Extreme Makeover Side Project

I've got a confession to make: I have written and typed the word "extreme" more times in the past week than in my whole life and probably your life combined. My fingers have developed muscle memory for typing the word.

When I found out about this potential partnership with the show, I was extremely happy. I fought back tears as Derek explained how our Church could possibly be involved.

The thing is, I actually love Erie. I know...but I do. Somewhere along the way, I got a heart for transforming this city. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to jump start a volunteer initiative that could do just that. Erie is never going to live up to it's potential if we all just sit in our living rooms talking about how messed up it is. Until we take ownership for where we live and stop ignoring the people who need our help, we can forget about it. The local government can't change this place without us. This should be just the beginning.

I know for me, that when the cameras are gone, I'll still be here fighting for the city I love.

Get involved.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition in ERIE!

I was at the rally that Maleno Builders held this morning at Grace. I also had the privilege of providing some live Twitter material through the Erie Blogs Twitter feed. Check it out.

Grace is going to have a big part in all of this. Some of us on staff are going to a meeting on Monday to find out what awesome thing(s) we'll be contributing. I can't wait!

Does everyone realize how lucky we are to have this happening in our community? Hello?!

Karla & Joe's Wedding Sneak Peek

I really can't say enough about this experience. It was absolutely wonderful to be part of this special day. I remember standing at the airport with Karla and Kate, being completely exhausted after Molly's wedding and making a pact to pray for each other: that we would be content in singleness or whatever God would have for us.

All I have to say is that Karla's patience has paid off. She and Joe have been waiting for each other for a long time, and they're perfect for each other. I'm so happy for them.

It rained on the wedding day, so a bunch of our outdoor plans were shot. There are a lot of cool places to shoot pics in Minneapolis. It was a bummer, but we were able to be creative inside. It was a really fun group to work with.

There was butter next to flowers. It had to happen.

Bridesmaid dress next to Karla's "going away" dress.

Bridesmaids doing the make-up thing.

Hair decisions.

Karla chose a gorgeous dress for herself.

She was so excited to put it on. I don't think she stopped smiling the whole time.

Deep breath moment.

Joe and Karla opted to see each other before the ceremony. It was such a sweet time.

Flower and stained-glass awesomeness.

My favorite moment of the ceremony.

Moments alone (well, with me) in the lobby after the ceremony.

Joe likes jellybeans. I like fun pictures of rings. Match made.

The rest will be coming soon, guys! Congratulations!

TJ and Emily's Wedding: Sneak Peek

This was a super fun wedding. Not only was the couple (and family) awesome, but Dave and I got to work together. He was video taping the day while I was photographing it. It really made me want to do more work TOGETHER. It was a blast. Everyone kept saying that I was really laid back and made everything easy for them. I hope that shows in the photos, and more importantly, I hope I added to the awesome feeling of the day.

Anyway, here are some quick (low resolution) shots:

TJ! He was such a good sport.

Emily was one of the most beautiful brides. Her dress was GORGEOUS.

Grandma wanted to wait and see Emily walk down the aisle, but in the end,

she was glad to have this moment. So sweet.

This was one of those "deep breath" moments that all of us brides know so well.

Red shoes? Yes...RED SHOES. How awesome is that?

The flower girl yelling, "WE DID IT!" right after the ceremony recessional.

Do the bustle!

Awesomest. Couple. Ever.

Heartfelt toast by the Best Man. He wouldn't let me take candid shots of him.

I got this one, though. BOOM!

Aww...

I'll be done with all of your proofs within the next couple of weeks, guys. Congratulations, and thanks for letting Dave and I play a part. It was so much fun!

Campbell Family Visit

OK, so our #1 favorite southerners visited Erie this past week, and we were lucky enough to have them stay in our home. Brent and Jenn lived in Erie while Brent was attending LECOM. It was a wonderful four years.

To say it was awesome to see them would be a complete understatement. I love these guys so much. Here are some pictures from the visit (mainly so Jenn can download them).

I miss them already.

And, also, I would like to say that I think it's a sin against God that they don't live here anymore. Thank you. Chattanooga, you don't know how good you have it.