August, you are so hot. And not in a good way. This month I’ve been enjoying air conditioning and ice cream and coconut flavored coffee syrup (for both iced coffees and in Diet Coke – yumm!!) Oh, and our baby girl turning seven months old. Duh.Little girl is loving her new view of the world as she now prefers to sit up most of the time. She also enjoys pool time and rolling away from mommy and daddy. She’s now saying “mama” but only when she’s fussy/tired and wants attention (by the way, it totally works), and has started to whisper “dada” and “th.” No sign of her wanting to use her legs yet, which I am just fine with because look at those chubby thighs!!! I don’t want them to go anywhere!!!

Hope you are all staying cool and enjoying the little things in life!

When Fr. Michel said during James & Caitlin’s ceremony, “You guys have to stay just like this, always,” laughter swept through the crowd, and I almost jumped out of my seat and shouted “YES, PLEASE!!” Almost.

And then he went on to say how everyone there at the wedding is looking to them to not only make their marriage work, but to make it beautiful because that’s what we all want most for them – a beautiful, lasting marriage. I could have gone up there and hugged him! He said some other lovely things, but my mind is foggy these days (still adjusting to motherhood) plus words were never my strong suit, but his message had me feeling all the feels.

Up-and-over dresses are simply the best.:-)

James + Caitlin – Where do I begin? Thanks for snuggling in 100 degree heat and looking flawless while doing so. Thanks for having fantastic taste (in choosing each other, and also in all of your wedding details). Thanks for having me – I was so, so honored!

I really do hope every day of your marriage is a little bit like your wedding. Maybe skip the sweltering heat, but keep at least the good humor, those infectious smiles of yours, and the love and support of close friends and family. Big hugs to you both!

It’s here!!! The wedding you’ve all been waiting for ever since Joe proposed to Brittany last year! :-) Get ready for a whole lotta beautiful glamorous-ness because their wedding was full of it! Starting with THOSE SHOES!!!!

My faaaaavorite photo when a bride gets ready is her putting on her earrings. Plus, check out Brittany’s muscles! She works out. ;-)

FIRST LOOK!!!! Another favorite. Okay, three favorites from one moment. I just can’t help myself!

Check out these bridesmaids!!! I love a pink dress, but these girls totally rocked theirs!!

First looks will never, ever ruin the excitement of that ‘walk down the aisle’ moment. In case you were wondering… :-)

Huge hugs to this wedding party for taking a few minutes from the limo for some downtown photos.

Genuine hands on a bride’s back make me melt. Every. Time.

What I love about Sioux Falls is its variety of wedding + reception venues. Icon Events is GORGEOUS, which was clearly a perfect fit for Joe + Brittany’s reception. :-)

Thanks, you two, for inviting me along on this journey of yours!! I am so happy to have gotten to know you and I look forward to seeing where life takes you! :-)