A lesson from children {Delaware Child and Lifestyle Photographer}

“Childhood should be a carefree time filled with wonder and joy..."

-Josh Bennet

I think we should all take a lesson from children.  They look at the world in a totally different way. They are constantly learning, constantly growing, almost everything brings them joy. Even the simple things, like jumping on the bed.

Tell you what, next time you are angry or having a bad day, crank up some Disney music and jump on the bed.  Just jump wildly with no abandon. Throw your hands up, scream, laugh, have fun. Let your inner child come back out.

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My bucket list {Delaware Lifestyle Portrait & Fashion Photographer}

So as a photographer I have goals, and they are big. I work extremely hard to keep my business running, and even on days I feel like giving up, I have faith that these goals will come true.  For me, success is talent, drive, and opportunity. I am always working on talent and drive, I just need the opportunity.

I have quite a long list of goals of celebrities and famous people that I would LOVE to photograph. Just a simple, straight to the point portrait sessions. No frills, just them.  And then of course, if I had the opportunity to go all out with sets and props,  I would.  Here are just a couple of celebrities in no particular order that I would love to photograph, in my little home studio or their homes. I want to make tea, sit and talk with them, do portraits of them all glammed up, and then portraits of what makes them the most comfortable. They can bring their kids and family, we can go out and I can document the things they love to do. This is my dream. One day, not too far off in the future, I hope I can come back and cross these names off one by one.  I will make this happen

So here is my list of people I would love to photograph for various reasons. It has nothing to do with being star struck. It has everything to do with being genuinely interested in the lives of people, what they think about, what they do, and more.  Even if I was a celebrity photographer, I would never forget where I started, and that is with friends and family and clients in my local area, that I have to thank for getting me to where I am today. Even if I was a celebrity photography (which we all joke about), I would still be doing family and baby sessions in my home studio, and sometimes weddings.

Here is the list in no particular order:

• Idris Elba
• Queen Latifah
• Ellen Degeneres
• Oprah Winfrey
• Beyonce and Jay-Z (and baby Blue)
• Tom Hiddlesotn
• Zachary Quinto
• Rihanna
• David Tennant
• Matt Smith
• Patrick Stewart
• Johnny Depp
• Scarlett Johnansen
• Zoeey Dechanel
• Amber Riley
• Laverne Cox
• Michelle Obama
• Kerry Washington
• Melissa McCarthy
• Mila Kunis
• Lady Gaga
• Zoe Saldana
• Lucy Lui
• Gina Torres
• Drew Barrymore
• Pink
• Emma Watson
• Will Ferrell
• Jimmy Fallon
• Lupita Nyong'o

Again, this list is no particular order, and it's not the complete list. I add people and new pages all the time. Right now the pages sit folded in a blue jar on my fire place.  It's basically my wish jar.  I believe if I put out my intent on paper and give it to the universe and make it known, it will happen.  And one day, ONE DAY, I will be able to come back and cross these names off. I will make it happen. How? I don't know. But that's part of dreaming right? Have a goal, and do whatever it takes to get to it.   

So here's hoping!

And continuing with my randomness, here is a self portrait of myself that I am EXTREMELY proud of. I don't think you understand, photographing myself is a task upon itself.  I know how to photograph other people, especially women.I know what light looks good, what clothing looks good on them, how to dress them up, how to pose them, etc.  So this image, I am extremely proud of. Since I love color and black and white, you get to see both!

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Giving up and sticking it out {Delaware Lifestyle Portrait & Fashion Photographer}

Many of you know that I am a night owl, and I get much of my work accomplished at night while everyone is sleeping.  And now thanks to the new scheduling feature on Facebook, I can schedule my posts in advance without it looking like I never sleep.  Any who, before I go on a sleep deprived rant, I just posted this over on my page:

"You'll hear it a thousand times as a photographer, "Don't compare your work to someone else's". But to be honest, it's the hardest thing NOT to do. You question everything about your work, why you aren't famous, why you aren't successful, etc. And the whole time you are trying to define your own style, stay true to your own style, and make waves at the same time."

