Our trip to Colorado | Personal

If you know us at all, then you know Colorado is high up on our favorite places ever. That being said, I had never actually been to Colorado before this trip! Bryce has been dying to take me to Colorado practically since we started dating. 

We had an early morning flight Wednesday and a late flight home Sunday night to make the most of our trip! And oh boy, did we ever. We hit the ground running as soon as we got off the plane. We picked up our rental car (a red Prius-yay for good gas mileage as we were driving everywhere) and headed to Garden of the Gods. The next day was our downtown Denver day. We started the day by watching the USA World Cup game then we visited the REI, went to a brewery and an awesome German restaurant. Friday was the most taxing day of all. We hiked up Bierstadt which has a top elevation of 14,000 feet. To say the air was thin, would be an understatement. We had also only been in Colorado for 2 days so we hadn't really acclimated yet. Our friends were incredibly patient with me. Towards the top, I was taking 5 steps and then stopping. When I got to the ridge (I didn't actually summit) I sat down and cried. Like big hiccuping sobs. It was kinda embarrassing now that I look back. I was so tired plus my head hurt from the altitude. Plus it dawned on me, that we still had the 4 miles down the mountain left to go. All of that hit at once and I sat down and cried, while the boys practically sprinted up the rock scramble to the summit. Also it was really freaking cold up there. It snowed on us while we were up there. Oh and did I mention we got up at 5 to do this hike? I was running on low, if I went any slower I would be going backwards. BUT GUYS I DID IT!!!! We hit a really good pizza place for lunch (anything would have tasted good at that point) and headed home. We drove through Clear Creek Canyon on our way-just gorgeous. We caught up with another friend in Boulder for dinner (did I mention how thankful I am we had a Prius for a rental car-we seriously were EVERYWHERE). The next day we went climbing in Boulder Canyon, still supremely sore from our 8 mile round trip hike the day before. I spent a good deal of the day in our travel hammock (sleeping) from pure exhaustion. This brings us to Sunday, our last day. Our trip went by SO fast! We went to Red Rocks Amphitheater (the amount of stairs almost moved me to tears again), drove up to the top of Look Out Mountain, and then hung around downtown Golden. A quick stop at the new Golden Earth Treks and we were on our way back to the airport. Phew. I'm exhausted just writing about all we did. We had such an amazing time and feel so lucky that we got to see so many friends! Till next time Colorado! 

Emma | Personal

This has been a crazy couple of weeks! I finished up all my course work (now all I have left is my clinical rotations), took a trip to Colorado with Bryce (pictures to come soon) and now we have family in town for the 4th of July. A while back I bought a white tulle skirt that I knew would be amazing to photograph. I plan on wearing it myself for a special shoot in a few months but I really wanted to photography someone in it. My niece, Emma, was the perfect model! We snagged some quick shots before a thunderstorm started to roll in, in a field behind my parent's house. There was lots of twirls, and spins and smiles! While I was shooting, I knew that I wanted everything in black and white. It's just what I envisioned. Upon editing, I was not disappointed. Her pictures took my breath away! See for yourself! 

Rebecca & Randy | Engagement

Their love bloomed at Virginia Tech, continued to grow in Baltimore and culminated with a family heirloom engagement ring. Rebecca, Randy and Byrd (their sweet, and energetic golden-doodle puppy) joined me for a Baltimore engagement shoot on a very muggy summer evening. They have spent over two years in this city and will be moving to their first home. An engagement shoot was the perfect way to remember the city that meant so much to them! While editing these pictures I feel in love with Charm City all over again, and I'm sure you can see why! They have a love that is sweet and supportive. These two are partners and their connection is palpable. Rebecca and Randy, thank you for including me during such a special time in your life! Wishing you all the best for many years to come! 

Amanda & Morgan | The Best of Friends

My sister asked if I would take some pictures of her and her oldest friend. How can I say no to that! I value sisterhood highly, so I was honored to capture some shots of them together. These ladies have grown up 5 minutes down the road from one another. I remember countless sleepovers and play dates. (Now not so much the play dates.) I'm glad to see you ladies are still wonderful friends! Thank you for letting me photograph your friendship! 
 

Five Friday Favorites

I've decided I'm going to start a weekly (hopefully) post about five of my favorite things that I'm hooked on at the time. I know a lot of bloggers and photographers do this, but I think its a great way to get exposure to new things (books, music, make-up etc.)  Without further ado, my five favorite things this Friday! 

1. My new tulle skirt! I had dreams of making one myself, but I had an honest discussion with myself and knew how it would end up. I would have tears streaking down my cheek, surrounded by tulle, pins and ribbon. Not a happy picture. So, I decided to buy one myself (amazon) and I'm so glad I did! I'm hoping this weekend to get some pictures of me wearing it! 

2. Floral wreaths. Another impulse craftivity! I went to the craft store and got some fake flowers and some floral wire and went to town! I had zero idea what I was doing, but excited to see how it would turn out. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I want to wear a small wreath of baby's breath in my hair when I get married. I love the whimsy feel of them. 

3. Peonies from my mom's garden. I stopped home today to visit with family (which is so much easier now that we've moved). She told me to take some peonies. No need to ask me twice! They have found themselves a home on our mantel. 

4. Fearless by Max Lucado. I am a worrier by nature. I come by it honestly. I am so like my mother (the older I get, the more I realize how much like her I am).  I worry, I stress, I have anxiety. Max Lucado's book offers some very calming and reassuring words. I am so thankful to have stumbled upon this book. Right now I have borrowed it from the library but plan on purchasing it soon. 

5. Gossip Girl. Okay Okay. I know this show is SO young for my 24 year old self to watch (and it was over a good couple of years ago) but I LOVE IT. I have been bulk watching episodes. I'm embarrassed with the amount that I watch and how fast I go through seasons. If you ever want something to watch that is soooo different from your life, than Gossip Girl is it. I mean NYC, princesses, YSL, Upper East Side, heck the Upper West Side...its fun to drop into their lives. I have 2 seasons left. I wonder how long that will take me to get through.