Spring has come

"When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,

And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again."

-Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Springs arrival always seems the sweetest following a long hard winter. This winter wasn't difficult in a absolutely freezing all the way down to my spleen way, but more so in the snow after snow after snow storm way. Then seemingly endless white has broken to blue skies with marshmallow clouds, sprouts of green growth, longer days, and rising temperatures! It's glorious!

The spring flowers I bought almost two weeks ago are still living happily on my windowsill (talk about a worth while purchase!) They have a couple new friends in the sweet potato vines beside them. I felt like I was doing a fourth grade science project, but it turns out I don't have the greenest thumb so I wanted "life" without having to take care of the plant too much. Sweet potatoes in mason jars are right up my alley! 

I am in love with my mini yellow pot I found in the dollar spot at Target. Its going to grow the most adorable mini sunflower (if I can keep it alive, that is).

Bluejay and I live in a tiny two bedroom apartment with lots of classic charm. We spend the most of our time in our movie room/guest room, but it was so boringly decorated! I needed a change. One day when Bluejay was playing a video game called Boarderlands, I was inspired to grab some scrapbook paper and ribbon and add some color with some simple bunting. I like the way it turned out! Makes if feel so much happier and colorful in there! Bluejay thought it looked a little "girly" until I pointed out that there is bunting all over his video game! This next photo is neither pretty nor my photography, but I wanted to prove my point that bunting isn't too girly if you have a a big muscle guy with a huge gun in front of it. He happily agreed.

Back to the pretty, please!

Coffee Dates

If we weren't playing Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride at the kitchen table, we were probably sitting outside a café. My mom and sister and I love LOVE coffee. Especially if it involves drinking it from a ceramic mug while sitting outside. I'd say a majority of the "tan" I brought home, I got while sitting at a coffee shop! I love that most of our lattés were decorated with lovely latte art. But the best part of our coffee dates was the long chats and many giggles!

Yes, that is a swan in the froth!

Redlands, Ca Orange Groves

Redlands, Ca has been known for it's scenic landscape views and row after row of luscious orange groves for years! I discovered my love for this place two years ago when my parents moved there. Bluejay and I joke that we have a vacation home in Southern California because of how often we like to visit. We stopped at my favorite grove in hopes of catching some beautiful shots of the Orange trees and snow capped mountains in the distance, but the peaks were covered by clouds. It must have been snowing up there. So, instead, my sister and I did a mini photo shoot amongst the trees.

Meet Stacey. Many of my brides and grooms will know her so much better after this year because she will be my second shooter for their weddings! I'm so excited! Stacey is so artistic and will bring a fresh perspective. She is always laughing or telling a joke; she's one of the most full of joy people I have ever met. She is a beautiful graphic designer. She is actually  in the process of starting a freelance graphic design company called Plaid Poppy. We'll work hand in hand and soon be offering custom wedding invitations, wedding websites, and photo albums. I'll keep you posted on her website and information! In the meantime, meet my adorable sister!

She took some photos of me. While, true to the nature of most photographers, I'd prefer be BEHIND the camera rather that in FRONT of the camera, I really like these photos! It's actually fun to have photographic proof I was apart of the trip instead of knowing I'm the one taking the photos.