Vibrancy. Radiance. Intimate understanding. Sincere depths. Infinitely blessed. Humbly grateful. Resilient. Intuitively appreciative.
These are just a few adjectives and phrases that come to mind when I reflect on my pregnancy journey thus far. With just fiveish more weeks to go, I'm in this space where the emotions, the questions, the thoughts, they just don't stop. This, this is a time in my life where I am transitioning from everything I've ever been to that of a mother, yes a mother. A soul, a precious little soul, created by my husband and I will now be in this world. This, this in itself is overwhelmingly beautiful. Never in my existence did I think I would post a half-naked time capsule of myself in our bedroom, but you know what friend? Never in my life, have I felt more beautiful, more me, more connected, more meaningful, more intentional than I have in these past nine months. I've always known I wanted to be a mom in this lifetime and for the very honor, the very blessing, the humble privilege of getting to do so has enabled me to tap into gratitude, a knowing like never before. Orion Terry Smith, thank you for being the vessel in shining a light onto the miracle of pure human existence. The gratitude for your existence in now interwoven in everything I am and everything I do. I cannot wait to hold you, dear soul. For our maternity session, I knew it would take on a very personal and intimate feeling as the deepness that has been felt throughout this whole pregnancy. We decided to do an in-home session on a beautiful Sunday morning. With this, we shared some time in our very bedroom where our little lady will soon be. My sweet, sweet hubs played his ukulele on our balcony, with our kittens enjoying the sounds. Of which, this eventually moved us into our living room where he played for Orion! Photo : Alyssa Boynton Photography⠀ Make-up : Laura Messano Cover-up : PinkBlush Sign : Something Lettered Designs⠀
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These two, their love, their story, the family that surrounds them just makes my heart smile a little more every time I'm around them.
Back in the day, before ASP became my full time career, I worked for PBS and met Ryan (the incredible husband you see here). That expanded into me documenting his company events, being referred to document his dear friend's wedding, then getting asked to document the birth of their sweet, sweet daughter. That, that day, changed it all. As Mary (the incredible mom here) was being wheeled into her room, she looked at me and said, "My sister!" Yes, we are most definitely sisters! I've then went on to document her newborn pictures in their beautiful home, their holiday portraits and just this past weekend, of this past weekend was magical! I got to document them sharing their vows in front of their loved ones at the very house that was built by Ryan's grandmother and grandfather. It's was the perfect combination of wholehearted love, authenticity paired with boho glam and chic! My, what a day! Mary and Ryan, you two are family. Thank you for the honor of getting to witness, document and share such a special day with you. VENDORS: Cake : Creative Cakes in Orange Dinner : Watertable Wedding Dress : David's Bridal Ryan Tux : Nordstrom Rentals : Signature Party Rentals Backline for the Grand : Hudson Audio Works Music : Van Tuyl Music & Entertainment Lighting and Audio – Pacific Coast Entertainment Ceremony Location: Private home in Huntington Beach Reception : Water Front Weddings Florals : Flowers Etc. Weddings Oh, these two. These two. This Saturday's wedding was but a dream. I'm going to back it up for a moment to their engagement session. Within just a few clicks, I witnessed two very loud realities!
The first, these two are head-over-heels-madly-in-love-with-one another. The look, oh my the look in their eyes (can you witness it here) is fully encompassing, just the two of them, I'm-going-to-love-you-forever kinda look. The second, man do these two have style like no other. When I arrived for their wedding day, I was immediately blown away by the detail this couple brought to life! The groom, Thomas, let me tell you -- basketball cufflinks, a velvet bowtie, a printed vest and jacket, red-bottom suede shoes, a vintage lapel. The beautiful bride, Hillary, her tiny waist supported by her luscious train, the perfection of her hair and those drop earrings. And those smiles, just look at those smiles! Hillary and Thomas, I admire your love. Thank you for the sacred honor of documenting your love! It's been such an honor witnessing and helping tell this part of your story! Shout out to the AMAZING vendors : Photography : Ashley Strong Photography Wedding Planner : Just a Kiss Weddings Venue : Marbella Country Club Flowers : 800 Rose Big.com Cake : Sweet Traders Hair : Foxy Faces by Jen DJ : Makai with Vox Dj's I sat Saturday morning, just before beginning two full days of documenting, being so inspired to write and that very writing reminded me of the power of living your authentic purpose as I was there documenting the inspirational Vanessa Simpkins and 13 of her badass, entrepreneurial female clients at a mansion overlooking the magic of this raw island!
Over two days, I connected with and joyfully documented each one of these vibrant souls! I then spent the next few days diving deep into self love, writing and truly relaxing with the ocean waves as my soundtrack. My goodness, when you’re living with intention and wholehearted authenticity, anything is possible! Thank you Vanessa and all the Soul Sister Mastermind ladies for such an empowering experience! Thanks for shining your light and being you! |
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