I'm going to be completely honest, and tell you something, and this is me baring my soul... I want to give this up. Every. Single. Day.  Owning your own business is tough to begin with, but when your job is that of photography, in which you literally put your heart and soul on the line to be judged every time you post an image, as an artist... you must be crazy. Which I suppose why people think most artists are crazy.

This job is not stable.  I work harder than I ever did at a regular job working for someone else.  The finances are up and down. The scheduling, while I am grateful I get to make my own schedule, I have sacrificed a lot of my time. A lot of time with my daughter, with my family, and with my friends.  There were many events that I missed with family and friends because I was photographing weddings, and any other gig that would come my way. I was essentially the starving artist.

Almost every day, I want to give up. I want to sell off the equipment, gear and props that I have acquired, and go back to something stable. Something where I don't have to push for my own creativity. I am told what to do,  how to do it, and get paid for it.

And then I remember. I remember the reason why I started my business in the first place. Another photographer told me I couldn't do it, and being the person I am, I had to prove them wrong.  The drive to prove them wrong kept me going. And then as time went on, many people, including my husband believed in me, more than I believed in myself, and they helped me build myself as an artist and as a business woman. I couldn't just simply give up on them because the struggle is not what I expected.  And then there is my daughter. I have a career, that while it may not stable, I am able to be at home with her, every single day, and I don't miss anything. I get to watch her as she grows, as she learns, and she turns from an amazing baby into the most amazing child I know.  Then of course there is the instant gratification I get knowing that I capture the love between families, the moments I capture, making mothers and women feel like a million bucks with my skills.

Am I where I want to be? Nope! Nowhere near it in my eyes. Am I going to get there? I hope so!  I have worked too hard not to keep going. And I just can't give up now.  I've been invited into too many lives, witnessed and documented too many weddings, too many families going from two to three and more.  Am I successful? Still working on it. Everyone has their own definition of success. I know that I am not where I want to be, and I am continuously working on getting there. The hardest part is not knowing for sure if I am going to accomplish what I set out to.

It's a struggle yes. And every time I find a reason I want to give up, I find 101 reasons why I shouldn't.  It's a constant learning experience. I clap and jump and giggle when I learn how to do something new in Photoshop.  I genuinely get joy out of what I do, no matter how hard it is, and that is why I stick with it. My husband likes to tell me that it took Pixar 12 years to become the powerhouse in animation that they are today, so don't give up. I'm still "new".  

So here's hoping that one day I can have an amazing story like Pixar. Pin It

Super Bowl Sunday and my new favorite treat {Delaware Lifestyle Portrait & Fashion Photographer}

Last night, sometime past midnight my husband and I were sitting in bed and were trying to figure out the date. He still thought it was January, so when I told him it was actually February, but February 2nd, he was baffled.  It seems like we missed two days of time!  And then a Star Trek episode came on that dealt with the ship going through a worm hole and skipping 24 hours of time.  Weird, huh?

So before I go off on my nerd tangent about space and time, let's talk about today, and it being Super Bowl Sunday! I am actually more excited for the Puppy Bowl and the Half time show. I don't necessarily have a favorite team. But one of my favorite things about super bowl Sunday?  Hot wings!  Well, I love hot wings anyway, and I can literally eat them every single day of the week.  Since today is the day where pounds of hotwings and ranch and bleu cheese dressing will be consumed, I of course wanted wings. But with no wings in the house, what was I to do?

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites!

That's right, buffalo cauliflower bites. The recipe is here: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2013/01/spicy-buffalo-cauliflower-bites.html

The verdict? They are absolutely delicious! I have no idea how, but it tastes like chicken! Even down to the texture. My family loves it, and it is so much healthier than hot wings. This is my new favorite snack! I just wanted to share.

So go off and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Oh, did I mention? I blogged the entire month of January! I completely my goal!

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Happy Anniversary...

Today is my wedding anniversary! Well technically we have two wedding anniversaries. We are a bit unconventional, and typically stray off the beaten bath. So when we first got "married", it was in the form of a handfasting.  That was back in 2009.  Then we legally got married, and by legally I mean obtaining a marriage license on February 15, 2013. Funny story about that actually.

