Sunrise

In the years I've lived here, I have never watched the sun rise on Lake Michigan.

This was the day that would change.

So I left at 4:45 this morning to take the 25 minute walk to the lake front.

Here's what I witnessed









Isn't it breathtaking?


And on my walk back home, these stunning views






And then I went home and back to bed.

Because, seriously, who gets up at 4:30 to watch the sun rise?!

The Joy of Editing

This past fall, I discovered the joy of editing photographs. I love that I can take a picture that in it's original form may be good, but after some tweaking, it becomes stunning. Or dramatic. Or sentimental. Or whatever mood I want to create.

Here are some of my favorites

Wedding of Alysen & Ryan

This past week, I went home to help my sister
get ready for her wedding.
Here's what my week looked like...
{Warning: this is a long post with tons of pictures!}


The Bride & Groom




Wedding Preparation




Some of the decorations boxed up & ready to go


The favors filled with chocolate




Wedding dress & veil waiting for the big day



Vases ready to be filled with flowers


Getting our nails done





Decorating the Reception Hall


These full boxes & empty tables...

...became this






Decorating at the Church



Pew decorations


Unity Candle








Remembrance Table






The bride & the decorator (aka Aunt Sheila)


Rehearsal












Rehearsal Dinner
(Sorry, I didn't get any pictures of Ryan's family)


Parents of the bride


Sisters-in-law




Sisters


Wedding Day!


Even our dog Lola got into the spirit

Getting Ready at Home





Getting ready at the church




Running off nervous energy






The Gorgeous Flowers




Picture Time






Makeup Touch-ups




Keeping Cool & Killing Time







Reception






Congratulations, Ryan & Alysen!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,
it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,
always perseveres. Love never fails.
I Corinthians 13:4-8a