Look How Far We’ve Come….
I took back roads home tonight. A beautiful night, the sky deep and dark, the air cool and still… music playing. Gungor’s ‘Beautiful Things’ came on… the windows were down… and I have this habit of singing really, kind of, sort of… loud. ‘You make beautiful things, You make beautiful out of us…” and my mind went to how far God has brought me in the last year.
There’s so much… maybe not much compared to some things, but He has accomplished so many small (and large) things in my life… He is always faithful. Answering prayers that never really got prayed for, and, in some cases, NOT answering some of the prayers that were prayed (or, choosing to answer me in a different way than I saw fit)
I could list so many little victories in my life, my heart… growth spiritually and mentally, ways He’s stretched me and blessed me, but one of the true realizations came to me when I met with an amazing couple the other night to discuss their upcoming wedding. (Shout out to Kelly & Jameson!! I’m so excited to for your wedding!) They said some really sweet and encouraging things, things I truly was blessed to hear… and it just plain encouraged me.
Don’t get me wrong. Seeing all this growth is making it painfully obvious how far I still have to go. God has been revealing so much to me, the state of my heart, the reasoning behind my prayers (does anyone else ever try ‘reverse physcology’ on God?! Because I’ve had to check my words sometimes… EMILY!!! SERIOUSLY?! Did you just try and trick the Creator of the Universe with your silly mind games?!!?!) There are some aspects that come easier. I’ve always had a heart for the musical side of worship… but I’ve always struggled with prayer. I’ve definitely noticed my prayer life has grown- but I also realize how little I truly comprehend on the true heart of prayer, and praying for others.
And I stink at reading my Bible on a regular basis. Lets just put that out there. I’ve shared before how, for a little while, it’ll be amazing, I’ll be reading regularly, getting so much out of it, my attitude will be better, my thoughts and prayers more aligned with how I believe Christ would want them… but then, I’ll just hit a brick wall.. its so incredibly frustrating. I’ve come to realize I’m a small dose studier. (For now at least- God can work miracles, so, He’s free to make me a major Bible scholar anytime He chooses…) I’ve taken to writing verses on cards and scraps of paper… my bathroom is plastered with them, they’re in my car, by my sink, on my microwave. I jot down verses that speak to my heart in the front of my journal…
I’m starting out small and seeing where God takes me… as with most things in life… but I just wanted Him, (and you all) to know how incredibly thankful I am. I know I don’t have to write it here for Him to know, but it feels like something I should shout from the rooftops all day long… I’m not really one for shouting, so, I’ll do it in my own quiet way…
EmilyOh! Headband Giveaway!
My beautiful and lovely friend Emma K is hosting a giveaway for an EmilyOh! Headband over at her blog… visit and give us some love for a chance to win!
This is the headband that’s up for grabs:
Pretty Brunch Photos
Just a few pretty photos I took on the point and shoot from an impromptu brunch this past weekend…
Eat.Drink&Be Merry: Part III, The Details
So, the whole idea of the this party started on the fact that me and Hannah:
Eat. Drink&Be Merry: Part I, The Portraits
Good friends, good food, good times… a picture is worth a thousand words, no? (please note that I am barefoot in half of these photos, using the self-timer + running in heels=hazardous to Emily’s safety)
Personal Session Preview: Leanne
I spent my Saturday morning and early afternoon photographing the gorgeous Leanne. We met up at 8am in an attempt to beat the heat.
I was super excited to shoot for her- Leanne’s house is absolutely gorgeous and fabulous- she has impeccable taste, plus, she adores Anthropologie (we’re making a date to shop soon!) so, we’re friends right off the bat. We had all sorts of ideas, she had all kinds of beautiful outfits chosen, plus she plays the cello (she played me a song and I almost cried- I told her I was going to hire her to sit in my house and play cello for me all day)
Not only is she gorgeous… She’s an amazing person. We’ve spent some time talking and getting to know each other better these past few weeks (I’m also blessed to have her in my quad) and its been amazing getting to know her heart and the way she loves Christ.
Without further ado… Leanne:
Photos
I have a shoot at 8am tomorrow- so, by all logical reasoning I should have been asleep a long time ago- but…. I’m not.
Happy Birthday
…to my big brother…
Through life you have been my tormentor, my playmate (as long as we were playing outside, with guns or Lego’s…and occasionally dress-up) my ride everywhere when we were in jr. high/high school, my concert date/buddy when I was in college, and now, my go to for questions, about God, life, money, business, music, and guys.
You’re always an example, of steadfastness, patience, and godliness… and even when I act like you embarrass me- always know that I am completely and utterly proud of, and thankful for you.
