After almost 10 months of going at 200%, I took a little mini adventure vacation for 3 days in October. My bestie Betsy Lackey invited me to meet her in Dallas for the Needtobreath & Taylor Swift concert…. on a whim. Usually, I don’t jump on whims that require lots of traveling and uncertainty, but this time, I did, and a few weeks later I found myself on plane to Dallas without knowing the “where’s”, the “how’s”, or the “when’s” that one might want to know BEFORE traveling. Sometimes in life, to prevent spontaneous combustion, a little unplanned meandering is required. Here is my photographic journal of sorts, documenting this unplanned and simply refreshing trip to Dallas….

“The years go by like stones under rushing water. We only know, we only know when it’s gone.” -Needtobreathe

Whenever I get the chance, I like to expand my photographic vision and try on something new for size. My bestie Betsy Lackey bought a Dooney and Bourke purse from a Buffalo Exchange we visited in Dallas, so I shot a few to showcase her newest accessory. It was pretty easy since she’s ridiculously photogenic and BEEEEautiful. What do you think? I kind of love this photo….

Zak and Katrina are two people who inspire me. Not only are they totally in love, but their desires and passions in life fit perfectly… as perfectly as her hand fits in his. But what inspires me most about them is their ability to “do”. They don’t let work, finances, or “real life” get in the way of their dreams. And even though it would have been so much easier to set their dreams aside for more “realistic” options once they got married…. the best times of their life are happening because they chose the “unrealistic” option…. they’re now living as missionaries with YWAM in Mexico.

I originally met Zak years ago when we were both working at Forest Home, and eventually met Katrina when they got engaged. On our initial meeting, we IMMEDIATELY hit it off. And it was funny…. we ended up talking less about wedding photography, and more about international missions. Zak and Katrina’s enthusiasm for each other, as well as for missions is ridiculously contagious…. and I left that meeting feeling completely inspired to pursue my own aspirations with new fervor. In fact, I’m consistently moved by their enthusiasm as I follow their journey as missionaries.

Zak and Katrina’s wedding happened last year in Ventura, CA and their day completely reflected their personalities and love for people. It was such a fun day and it was one of those weddings that everyone left feeling like they’d witnessed true love. It was an honor to be their wedding photographer, and an even greater honor to be able to call them friends. Here’s my absolute favorites from the day….

Special thanks to my entourage for the day, Christopher, Betsy Lackey, Amanda Patrice, and Victoria Baughman. You guys rocked and I had so much fun shooting with you all! And to Zak and Katrina, thanks for being you…. thanks for loving each other the way you do. And thanks for living your life recklessly chasing after God’s heart. You inspire me to do the same.

If you could soldier on headstrong into the storm,
I’ll be here waiting on the other side.
Don’t look back, The road is long. The first days of the war are gone.
Take back your former throne and turn the tide.
Cause if you never leave home, never let go,
you’ll never make it to the great unknown till you keep your eyes open, my love.
So tell me you’re strong, tell me you see. I need to hear it, will you promise me to keep your eyes open, my love.
Just past the circumstance, the first light… a second chance.
No child could ever dance the way you do.
Oh, tear down the prison walls, don’t start the curtain call.
Your chains will never fall until you do.
Cause if you never leave home, never let go,
you’ll never make it to the great unknown till you keep your eyes open, my love.
So show me your fire, show me your heart
…you know I’ll never let you fall apart, if you keep your eyes open, my love.
Open up your eyes, the weight is unbroken.
Open up your eyes, keep your eyes open.
Don’t let the night become the day, don’t take the darkness to the grave.
I know pain is just a place the will has been broken.
Don’t let the fear become the hate.
Don’t take the sadness to the grave.
I know the fight is on the way when the sides have been chosen.
Cause if you never leave home, never let go,
you’ll never make it to the great unknown.
Open up your eyes!
Keep your eyes open!
So tell me you’re strong, tell me you see!
I need to hear it, will you promise me to keep your eyes open, my love.
So show me your fire, show me your heart.
You know I’ll never let you fall apart, if you keep your eyes open, my love

- Needtobreathe