Merry Early Christmas~

There are times in my life when I have to take a deep breath and stop... stop for just a moment to remember how lucky I am. How lucky I am to have a beautiful, warm home... in the heart of a quiet little town in Germany! To have two crazy, lovable dogs who miss me, even when I only go two feet outside to our mailbox. To have friends who still write, email and phone, even though I am a half a world apart. And a man who loves me with all his heart and soul.... THAT'S the BEST one of them all!!!!!

Today we traveled by train (for the first time ever~) to Stuttgart, where our new baby was waiting to come home. I call her SIDA 2, because there was already a SIDA 1 and... well, because I can! :) Inside joke~
She is obsidian black with ash/ white leather interior. Smells like a dream and rides like its in the clouds. Or maybe that's just how I am feeling today was in the clouds. Complete heaven, I swear I saw God on that showroom floor! Ive never seen anything like it. 25 people on a bus, touring the actual plant that they are built at right here in Germany. VIP lunch to follow, complete with "white glove" treatment when they present you with the marvelous piece of machinery. Now THAT'S the way to feel when you purchase a car.

They line them up side by side and call your name. Present you with your keys, and walk you through all the options of your new car. I cried... I mean literally cried. I think the guy thought I was a bit nuts. But that's OK because today I could give a damn. Today my baby and I picked up my new car and she is amazing! I have never had anything so beautiful that I can call mine. Anything that is material that is. My hubby is beautiful, amazing, gorgeous and all those other great things... let's not forget that. And he married me!!!! Am I not the luckiest girl ever???!!!???

I thank you baby... for giving me a life I only dreamed of. For making every wish I ever have always come true. And, for choosing me... again and again and again. I am the luckiest woman ever! And I love you to pieces~

Here she is... presenting SIDA 2~

The Chritskindl Markets of Germany~

In Germany, Christmas time is HUGE! The people brave 25* temps., snow included, to walk the streets of countryside villages in search of that perfect Christmas item... or a warm glass of Gluhwein, a very warm, very potent Germany hot wine. They drink it like its koolaid, and is it ever yummy!!!
This weekend we ventured out to Nuremberg, Germany for one of the larger Markets. We met up with friends Wes and Gabby who happen to be friends of Erics from some 20 years ago! Wes and Eric were stationed here in Germany together way back when... found one another on facebook and was given the chance to hook up once again. They were wonderfully gracious hosts, and wow... can gabby cook! :)
We walked the cobblestone streets, drinking Gluhwein, eating bratwurst and listening to the music that filled the crisp air. It was wonderful!!!
And as the weekend came to a close, Eric and I headed home where we were greeted by the seasons first snow fall. The streets were pure white with tree lined roads dusted with white powder. Looks like it could be my first ever white Christmas!
Here are a few images from our wonderful weekend~

A Home Coming~

After many weeks off, settling my own family into our new lives here in Germany... tonight the camera came out to work. Well, it didn't really feel like work, as I was honored to be in attendance at the Home Coming of the 8th Medical Logistics Battalion, and the 64th Veterinary Detachment.
It was amazing! At 11:45pm the air was crisp, with temperatures in the low 30's... but the moral and the enthusiasm was enormously high in the gymnasium on base as families filled the floor to welcome their loved ones home. I stood there in silence, as I imagined how I would feel if it were me. After a long 12 month separation from everything on this earth that I love... how would I be feeling. The tears came, as if I were a part of this big family that I don't even know. Children cheered, parents welled with pride, wives and husbands cried. I loved it!
I thank you Col. and Mrs. Jordan, for asking me to be here and for welcoming me with open arms to my new family and my new home. I will forever be grateful.
Now here are some images from my night~

WELCOME HOME TROOPS!!!!!

