Keiser Family

Silliness...that's what I felt when I hung out with this family. They were such a riot! There little dog, Flash, "talked" and everyone had a voice they could impersonate. It's so refreshing to just see a family laughing together. It was as if they were first friends and then family which is often the opposite of how we relate to one another as family members. I appreciated their light-heartedness and joyful spirits. Meet the Keiser's...

Our Vacation At Rehoboth Beach

This year we waited until mid July to go on vacation and it was a long wait! We usually go in June but with all the weddings booked, it just didn't happen. It was wonderful to just relax, not take phone calls, not check email, and have no extra things on the "to do" list. Eric and I were determined to leave our businesses behind and totally enjoy the week even though the work doesn't go away. We realize the importance of refreshment in the midst of our busy season and this was just what we needed to refuel for the next couple of busy weeks again. Malakai loved the beach even more this time. He's slowly exploring the sand and water and loves to feel the texture of it between his toes. We also went bike riding, hung out at the pool, ate lots of seafood (our favorite), did some shopping, watched some movies, lounged in the hot tub, played chess, and took a row boat ride in the bay. We are blessed and thank God for our time away as a family.

Wiggin' Out

Today, I hit the jackpot at Salvation Army! Little did I know that they got a whole new truck load of toys in, so I went to town digging through bins and found some great stuff for Malakai. My cart runneth over!! After I felt like I had more than enough, I went into another section of the store and found this awesome wig. I just plopped it on his head and laughed until I almost cried. He looked so adorable. So tonight, when Daddy came home, I put it on him again and got the camera out. Eric is sure I'm embarrassing him and knows that it will be in our little boy's wedding slideshow some day. I just couldn't resist. Here's our little charmer...

Joel & Becky: Faint With Love

When a man loves a woman...his heart is soft before her and their love is so sweet to watch. When Becky walked down the aisle, Joel burst into tears and could hardly believe how beautiful his bride was. Then I started to cry (Eric said he did too :) The day was filled with lots of joyful emotions. The newlyweds left the church in a bright red Corvette and several big pick up trucks followed them complete with their train horn. At the reception, Becky shared a father-daughter dance with her dad and then invited her three sisters join them. So amazing to watch Dad with all his girls. She's the last one to get married so now him and his wife are empty-nesters. Joel & Becky, I hope your honeymoon in the Dominican Republic was fabulous and that you can come home refreshed and ready to begin a brand new life together! A taste of the wedding day...

Hoover Family

Some families have a lot of reasons to celebrate. The Hoover's are one of them. Life can sometimes give us a hard journey to walk out, but God is always faithful to see us through to the end. I sensed a strong faith in the midst of this family and I was honored to be a part of these family portraits last night. Peace like a river was flowing as we shared an hour of life together. Little Levi stole the show with his two-year old ways of not wanting to smile, then smiling, then not wanting to, then waving good bye to me (before I was done). "Get that lady out of here!" he must've been thinking. "I just want to play with Grandpa and Grandma!" Meet the Hoover's...

Aaron & Nicole: Two Become One

We love to travel outside of Lancaster County for weddings and photo shoots. 4th of July weekend we were able to travel to Warminster, which is about an hour and half away towards Phili. Aaron and Nicole had a beautiful wedding and we were very blessed to be part of it. Aaron just kept saying, "I can't believe she's my wife!" The reception was at the beautiful Curtis Hall Arboretum. Everyone enjoyed the night complete with a chocolate fountain, a great dance floor, and sparklers. Aaron & Nicole, your love for each other is so sweet. May you continue to be amazed with each other! A few images I loved...

Is There Room For Me?

I looked out the back window last night and this is what I saw. There's a first time for everything...

Family Time

This past weekend, our family got together for a picnic and a trip to Dutch Wonderland. This was Malakai's first time. He liked the rides but the water park was a bit overwhelming to him. We went on a train ride, pony ride, the flume and a few others. Mom and I even rode a ride just by ourselves. Let's just say, I used to do spinning rides a lot better than I do now. I'd rather do a roller coaster any day. It was so fun to be a kid again. My nephew, Clayton enjoyed the bumper cars and bulldozer ride and went down this one water slide about ten times in a row with me catching him at the bottom. Thanks Mom and Dad for a great day together!

Women at the Beach

This past week was the first annual Martin Women Beach Trip. What a great time was had by all. Great weather, great food, and great fellowship! The kids did wonderful and enjoyed the sand, water, and boat adventure. It was fun to get to know my mother-in-law and sister-in-laws much better. Here's a little preview of our fun...

4th of July Camp Out

It felt more like a fall camp out than a summer one which was so refreshing for all of us. Bocce Ball, smores, mountain pies, fireworks, tents, good friends...what more could we ask for to celebrate the holiday?

Hammock Fun

We just hung our Nicaraguan hammock today and are LOVIN' it already! Eric has been asking for one for awhile and now we can all relax in the shade with our feet off the ground. Here's to many more lazy days!

Horray for Grandparents!

Malakai loves hanging out with his grandparents...all four of them. My parents live right across the street so he sees them often. This past week, he was a "Beany Baby". The garden is producing all kinds of yummy treats these days. He wanted in on the action. Gideon and him continue to share a close bond too.

Kris & Steph: Engaged

They've been together since 8th grade...and have fallen more and more in love as the years pass by. These two are so sweet. She loves to be wrapped up tight in his big bear hugs and he loves to make her laugh. We had a great evening together, awesome light to play in, and only a few bugs pestering us. Meet Kris & Steph...

Matt & Lindsay: Lovebirds

Sometimes people are just expressionless...and sometimes, they just can't stop expressing themselves. Matt & Lindsay were the second kind of bride and groom. Oh my goodness, Eric and I had so much fun with these two and their bridal party. We've been doing a lot of their friends' weddings so everyone knows us and our style which makes for an easy and relaxed day. We met the bridal party at the church and then hopped in the limo (yup, there were two spots reserved for us too!) and headed to some various locations in Lancaster City. Then back to the church in time for the wedding. Lindsay couldn't stop smiling all day long and Matt just shook his head...he's totally hooked on her and her vivacious personality.

They could hardly wait for the reception at the Hamilton Ballroom. During the father-daughter dance, Lindsay and her dad invited all the fathers and daughters to come out on the dance floor to join them. This was really special since Lindsay's sister, Kim is getting married in October. My eyes welled up (like usual) watching all the dads dancing with their "little girls". Then, we feasted and the dance floor wasn't empty for another second the rest of the night. Matt & Lindsay, I felt more like a guest than a professional at your wedding. Your hearts to make people feel loved and important is a gift and you have blessed Eric and I in the few months that we have gotten to know you.

Get ready...it was really hard to narrow down my favorites so there are quite a few to look through...but I didn't think you or anyone else would really mind.