Love you big brother!
The Weekend…
Listened to Arcade Fire’s ‘The Suburbs’ all weekend long in the car. Really solid album… I remember playing their album ‘Funeral’ for a couple of my friends when it first came out years ago… they looked at me and said: “Who is this? They’re weird.” But I knew they were going to stick around…
Shot some photos with my sister tonight after a long afternoon nap…
Preview: Trowbridge Family Session
Okay- part II of Michelle and Justin’s wedding will be up tomorrow… promise. To make up for it, here’s a couple shots from the family session I shot tonight in Yellow Springs…
Meet the good looking Trowbridge family:
Wedding ‘Tease’
Here’s just a couple more from Michelle and Justin’s June wedding… full blog post coming soon… I promise. The photos are almost completely done and getting ready to be shipped to Michelle and Justin….I always get nervous before sending the final product out- but that’s part of the fun, right?
I have a ridiculous obsession with softly focused shots- for some reason they just grab me- there’s a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance… its more like a piece of artwork than a crisp, sharp realistic photograph….
….and I adore the serene look on Michelle’s face here… gorgeous.
Parties and Such
My friend Andres asked for my assistance in planning a surprise birthday party for his lovely wife (and my friend) Allison this past Friday night- I accepted of course.
Andres ordered a gorgeous cake from Ele Cake Company in Dayton, and I put together a few decorations and sent out the invites…Allison was tricked into coming to a ‘movie’ night at my place. (Which, she totally believed as I have people over fairly often)
I’ve decided I really love decorating and throwing parties. If you need any assistance with this type of thing, let me know!
The gorgeous cake.
paper good details…
Call me weird- but I was super excited when I found polka-dot streamers. So cute. The tissue pom-poms were from a shower I decorated for earlier this year. They just happened to go with the colors on the cake.
All my glassware is thrifted, along with the drink dispenser that my mom found earlier this week… I may have to steal it from her. The candle holders are from Ikea.
I cut the Happy Birthday letters from a catalog and stapled them to some twine
Helium balloons were a hit for the kids and adults alike.(which is good, I don’t have a lot of children that frequent my apartment, so I don’t really have a stash of toys for them to play with.)
Oh- hey, I still take pictures and play dress up…
Yeah- mostly, the dress-up takes place over at the Tumblr nowadays… but the lovely Miss Kara featured me on round two of her ‘Fashion Faux Pas’ feature… you may remember round one? (that was back when I was a redhead!) I was excited that she asked me to participate again. I chose the faux pas ‘White after Labor Day’ (does ANYONE really adheare to that any more!?) I am not one for packing away ’seasonal’ items… yeah. Right. I’m a firm believer that white looks pretty in any season…. so I thought I’d give you a heads up in case you wanted to check out the feature- and if you’re into pretty things and sweet photography just check out Kara’s blog in general- I recommend!
I’m sporting a thrifted dress that I hacked off, tights from who knows where, Chinese Laundry boots, a Forever21 cardi, H&M earrings, a cowl scarf from Etsy, and one of my very own EmilyOH! headbands.
Wedding: Robin&Philip- Part III
Showing off the adorable shoes!
Directly after the ceremony, we snuck outside to shoot a few shots with the beautiful sunset….
We all know I love me some sun-flare
So excited for Robin and Philip to look through their photos- this wedding was definitely a highlight of my year!
Wedding: Robin&Philip-Part II
Sometimes shooting the groomsmen is the hardest/most fun part of the day. Hard- because I’m not a guy and I have to keep them on task- and fun, because I’m not a guy and they are usually sort of crazy and ridiculous.
All I had to do was mention: ‘model’ and this is what I got….
Handsome groom
Love this one
and then… the groomsmen asked if they could pick up Philip- “sure” I replied, and Philip seemed to agree…. so, they picked him up. And then? They….dropped. Him. On. The. Ground. I didn’t know whether to laugh or gasp. Philip was a great sport- after a brush off and laugh we were set to proceed with photos….
Robin and Philip decided on doing a ‘First Look’ and take all their photos pre-wedding ceremony. I love shooting this way- because it always allows plenty of time for shooting, and lets the bridal party proceed to the reception quickly after the ceremony!
First sight…
then we snuck off to get a few bride and groom photos sans bridal party….
Into the car and onto the ceremony!
Wedding: Robin and Philip- Part I
My lovely friends Robin and Philip said ‘I do’ in June. I was super excited to share their day with them…. from the delicious cupcakes at the reception to taking photos with our Team 1 band members, to bridesmaid dance parties and photos with Robin and Philip at sunset- it was a beautiful day. Enjoy!
