Valentine’s Day is so much fun in our house! While we believe in celebrating the love we have for one another every day, this is a great opportunity to really go out of the way to express in tangible ways, just how you’re feeling. Notes hidden, special meals cooked, streamers and cards, flowers and surprises- you know, the things memories are made of.

Well, 4 years ago today our Valentine’s plans were “interrupted.” I’m actually not really sure that we had great plans, as I was 9 months pregnant and wanted nothing more than to sit down and kick up my feet. But nonetheless, when we went to bed on February 13, 2007 we didn’t know God was going to give us one incredible Valentine’s present in just a few short hours. The mom of 2 boys, I could hardly believe when the contractions started for my little girl on the day of love. The nurses joked, the doctors talked about her future husband’s responsibility to shower her with gifts; gifts that must cover 2 important days rolled into one and Rahul and I smiled at the beautiful irony that our little bundle of pink would arrive on a day like this…

Our little Eden Grace… she brought unspeakable joy to our hearts that  Valentine’s Day in 2007 and has continued to do so in ways we couldn’t even put into words. Her smile, her subtle dimples, the way she giggles when she’s happy and shrieks when she’s about to be tickled, the way her hair falls down into loose little curls, her twirling and dancing, her tender spirit and her silly personality. They are precious to us- each beautiful reminders of God’s hand in creating her to be unique, unlike any other little girl in the world. She is our sweet little Valentine’s treasure and today, in between the chocolates, cards and little surprises, we did a lot of celebrating- celebrating God’s gracious love in sending us first His Son and then our darling little birthday girl.

Happy 4th  Birthday Eden Grace!

Lauren and Adam were the first wedding of 2011 and after their engagement session, I could hardly contain my excitement for their big day. Not only were they incredible in front of the camera, but their love for one another is so apparent. Nothing is easier or more fun to capture than a love this precious!

Lauren began her wedding day morning at All Me Salon, at the hands of the talented Jenny Reichart. The lighting was beautiful, Lauren sparkled and sweet memories were made between her family and friends.

To keep on schedule, Lauren asked us to transport her dress and other wedding day goodies to the beautiful Palmetto Club, for some detail shots before she arrived. Now that is how you trust your photographer!! Yes, we may have driven 30 miles per hour the whole way there…

She slipped into her Lili Isaac gown with such grace.

Lauren is clearly the most reflective bride I’ve ever had the honor of photographing. It was such an honor to watch her take everything in…it was like a dream unfolding before her eyes.

I LOVE this image of Adam, that my hubby and second shooter Rahul captured. He looks equally as introspective as his bride. Certainly, it must have been running through his mind, that not only was he getting married, but in less than a week moving half way around the world with her. What an incredible adventure for this couple!

We swept the bride away for a few minutes to capture these beautiful images of her in her wedding day attire. Isn’t she lovely?!

I love that you can see the tiny buttons all the way down Lauren’s dress in this picture.

One of my favorites!

A few minutes with the handsome groom in uniform…

The first time Adam saw his gorgeous bride. You couldn’t have wiped that smile off his face…

…and could you blame him?

Isn’t the “K” in the aisle a wonderful and very personal touch? And the black chairs…perfect!

Couple time of course!

A man in uniform, kissing his new wife, with a flag in the background. Perfection!

Hands down, my favorite shot of the new Mr. and Mrs. I would blow this up in an instant for my walls!

Instead of favors for their guests, Lauren and Adam made a donation to the Air Force Aid Society and shared this thoughtful gesture with their friends and family on a bookmark that we had printed for them. What a super idea!

Love this first dance picture. I’m swooning, seriously! Ah, sweet love!

Parents of the bride, so precious the way she still looks at him with such adoration.

This image was captured during a sweet and tender presentation to the bride and groom, where the years of marriage were added up amongst family members and Lauren and Adam were challenged to use the examples of their loved ones to persevere in their commitment to one another. What a tender moment when Lauren’s mom rested her head on her father’s shoulder. It captures so much love and emotion, which is exactly how I will remember their day.