For some reason it seems I often come across individuals in the wedding industry whom I seem to take a liking to mighty quick.  Barry of Heavenly Caterers in San Antonio, is no exception.  I call him chef Barry and he is my friend, and not because he is one of the best chef’s that walked the earth, but just because he is himself,  a genuine man of great talent and awesome spirit.    I love it when I am at the same venue as Barry because he always manages to greet me with a hello and often makes me feel like I am the best picture taker ever.  Warms my soul.  Barry always saves me a plate of my favorite fixin’s and fills my belly with some tasty hors d’oeuvres , savory main course dishes, and sweet desserts.  Makes me feel like Pavlov’s doggie right now, just thinking about that fresh grilled steak and shrimp.

This past month I was the humbled and lucky girl who was the  featured photographer at La Fontana Event Center’s Open House and Barry was the featured chef.  I just had to take a few clicks of my shutter for others to see how wonderful his dishes looked.  The dishes on display were so beautiful, I thought they were fake.  To my surprise every morsel was real and tasted just as good as it looked.  So… I’ll give you some inside scoop, if you are looking for some great food for your special event, give him a call (210.385.3085).  He can give you and your guests a belly full of love.

It is Sunday night and I don’t know where the week has gone.  I remember last Friday I was so excited to be able to spend 9 whole days with my family (minus a fabulous wedding on Saturday I will blog about later).  Nine days of cookie making, turkey basting, garage cleaning, napping, reading 2 great books, bath soaking, hot cocoa drinking, Christmas light hanging…. and the other “to do things” that happen when I find a few extra minutes.   As the night closes, I feel jealous of myself and the week I just had.

I wonder why these lazy days seem to go by so fast and yet the days of work have minutes that seem like hours.

And because every post is better with a picture…here is a capture from a walk we had in Gruene, Texas.

As Thanksgiving comes to a close with the wishbone out of the turkey, the 5am black Friday shopping over,  the last whip cream dollop added to a yummy piece of pumpkin pie,  I can only hope that for many more years to come, I am able to enjoy the holiday season.  A time to reflect on life, the love of spirit, the love of family,  the joy of  friends, and time to reflect on the days and years yet to come.

turkey, ham, fixin's momma's red chile, tamales

Lauren and James spent their afternoon preparing for their wedding day and from the moment they first laid eyes on each other, as Lauren graced her way down the aisle, their smiles never disappeared for the duration of the day.  They are real, fun, and melt my heart.

Their love, laughter, and happiness is contagious.  On this special day, I was the lucky girl with the camera who was able to spend some time with two people who truly know what it is like to be in love with a best friend.  Being around this couple made me smile.   In fact, the minute they entered the room, the entire room was full of smiles, laughter, and joy.  I am  so fortunate to be able to spend my day with people I cherish and add joy to my life.  On this special day  I giggled at the little jokes from Lauren’s brides maids, felt nervous with James as he awaited his beautiful bride, and laughed so hard my belly hurt at their dance off (running man, sprinkler, and Michael Jackson, just to name a few).

The entire event was orchestrated by the fabulous Vicky Sharp and Spring Hill Event Center in San Antonio served as the perfect backdrop for a this beautiful wedding.  Vicky decorated each of the tables with beautiful floating candles, pearl beads, exquisite linens, and accented all decor with beautiful silver.  The amazing cake was created by the Cake Shop in San Antonio.  The Cake Shop created a beautiful wedding cake that was almost to pretty to cut and a groom’s cake that told a story of history.   Both cakes were stunning in both taste and rendition.

Lauren and James, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to capture memories for you as your journey begins as Mr. & Mrs.  Cheers to you both!

The other morning I woke up to what I thought would be just a regular day of work, packing lunch, walking dogs, and making dinner.  Instead it was a day  that escapes me.  On this morning I felt the need to wear a bracelet, something I rarely do while working because I sometimes find the jingling a little annoying.  On this day, as I surveyed my jewelry, I felt compelled to wear my charm bracelet that seemed to be staring at me, “Fear Not for I am With You”.  My charm had a secret message for me.  It was a private love note from God.    I am a religious person who totally trusts in God and realizes that my life is blessed because of his graciousness.

As I was driving to work early in the morning, stuck in good ole San Antonio traffic, I looked down at the cuff on my sweater and this same little charm lay flat, stuck in the cuff of my sleeve, and the only charm visible, “Fear Not I am With You”.  I thought this was peculiar and felt such peace as my day progressed.  Little did I know that morning I did have God with me, needed his love,  and I was not in fear, I found comfort.  This certain day and the last couple of days turned out to be icky days with a few wanna “do-overs”.  But I know tomorrow is going to be the best day yet, and if not, I will try again the next day.

My hope is that when you have an icky day, that you look for your own love notes…. I promise….they are there!

There is something about a newborn that makes me think about what life is all about.  Shutter clicking my way through this photo session allowed me to reflect on just how fast life passes us by.  Before little Lily’s parents know it,  she will be starting kindergarten…. high school….college…. you get the idea.  Life is such a short journey and I hope I always embrace what it lends me.  The only thing that stands between a person and what they want in life is the will to try it and the faith to believe that it can happen.  I hope I always do something a little scary, dream a little big, and laugh a little more than I did the day before.    Looking at these pictures of Lily reminds me how precious life is and to embrace my life with my soul.

Their special day is coming up in a few more days.  I can’t wait.  On this beautiful Saturday morning, they chose to embrace each other, life, and the love they have for one another.  I could only grin that I was the lucky one who was able to capture a bit forever, just me and my magic timecapusule…… my camera.