for a wedding. Which, if you ask me, is never a bad thing :)

I recently received my first sample album from them so I thought I’d share in the prettiness! They have a variety of colors to choose for the fabric and ribbon, but I went with gray and purple, obviously. The albums also come with a matching case for extra protection and safe storage…

The album itself has ribbon binding and an optional ribbon on front to tie the book shut. (Which was a no brainer for me. Who doesn’t want more bows?)