I adore this couple. Not only do they make a gorgeous pair, they are the sweetest, kindest, most affectionate couple I’ve ever met. After spending time with them, I felt like I really knew them.  Nicholas was quick to give Jennifer the praise she deserves, telling her she is beautiful and wonderful. Jennifer returned his words with her sweet smile, affection, and kindness of her own. The compliments just kept coming. I was encouraged and blessed, just by being around them! The way they spoke so highly of one another speaks to their future – they will undoubtedly have a happy and blessed home.

And their style! I die. Seriously, one of my favorite engagement session outfits to date. I love that they are not afraid of accessories and color!

J & N… I can’t wait for your big day!

A few weeks ago, I attended Making Things Happen for the second time in my life.  This experience was completely different than the first, and it came at a time in my life when I needed it. On May 1, I needed to refocus, to separate myself from my distractions, to realize my true priorities. I needed to shut off my phone for an entire day, to not look at Facebook or Emails, but instead to stare life in the face. Life is too short to be wasted on things that give us no fulfillment yet steal our time, and I needed this MTH intensive to get me back on track.

I have so much on my heart, so much that I gathered and learned from MTH 2012. After starting this blogpost several times without succeeding in finishing it, (it is simply too much to fit into 1 post!) I have decided to share the 5 most important lessons I learned from MTH over the next 5 weeks. Each Wednesday, I will be challenging myself all over again, and challenging you with what really inspires us. I will be drawing powerful boundaries in my life to set myself up for success. Dreaming big. Being realistic, and being wise with my time. Breaking social media addictions. Eating healthy. Waking up early. And so on…

Today’s challenge? Living the ideal day.

Have you ever taken time to write out what an ideal day would look like for you? Close your eyes and imagine it. Set this dream in your real world, too : not on the beaches of Mexico, or in the mountains of Italy. Imagine your ideal day in your home, at your work, doing what you do, living your life, and loving it.  What would that look like?

•••

Nancy Ray’s ideal day:

6:00  Wake up. Do not snooze. Let Winston outside. Drink coffee on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, with a candle burning and windows open.

6:15  Read my Bible as I drink my coffee.

6:30  Pray for William. Pray for my day. Pray for my family, for my youth group. Pray for a greater hunger for the Lord.

6:45  Read a chapter from an inspirational book.

7:00  Stretch, then eat a healthy breakfast.

7:30  Put on running clothes, then edit photos or do non-email related work for 1 hour straight

8:30  Go running!

9:30  Stretch, do more office work for 1 hour (no distractions)

10:30 Email for 1 hour

11:30  Shower / Change / eat lunch outside on my porch / Water Garden / Tidy home

1:00  Work for 2 hours nonstop :: open windows, good music

3:00  15 minute break! Lay flat on my back – on the patio in the sunlight

3:15  Walk Winston to get the mail

3:30  Finalize work for 1 hour: Wrap up emails, blog, clean studio

4:30 Close studio, begin dinner prep, tidy my home

5:30  Have dinner prepped, welcome Will home with a big kiss, then spend the evening together [dinner, walk outside, read our current books, play with Winston]

9:00  Make Will’s lunch for the next day, lay out clothes, tidy up home, get ready for bed

9:30  Read

10:00 Lights out

•••

This week I am learning that I can actually live out my ideal day every day.  What a fulfilling life that brings! Today, I have been quite successful, I must admit! Although I woke up at 6:30 and not 6, everything else has fallen into place. I stay much more focused when I am on a timeline. I read my Bible and The Magic of Thinking Big. I ran 4 miles this morning, I worked with no distractions for several hours, I took time to get ready for the day, eat a healthy breakfast and lunch, and I have accomplished much work. It’s a good day.

Now, it’s your turn! If you haven’t done it already, go write out your ideal day. Then ask yourself, what’s stopping you from having that day every day? Why not today? 

Then leave an idea in the comments that would make your day more “ideal.”

I met them at the lovely Duke Homestead one morning, and I instantly fell in love with this location. Rustic barns, moss, fields, old architecture and trees – all within a very short walking distance. We had the best light and the best time! And we ended the session seconds before a downpour. It was pretty perfect.  Ashley and Dustin – I can’t wait for your wedding!

Christian (who is now Katie’s husband), was so enamored with Katie! During their first look, he just kept spinning her and looking at her over and over and over again. It was so sweet to see the two of them – inseparable the rest of the day. You can see from her beautiful bridal session why he just kept spinning her – she is stunning!  Their love for their Lord and one another was so sweet – I cannot wait to share photos from their gorgeous wedding.

Literally, 30 minutes before the ceremony, when we were about to move everything under the reception tent, the skies parted. The sun began shining, and workers busily began drying off all the seats in the courtyard. Michelle was going to get her outdoor ceremony after all!  The guests were happy, and the storm was just what the day needed to cool things off.

Michael and Michelle are perfect for one another. Michelle – a vibrant, fun, caring and thoughtful young woman – is the perfect compliment to Michael, who is laid back, calm, and easy to please. Truly, they make sense together. It’s so fun to watch them, because mostly, they just laugh together.