From the rehearsal:
…wedding day:
Robin made a bunch of cake-plates with vintage cups and plates to serve goodies on at the reception! (like I did here) Such a great idea.
Yum…and that’s the best I’ve seen the Missions Cafe at Apex… that’s all I have to say about that….
So delicious- plus, check out their ‘logo’…. creative!
Robin is known for her fabulous shoes…. these did not dissapoint.
Is Robin GORGEOUS or what?! Seriously, beautiful lady.
So many smiles- so many wonderful ladies!
Future of Forestry
Last Wednesday I went with some friends to see Future of Forestry in Columbus while they were on their Travel tour…. (I highly recommend Travel I, II & III) I was able to pick up Travel III while at the show…and that’s pretty much what I was listening to all last week in the car.
Here are a few blurry shots from my point-and-shoot, if you want to see some better ones- head over to my friends flickr & check them out. (they are way better than mine) I’m not really one for toting around my camera/gear at a show… I know- what’s wrong with me?
The drummer/computer techie/ bassist/ guy who played every instrument played a toy piano at one point (and a trombone) and I took some video of it, however, I filmed it….sideways. Because I’m awesome like that….so, I’ll have to figure out how to rotate it so I can post it.
Recap: the FOURTH of July
The morning was spent at Apex playing for both gatherings, the evening included a cookout and swimming at my parents- then Yellowsprings for fireworks….um, and this time? We had an ABUNDANCE of sparklers!
my mom made a ‘Patriotic Pudding’- and she proceeded to call it that the whole night
it was a group of old friends and new friends….
and Joe.
we had to flag down a few more of our friends…. this did the trick
K for Kari
…infinity….
K for Kim
cuties
I believe that I was threatened with blackmail if I posted this photo online…..but I had to show proof that he really hung out with us
Joe and his jorts…..
Recap: The 3rd of July
I spent the 3rd of July down at Riverscape with my new house church family (they’re an amazing bunch! I’ve been blessed these past few weeks with all the new friendships I’ve formed) and we celebrated with sparklers and the downtown fireworks….
Its too bad I only brought one box of sparklers- we ran out way too fast….but we had fun while they lasted!
These girls are amazing…and of course- beautiful. Obvi.
thanks to whichever lady shot this of me and my sister- check out how pale I am! I’ve even been in the sun, and only I’ve only used SPF 15 so far this year (as opposed to the usual 30+ I’m accustomed too!)
I like to take photos of the fireworks out of focus on purpose.
Thru the Years…
Photos from top to bottom, left to right: 1. My sister and me acting like we’re super cool on the sidewalk of the drugstore, maybe 7 or 8 years ago? 2. A group of us on our way to see a band play at the State theater in downtown Springfield 3. Me right after I chopped off all my own hair in… 2003? 2004? 4. My sisters and I on our way to Greenville, Illinois to visit our friend Dustin at his college 5. Me and my beautiful friend Danielle at a TLW dinner our youth group hosted 6. Playing in puddles and taking photos with my sister- right after we got our first point and shoot cameras 7. We took photos at my brothers house for a Father’s Day gift for my dad one year 8. Me and my friend Amber at a Lovedrug show at MadHatter (good show, front row!) 9. Me and the sisters on the beach in Florida when we drove down to hang with Dustin and his family
Its strange to go back thru the years… looking at photos, reading old journals- remembering past memories… I can remember the moments that went with all these photos… just like a song can trigger a memory, or how when I read a paragraph in an old journal, riddled with angst and heartbreak, or giddy teenager-ness, I’m instantly transported back.
I’ve changed so much over the years… and, then again, not so much. My sisters still claim the best friend roles in my life…. I’m still generally quiet… I still wear huge sunglasses (they’re actually getting BIGGER if you can believe it) but so much has changed. I’ve seen God’s hand in my life so much over the past year. Its been amazing.