On Valentines Day last year, Wes went into work, and while there he was having severe chest pain.  His job called the ambulance, and they rushed him to the hospital. While there, he called me, and the first things out of his mouth were "Don't freak out, I am in the hospital".  Needless to say, I did freak out.  Of course I would freak out!  So we spent Valentines Day in the hospital together, and the next day, we decided to go to the court house to get married. And that is our official wedding story.

It's been close to 10 years that we have been together. We have had our ups and downs, our struggles and amazing moments.  There were people that thought we wouldn't make it, there were people hoping that we wouldn't make it.  From our love, we created an amazing child, and everyday her giggling and shrieks of excitement make everything better.

He makes me a better person, I make him a better person. We push each other, because we know that we can achieve more. We are each others biggest supporters.  He is the reason why Marisa Taylor Photography started. He believed in me so much, even when I thought it was crazy to jump into a business full time, it was he who talked me through.

I still get butterflies when he walks in the room. He still grabs me and swings me around like when we first started dating. We made a vow to each other to always have fun, to always love, to always be happy. And even though we have moments where the happiness seems not to be there, we find our way back to it.

So happy anniversary to my love, my rock, my best friend, my husband. Wesley, I love you more than you will ever know.  10 years together, here's to many, many more awesome years.

Taken by Natasha Esguerra Photography

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Before you were mommy....

Yay more snow! Not really. But since I am snowed in today, since my husband took the car, I decided to get a few business related matters done.  And as I became distracted on Facebook, and scrolling through my newsfeed, I came across this article that a friend posted.  And of course, after reading it, I cried. Like a baby.

Before you were mommy, before you were daddy, you were theirs.

http://www.scissortailsilk.com/2014/01/24/before-you-were-mommy/

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Charlotte the Snow Princess {Delaware Child Photographer}

Are you tired of the snow yet? Because I definitely am! As much as I love the snow for taking some awesome outside pictures, I am tired of the cold. I miss the warmth!  But even still, Charlotte wanted to go outside and play in the snow. While it was too cold to actually play for a long time, I did dress her up, take her out, and snapped some photos.  Even though it was just five minutes, she had her fill.

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Snow Day-Catch up blog- Day 5 or 7

I tell you, I have never seen so many school days as those that I see in Delaware. I can completely understand closing down the road sand schools and business when the roads are an absolute terror.  But even still, there have been worth days.  In New York, it would take well over 12 inches of snow for school to be closed down. In this state, it seems like 3 inches and the whole state shuts down

Of course everyone runs for milk, eggs, and bread at the grocery store. I guess they are going to make a lot of french toast!


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Resolutions-Catch up Blog-Day 6 of 7

It's been 7 days since I last blogged. What can I say? Life gets hectic sometimes, and I just plain forget. Even though I missed 7 days, I still plan on having 31 blog entries for the month of January!

Did you make New Years resolutions? Are sticking them?

Most people make resolutions to go to the gym more, eat healthier, etc.  My resolution?  Be happier.

I let way too many have power over my happiness. I forget how to be happy sometimes.  But thank goodness I still have the little things to show me what happiness is. My husband and daughter dancing and singing.  Our baby jumping on our bed in the morning urging us to wake up so we can play, and every little moment in between.

My 2014 is set to make me happy! What about you? Pin It

14 Days of Love [Delaware lifestyle family & portrait photographer}

It's important to tell the ones you love that you love them. If you are like me, you say I love you sometimes without even thinking about it. And at times, you are so busy, you forget to say it. Or what's worse. You just assume.  So when this link popped up on my facebook newsfeed, I knew it had to be fate, especially since my husband and I just had a talk about this.

14 days of love. Starting February 1st.

Every day, write a new reason why you love your husband/wife/child/sister/brother, whomever you care about it. And post it on their door when they wake or, or email, or text them in the middle of the night so they can wake up in the morning and see it.  I plan on doing this, and I hope everyone knows that I love them!

http://decorating-by-day.com/2013/01/27/starting-feb-1st-i-let-them-wake-up-to-a-new-heart-on-their-door-to-something-i-love-about-them-love-this/

(image from the blog link posted above)

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Take time and make time {Delaware Lifestyle Portrait & Fashion Photographer}

Hello, my name is Marisa.

