3 July 2011

This is Will and Bethany Joy.

They were joined as husband and wife on June 25th. On that day was much joy, love, beauty, thanksgiving, and most importantly the love of Christ.

At their wedding they shared their first kiss. Their commitment to purity displayed the loveliness in keeping oneself pure until marriage for the one who the Lord has for you to marry.

The ceremony reflected the love of Christ, displayed the importance of serving one other, and was filled with the blessing of the parents as a new family was founded.

The sign welcoming the guests. There were three sections of chairs set up and in front of each section were quilts laid out on the ground for the children and a closer view.

Joy taking the arm of her father as they approach her groom.

Prayer for their new life together.

My dear father was a groomsman in the wedding (he is farthest left in the group of men at right.)

Their FIRST kiss.

Mr. & Mrs. William A. Smith, III. Happily wed.

Flower girls rejoicing with the bride and groom.

Although I was not an official photographer, Kristi was very kind to let me tag along and act as an unofficial second-shooter. It was delightful!

Only the beginning.

The stunningly beautiful bride, Mrs. Smith.

After the wedding the guests and wedding party boarded the “Dixie”, a paddle boat from the 1920’s, while the bride and groom’s portraits were taken. There was great cheering when the newlyweds appeared and boarded the boat.

The icing flowers were made by the bride, the cake was made by her mother, and the log-stand was decorated by my sister, Breezy.

The bride and groom’s first dance was choreographed to “Lucky.” (But, of course, everyone would agree that they are blessed.)

Instead of birdseed or bubbles, lavender was handed out to the guests to be tossed at Will & Bethany as they departed.

Mr. & Mrs. Wm A. Smith, III.

Balloons were released…

…and they “sailed” off on a speedboat.

We’re excited to see how the Lord will use this couple in the furtherance of His Kingdom!
(We love you, Will & Joy!)

[Find a few more pictures from the wedding here.]

[35] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Family, Food, Handmade, Inspirations, Life, Portfolio, Vintage

2 July 2011

At the rehearsal dinner. The next day Will would gain a wife and Joy would gain a husband before God and man, to glorify God and further the dominion mandate.

The wedding rehearsal.

Will with my dear father. They first met two years ago when Will began working for the same company alongside Dad. Their friendship has only grown since then. Dad was honored to be asked to stand with Will as one of his groomsman and gladly accepted.

[More pictures from the wedding coming soon!]

[4] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Family, Inspirations, Life, Portfolio

1 July 2011

In honor of Independence Day as well as wanting to offer our homeschool conference sale prices to everyone, we are having a major sale on our products at Noble Rose Press!

Our paper dolls series features godly women from history that inspire girls in biblical womanhood, modesty, and femininity. Collections Two and Four are especially timely for this holiday as they feature Martha Washington, Eliza Lucas Pinckney, Abigail Adams, and Sarah Edwards.

Something else we offer that you may not know about…

The Family Treasure Coloring Book is full of beautiful illustrations of family life. From a family picking apples in the orchard, to a mother reading aloud to her children, to the celebration of a wedding, to building a fort in the woods, this coloring book will inspire children and their families in the lost arts of play, dominion work, and family discipleship.

Now through Monday at Midnight EDT save 28% – 48%
on the Daughters of His Story Paper Dolls and
The Family Treasure Coloring Book at Noble Rose Press!

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P.S. Expect to find more pictures from last Saturday’s wedding tomorrow… click here to subscribe so you don’t miss them!

[2] Comments » | Categories: Conferences, Noble Rose Press, Paper Dolls

27 June 2011

Saturday was a beautiful day… here’s a sneak peek of what happened:

Flower girls following the bride and groom… more photos to come!

[14] Comments » | Categories: Handmade, Inspirations

23 June 2011

We were able to explore the rooms, closets and stairways of an old home last week. There were pleasant surprises around each corner, and a few interesting discoveries.

Although this home is being restored and turned into the town’s commerce offices, it was once the mayor’s residence. The design and layout of the house would be perfect for practicing hospitality.

In the entryway there sat vintage chairs with great style and fabric design.

Beside and above the mid-way landing of the stairs was a sitting area. It seems like the perfect place for portraits, and made me think of Monica’s bridal shoot.

When opening a closet door, one doesn’t always expect to find light brightly shining in through windows. This miniature closet, with hooks lined at the top of the walls, looked as though it was the perfect hiding place for wee ones back in the days when it housed a family.

Inside the closet.

At the top of these stairs was found the third floor—one large room, lined with torn wallpaper, and brightly lit by the sun shining through each of the grandly-shaped windows.

In the same room there was a total of three different wallpapers. The prints were of fox hunters on the move, Indians riding horses, and rabbits staring back at you. A very interesting combination.

And that is a close to the mini-tour of the mayor’s old home – thank you for exploring with me…
I’m looking forward to the opportunity to photograph the next vintage home!

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[15] Comments » | Categories: Inspirations, The Home, Vintage

20 June 2011

While out watering the garden one night last week, I caught sight of the first lightning bug I’ve seen this year. I’m looking forward to watching their gentle flashes of light glittering over the fields – they add such a charming touch to summer evenings.

“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything,
but only God who gives the growth.”
—1 Cor. 3:7

[5] Comments » | Categories: God's Creation, Inspirations

16 June 2011

After her return from a trip to Oregon, our friend brought back some special treats for us to enjoy.

It was very kind of her to bring back such a delicious surprise (dried pears as well as fine chocolate truffles) along with treasured vintage finds!

[7] Comments » | Categories: Food

8 June 2011

To let go and trust – willingly, without a fight.

There is a peace that comes with trusting in the One who “knows all things” (1 John 3:20).

When I’m completely submitted to the Lord’s will and purpose, the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7) covers me and I’m engulfed in joyously watching the Lord’s hand at work.

Yet too often I try to control a situation, wanting my way in my timing. I am left anxiously worrying about whether or not things will happen according to my plan instead of soaking in the rich mercies and blessings of my Savior in His timing. And, before long, I’m exasperated.

The entirety of every situation is in God’s hands, no matter what I try to do. It’s when I, in foolishness, pretend that I can “handle” things that I’m lead to anxiety and worry.

Wholeheartedly in every circumstance I must, by the grace of God, trust and say,

“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

I know that His will is perfect, His grace sufficient, His peace surpasses all understanding. This is a thought too wonderful for me, but I know I must hold fast to it and trust.

“How wise should we be if, with joyful certainty, we accepted each unfolding of His will as a proof of His faithfulness and love!”
—Susannah Spurgeon

[16] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, God's Creation, Life

31 May 2011

Honor life. Embrace life. Love life.

“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.”
—Psalm 127:3

[28] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, God's Creation, Inspirations, Life