I wish I was better at blogging… I have so much to say but I never say it!! I was determined to document our Valentine’s Day this year because it really was a celebration of our new life in Abilene! As many of you know, we moved to Abilene in July. It was a total step of faith and our life was totally turned upside down. We knew very little… just that we were supposed to move to Abilene. So David got a job and we packed up our belongings and said goodbye to our life. We knew the transition would not be easy because we left our heart with Chi Alpha. It seemed like the days slowly ticked by because we were so ready to start doing what we loved most — serving and loving people. Our life felt so empty but yet we knew God moved us here. We waited very patiently (well that’s a lie because there were some days we wanted to take our lives in our own hands) and knew at the right time a door would open for us. Just this past week David started his first day of work as our Pastor’s Assistant at New Hope!  All we wanted was the opportunity to serve and this was the perfect opportunity! I was so happy for David, I made him a cookie cake to celebrate the conclusion of this chapter of his life .

And OH it was a HAPPY DAY!!

Then came  Valentine’s Day. If any of you know David, he’s not the most romantic guy in the world but he sure does listen!! He knows me so well. Spending money is not the way to win my heart; spending quality time with me IS! I love being together, so David surprised me with something he said he had been planning “all day”… haha. (I gave him a heads up a month before Valentine’s Day so that statement made me smile). He walked in the house with Wal Mart sacks. I had no clue what he was up to. He said, “Happy Valentine’s Day! We are gonna make pizza.” I was so upset. I didn’t have my contacts in so from where I was sitting, I thought we were cooking a frozen pizza.  He began unpacking the grocery sacks and I realized he meant MAKE a pizza. Like REALLY MAKE it. So here are some pictures from our fun in the kitchen… any time David is in the kitchen it’s super comical!

(Above) This was the most confusing item of all. I asked him why in the world he bought a pineapple and he looked at me like I didn’t realize what I was saying. “Because you love canadian bacon pizza and pineapple!” he said. I laughed so hard… seriously, a whole pineapple?!?
So David got to cut the freaking pineapple
And the funniest thing is he forgot to cut out the core!! He chopped the pineapple — core and all — for my pizza! Needless to say he had to dice some more

He bought this amazing Basil Pesto Sauce for the pizza thanks to Steve!
So I spread it all over the pizza crust (and as always, when I’m cooking, I forget “Less is More” )
Next was the yummy Alfredo Sauce
While I was putting cheese on the pizza, David was busy slicing the canadian bacon!
We made the pizza half pineapple and canadian bacon…
And half pepperoni and cheese
We put it in the oven on 450 degrees
And it was delicious!! Thanks babe for loving me how you know I love to be loved!! And God thanks for the simple life I live… I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

Don’t forget to enter the contest to win a FREE ENGAGEMENT SESSION!! Go to http://doubleknotphotography.com and submit your story or nominate someone you feel is worthy! The deadline has been extended until FRIDAY, so don’t miss out!

Since David and I moved to Abilene it was as if everything changed for us! New town. New apartment. New friends. New church. New LIFE. Not only have I been busy developing my photography business and our partnership, Double Knot Photography, for all wedding, bridal and engagement photography, but a huge chunk of my first 6 months in Abilene has been devoted elsewhere!

God gave me an amazing opportunity upon first moving to Abilene. WYIM Publications wanted to start a magazine in Abilene called Abilene Living. Since I conveniently moved to Abilene, I was asked to start photographing the businesses advertising in the magazine. It quickly turned into more — and I was soon asked to start writing! I interviewed some AMAZING people! Dorsie Wallace is a designer who designed the flag that went to the moon, presented a ruana to Sonny & Cher when they toured through Abilene, and had one of her designs printed in Vogue Magazine. This article is called Falling Into Fashion. Frank & Della are proud parents of the famous western artist Jack Terry and my article Sons of Oil tells the story how God preserved his life while he was still in the womb, as well as contrasting the relationship between Jack and his brother Brooks. My last article printed in this publication is Love With A Smile about Dr. Christie Leedy, a dentist in Abilene. She serves on the Texas Governors Commission for Women with Anita Perry and is making such an amazing difference in the community of Abilene!

I love writing but only make it a priority when I’m pushed to do so. So the magazine was a wonderful incentive to do what I love! So after 6 long months and lots of time, the Abilene Living Magazine is finally in print! I am so humbled my picture made the cover, and to have 3 stories printed that I wrote and photographed is equally mind boggling! This is a wonderful magazine that highlights Hometown Living At Its Best and is full of articles written about people in Abilene. I have taken a few pics to share ! If you would like a copy, you can contact the Abilene Chamber of Commerce!

Ashley and I have been working really hard lately… and we are so excited to let you in on the secret

Click below:
http://doubleknotphotography.com

Lensie & Drew tied the knot at First Baptist Church in Stephenville. They are such a lovely couple — Lensie was laughing and smiling through the whole day. I love seeing how two people look gaze into each other’s eyes, especially when they love each other! I don’t have much to say because the pictures will tell the story of this special union!

It was such a pleasure sharing this special day with Kellan and Stephanie. Stephanie was such a wonderful bride — so calm and all smiles . Now Kellan and his guys were another story… they were full of giggles! Ashley and I still don’t know what was so funny but it sure made for some wonderful pictures! I love seeing purity between a couple and most of all seeing God in the center of their relationship! Many blessings on your marriage Stephanie and Kellan… you are very special people!

It has taken me FOREVER to blog Julie and John Mark’s Wedding!! Ashley and I had so much fun sharing this special day with this sweet couple. We drove all the way to Greenville, TX and I was surprised by the hometown feel…I think I was expecting to feel like I was in Dallas. We met up with Julie and the bridesmaids at Julie’s mom’s house and then headed to the church. It’s such a joy working with a bride who genuinely appreciates us shooting her wedding! The reception was a blast — I spent most of my time following around little kids (as always). Hope you enjoy the pics!

Rochelle and I go way back… like back in the days of poofy bangs and monstrous bows! We were best buddies and spent many nights at each other’s house! We share so many memories together. When we graduated high school, we went our separate ways, Rochelle to A&M and myself to Sam Houston State. Eight years later I received an email from Rochelle saying her and her mom would be in Texas and wanted family pictures! I was so delighted. Rochelle and I exchanged many emails catching up on lost time. It’s a shame it took family pictures to join us back together! These 3 ladies are very special to me

We absolutely FROZE taking these pics. Poor Becca was wearing flip flops — snow and flip flops don’t mix! I brought my mom along, actually she asked come along and “help” (but I know she just wanted to catch up with Tammy). I think we all spent too much time talking, and less time taking pics… but we had lots of fun! Sorry Becca for keeping you in the cold so long! But you look stunning in all your pics .

This freezing morning I was the photographer on the run… with twin boys and an older brother, you can only imagine how long their attention span was!! I was laughing through the whole session, especially when the boys spotted a cat and started chasing it! These boys are so cute — and they know how to keep you on your toes !

Introducing the Cassle Family…

Aimee decided to rally her brother and sister together for some family pictures. This was another Christmas surprise … something their mom has been wanting to do for a while. Andrew, Allison, and Aimee have personality — that’s for sure — and they know how to have a good time! Here are some of my favorites