I am a wife, mother, business owner, Doctor Who fanatic, craft addict, SCA-dian, belly dancer, and the list goes on.  I have a pretty full life, and with my husband and daughter by my side, it is quite exciting. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

But I have a problem.

My problem is that I have horrible time management.  You see, sometimes, well quite often actually I spend too much time working and not enough time living. Part of the reason for having my own business is so that I can work on my own terms, and have time to spend with my friends and family.  But also as a business owner, I am not just taking pictures. I am editing, doing the accounting, doing the networking, and marketing, designing albums and promo materils, and more.  Sometimes I sit down at the computer with the goal of only working two hours, and then spending time with my family, and before I know it 6 hours have gone by.  I will tell myself "Okay, let me just email these clients, prep these images, and update a couple of things, and I will spend the rest of my time today with Charlotte and Wes".  Then before I know it, Charlotte is getting ready for bed, and Wes is settling down.

Our FIRST professional family photo session with Natasha Esguerra Photography

Admittedly, work is not the only problem.  Managing a household, cleaning, grocery shopping, managing the bills, and other things tend to take time away.  I know that I need to learn better time management. And I know that there are many in my position: Spouses, business owners, etc that need to hear this:

Take time and make time.

Seriously, it's important!  Emails can wait an extra hour or two.  Editing can wait also. Grocery shopping can be put off, as well as cleaning. Unless you are entertaining the Queen of England, I don't think that anybody really cares what your house looks like. Do you know what can't wait?

Your child, your family, your loved ones, your friends.

So I vow to myself and to everybody that I care about, I will take time and make time to spend with them.  Even if I have to set aside a certain about of absolute hours to be with my family, I will. But I do realize that they are more important.  Nothing I accomplish is more important than them.  I know how easy it is to get into the zone, especially when you are trying to make your business work, but take it from me. Sending out those emails on time will never replace those minutes lost laughing with your little one.

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Happy Birthday Charlotte! {Delaware Child & Family Lifestyle Photographer}

It's always hard for me when I think about how fast my little girl has grown up. I remember when I was younger, it seemed like days, especially in the summer, would drag on forever. Now with my own daughter, those days go by far too quickly.  I still can't believe my tiny, wonderfully sweet, little girl is now two years old.

She loves to dance and spin, and she can sing along with her favorite songs. The sweetest sound is hearing her say mommy or daddy, and when you ask her how old she is, she enthusiastically says "TWO!".  It's the sweetest thing in the world.

For her birthday this year, we celebrated it by taking her to the Maryland Renaissance Faire. It's an even we go to every single year, multiple times throughout the summer.  It was even more special because the opening day for the event, fell on the same exact day as her birthday.  So she was able to celebrate with a ton of people who adore her, and get to hang out with the king and queen!

Charlotte, may you never stop believing in magic, and know how much we love you.

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Your success, their success, it's all about success! {Delaware & Pennsylvania Lifestyle Family Photographer}

It's easy to want to follow someone because they are successful. As a budding photographer, you can't help but think "If I shoot this way" or "If I do what this person does" then you will be successful.  And that may be true, but for most it's not. Because your path to success is as unique as you are.  No two stories are the same. Sure, they can be similar, but they are never the same.  Different circumstances, different mindsets, different life experiences make each one of us unique. And on our path to success, it can be very easy to measure our success against someone else.

Stop it. Stop it now.

That is probably one of the worst things that you can do to yourself. Sure, there is nothing wrong with learning from people, and growing. Nothing wrong with taking the advice they have to give and applying it to your life, your business.  But if you continue to measure your success based on the success of someone else, you will never truly get to where you want to be.

There was a point and time for me when I thought that being successful was being a name known throughout my peers in my industry, and teaching others.  That's totally not for me.  Not anymore.  When I realized that my value as an artist to my clients is more important than my value as an artist to other artists, it was a game changer for me.