1. The day I played with the Apex band for the first time at Cedarville U(I remember the days and times that go with these outfit posts… its sort of weird) 2. My 21st birthday- spent at the Cheesecake factory with a great bunch of girls 3. An outfit worn to school at SCC 4. Attempting to be cool in a self portrait- check out the black hair and solemn look- BAND PHOTO!! 5. An outfit shot taken during my 1 and only photography class. That’s a legit 35mm around my neck. How I loved that class 6. I chopped my bangs off good. 7. Self portrait after shooting my first EVER wedding!! (Joel & Kari’s!) 8. Bringing home my FIT- the pretty little Darcy who has accompanied me on so many journeys thus far 9. Spending New years of 2008/2009 alone at my parents with my sister
Its just sort of weird, and sort of comforting to look back and see all that I’ve trekked through. To see myself transform from a self-professed ‘hermit’ to the crazy life I have currently… to see the friends that have come and gone, and more importantly, the ones who have stayed and grown with me. The journeys I’ve taken, international missions to cross country road trips, from a church where I spent my teenage years, to the family I have now at Apex…
1. Playing around with external flash on my camera 2. Road trip with my sister 3. Getting ready to shoot a wedding at my first apartment 4. Portraits my beautiful friend Kim shot of me 5. Old school- in Guatemala 6. Summer camp forever ago 7. Red hair this past year 8. A happy weekend this year 9. A self portrait in my current apartment
From the shy and completely awkward teenager I was- always second guessing myself and feeling like the odd-one-out, to a woman who is learning to be open and trusting and confident in who God has made her to be… life is kind of crazy… and while there are many things I would say I wish I could change about myself, who I am, where I am… I’m learning to be content with where God has me…. right here, right now.
Wedding Preview: Michelle&Justin & I got to ATTEND a wedding too….
On Saturday morning I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful wedding out in the country. A beautiful couple with adorable smiles, Michelle and Justin were a great couple to photograph. Michelle’s dress was GORGEOUS and Justin wore Chucks & I was happy.
One of my favorite moments was when one of the grandparents wanted a photo with them and saw Justin’s sneakers and asked if they should just take a photo from the waist up, then, realized he was wearing them for the ceremony! Great. I love grandparents.
More to come of course…
…and Sunday evening I had the joy of attending a wedding where I didn’t have to lug a heavy camera and lens bag around. I wore heels, a fancy dress, and got to sit during the ceremony…. although, come to think of it, I ended up taking a LOT of photos…but, I mean, they were with disposable cameras, so, it doesn’t really count, right? My table at the reception sort of borrowed a lot of the cameras (in our defense, the other guests just weren’t putting them to use!) and did a few impromptu photoshoots with them. Allison & Andres… you will have LOTS of memories…of our particular table.
But seriously, Allison’s dress was, again, GORGEOUS… it was a weekend of beautiful dresses. They were adorable during the ceremony, giggling and so happy.
And when the photographers came around to all the tables to photograph couples, I posed with my purse- I mean, since I didn’t have a date….that’s how I roll.
Heels! (um…and the bottom of my feet are totally bruised today. I don’t think I’m cut out for fancy shoes?)
Andres’ face when Allison came down the aisle. Priceless. Its one of my most favorite moments of wedding ceremonies- watching the groom.
Sunset….
Sisters! (Kari went with me to the photobooth so I wouldn’t have to take photos by myself- that’s a true friend)
What then ensued can only be labeled ’silliness’ and ‘fun-with-as-many-disposable-cameras-as-we-could-get-our-hands-on’… I snapped a few with my digital camera so I would have the memories as well….
Pretty, pretty Allison following the bouquet toss- she looks like a movie star…gorgeous!
BFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFs……
I love the fact that my sisters think I’m hilarious. (and, I mean, I am, right? They don’t just ‘think’ so)
I hope that they know they can always come to me with anything and I will always love them.
I love that we can all three hang out in sweatpants and ratty hoodies, but we also all love to wear our fancy sunnies and earrings and frilly clothes from Forever21. Either way, its good.
I love that even though we’ve put each other through a lot of different crap- we’re still close, and hopefully always will be.
When they’re hurting, it breaks my heart and I want to be the big sister and fix everything, even though I have no clue where to start.
When I don’t see them for more than a week at a time, it feels like something is missing.
I love how we can finish each others sentences, or how we’ll say the exact same thing at the exact same moment.
I love the fact that I have built in best friends. Always.
I hope I’m everything I need to be in an older sister. I wish I prayed for them more, I wish I had more experience in a lot of situations so I could give them sage advice. I hope I don’t come off bossy and know-it-all. I hope I’m a good example.
I love you two. A whole lot.
Innocence
Job 11-
“If only you would prepare your heart
and lift up your hands to him in prayer!
Get rid of your sins,
and leave all iniquity behind you.
Then your face will brighten with innocence.
You will be strong and free of fear.
You will forget your misery;
it will be like water flowing away.
Your life will be brighter than the noonday.
Even darkness will be as bright as morning.
Having hope will give you courage.
You will be protected and will rest in safety.
You will lie down unafraid,
and many will look to you for help.