Happy. Merry. Joyful.

We love our Christmas cards this year... partly because I didn't have to make them, but mostly because we have been wanting to do our Christmas cards through Mango Ink for a long time and we finally did! If you've never checked out this awesome, boutique card company, check out their website here. Trust me, you will not regret it!

If you didn't get a Christmas card, I promise we still love you... our bank account, on the other hand, does not. ;)

We wish you all a joyful Christmas and a happy 2011!

xoxo

Jordan, Whitney, Maggie & Max

Ross + Marlene 9.12.10

If you've ever seen the movie 27 Dresses, you will remember the scene where Jane (Katherine Heigl) tells Kevin (James Marsden) that she always looks at the groom as the bride is walking down the aisle to see the look on his face. Where most people look at the bride, they both agree that the look on the groom's face tells a better story.

The way that Ross looked at Marlene on their wedding day was unlike anything I've ever seen. And it wasn't just the first time he saw her that day when she walked down the aisle; it was the whole day. There were countless pictures where Marlene was looking at the camera and smiling, and Ross was looking at her. I'm not typically a very sentimental person, but the adoration he showed for his new bride was simply beautiful. And I didn't even mention the toast Ross gave to Marlene at their reception... let's just say there were very few dry eyes in the room!

Ross and Marlene's wedding was at Elkins Resort on Priest Lake. There were so many things I loved about this wedding... how their guests all arrived on boats, the ceremony being held on a secluded beach, Marlene's gorgeous J. Crew wedding dress, the live music by Neva during the cocktail hour, the rustic elegance of the setting at Elkins, and just how intimate and personal the entire wedding was. Ross and Marlene decided they didn't want to see each other before the ceremony, so we did most of their pictures during the cocktail hour. Check out the slideshow below to see some Flat 4 favorites of Ross and Marlene's beautiful wedding!

4 Years

Four years ago today I married the coolest human I know. He also happens to be the sexiest, funniest, craziest, most patient, hardest working, most fun, down-to-earth guy out there.

These are definitely not our best wedding photos, but I like them anyway. And it was easier to post these than dig through our wedding photo disc that is still somehow not on my computer. I know, it's weird, seeing as I am a photographer and all... ;)

We are going to a little wine bar that we've been wanting to try out tonight for dinner and then we're headed out to the Coeur d'Alene Resort tomorrow to stay the night and have dinner at Beverly's! I'll be honest, we are doing a Photo Booth event for a company holiday party at the resort on Saturday night and the company offered to let us take advantage of their corporate room rate -- the rates were just too good to pass up! So we decided to make the most of it. :) We have always been more into doing a nice dinner and evening rather than getting each other gifts for our anniversary.

Jordan and I constantly talk about how many big things we have been able to do together in the last 4 years of our marriage...

YEAR 1: Bought our first house! Didn't kill each other within the first four months. ;) Got Maggie! Jordan started law school at GU.

YEAR 2: Hmmmmm... okay, maybe this wasn't a big year. We did work a TON to save up for London. :)

YEAR 3: Lived in London and traveled around Europe for 5 months! Went skydiving! Started our photography business. Got Max!

YEAR 4: Got the Photo Booth and grew our business into something! Bought our 10-acre property in Chattaroy! Didn't kill Max. ;) Jordan graduated law school AND passed the Bar Exam!

The funny part is, four years seems like a long time but doesn't seem very long all at the same time. As cheesy at it sounds, I love Jordan so much more now than I did when we got married. Without a doubt. I look forward to going home from work even when we have absolutely nothing to do that night. I love that he will let me rant and rave about things that fire me up and still love me at the end of the day. I feel blessed to have a husband who will help cook dinner, not care what I spend on clothes or coffee (which, really, is not very much), and is intentional in our marriage. After four years, I can honestly say I am more happy now than I've ever been. And the crazy part? I only see it getting better...

Snow Shoeing Adventures

I grew up snow-skiing every weekend as a kid. We were the perfect definition of "ski bums," that is, until volleyball came along. It turns out Jordan skied a lot as a kid too -- perfect, right? A couple years ago we looked into starting back up with our old hobby, but the idea died abruptly when we found out the cost of a season pass these days is more than our monthly mortgage payment. And to our dismay, our ski gear from when we were 12 wasn't really going to work out either. End of discussion.

We had been dying to get up to our property after the first big snow to see how the views looked when everything was covered in snow. We also wanted to make sure we'd be able to make it up the hill in our car, which thankfully we did! So my Mom suggested we borrow her and Dad's snow shoes...