Am I where I want to be? No. And I don't think I will ever get to that point, and that's a good thing.  Because it will keep me pushing for more. Pin It

Straying off the path {Delaware & Pennsylvania Lifestyle Family Photographer}

I'm still amazed at where my business has taken me. 5 years ago, I wouldn't have even imagined this is what I would be doing.  But obviously life doesn't happen the way we plan it, and in this case, i'm glad I took the road that was a little less walked on.

For me, I had my life set out. Finish college, get a job in NYC, rent an apartment with my best friends, and later on down the line find love.  I was going to be the head of a Fortune 500 company, and be in Forbes magazine for my outstanding marketing and advertising campaigns.

Who would have thought that I would have dropped out of college, married a man who has set my spirit free and my soul on fire, be the mother to an amazing little girl. And instead of structured, city life, I am now a free flowing, artist. I create art that people display in their homes. My art shows their love and their happiness that they have for each other and their families.

Sometimes it's good to stray off your path, you never know what you will find.  My dreams are big, and there is no stopping me.

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Happy Thanksgiving...A couple of days later!

I hope all of you had a very happy and amazing Thanksgiving this year!  We are still chowing down on left overs in my house.  This was my first year, EVER, cooking Thanksgiving dinner, and according to the full stomachs, empty plates, and compliments, I think I did a pretty good job.  My mother says that from here on out, I will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner every year.  She has officially handed down the torch.  Knowing me, I of course had to photograph the progress of my day and the DELICIOUS food! So enjoy, and try not to get too hungry!













And remember, it shouldn't take one holiday to make you thankful for all that you have, be thankful all year round.  I am so incredibly thankful for what I have and where I am at!

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Being Thankful

There is a project going around, called The 30 Days of Thankfulness.  Everyday you post something that you are thankful for.  I've been keeping up with it on my Facebook page, so you can head on over there to see what I am thankful for.  Today, I was thankful for being an adult.  It means that I can buy Lucky Charms (my FAVORITE cereal) and candy whenever I want. And, I can eat it without my mother telling me it will ruin my dinner.

But in all seriousness, I am thankful for a lot right now.  Granted, I may be super emotional since I have had a baby, but everything has been so great lately.  And I absolutely love where my life is right now.  Even during the nights where the baby is crying and doesn't want to go bed, or I am editing photos at 3am in the morning because it is my only chance, or stressing out about my website and marketing, I love where I am and would not trade it for the world.

I have an amazing and supportive husband. Seriously, this man is my backbone.  I wouldn't have dared to take the plunge into photography full time if it was not for him.  We have fun, we laugh, we travel, he makes me grilled cheese sandwiches whenever I want, he is just truly awesome.  I have an adorable daughter.  She will be three months on the 24th, and everyday is a new experience with her. She makes me smile so much, and everything that I do now, is to make sure she has an awesome life. Each little giggle and coo that she does makes my heart melt.

My business is growing in ways that I never thought.  I am about to head into my third wedding season (on my own), and I am so thankful for all of my wedding clients and portrait clients. They love my style, they trust me to capture the amazing moments of their family.  I am just a lucky girl!

What are you thankful for? Pin It

Things I Love...(in no particular order of course)

Summer.  I absolutely adore it.  Maybe because I was born in the summer (June 24th), but it is definitely my favorite season of the year.  The days are warmer and longer, the pools are open, and here in tiny old Delaware, there are a bunch of things to do.  On Monday I will be going to a carnival to devour more funnel cake!  Summer also brings one of my favorite events that I look forward to each and every year for the past 6 years...THE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL!!!  Yes, I know it may seem weird to dress up in renaissance fashion, and parade around, but it seriously one of my most favorite things in the world to do.  Ever since my husband first introduced me to it back in 2005, I have been hooked.  I have never missed an opening day, and up until last year, never missed a closing day.  This year is going to be super special because I will have my baby with me!  She will be a little pirate, in her little pram (yes we actually have a pram) that will be decorated to look somewhat piratical.  I can't wait!

The series "True Blood".  Need I say more?  I never really got into the whole Twilight craze.  The concept of vampires that sparkle in the daylight and all the teen love angst that goes along with it didn't do it for me.  Perhaps it's because my husband and probably 90% of my social group are gamers, and there is a LARP (live action role play) that revolves around vampires, so I kind of read up on the basics of vampires according to the gaming systems in which most of the current vampire books/series/movies base themselves off of.  But seriously, Bill Compton...swoon.

