Table Seven

It is going to be a long season...

I cannot lie, I cried.  I cannot believe I forgot to tape the season opener, but I have remedied that with taping the season... Something about Oprah surprised, and sincere and the end of an era.  And the story is still unfolding...

Valia & Kosta

I am obsessed with this picture.  This picture that was taken before they were married.  This picture that is right after the parents of the bride give away, in the most traditional sense, their only child.  This picture that is pure joy and happiness and love and excitement and visual bliss makes me so very happy.

They were married July 22, at Agios Georgios in Kavouri, Athens, Greece.  There was a brief moment that I wasn't sure we would make it in time as we were in two cars, the 'following' car to be exact, and let's just say we not only were lost, but we were lost on one way streets going the wrong way when everyone else was leaving the beach... But we made it.

And It. Was. Amazing.

The bride was walked to the groom by her parents and close friends while they sang to a mandolin.  It was hot, but the weather was bearable - which is not often the case.  Not a cloud in the periwinkle blue sky.  The reception was scenic and detailed and stunning.  The Private House in Varkiza Athens -- right on the water.  The food superb, the dj so fun, my new friends totally entertaining and the bride & groom & their families exploding in happiness.  I loved that our family was a part of their special evening.

I need to learn to not take as many photos as I do but I get excited and I don't want to miss anything.  I will save you and instead, Here are a couple of highlights from the night.

 

** if you really want to see them all, hollar at me and I will send the link.

 

Kelli & Danny

It has been weeks of other people's milestones - with so many photos that I need to go through and organize that I am not even sure where to begin.  But the last week (plus) has been focused on my sweet cousin Kelli and her nuptials to Mr Danny Dinneen.  

The two met in law school, and after graduation (just after Kelli was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkins Lymphoma) the two of them moved to Houston, focused on Kelli's treatment and eventual remission and have made it their home.  Danny is a law dog and Kelli has placed her career efforts in the non profit sector fighting for a cure for her own disease and works with the LLS & Team In Training.  

They are sweet and fun and happy.  So very happy.  It was a great weekend with parties and dancing and food and cocktails and then some.  A wonderful merging of two really wonderful families (if I do say so, myself).  My wish for them is that their lives together be filled with good health, laughter & joy, unconditional love and may all that they dare to dream become a reality.  

And while the two of them are honeymooning in Hawaii for two weeks - here are some of my favorite photos from the weekend so far - I haven't finished downloading pictures from the 4 day festivities, so it is just a taste. 

the lovelies kristen & izzy

 I recently snapped some bridal portraits for the lovely Kristen Olson, who was married this past weekend.  Instead of bouquets and traditional photographs, Kristen wanted her precious Miss Izzy as her prop.  Funny thing about dogs plus brides plus photographs plus wide open spaces is that there is so much more to look at than just the camera.  It made for a fun afternoon.  The bride, calm and beautiful, the dog active and fun and the couple, very happy.  Congratulations Kristen, Joe & Miss Izzy - may your lives be filled with more than you could ever imagine!

       

 ps - my mad skills are totally out for hire.