To be honest, I wasn't too thrilled and secretly thought snow shoes were kinda dorky. Sorry, Mom. But I am pleased to announce that I was completely WRONG! Not only is snow shoeing a lot of fun, it's also a great workout and such a fun way to take advantage of being outside and actually enjoying the snow! I know, I just said "enjoying" and "snow" in the same sentence. It's a Christmas miracle...

So we bundled up, took the pups with us and hiked all around our property! Here is Max getting ready to go. :)

Jordan blazing a trail for the pups on our future driveway... I love how the pups are both looking at me for the picture. We've trained them well. ;)

Little did we know, snow shoeing is a great workout, especially when the snow is powder! We ended up shedding some layers not long after we got started...

Ummmmm... we also didn't realize how bad the powder snow would stick to the dogs! They were such troopers and were having so much fun, but the longer we went, the more snow got stuck to them. Max got it the worst! Jordan was being the responsible one trying to help him while I was screaming/laughing and taking pictures...

I'm sorry, but is that not the funniest thing you've ever seen?! Poor guy! We couldn't get the snowballs off him so we had to wait until they melted on the way home.

Since we had so much fun snow shoeing the first time, we decided to go again the following weekend. This time we brought friends! :) Nicole, Marc, Steve, and Cassie (and their pups, Wrigley and Banks) came with us.

This time around it was super sunny and clear skies so we could actually see the views. The snow was also a lot more compact so it was much easier for the pups since they could walk on top of the snow instead of falling through it!

Our future home site view... LOVE IT!

The ladies...

The gents...

One of many wipeouts! For the record, I was the only one who didn't wipeout during our trip. Just sayin'... ;)

Jordan taking a little break and checking out the view...

I think snow shoeing has become one of our favorite winter activities! Even though we've only done it twice... ha! It is such a fun way to use our property in the winter, and it is so much more affordable than skiing. You really can't beat the seclusion of being up in the mountains with no one else around you... well, unless you invite your friends. :)

FYI: You can rent snow shoes and poles for really cheap at REI if you don't have some! And a brand new set is way cheaper than you might think if you decide you like it.

I'm pretty sure snow shoes and gear got bumped up to the top of Jordan and my Christmas list this year... hint, hint. ;)

Ben + Michelle 9.4.10

I adore Leavenworth. If you haven't been there, go. If you have been there, go again. I just cannot get enough of this Bavarian town surrounded by the most magnificent mountains. It is one of Jordan and my favorite places to escape to. So when Michelle called me to photograph her and Ben's wedding and have our Photo Booth at their reception, I was thrilled!

Ben and Michelle actually live in Montana, but since their families are scattered in different cities and states, they decided to do a "mini destination wedding" in Leavenworth. They got married at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church and had their reception at the Icicle Inn. There were so many unique, memorable things about this wedding... the horse and buggy that drove Michelle and Ben from the church to their reception, Michelle being the ONLY girl in the wedding party (we had some fun with this for pictures!), the traditional Scottish toast Ben's sister gave at the reception since she's currently living in Scotland, Ben's parents sharing their anniversary with Ben and Michelle, having the guests wear our Photo Booth props all night at the reception... I could go on and on! And I didn't even mention the perfect wheat field and amazing red crates that just happened to be down the street from the church for pictures. :)

Oh yes, Ben and Michelle... we just love them. I am not exaggerating when I say that Michelle is probably the nicest person I've EVER met. And hands down the most calm bride on the planet. And Ben kept us laughing the whole day. :) They are just one of those couples consisting of two genuinely nice people. I love couples like that. And they were game for anything with pictures! I also love couples like that! Without further ado, check out the slideshow below from Ben and Michelle's beautiful wedding in Leavenworth!

As usual, the Photo Booth was a hit at the reception! CLICK HERE to see the Photo Booth pictures taken at Ben and Michelle's wedding.

Thankful

I have been bitter lately. And I know I shouldn't be. Okay, maybe "bitter" isn't the best word to use, but given the 8 inches of snow and subzero temperatures we've had this week, it just seemed appropriate. Ever since we got back from our vacation at the beginning of the month, an overwhelming amount of things just haven't gone our way... I know that's life, but sometimes it gets hard to focus on the positive things after taking so many hits in a row.

But it's Thanksgiving tomorrow, and I know I have way too many things to be thankful for. And even after all the hits and downers, at the end of the day I am still blessed beyond belief.

I love this picture. My mom took it at the lake a couple years ago and it is just so peaceful, beautiful, and authentically serene. I wanted to add it to this blog post because I am currently in a "I hate snow and want to move somewhere warm" mode... but this picture is perfect despite the snow; well, it's actually perfect because of the snow.