My husband.  Seriously, he rocks beyond anything I have ever known.  I have been with him going on 7 years and we have been married for over 2, and each day has been epic.  He has introduced me to so many new things (including the ren fair), and just has always had my back and supported me in everything.  Even when I doubt myself, he is the one pushing for me.  He's like my own little boxing coach from Rocky, and he completes it by saying "You're a bum Rock!".  If you have watched the movie, you know what I am talking about. In fact, if it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't have had the confidence to leave my previous job and jump into photography full time.

Pizza. I love it. Hands down. I was born and raised in New York City.  Enough said. I love pizza.

Fashion from the 1920's-1950's.  In no way am I fashion snob.  Yes I sew, but the only things I sew are clothing from the 20's-50's, Victorian clothing, and Renaissance clothing.  Modern stuff, I just buy.  But I find something amazing in the fact that women from the 1950's and such took so much pride in looking good.  Not to say that women today don't look good.  But seriously,  everything from the heels to the pantyhose, garterbelts, big circle dresses with petticoats, gloves, hats, pearls, it just entrances me.  If I ever struck the powerball, I would have a full 50's wardrobe, but realistically it takes a lot of work to pull those looks off on a daily basis.  Especially the hair!  Every once in a while I will bust out some victory rolls, throw on a circle skirt, complete with gloves, a little purse and hat, but it takes a lot!

Dr. Who.  One of my favorite tv series of all time.  It's about an alien (who looks like a human) who travels through time and space in his space ship, which looks like a phone box.  The ship is called the TARDIS, and it is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.  There is a saying, "You never forget your first Doctor".  And that is so true!  My first Doctor was the 10th Doctor, David Tennant. Although there is a new Doctor in place, Matt Smith, the show is still amazing!

And that is it for this weeks "THINGS I LOVE!"  Come back next time! Pin It

The Little Things

What makes me happy?  Almost everything.  I am a very simple person to please, and I suppose that is why I am almost always happy.  Sure I have my down days, but all it takes is something simple and my frown gets turned upside down!

For instance, my birthday.  I love receiving balloons and cake.  I suppose I am a 5 year old trapped in a 25 year old's body, but balloons make me happy.  This past birthday (June 24), my husband set it up so that at the time of my birth (1:32a.m.) at our weekly Denny's getup with our friends, he walked in with a cake that had Disney princesses and balloons for me.  I was VERY surprised, but very, very happy.  There was also a huge card signed by the "coffee crew" as we call ourselves.  The best thing?  When you open the card, it plays the chicken dance...which is another thing that I love.

I also love when my husband does little sweet things.  Like making me grilled cheese sandwiches (which have been a staple of my pregnancy diet) or coming home with my favorite candy.  On July 4th, we went to see the fireworks with friends.  We walked a few blocks away from our friends house to a field, and of course after a few minutes of standing, I had to squat, since I didn't bring the blanket.  He walked back to the car (and missed the first few fireworks) to get the blankets for me so I can lay down in the grass.  We then watched the fireworks as I laid across his lap.

Pictures also make me happy...duh.  I am a photographer, that is expected.  But I find it amazing that before I became a full time professional photographer, I photographed everything.  Every outing, every trip, basically anytime I left the house, I had my camera.   Now, I take my camera, but I barely photograph anything.  I am doing a horrible job at documenting my life, and I definitely have to remedy that.  Especially being that we have a baby on the way!

So I promise to myself, that I will start photographing the little things again, the little things that make me happy. Pin It

{Fun Times}

Yesterday was my baby shower. It was an absolute blast.  I want to thank everyone who came and shared this special moment with me.  One of the funny things was that when my mother arrived and I was introducing her to people, she was saying "Oh! I remember you from the pictures on Marisa's website!!!".  Yes, almost everyone who had a child there (all except two) I have photographed their maternity, baby session, or even both.  I didn't even realize it until my mother pointed it out.  I thought it was hilarious that many of my friends that were at the baby shower were also my clients who have allowed me to take part of their lives and photograph their special moments.

