Happy 1st Anniversary Kristi + Jason!

I can't think of a better way to start off my new and improved blog! So, without going into any detail about my old blog.....

I would like to scream from Albuquerque all the way to Cali, 'Happy Anniversary Kristi + Jason!!'

As I sit here looking back at the photos from their wedding day, I can't help but think of many memories I carry with me. I am not just talking about their wedding day alone, but the months and days that led up to their day of promise. Like the bachlorette party with Kevin Kostner! Actually, going back even further- the years preceding the day they got married. You see, I met Kristi when I was only fifteen years young. I remember her being bouncy, filled with tons of energy and she had a very distinctive laugh. For those of you who know Kristi- you know the Kristi laugh! I remember having sleep overs with her as our sugar induced giggling would carry through her mom's thin walled apartment- where on the other side, I am sure someone was pulling their hair out well into the night. I can almost guarantee that most of the giggles were provoked by Kristi showing off her double jointed knees!

Time, after graduation, carried us to different places in our lives and many many years passed. When Kristi contacted me to share the news of her engagement with Jason, I was happy for her. When Kristi asked me to photograph her wedding, I was in disbelief. Trusting me to capture her day was a huge compliment and I felt honored. Having not seen Kristi for many years had me feeling anxious to be reunited with her again. Out of sheer nervousness, I was sure that I would break out into the Manzano Monarchs school song complete with dance moves. (We were on the drill/dance team together in high school. 'Go Monarchs, GO!!') My nervousness was calmed as soon as I heard her exclaim, 'Sarah-bean!!!' which was followed by that signature laugh. Kristi was the same only more confident, more beautiful than ever and totally head-over-heels in love.

When Kristi talked to me about her prince charming, I had visions of a man galloping up on a horse with a rose clenched in his pearly whites while declaring his love to the woman he will love forever. As soon as I saw the energy of love that Kristi and Jason shared with each other, I too was hooked. I could not stop looking at they way they looked at each other. It was true. It is the way love is supposed to be.

With that: I raise my glass and toast, 'To Jason: May you always hold your princess bride tight and kiss her each night. And to Kristi: May you close your eyes at night with Jason's kiss upon your lips -not just for the night, but for life.'

Here are still some of my favorites:

They know how to laugh!

I love this magical moment when the sun suddenly appeared through the clouds to reveal this!

I like how they play!

I love love LOVE this moon shot! (A special thanks to Dan Dawes from Complete Music for holding my light for this one. Oh, and for saving my favorite high heels for three months!!)