Since decorating the house for Christmas, working from home is so much more pleasant! At any time I can turn around and see a happily lit Christmas tree, and it just makes me smile. I love slowing down and savoring this season. This year I scheduled myself super lightly, without any holiday weddings...it's going to be an amazing season. Can't wait to spend time doing non-computer things like reading books, building fires, and seeing my family. Life is just so beautiful.

And speaking of beautiful, you really need to meet Anna and Garrett. :) Anna and I have actually been friends since...well forever! Anna is truly amazing; she's graceful and compassionate and just makes people feel at ease. I was honored and happy beyond anything that she and Garrett asked me to be their wedding photographer. They are planning a lovely June wedding, and we actually got to take some of their engagement photos on the site where they'll exchange vows! So happy! 

By the way, this is probably the longest post in the history of the CPJ blog! I couldn't narrow down favorites...loved them all! Strap in! :)

{below} So gorgeous, Anna! I did a little more processing than my usual style (including some texture layers! what do you think?) but I just can't get over how Anthro this image looks! I also have to share a little back-story with you: We were between shots when Anna noticed a bothersome weed and started to pull it--totally not posed--it looked just like this image below and was so beautiful that I suddenly was all, "OhMyGosh just KEEP doing that! It's perfect!!" (Remember? I told you she was graceful!) Anyway, so since we got an individual shot of her, I wanted one of Garrett too. What happened next pretty much made my week! He sat right down in the chair and mimicked Anna's graceful, girly pose EXACTLY. It was so awesome! And while I DID in fact snap a shot of it, I figure I'll let him decide whether or not he wants the world to see it...but just know...his awesome sense of humor was spot on!

 {below} I love the slight out of focus romance to this shot.

{below} YES! Anna raises chickens! When they mentioned taking some photos with them, and confidently waltzed into the pen, I hung back having visions of wild chickens trying to peck my eyes out (don't ask me why), but Anna and Garrett coaxed me in. Turns out, these chickens are amazing and really sweet (and pretty!). My eyes were totally safe. :)

{below} The Mustache. It doesn't get any better. Anna and Garrett, thanks for indulging me and being so much fun! :)

{below} I love the Fall color! Anna actually planned our session so that we'd hit the leaf color changing at it's peak! Perfect!

Anna and Garrett, oh I could just hug you two! It's so fun to be a part of this time in your lives. You both have such beautiful hearts, and your individual passions truly compliment each other. Your happiness at simply being together was so evident and inspiring. I hope you love your photos! I'm so looking forward to all that's coming up in the next year! Much love, Caroline