On Saturday morning, I had planned on doing an outdoor photoshoot with baby Addy Mae, but due to uncontrollable (freezing/wet weather) circumstances, we were stuck indoors. Cabe's house in Olympia turned out to be the perfect studio for a quick shoot for a very active Addy. Teresa and Addy drove up to Olympia on Friday night and had a slumber party with me, Cabe and Diggy. The plan was to work on wedding projects with Cabe, but the evening quickly turned into playtime with Addy and lots of wine and catching-up for us girls.
On a separate note - this trip to Olympia marked my FIRST time ever visiting the city of our state capitol! Yes, I've lived in Washington my entire life (minus the 4 year stint in California) and have never been to Olympia - weird, I know. I've been to our nations capitol a few times, but never to Olympia except on I-5. Cabe was gracious enough to give me a tour of her hometown and despite the HUGE snowflakes and cold temps we had a great time.
When I got the news from my dear friend Jenny that Billy and Elton were coming to Seattle on their Face 2 Face Tour, I had to take a few deep breaths and calm myself. I am a HUGE Billy and Elton fan, therefore, witnessing a performance of the two of them together is just about unblievable...in my mind. Even though the concert is still •NINE• months away, I can't stop thinking about it.
While living in LA, I had the honor (for three years) to work at Elton John's Oscar Party. The best part about it - watching Elton perform for a small crowd - his energy is amazing.
I saw Billy in concert last year when he was in Seattle and I can say with all honesty that it is in my top 3 of all concerts I've seen live - such a great Entertainer
Can't get enough of this song - Billy Joel "It's All About Soul"
A few days after purchasing my tickets, they added an second performace - definitely can't afford full price for two nights, but I'd love to go so we'll see if anything can be done to get a deal on the second show ☺
Now, that we're over halfway through the work week (wait is it Tues or Wed? honestly just had to check my outlook to double check the day), I'm finally getting to my post from this past weekend. On Sunday morning, Steve and I decided to head out on a little road trip for the day. We caught the Seattle ferry to Bremerton and then drove down to his parents property on Harstine Island. For those of you that are not familiar with Harstine Island, it's an island in the south Puget Sound across from Olympia. Ever since the Rinabarger's purchased their property on Harstine a couple of years ago, it has become their haven. One day they'll build a cabin, but for for now they have made this property their second home with their travel trailer. I love that I've married into this home away from home and look forward to the wonderful memories to be made.
pulling into Bremerton
if I said yes, we'd be moving to Harstine {full-time} tomorrow and Steve would be managing this marina at Jarrell's Cove
the thought crossed my mind to take this chair for future photoshoots - I left it where I found it
the property - peaceful
view from the beach - looking north towards Herron Island and Case Inlet
You probably wouldn't guess that these two were sisters, but they are and they adore one another. Katie's step-mom and Hayden's biological mom is my good friend and {Pi Phi} big-sis Lexi. I took photos of Hayden a few months back and Lexi immediately decided that once Katie came home for spring break from WSU that I would take photos of them together. The weather wasn't perfect {a bit chilly}, but it lasted long enough to capture some fun photos of these two.
I'm in love with this Schwinn Roadster and can think of quite a few toddlers that need one just like this! It was the perfect prop for this shoot - I wonder if tricycles as cute as this come in adult sizes?
My adorable little flower girl has the sweetest best friend any toddler could ask for - her puppy Joey. These two love each other like they've known one another for years...even though it's only been 17 months. Joey is so good to Addi and vice versa - they have a serious bond and I adore it. On Friday night I hung out with Megan, Addi and Joey for a few hours - enjoyed teriyaki and caught up on life. I just love hanging out with these girls. The lighting was not favorable so I was only able to capture a few photos but these two are my favorite.
I have quite a few posts to catch up on, but in the meantime check out my wedding photos that Shelby posted last night - I LOVE them!!! I realize Shelby and Rich don't need much introduction as their photos can tell you of their incredible abilities, but if you're looking for a wedding photographer, you should definitely reach out to them. I have so many favorites - it's going to be tough to figure out which ones to frame.