Fast forward to their reception… I have never seen such a group of party animals! Everyone was having the best time of their lives! Silly dance moves, tying napkins onto their heads, lots of laughter… it was the definition of a good party. Then, hours before the reception was supposed to end… a massive storm arrived. So massive that it sent all the guests to the main house in a state of semi-panic! Talk about a memorable day! The reception ended early, but thankfully, that didn’t stop the guests from having an amazing time. And we still got that photo of Michael and Michelle on their tandem bike… even in the rain. :]

Thank you, M&M, for allowing me to capture such a memorable wedding day! I couldn’t imagine anyone else handling it with as much joy and laughter as the two of you did.

Venue : The Sutherland
Caterer: Shuckers
Cake Artist : Ashley Cakes
Florist : Purple Poppy
Bluegrass Band : Tommy Edwards Bluegrass
Reception Band : Gold Rush
Hair & Makeup : Marigold Parlour
Stationery : Oak City Stationery
Wedding Gown & Reception Dress: Lily Pulitzer from Traditions by Anna
Programs : 3 Little Finches

So now that I officially want one of these beautiful accessories, I have narrowed it down to my top two. I am having the hardest time trying to decide which one to get! So… what do you think? Should I get the first champagne strap: Bohemian Belle, or should I get the 2nd gray strap: Washed Ashore?

Let me know which one you like best! And go check out their beautiful new site and their fun straps. A few other favorites of mine? Ballet by Degas, Aprés Moi Le Déluge, and Moonshine!

The Graylyn was the perfect location for Kate’s beautiful bridal session. Enjoy these lovely images of Mrs. Kate Dullaghan!

With a fancy little runner’s belt, at that! For those of you who have known me for a long time, I know I might have to do a little convincing. I grew up as the most un-athletic person you would ever meet. So, allow me back up a bit.

3 months ago, I couldn’t run 2 miles without feeling like I was at death’s door. No really. I would have to walk part of the time, then give myself a pep talk, then run again… and I looked like a sluggish little old woman doing the slowest jog possible. I mean, I was slooow. By the time I would make it home, I would be panting heavier than Winston.  And if I “ran” 2 miles once a week, I was, in my opinion, awesome at life. It was really difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that I would be running 13.1 miles later this year.

By creating a solid “base” as Coach calls it, I was able to slowly over time increase my distance and speed. (A strong base = being really solid at running 2-3 miles multiple times a week, not concerning yourself with long distances or record times.)  So, I would run… a lot. 3-4 times a week, until he knew I was ready to increase my distance. The first time I ran 3 miles without stopping, I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. Same story with 4 miles, 5 miles, and now… 6 miles.

Did I really just do that? 

And that, my friends, is the power of setting goals. No, I haven’t run my half marathon yet. But I’m right on track to run it in July. And what’s weirder? I LOVE running. Running 4 times a week doesn’t seem like enough for me anymore. I want to run every day. I love being outside with my pup. I love feeling the sun on my skin. I love getting sweaty. I love my awesome runner’s-tan. (Yes, my feet are really white.)  I never thought I would say this, but I love being an athlete. I’m so proud of myself for setting this goal, because I never thought I could do this.

In the spirit of setting goals, I just have a few, simplified goals for this May. Wedding season is in full-swing, and I need to stay focused on what I can realistically accomplish!  I have some inspiring blogposts heading your way, after attending Making Things Happen this week. (I need a few more days to organize my thoughts – what a day!)  My first May goal is related directly to MTH :  living life to the full, and  being intentional about living in the moment.

•••

May Goals:

To detach myself from my iPhone and live a real life by removing emails from my iPhone and buying a new, separate alarm clock
To stay committed to my half marathon training in this summer heat (& buy new running clothes as a reward for my 5K!)
Wake up at 6am once a week, to move a bit closer to my 2012 goal of waking up at 6am each and every morning
12 in 12: Read Heaven is for Real 

What are your May Goals? Leave a link below!

I love watching these two together. Eric truly is a Southern gentleman. He treats Justine with such love and kindness, he care for her and how she’s feeling more than he thinks of himself. He is already acting like a loving husband of 30 or 40 years… you’ve seen them… the husbands that open doors, carry bags, and show love to their wives in the little ways. That’s Eric for you. It’s clear he’s going to make a strong and supportive husband for the rest of their lives.

Justine carries passion, a tender heart, and a vibrant personality. She loves to laugh, and to make Eric laugh. She also has great style! (I was taking silent notes when observing her adorable outfits.)  Originally from PA, Justine is the perfect compliment to her Southern gentleman. They truly bring out the best in each other.

Justine and Eric… I cannot wait for your wedding day! 

Here are a few favorites from my first roll of film in 2012… Fujifilm Pro400H taken by my 35mm Canon 1V.

Film photographers – what is your favorite film to use? I’m in the midst of trying many different kinds, and I’m excited to narrow down a favorite!