Before we get into the images, I have some BIG news that I must tell you all! My fabulous husband and best friend in the whole world, Michael, has become my photographic partner in crime (literally- but more on that later!) That’s right folks; we are now a husband and wife team! Michael had assisted me on some shoots in the past and I noticed that he had an eye for composition immediately. He just SEES things- he can see things from different angles that I might have missed if he were not there. I knew he was talented, and I told everyone that he was holding out on me.

We had just talked about becoming partners in the past year, and finally I decided to put a camera in his hand and let him fire away. I loved the results. Seriously guys, he could definitely give me a run on some of the stuff he shot!
So, Michael and I will now be shooting most weddings and portraits together. I am so excited to be able to show you both of our perspectives from shooting. This is such a huge thing for both of us, and we are so excited to see what the Lord brings to our lives and through our business as we make this transition to the next chapter. I love you, Michael.

Now, onto the real reason for this blog post. Dan and Rachelle are two of our very best friends. We go WAY back to when we first met at our old apartment complex in Tallahassee, when we lived in the building right next door to each other. Michael was outside one afternoon walking our dog, and Dan was also out walking their dog. Our dogs hit it off (haha!) and Michael and Dan stood talking for over an hour. Dan invited us to their church and at first, I am ashamed to admit it; but Michael and I had both been struggling spiritually with different things in our life and questioning our faith. We had been trying out different churches in the area, but never did we find one that we felt we were really comfortable in. That Sunday, we decided to go with Dan and Rachelle to church.

I remember that day very well. Pastor Ray seemed to speak directly to us and our struggles, and that day, the Lord burdened my heart so much that I could almost not bear it. During invitation, I began to cry almost uncontrollably. Rachelle and I had become friends; but that day, she reached over and grabbed my hand, and we went up to the front of the church together. I was finally able to let go of all the hurt and feelings of insecurity that I had been holding onto for so long. Rachelle, I don’t know if I ever thanked you for that. God sent you both into our lives right when we needed it. I have come to realize that His timing is absolutely perfect, and that His blessings just continue to flow down. Because of you and Dan, Michael and I have finally come to feel like we really belong somewhere.

Dan and Rachelle have been an ever constant source of love and support for us, and you both mean so much more to us than you will ever know.
We had been trying to plan this “anytime” session for weeks and it seemed that something always came up! The first weekend we tried to do this, I came down with the flu! The next weekend, both of us were unavailable and then the following weekend, it rained all day both Saturday and Sunday. When we FINALLY got around to shooting, God blessed us with some truly beautiful weather. 65 degrees and gorgeous sunshine all the way baby!

{don’t you love her laugh? It’s infectious…}

{one of my favorites!}

{and then we had a bow malfunction… }

{the whole family}

{I told Dan to say something really funny to Rachelle… I can’t repeat it [HA!] but this is what happened!}

{my view…}

{and Michael’s. I KNOW right?!?!}

{seriously with this?? love it!}

{this is Ms. Beasley. Isn’t she sweet?}

{FAVORITE!}

{this is Michael’s take on the image above.}

{dan is an amazingly talented guitarist!}

{the next 2 are Michael’s… *sigh* He’s so good!}

{hello GORGEOUS! My favorite from the whole session! ok ok, so I have a LOT of favorites. Sue me }

Dan and Rachelle- We love you! Enjoy your slideshow!
♥
Lauren and Michael

{be sure to click “hq” on the video to view it in high quality!}