Today is my beautiful sister Megan's 24th birthday.
With Megs permission, I have included the {hilarious} maid-of-honor speech that she wrote and read for all of us during the wedding reception. Not to brag, but she was an excellent public speaker and an even better writer. Megs - THANK YOU for the love and support that you have given to Steve and I and thank you for being the best sister any woman could ask for - Love you!
I would like to start off by thanking everyone for joining us in the marriage celebration of Erin and Steve. I know that my family, as well as the Rinabargers are very much appreciative of the time and energy that you all set aside to witness this marriage. It is truly evident from the number of people here that both Erin and Steve have remarkable friends and a devoted family.
Since I am the younger sister of the bride, it is appropriate to give a congratulatory speech to both Erin and Steve. However with this opportunity, I would also like to talk about the two of them as individuals. By now, all of us should be familiar with the odd scenario that led this pair from the airport to the altar. I would like to acknowledge the circumstances that brought together these two wonderful people. We must give recognition for their similar business schedules that allowed for travel to California, the LAX security line, Steve’s un-zipped bag, Erin’s watchful eye for that un-zipped bag, Erin’s nosiness of his Washington State Drivers License and Steve’s willingness to switch seats on the Alaska Flight to sit next to a near perfect stranger…but then again, this stranger did have liquor to offer. We can only imagine the subsequent, endless, no-nonsense, presumably noisy conversation that occurred during the 2.5-hour trip between Los Angeles and Seattle. Although Erin was unlucky with her lost luggage after arriving into Seattle, I know she is only grateful for the effortless conversation that was able to continue on with Steve. My sister and Steve experienced an incredible combination of circumstances that day. May 19th 2006 proved to be a day of chance and unbeknownst to the both of them at the time, they had met their other half.
I am so happy Erin has found her match but I am also so thrilled to have found a brother. For years and years I have had an image in my mind of what makes up a brother. They are supposed to protect, push, guide, defend, understand, listen, teach and stand by you. Steve does all of these things with a sense of charm. However, like all brothers do, he still cracks jokes, teases me for my coke-bottle glasses, convinces me to shoot a rifle, forces me into freezing Lake Washington and always remains sensationally sarcastic. But all kidding aside, I have always referred to Steve as my brother. This was natural, it made sense and I felt honored to do so. Steve comes from an incredible family. Mike, Mo and Scott are truly wonderful people. Erin could not have asked for a better second family. The Rinabargers are kind-hearted, giving, confident, full of laughter, warriors, an amazing support system and they see decency in everyone. Because of this, I know Steve will always be a supportive brother and Erin’s devoted husband.
Although Erin and I are a few years apart, I have always admired her for several reasons. Erin is one of the most generous people I have ever met. She shows amazing compassion toward her friends and an honest concern for her family. One of the earliest memories I have of her kindness took place 17 years ago. I was in the first grade, and Erin in sixth grade. This was the only year we were in the same school, at the same time, together. I was celebrating my 7th birthday that day. I remember during a break from classes, Erin and her girl friends came down to the younger kids section, lifted me on the their shoulders and sang and chanted “Happy Birthday” to me as we strolled between the classroom buildings. That day, my sister left an impression on me. I was on cloud nine. She made my birthday extra special. This was a defining moment for me, and just one of the many instances that Erin would do something extraordinary for her younger sister. She also inspired me in many ways. Erin was always the leader, the athlete, the social butterfly and everyone’s friend. I followed her into ASB, played tennis, attempted basketball and soft-ball, both were short lived. I went to Washington State University, joined the same sorority and we graduated with the same degree. I always found light in what she did, which is why I followed in her footsteps. She has been my role model and given me encouragement. I could not ask for a better sister. I know Erin will make a wonderful wife to Steve. They will travel the world together, enjoy adventure, family, love and years of happiness and commitment. I am excited to see their life progress as husband and wife.
