Always and Forever

One month ago today, on a rustic log bench along Lake Michigan, the love of my life handed me a rose, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. 

I did a mini-self engagement shoot this past weekend. The autumn colors are at their peak right now, and we enjoyed walking the beautiful trails.

Every day, I fall more in love with this man...

...who loves me so much more than I ever dreamed possible!

On December 31, 2012, we'll begin our new life together.

Bond Falls

Bond Falls is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! I can't believe I had never been there before, although I've driven through Paulding many times and passed the signs. There are well-kept walkways all along the falls (sadly, I missed any photos of them!) and benches at the bottom of the falls. There are several levels of the falls; pictured here are right and left shots of the lowest level.

I'm planning to return to this picturesque place! Hint: It's also a perfect, romantic spot to visit with someone special! :) 

Listening to the sky...

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above declares his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2

It was Saturday morning. I was really, really tired. I had worked 8 hours at Shopko, skipped supper, headed to the office to clean another four hours, drove home, showered, grabbed a slice of cold pizza at 1 a.m., and finally fell asleep. The kind of sleep where you can not get up, no matter how much you need to. I had forgotten to put my fresh, homemade, strawberry jam in the freezer, I hadn't packed for my trip. I had to go to work, again, and I wasn't sure if I had completed my online homework assignments for the week.
But it was Saturday morning. I didn't have to drive my sister to work. I had talked my co-worker into letting me come in at 1 p.m. instead of 10 a.m. The sun was shining. And I had a big bowl of fresh-picked strawberries.
My sister mixed up some pancake batter while I packed my suitcase. I whipped some real cream, and sliced some berries. We added some patio furniture, the clear blue sky, ice water and lemon, and a bouquet of flowers. And for 30 minutes, we enjoyed a beautiful slice of heaven.

Today, I'm thankful for small tokens of beauty and encouragement. For whispers of hope, faith and love. I'm thankful for the truth of God, and that no matter how black the darkness is, His light is brighter.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

Brooke and Jamie: Wedding

Jamie and Brooke had a lovely ceremony on a warm afternoon in May. In all the weddings I've attended and/or photographed, I have never seen a groom so in awe of his bride as Jamie was when Brooke was escorted up the aisle by her parents. 

Brooke's colors were blue and orange...an incredible combination! I especially like the table centerpieces/party favors. 

Congratulations, Jamie and Brooke! 

It's been an entire month since I blogged! It's springtime now, the snow has left the Upper Peninsula, the robins came back and the grass is actually looking green! I have three more finals over the next 6 days, then a month-a blissful month-with no classes! Yes, I still enjoy learning, I love being in school. But I have spent a lot less time doing homework this semester, less time with my camera, less time blogging...
I have spent a lot more time on the phone...more time taking rambling walks...more time discovering and enjoying a gift that took me completely by surprise.

His name is Justin.