-Billy Crystal as Harry, in “When Harry Met Sally”..

Anticipation. Longing.Eagerness.Anxiousness = All words to describe Natalie Ritters deepest desire to finally be  announced as “Mrs. Meeks”!! I love hearing about the engagement process for our couples. The stories. The details. Alteration nightmares.Tie shopping. Calendar countdowns. Timelines adjusting…I think it makes me appreciate their wedding day a little bit more, because I can understand that moment between them when no one is looking, where I hear that subtle sigh of relief from the bride as she looks at her groom…soaks it all in for a bit, and utters, “I cant believe this day in FINNNNNALLY here!”

Natalie pretty much had me at HELLO. I remember it was Feb. 6th of last year and I was working a wedding with Jason..we were jumping in the car heading to go do the first look for our bride and groom..and my iphone chimed that I had a new email…I remember sitting in the car, reading her email inquiry out loud to Jason, (and the the bridesmaid riding in the backseat of our car) and saying..”Oh my gosh, we HAVE to book this girl..PLEASE tell me we are free for her day”..For those of you who know Natalie..know that she is a copywriter for a living…so WORDS are her gift. Details. Humor. Long winded stories that leave you wanting to read more….I was captivated as she told me her and Grants whole story, and their journey leading up until that very moment. She lived in Texas, but the wedding would be in Mexico…She was Sassy..hilarious, and SO love drunk…it made me look at Jason once again and say…PLEASE… Tell me we are available for her day. Natalie and I agreed it was Destiny:)

Their wedding was held at the Dreams Resort in Puerto Vallarta..they were accompanied by a handful of their closest family and friends…it was intimate, crafty, and need I say beautiful. Natalie made so many of the little details, and I’m so grateful she let me make her hairpiece and Grants Boutonniere, so we could have lots to talk about during the planning stages:) N+G..your love its endearing and contagious…we miss you both already..lets pick a state somewhere between us and hang out!! XOXO

Since Natalie and Grant live in Texas, we decided instead of doing an engagement session, we would do a “Day After Session” in Mexico…Here are a few our our faves from  downtown Puerto Vallarta..a little more colorful and gritty…So.Much.Fun.

N+G..Thank you for giving us a much needed mini vacay amidst our crazy wedding season!! Nat..your humor and wit often raise my spirits  and I’m so grateful our worlds collided:) XOXO

Their wedding was at an amazing hotel in their community called  the Ihilani Resort and Spa . It was an intimate affair..and was so refreshing having a few hours before the ceremony of JUST photos of Oscar and Malia..it was very true to the Hawaiian lifestyle..slow paced…relaxed. We had the freedom to take pics for a while..stop and look at the ocean, feel the sun on our backs..talk about their upcoming honeymoon to Paris and Morocco. It was perfection. We are so blessed that they flew us and our kids out for the week…They are truly family to us now..and we now have another beloved thing about Hawaii besides Jasons sister and our favorite Thai food truck:)

Malia thanks for your patience in waiting for this post…&  for rockin one of my feathery hair creations on your wedding day:)

I just had to sneak a picture in with darling Malia…{Not to ruin the uber romantic sunset session or anything}

Three  things that pretty much make Lisa and Mike incredibly awesome.

1.) Hula hoop contest at the reception, to see which table got to eat first.

2.)Lisa let me make the hair accessories for her, the bridesmaids, mama, and itty-bitty niece….Loved the drama of you wearing all three flowers in your hair Lisa..stunning:)

3.) They busted out in a surprise Rumba and Samba for their first dance..IN COSTUME. Dancing with the Stars..eat your heart out.

Enjoy!

So I know I have mentioned here and there about Jason and I’s new little photography meeting place and super cute retail dream, {Betroth} but have YET to post any pictures or really talk about it..exceedingly sorry! April was our busiest month for weddings, portraits and engagement sessions, and I have been devoted to editing, and staying on top of my work. (Those of who you are clients from April, thank you SOO much for your patience!!)

Luckily, I have an incredible husband who is pretty much the male version of me..(creatively speaking)..while I have been shooting and editing he has spent countless hours getting our store up and going these last few months. Its is everything it is because of him..and I am so grateful he put so much energy into this dream of ours. A little store housing all of our favorite little things. Photography, accessories, cards, clothing, CUPCAKES..and more:) We have been open for  a few weeks now, but are still getting things set up and are continually getting more merchandise in (ok..and staying up way too late making adorable headbands.) We wanted to have a great space to bring clients, as well as have a place to grow for the other things we love. We have a great team that shares  the space with us..offering other wedding services other than just photography. We will hopefully have our store website up by next week where we will have bios of everyone contributing..so stay tuned!! But for now, I just wanted to share some fun pictures so you can get a feel for what we are all about…its not just bridal..so come visit us!!! We are having a Ladies Night Out next week..see info below….

For the Facebook Invite showing what all the businesses are offering that night, click Here. Leave a comment if you think you can come, so we can know how many to expect!!! THANKS! xoxo..

We had the privelige of photographing some incredible necklaces from the ever so talented Joy Stallard. She has her own little Etsy shop called Snazzie Drawers where she sells patterns to her lacey-feathery-one of a kind creations..She sent them to me all the way from Texas..and I have to tell you..I am soo glad I get to keep a few of them..because I just fell in love the minute I laid my hands on them..you better believe I am going to buy the patterns!!! U know I am a sucker for dress up..this shoot was over the top  fun. We used some dresses from our new store “Betroth” ( I know, I know..more info on that coming soon)..We have an amazing girl from the city named Della who sells insanely cute vintage gowns out of our studio..Delbarr, thank you for second shooting with me..and carrying all my furniture and purses…and random ropes:)A shout out to Camille Monique for doing beautiful makeup!!! Most of all… A huge thank you to Kellie and Mia for modeling for us..letting your hair down and getting a little sassy:)

-Any brides looking for custom pretty little somethings..call me. I love to bedazzle.

The boys were stylish to say the least.

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Em..Thank you for letting me stand beside you that day..and every day afterXOXO…