My life, my friends, my clients, are awesome!

I will be posting the pictures soon! But I do warn you, I was not allowed to be a photographer that day! So I had the camera in my hand for about 10 shots, the rest were taken by friends and family, and I wasn't even in my "aware of the camera pose!"

Till next time! Pin It

{When you knew you were in Love...}

I always try to get to know everything I can about my clients before their wedding day.  This not only forges a great relationship between them and myself, but it lets me photograph their day on a deeper level since I know their story.  I admit it, I am a romance junkie.  Now I don't take it as far as reading romance novels and watching nothing but romantic comedy's.  I love real love.  That real, unrequited, heart stopping feeling that you get when the person you love walks into the room.  That flutter in your stomach when they touch your hand.  The twinkle in your eye and the smile on your face when they do something as simple as putting their arm around you.  That is the kind of love I love being around.

So it is always important for me to know how my clients first fell in love.  Every story is unique and amazing.  I've done weddings for couples who fell in love in the early days of high school, and couples who fell in love even though at first they thought they weren't compatible as a couple.  It truly is amazing how the power of love can make things change.

When I first met my husband, I of course didn't think this was the man I was going to marry and spend the rest of my life with.  In fact, when I first met him, the very first day, I thought he was...for lack of a better term...weird.  He actually said something to me that was a bit off putting considering this was the first time I ever saw him in my life, and I basically flipped out. Not once did I think that "Hey, this is the man for me!".  But as time went on, and the more time I spent with him, the more I enjoyed his company.  Now don't get me wrong, he was still weird (and that weirdness has never gone away, but it is one of the reasons why I do love him), but he sort of grew on me.  In a short time, I came to find myself looking forwards to the days that I would see him.  The only times I did see him though was at work, since that is where we met.  He made my days at work not only bearable but enjoyable.

Then, I went out of state to college.  The first semester I had so much going on that we didn't really keep in touch.  But he never left my mind.  When I came back home for spring break, I found myself at my old job which he was still working at, standing behind a display and giggling like a school girl.  For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to go over and talk to him.  He finally saw me, came up to me and we talked a bit.  I left, of course not knowing that I was falling in love.  I mean really, who expects to know the exact time they fall in love?

I went back to college, but during this semester we talked every day and every night.  Before I went to class we would chat really quickly on the computer.  At night, when he came home from work, he would call me and we would talk into the wee hours of the morning.  Good thing I didn't have early classes!  All the while, I kept telling myself that he was an awesome friend, but there was no way I was falling in love.

When I came back and transferred to a college closer to home, that is when things picked up.  We never really had a first date, because we never really asked one or the other out.  We went out to eat, to karaoke, to the park and such and just had fun.  I realized I was in love with him when one night he was driving me back home, and I realized that I did not want to leave him.  At that moment there was nothing more that I wanted in the world than to spend every waking moment with him.  Sounds like a sappy romance novel I know, but it was true!  I was so taken aback that I didn't tell him. Not because I didn't want him to know, but because of fear of the unknown.  How was I to know if he felt the same way?  And that is when I knew that I was in love with him.  The type of love that consumes your entire being.  Where every minute away from him was torture, and I would count down them days, the minutes to when I was able to see him again.

Thankfully, I didn't have to tell him.  The great thing about my husband is that he is pretty awesome at picking up on peoples feelings.  So one night on the phone we were talking, and he said:

"I think it's cute that you want to say things to me but you hold them in"

Of course I had no idea what he was talking about. So I went about asking him what point he was trying to make.  And just like in a movie, where you know that the characters' entire story line is going to change forever he said:

"The way you want to tell me you love me, but are too afraid to say it"

Now, at this point I proceeded to put the phone on mute, place it on my bed, and jump around and scream like a mad woman.  I was relieved that he knew, and I was thankful that I didn't have to come out and say it.  Of course he told me that he loved me also, and the rest was history.  We have been together now for almost 7 years and married for 2.  The past 7 years have been the most amazing years of my life, and even though we had a rough start where I wanted to punch him repeatedly, I am thankful that I didn't!  For I wouldn't have known him to be such the amazing and wonderful man and husband he is to me today. Pin It