Stepping Out

I have always loved photography. I remember growing up and literally carrying my camera with me everywhere I'd go. My poor friends from back home in Union City, PA sat through countless hours of me showing them TONS of pictures, either from a trip I'd been on or random experiences. I grew to love it because of my older brother Jeff, who is an amazing photographer who works solely with film and has never used Photoshop or any program to edit photos. Please take a look at his site :) 

Anyways, I look back over the past few years and something switched in me when I moved to Colorado Springs. I don't know why, but I completely abandoned my desire and gift of photography. However, lately my desire to experiment and take pictures again has resurfaced within me. 

Last week James and I had dinner with our good friends Brian and Hannah Brooks. If you all don't know, Hannah is an incredibly gifted photographer, who is also extremely selfless and generous. After talking with her about my desire to take pictures again, she invited me to join her while she photographed a wedding this past weekend for Tarah Caldwell and Drew MacAlmon. I was really hesitant and nervous because it meant actually stepping out and embracing something that I've let go, but I took her up on her invite...and had an awesome time! I'm so thankful to Hannah for opening up her job to provide me the opportunity to exercise this love of my heart. If you haven't already become an Audrey Hannah Photo fan...now is the time. 

I've posted some of my favorite shots I took from Tarah and Drew's big day. Please let me know what you think :)

Martin-Schaefer Thanksgiving Day 2- SEATTLE!

Going into Seattle was such a great time. I've always dreamed of seeing the Pike's Place Market and going to the very first Starbucks (really the Starbucks part was a monumental experience). It was amazing to see the men in the fish market throw the fish...etc. There was so much to see and do! I also saw the restaurant where Tom Hanks filmed a scene from Sleepless in Seattle :)

After our time in Seattle we all headed to the great IKEA!! Where we dreamed and found a lot of things we "needed" to buy. It's amazing how much you suddenly realize you "need" when you're in a store like IKEA. After our excursion to the city we met up with our friends Sara and Scott Gause for a great dinner. Can't complain at all about this trip...except that we're missing all of the snow Colorado Springs is getting. I'm sad about that. Overall, our time here in Tacoma has been wonderful and we love spending time with the Schaefers.

Martin-Schaefer Thanksgiving Day 1

James and I arrived in Seattle/Tacoma, Washington late Thursday night to a smiling and very welcoming friend, Cameron Schaefer. It has been such a great time reconnecting and catching up with the Schaefer's at our 2nd annual Thanksgiving Celebration. Their sweet baby Malone has grown considerably since we last saw her and she is such a delight. 

Yesterday we had Thanksgiving dinner and once again Marelize surpassed our expectations with nothing less than a feast. We had awesome turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing and green bean casserole. Followed later by great conversations, naps and pies for dessert. It has been a refreshing and relaxing time here with the Schaefers and we are sooo thankful for great friends. 

We're heading in to explore Seattle and experience the city life there. I'm so excited because I've never been to Seattle and have always wanted to go. One of my all time favorite movies is Sleepless in Seattle. I love it when Annie goes and watches Sam play with Jonah on the beach...with a wink and a smile :)