It makes me think of how I should be looking at things, even if those things seem negative in the moment.

I know it's cliché, but I wanted to make a list of all the things I am thankful for. It's really more for me than anyone else; I realize that. Without fail, every time I sit down and really think of everything I'm thankful for, the list goes on and on and I usually choke up at some point.

So here is the short version, off-the-top-of-my-head list. Of course I'm eternally grateful for my friends and family, so just assume that is always at the top of my list...

~ I am thankful to have a job in this economy that has so many incredible benefits. Being able to work with my Dad, having our health insurance paid for, and not getting fired when I'm late are just a few that come to mind... :)

~ I am thankful that both of our cars have 4-wheel drive! I love feeling safe when I'm on the road in this crazy weather.

~ I am thankful that Jordan doesn't think it's gross when I eat half of a pan of Rice Krispie treats in one night... and that he's sitting next to me finishing the other half. ;)

~ I am thankful that Max seems to be getting over the "chewing couches and peeing indoors" phase.

~ I am thankful that I get to spend the holidays (and every day, really) with my husband and my family. I know not everyone is so lucky.

~ I am thankful for our little house and to have a warm place to go home to. We rag on it sometimes and laugh at how small it is, but it's ours. And I love the home we've created there.

~ I am thankful for our hot tub. It might sound superficial, but we honestly sit in it almost every night and there's nothing better than getting warmed up before going to bed and spending some quality time with my hubby without interruptions.

~ I am thankful that my migraines seem to be slightly fewer and farther between lately.

~ I am thankful that my husband doesn't care that I go to Starbucks for a latte pretty much every morning and spend way more money than a 16 oz. beverage should ever cost.

~ I am thankful for all the amazing, big things we've been able to do in the short time we've been married. (Coming up on 4 years!)

I really could go on and on; big things and small things alike. I really don't know what I've done to deserve the life I've been given. But I am thankful, nonetheless.

Elf Yourself!

If you haven't figured it out already, I am a huge nerd. I've come to terms with this fact, so it's okay.

For whatever reason, I still find the whole "Elf Yourself" phenomenon really funny... I realize I among the .05% of the population who laughs at people ELFing themselves, but whatever. I will admit, it is WAY funnier to add dogs into our Elf-pack. :) You know you're curious to watch Maggie and Max dance while dressed as elves...

I'm not excited about the snow, but 'tis the season for ELVES!

Jacob + Allison 8.21.10

I have to admit, I love farm weddings. Seriously, love them. Something about them is just so relaxed, personal, and charming. Jacob and Allison's wedding was all of those things, and so much more!

They got married at Trezzi Farm at Green Bluff, which is the perfect mix between a little Italian winery and a classic Green Bluff farm. And all the DETAILS of this wedding... oh my word! Jacob and Allison had personalized cups and water bottles, fabulous summer flowers, our Photo Booth for their reception, and the most amazing coloring books as wedding favors since many of their guests were kiddos. Allison's sister owns Little Bee Coloring Books; they do personalized coloring books for weddings and events, which I thought was such a cool idea and not to mention a great way to keep kids busy during the ceremony! The illustrations were of Allison and Jacob and the details matched the wedding perfectly -- one page even had our Photo Booth on it!

Like I mentioned, the day was just so relaxed and really reflected Allison and Jacob. They did not want to see each other before the wedding and really just wanted casual, candid shots throughout the day -- so that's what we did! Allison and Jacob are both so laid-back and always smiling... seriously, always! You can just tell they are meant to be together. Oh, and a random side note, I actually worked with Allison as a hostess for about a month at Tomato Street when we were in college. We didn't really figure that out until we met up before the wedding... such a small world!

Anyway, check out the slideshow below to see some Flat 4 favorites of Jacob + Allison!

Like I mentioned, Jacob and Allison had our Photo Booth at their reception, which was definitely a hit! Click here to check out their Photo Both pictures!

I also have to give props to my awesome second shooter, Bethan Contabile, of Just a Glimpse Photography. Not only is she an incredibly talented photographer, she also happens to be my cousin. :)

McMurray Family

The McMurray family is near and dear to my heart. Aaron and Darcy have both played such a huge role in my life and their friendship means the world to me! I did photos for them last year as well -- click here to see last year's post, which has more details on how I know this beautiful family! And it's fun to see how much their four kids have grown and changed since last year. The twins, Keagan and Kinkade just turned 8, Lucia is 3 (and a half), and Emery will be two in March. The McMurray kids are just as awesome as their parents, and not surprisingly just as beautiful! Darcy has a great blog called "McMurray Mania" if you want to check out the life of the McMurrays.

