Thank You for 2015

I went to Japan!

     Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would visit Japan... or any asian country. Anyone who knows me will tell you I don't eat Japanese, Chinese, or any other asian food. When I had the opportunity to visit some friends in Okinawa, Japan with my best friend, I decided to get out of my comfort zone and go. It was a trip of a lifetime. I had the best traveling companion. Catie and I travel well together. It was a VERY long journey. We left on a Friday morning and didn't arrive in Okinawa until Sunday morning. This included a 10 hour layover in Tokyo. Keep in mind Japan is a day ahead. We flew from Roanoke to DC to San Francisco to Tokyo and finally to Okinawa. I can now say I have seen an actual volcano. Mt Fuji is located just off the coast of Tokyo. It was pretty cool. I could actually see the smoke coming out of the top.
     The Japanese people are by far the friendliest people in the world. They try to be helpful and make you feel welcome. Everyone greets you with such warmth when you enter a store or restaurant. The island was small but filled with interesting things. Everything is small there. We couldn't find clothes or shoes to fit us. The vehicles were especially tiny. I couldn't stop staring at them. My favorite places were the beach and the bakery. The baked goods were so yummy. My favorite food was a toss up between the pancakes and the taco rice. The first place we went was Starbucks. Since Catie is a huge Starbucks fan, that wasn't such a huge surprise. They had an orange white mocha. OMG it was like a warm dreamsicle.  It was only for a limited time. I had as many as possible. I had to try out the McDonalds. They make a shrimp burger. It was good. The pineapple pies were better. Catie and I were so excited to have the chance to meet a couple of Japanese paramedics. Even though there was a huge language barrier, they made every effort to explain how their trucks worked. The ambulances were so tiny in comparison. We climbed all over their trucks comparing their equipment to ours back home. Other than trying different foods, I was able to get an amazing pedicure. Yep, it was like no other pedicure. They massage and are very familiar with pressure points. I have never been so relaxed. No one was surprised when I chose Mickey Mouse as my toe decoration. They hand painted each toe. These ladies were artists. Each design was perfect. We visited a brewery, pineapple farm, aquarium, and saw the cherry blossoms. I really wanted to snorkel there but it was too cold and we ran out of time. We did, however, spend a lot of time near the water.
     Now I can say I have walked on cooled lava, drank pineapple wine, toured a Japanese castle, and climbed to the top of a lighthouse. I went to Japan! Okinawa was amazing and I can't wait to find my next place to visit outside of my comfort zone.

Baby E

Meet baby E. She was quite the little angel. She seemed to enjoy having her pictures taken. Although she made her parents wait for her arrival, having her here makes the wait worth while.  Her hair was my favorite. It would not lay down. I had to make sure I captured that amazing mohawk. I'm excited to watch her grow in the arms of two parents who simply adore her.

Out takes and photo bomber award of 2014

When you take as many pictures as I do, you are bound to catch some funny ones. I can't possibly post all of them. Here are my favorite ones from 2014.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Good-bye 2014

As I look back over 2014 I smile at the fun moments. I am thankful for the opportunities I had to capture your family and events. Here are a few pictures to show the great year.

A beautiful wedding to be remembered

Eight years ago I met Collin when he joined the rescue squad. He was such a respectful young man who I immediately adored. He quickly became another one of my favorite rescue kids. I watched as he and Val fell in love while saving lives. She is a sweet soul who brightens a room when she enters. I was honored when they called to tell me they were getting married and wanted me to photograph the event. Today an intimate group of family and friends gathered to watch as two became one. The setting could not have been any more perfect. From the personalized place settings with a sweet message to each guest to the fun gift bags of the Mill Mountain Hokie blend coffee beans, each detail was carefully planned. The audible gasp as Val made her entrance expressed just how beautiful she looked. Collin couldn't take his eyes off his beautiful bride. As I looked around the room, eyes glistened with tears of joy and smiles were on every face. The love for this couple was clear. I have no doubt that every one in that room will make sure this couple understands the real meaning of love and will support their love for each other the rest of their lives. Congratulations Captain and Mrs. Collin Hu. I love you both very much. Thank you for allowing me to share in your beautiful day.

We are thankful for you!