Happiest One Year

(editor's note: this entry was written yesterday, Sunday, September 26, 2010)

Today Mr. Owl and I have been married for one year. We didn't do much because usually the day after coordinating a wedding, we're pretty tired, and like to take it easy. That will often involve food delivery and TV marathons, and today wasn't much different. We were adventurous enough to make a trip out to the 'burbs for some needed shopping, and then came home, took a nap and had a marathon of "Pushing Daisies" (recommend by the awesome Brittany of Hanle Productions). And to be honest, these days are my absolute favorite*. I like to just be with that husband of mine. The seemingly everyday boring days are the ones that fill my heart with happiness and contentment. This was why I decided to marry Mr. Owl - because I can just be and do nothing with him by my side, and feel completely relaxed, happy and smitten with my life.

Happy first year anniversary, hubs. One year ago today you had a dance-off with my mom, and I belted out to "Sweet Caroline." I love you.


Photo by Catherine Leonard Photography


*That isn't to say we don't have anything special planned. You'll have to stay tuned to find out what.

Don't forget to enter the SH Weddings and Hanle Productions giveaway!

Time's a tickin'! If you're in the Chicago area and getting married next year, please click here for more information!

Real Vegas Wedding: Mindy and Mark

Happy Monday! And what better to celebrate a new week than with a fun and energetic Vegas wedding? Mindy and Mark had their ceremony at the Las Vegas Nevada Temple, and following that, they had a ring ceremony, luncheon & a Chinese Tea Ceremony all at Vintner’s Grill in Las Vegas. And finally, a beautiful reception at Mark's parent's house, also in Las Vegas. These two know how to party, and I love it! There to capture all the style, emotion and fun was the super talented Alisha at Oakstream Photography. Let's give Owl hugs to Mindy and Mark!


























































Thank you so much to the lovely Alisha for sharing these beautiful photos with us! Her blog is an absolute much, so please be sure to pop on over for a visit! Mindy and Mark, what an adorable couple you both are, and I absolutely loved sharing your photos and excitement with everyone. I'm wishing you many years of very happy memories together!

Real Long Beach Wedding: Janice and Danny

Where did my week go? Oh my goodness! It was as if I blinked, and it was Friday. Anyhoo ...

... The bride and groom in today's wedding could be models. Janice is a fashion designer, and it most definitely shows with her gorgeous old Hollywood movie star gown (which was designed by a friend of hers!) and high-fashion heels. Their wedding has a beautiful, clean modern feel with an elegant old world touch that I absolutely love. They were married at the historic Breakers building in downtown Long Beach, and they held their reception in The Sky Room. The lovely team at Davello Photography was there to capture all the memories and joyous moments. Let's all take a look at Janice and Danny.




































So many thanks to Davello Photography for sharing these style-studded wedding with us today! Please be sure to visit their blog and stay a while. Janice and Danny, your wedding was so much fun to share. I'm wishing you both many years of happy memories together!

Alice and Chuck: 63 Years So Very Happy Together

This is my most favorite post to date.

The very talented Elisha at Elisha Orin Photography had the pleasure of capturing lasting love, and it's simply an inspiration to everyone with a significant other. I'm so thrilled to share Alice and Chuck's story with you all today because it encompasses everything a wedding is all about: a promise from two people to spend their lives together. After the cake, the dress, the first dance and the toasts, love and photographs are what you have left, and well, my friends, lasting love is the greatest thing in the world.


About Alice and Chuck, from Elisha:

"I first met them at a wedding. I have been wanting to photograph a couple who has set the precedent for a long marriage. A couple that were truly in love. Alice and Chuck were the winners of the anniversary dance at a wedding I photographed. I always like to grab a photo of the happy couple. I usually tell them to kiss. When I told Alice and Chuck to kiss. Man did they ever….I’m talking like kissing when you are 16 kind of kissing. I love to watch couples win the anniversary dance. They are so proud of their life long marriage. Alice and Chuck were a couple that inspired me. First because of their life long commitment, second because they are happy and they are both so darn CUTE! They are also funny! I spent an hour photographing them and enjoyed every minute of it.

Alice and Chuck first met at a roller rink in 1946. Then married in 1947. Chuck is a Veteran ( thank you Chuck for serving us). They have 5 children, which they thought they might never have. After 5 years of marriage and no baby they thought they might adopt. Their pastor told them “no , your too young”. The pastor said he would pray for them and 5 kids later Chuck told the pastor he could stop prayng now. They have 7 grandchildren and 7 great grand children and 1 more on the way.

During the photoshoot. I told Chuck to stand in a particular pose, and when he did I think Alice really liked it because she smiled and went right up to him and kissed him, ADORABLE! She thought he looked good!!!

Thank you Alice and Chuck for letting me in on your story of your life. I’m so thankful that you can be an example to everyone. Your joy and love for one another shows."


























So many sincere thanks to Elisha for sharing these photos with us today. She's one talented woman, so please be sure to stop on by her blog for a visit and stay a while. Alice and Chuck, you're both so beautiful, and I hope that myself and the mister will be half as happy as you both are after 63 years of marriage. Thank you for being such an inspiration.