We didn't have quite as much time for this year's photo session, but it was just as fun and I think we got some great shots! So check out a few Flat 4 favorites of the McMurrays!

Wideman Family

Stephanie was one of my volleyball coaches for a few years of club volleyball when I was in high school, and I always looked up to her and respected her so much. Then I was able to coach a U-14 team with her when I was in college, which was a blast! I love how Stephanie and my relationship has come full circle -- from coach-player, to coach-assistant coach, to FRIENDS! Stephanie is one of the most thoughtful people I know. She always sends me sweet messages of encouragement about my photography and life in general; and although she's a busy lady, I know she would always be there for me if I asked. One of the things I have always admired most about Stephanie is her amazing work ethic. Not only does she work full-time and have a great career, she also is a mom to two adorable kiddos, Gavin and Lexi. She makes being a career woman, a mom, and a wife look SO easy!

Stephanie recently wanted to do some family pictures, and I was so excited to spend some time with her and her adorable family! She wanted to take advantage of the fall colors in Spokane, so we did something a little out of my normal routine of locations and went to the Finch Aboretum. Check out a few Flat 4 favorites of the Wideman Family!

Stephanie also hired us/referred us for the Photo Booth for her company holiday party in December at the CDA Resort -- thank you, Steph! You are the best!!

Our Vacay!

We got back from our vacation late Saturday night and as much as there was a little added stress from getting home and having to catch up on everything, I think we finally felt rested. I don't think either of us have felt that way for a long time.

We flew into Atlanta and it was so great to finally be reunited with Bekah! Once we got settled in their cute apartment, we went out to a great restaurant bordering a huge park that has a great skyline view of the city...

Bekah and I have always been able to pick up right where we left off, no matter how long it's been since we've talked. I love it. I guess that's what happens when you've gone to pre-school through college together. :)

The main reason we went to Atlanta was so I could take Bekah and Matt's engagement pictures. We did that the next day and it was a great way to hang out and see Atlanta -- stay tuned for their AWESOME photos, coming soon! Or check out the "Sneak Peek" album on the Flat 4 Photography Facebook fan page for a preview. :)

One of the main highlights of the Atlanta trip was eating at Mary Mac's Tea Room, a famous restaurant in Atlanta known for their traditional southern cooking! If you have a minute, you've got to check out their menu... dirty good!

Just to give you an idea, my meal consisted of the best fried chicken I've ever had, whipped potatoes, macaroni & cheese, and a roll that I might trade one of our dogs for. Yummmmmmmm!!!!

On our last day in Atlanta, we went downtown and decided on a whim to ride the 80-story glass elevator to the top of the Westin to overlook the whole city. Bekah is not a huge fan of heights (okay, she HATES them!), but we all made it and it was a beautiful view. Atlanta is huge and really spread out!

It was definitely hard to say goodbye to Bekah and Matt (and their two cats, Ralph and Hank), but they are moving to Seattle soon and we are excited for them to be much closer! They were such great hosts while we were there -- thanks guys!

We flew into South Padre Island (the second leg of our trip) on Sunday night. One of Jordan's co-workers graciously let us stay in her condo for free while we were there! It was a block from the beach and gave us a great "home base," allowing us to cook some meals and just have a great place to hang out.

We didn't waste much time... day one we were out to the beach!

It was usually between 78-85 degrees most days we were there, which felt so amazing! It's hurricane season down there right now, and although we didn't experience any hurricanes or much rain, it was pretty windy most of the time. A positive side to it being hurricane season was that we pretty much had the whole island to ourselves! :)

The first day was really hard for me to wind down and just relax... I know it sounds crazy but I was having some serious anxiety at first with not having anything specific to do! Weird, I know. After the second day, I was finally able to let go and just RELAX and enjoy doing nothing, which is exactly what we needed.

A few highlights from our week in South Padre Island include:

- a lot of long walks on the beach

- sleeping in every morning and even taking some naps during the day!

- opting out of deep sea fishing (mostly because of the crazy wind) and deciding to use that money toward 90-minute massages instead :)

- being able to make our own breakfasts and lunches -- banana and Nutella pancakes and BLT with avacados for lunch... Yummmmmy!

- reading in the sun/laying in the sun/the sun in general :)

- eating at some fabulous restaurants, one of which we saw dolphins in the ocean from our table!

- enjoying many amazing sunsets

All in all, it was just good to finally let ourselves relax and be in a place that was not only warm but was "away from it all."

By the end of our trip, we were ready to come home and see the pups. The 40 degree drop in temperature wasn't that exciting, but nothing beats the feeling of being home. :)