Chocolates and Shoes~

On this day of remembrance, as we are reminded of the sacrifices of those who have come before us, and those who serve now... this Veterans Day was a day off for my hubby, so we took the USO bus out of town to relax, and enjoy some much needed time together doing something fun. What could ever be more fun than shoes shopping while enjoying chocolate??? I think there should be a law against this much pleasure~

We headed out, 43 on the bus, to a little town called Pirmasens, where the WAWI Chocolate factory was awaiting our arrival. After a wonderful tour of the plant... we planted ourselves in a cafe chair and devoured liquor truffles and a smooth cappuccino. Can you say heaven! With a grand sugar high we all headed back on the bus to our next destination, the city of Hauenstein, where we toured the factory of Joseph Seibel... the European comfort shoe. Again, we chose to leave the nice cameras at home only to be extremely frustrated at all the great photo opportunities that we missed along the way. Note to self: No more cameras left on the table!!!

2 pairs of new shoes for Eric, none for me? Is that possible??? I never thought I would see the day surely. But I did find out about the Chuck Taylor Converse Foto tour hitting Hauenstein Nov. 21. Don't you know we will be here, Converse in hand (or should I say on toe) and camera in the other. Great fun!

A cafe lunch, more shopping and a short bus ride home... where we made new friends from, of all places, San Antonio (its crazy to travel half way around the world to run into a family that you probably lived right down the street from?) and savored more of our Amaretto, Tiramisu, and Cappuccino truffles-shaped like little cups! Yummy! No shoe picks, but I broke out the camera and shot a few of our sugar delights...

It's our Anniversary~

With 2 years worth of weddings under our belt, my husband and I are excited to be celebrating our own Anniversary.
3 years ago today, Eric and I said our vows in downtown San Antonio, Texas in a ceremony of just us two at the county courthouse. It was one of those military things... where you rush off to tie the knot because Uncle Sam has your butt in a sling waiting and wondering just how long you're going to have to pull a real wedding off. For me, at 40, it was not such a huge thing to have that gala affair. But now, after 44 weddings photographed, it seems like Eric and I robbed ourselves of that big bash. When friends and family come together to celebrate your new union.

As we plan an evening out for an intimate dinner with the play "The Full Monty" to follow, we talk of our plans for that event, here, in Europe. The church, the designer dress, the flowers from Holland, the food and the wine, in front of God... our friends and Lord willing, some family willing to make the trip, we hold fast to our dream of a that wedding after all come May 22, 2010 in Germany. My partner in crime, Mrs. Shelia Stone will serve as my best girl... and the oh-so-talented Clayton Austin will be capturing the event with his incredible vintage style photography. We are so thrilled!

Thank you Eric for being the man I waited 40 years for. For being that strength that never stops amazing me on a daily basis. For never giving up on me, on us... no matter what life (or the military) throws our way. For making all my dreams come true and for being a better man than I deserve. I love you, and I want the world to know it!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABY~
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P.S. Did I mention the beautiful 6 place serving set of Wedgwood "Golden Bird" China, and Sheffield Silver flatware set I received, straight from England? WOW! Do you spoil me~

Shanon & Brant= Married~

It seems like forever since my last wedding, I know the waiting has been hard for my couple Shanon & Brant... but they are amazing in so many ways. They were my very last couple to be photographed in the states prior to my departure to Europe back in September, and they, as well as I, have been waiting for what has seemed like an eternity for my MAC to arrive and my editing to be underway.

Well, on Thursday it arrived. Safe and sound in its huge box packed tightly with more packing paper than imaginable. I have been sitting on pins and needles waiting to get their images off my flash cards and onto a disk so I can ship it back to the states for all to enjoy. As I go through the images I was reminded of why I loved shooting weddings so very much... all that love and raw emotion. All the build up to that very moment when two people say "I do". It still to this day gives me chills.

Thank you- thank you- thank you Shanon & Brant for your patience and friendship. It was a pleasure working with you and to be a part of such a special day... from your engagement shoot(s), to your big day, I've had a wonderful time.

Here is a little preview of what is coming. I hope you enjoy~