I would like to end with a few pieces of advice. Some of you may know that Erin is hooked on Discovery Health, Oxygen, TLC and other networks that discuss human abnormalities, diagnosis and lifestyles. One of these networks highlights the Duggar family. Best known for mom, Michelle, dad, Jim Bob and their 18 children. The couple has been married for 25 years and will apparently continue to have children until it is no longer possible. But as an experienced husband and father, I would like to share Jim-Bob’s tips for a happy marriage to both Erin and Steve.
Tip # 1 Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath. If you have any conflict, resolve them as quick as you can the day it happens before the sun goes down.
Tip # 2 Establish a weekly date night dedicated to going out together.
Tip # 3 The husband should cherish his wife and show her you love her by being respectful to her.
Tip #4 The husband should show his wife that he loves and cherishes by opening doors, going on dates with her, telling her love her and leaving her love notes around the house.
Tip #5 Ask your wife what home repair projects would be important to her and be sure to get them done!
Tip#6 Learn to listen to the heart of your wife and allow her to communicate her concerns and dreams with you on a daily basis.
Tip #7 Praise your wife and children 10 times more than you correct them.
Tip #8 Respect each other.
Tip # 9 Be fruitful and multiply.
Now 18 children might be a bit much for Erin and Steve, but regardless I wish you a lifetime of happiness, love for your family and a happily ever after. Congratulations!
One of the items on my wedding "to do" list was to trash my wedding dress soon after our wedding day. I learned about trash the dress photoshoots about a year ago and immediately had mixed feelings about whether or not I would do something {as crazy} like this. Mainly for the photo opportunity and the interest that Steve expressed in taking part, we went for it.
We had planned on having our wedding photographers take these shots, but due to travel arrangement we weren't able to make it happen with Shelby and Rich. Instead we {thankfully} had Steve's good friend/groomsmen Josh Becker {professional cameraman and photographer} take the photos for us. We drove on down the Honoapiilani Hwy and found a great little spot right off the road. Passersby honked and friends driving by stopped and chatted with us. The experience was awesome and I highly recommend it to any woman that isn't too concerned with the outcome of the dress. I haven't taken my dress to the dry cleaners yet, but have a feeling that the cleaning/preserving could end up costing more than the price of the dress - still deciding if I like the dress better with or without the Maui sand.
Would you trash the dress?
And one more photo that Josh took after the wedding ceremony - absolutely love this one!
Original edits done by Josh Becker - secondary editing done by me
On Saturday morning I did a photo shoot with this adorable, one-month old, baby girl - Amelia. I felt honored when her mom Karli asked if I wouldn't mind taking a few photos when she came to town - I happily obliged and met up with she and Amelia at her parents house. As you can see from the photos, Amelia was the perfect little angel.
:: Congratulations Karli and Wade on your precious new addition ::
We returned to Seattle on Tuesday evening after celebrating OUR WEDDING at the Olowalu Plantation House in Maui with over one-hundred of our friends and family. I keep reliving our ceremony and reception in my head and know in my heart that it was truly the greatest moment of my life {thus far}. Everything about the day was perfect. My bridesmaids took care of many of the last minute details and for that I am the most grateful. With each of them by my side, I was able to take a few deep breaths and cherish every moment of the afternoon. I am thankful for the support that my parents have given to Steve and I over the last few years and especially on our wedding day. I am elated to have become a part of the Rinabarger family and look forward to watching our two families grown together over the years. Our parents have both been married for 35 years and the love they share for one another is truly inspiring. We feel very fortunate to have such loving parents and without them the day would not have been possible.
I feel extremely honored to call Steve my husband. Steve is the love of my life, my best friend, and the man I had always dreamed of marrying. Fate is a crazy thing and something I never truly believed in until I met Steve in the security line at LAX and knew from that moment that he would be my husband.
Today also marks our one year anniversary of the day that Steve proposed to me in Maui - saying YES (both times) was the best decision I've ever made.
Stay tuned for many more wedding celebration posts. And be sure to check out Shelby's blog {our wonderful wedding photographer} as I know she and Rich will be posting "sneak peaks" during the days ahead.
All photos included in this post were taken by our friend Josh Becker.
