Lexi's Bat Mitzvah at Embassy Suites Brier Creek

“When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way”

— Wayne Dyer

I knew Lexi and I were a great fit when I saw how she picked on her big brother at our first meeting. (and he wasn't even there) :) It's obvious they adore each other and that just makes me so happy. I love good sibling relationships. 

Lexi and Ricky both decided to do their Bat/Bar Mitzvah training online with Debbi, a marvelous wanderer who appreciates all the beauty in life and gives back through officiating all the important ceremonies in peoples' lives. 

Lexi blew me away with her beautiful interpretation of her Torah Portion. Standing proud in front of her family and peers at Embassy Suites, she talked about the importance of serving those who need help, particularly the hungry. She spent several weeks during her lessons collecting food for the food bank to be able to serve children who were going to bed hungry. Her goal is to see world hunger come to an end. She has such a beautiful heart. 

All day long her family and friends cheered her on and showered her with love as she celebrated this epic life event; I'm so happy I got to be a part of it! Lexi is a dancer, as are many of her friends, so they had some serious moves on the dance floor. Damien certainly did not disappoint either! He is my absolute favorite DJ; he can read a crowd better than anyone and really knows how to get kids excited and on the floor. 

Help me cheer Lexi on and enjoy some of my favorite images from the day!

Proud of you Lexi! I know your entire family is as well! Can't wait to see all the good you're going to continue to do in the world! Thank you for letting me be a part of your big celebration!

Venue/Catering: Jill Eaker at Embassy Suites Brier Creek

DJ: Damien Maass

Cantor: Debbi Ballard

Party Dress: Macy's

Photobooth: Zimzoom

Balloons: Judy at Blooming Balloons

Favors and Invitations: Aunt Ellen and Betsy :)

Haley Graduating! Historic Oak View Park

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Haley is one bright, driven and charming high school senior. I can't believe I'm even saying she's a senior! (I've known her family for a few years now) Haley choose to be homeschooled for high school and due to her intelligence and motivation she'll actually be graduating a semester early! She even has the opportunity to take a CNA program at Wake Tech this fall if she wants to. I am so super impressed. 

Though she may choose something involving children or more in the field of photography, she's got everything she needs to blaze a trail. Proud of you Haley! Hope you enjoy looking through some of my favorites from this morning! 

Spoken Word

“Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance”

— Carl Sandburg

In honor of my mom's 60th birthday I wanted to post one of my all time favorite spoken word pieces. Sarah Kay spoke at TED a few years ago and blew everyone away with not one but two incredible pieces sandwiched around a beautiful talk explaining the need for poetry and her journey toward teaching students how to unlock it's potential. My mom has always been a creative and while she was unable to use her gifts the past few years, she's recently opened up to them again and it makes me very happy.  

"Because getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air"

If I Should Have a Daughter, by Sarah Kay

There's something about the power of spoken word to move even the hardest of hearts. More than poetic verse on paper, it jumps off the page and the rhythm actually moves something inside you. Below are more of my favorite pieces, just for fun. :)

Taylor Mali is the very best kind of teacher. He highlights the world of imagination to an open mind and teaches a closed mind how to embrace all things new. He challenges you in a way that makes you want to be better. If you haven't read his book, you should :)

"I make parents see their children for who they are and who they can be"

What Teachers Make by Taylor Mali

Shane Koyzan understands both sides of the bullying coin and reaches into the soul of any person who's ever known it's weight. 

"'Stand up for yourself' They said, but that's hard to do when you don't know who you are"

To This Day by Shane Koyzan

I suppose I've always resonated with the downtrodden, broken people in the world. I've always avoided clicks and found myself closest to those who walk alone and don't make friends easily. And I've certainly known far too many victims of violence. Steve Connell's piece speaks to that...

"This perpetuates a culture where it's easy to confuse the link between the jokes and the bruise."

We are the Lions by Steve Connell

Cameron caught be by surprise recently as I stumbled across his work. Immersing myself heavily into the LGBTQ community lately I have a new sense of appreciation, respect and awe for their daily challenges and ability to overcome relentless shaming. 

"What if you could choose the shape your shadow casts into light"

"Break Up Letters" By Cameron Awkward-Rich

Do you have any favorite spoken word pieces to share? I'd love to watch them, feel free to post a link in the comments. :) 

The Mayhew Family at McGill Rose Garden, Charlotte

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk through my garden forever.”

— Tennyson

Have I mentioned how much I love this sweet family?? After you've captured memories for someone a dozen times they really do become an extension of your own family. Little Hampton is a fireball of free will and beauty. Her momma, Brentlee is no different. They know what they want and go after it. John is forever steady and brilliant and always knows how to make his girls laugh. 

We tried out a space new to all of us this weekend at the McGill Rose Garden. We were pleasantly surprised by all the little nooks we were able to explore, even with a wedding being set up in the background. (Hamptyn of course always prefers the rocks no matter where we go). ;) 

Charlotte has all sorts of hidden gems like this and it's really becoming a home away from home for me. As I'm sitting here in this adorable little NoDa coffee shop, I can't help but look forward to finding many more. :) 

Seriously, even the sun dried flowers were beautiful... especially when paired next to this beauty. 

Being OK with Failure

“Success—in paddle boarding and in life—is simply the ability to stand after each fall, learn from mistakes, and willing yourself to get better.”

— Jasmine Star

Failure is not a word many people like to talk about. Myself included. 

It screams broken dreams and skinned knees and last chances.

Failure is like the monster hiding at the bottom of the lake threatening to drag you down, but you hope if you just ignore him, maybe you'll never have to face him. The problem with that theory is you will definitely have to face him, and if you find yourself looking him right in the eye unprepared he will, in fact, pull you under. 

My dad always told me if I fell off the horse I had to get right back on, that same day, that same minute. We were never riding horses when he said this so I was a little confused at first but when I wrecked my first bike and scraped my elbows, he didn't even blink when I looked up at him with my big, green, pouty eyes begging to quit, "Nope," he said, "You get right back on there." 

When I stalled the car over and over learning my first manual transmission and in anger was ready to give up, "Nope," he grinned, "It's time to try hills next."

Owning your own business is no different. I didn't go to school for accounting or business or even photography so I have had my fair share of days staring down that monster. From not realizing I needed to keep a separate business account (until my second year), failing to have a back up SD card on a shoot when one corrupted forcing me to reschedule the shoot, to actually being fired from a wedding a few years back when a couple didn't just love their engagement photos. 

All of these moments and hundreds more I don't have space to write about, were enough to drag me down, but I feel like becoming friends with that lake monster almost 30 years ago prepared me to swim around comfortably with him today. He catches me off guard sometimes and it takes me longer to catch my breath but I've learned to watch for him and when I see him coming we begin a dance. With each routine my muscles grown stronger and my wit gets sharper. 

If I hadn't gotten back on the bike, I wouldn't know the joy of a 230 mile ride to the coast with my love last year, or the exhilaration of racing full speed over roots and rocks down a mountain bike trail. If I'd given up on the manual I wouldn't appreciate the power always at your fingertips or know the satisfaction of winning a drag race. If I had let the failure monster take me down without a fight I'd be miserable - working my way from one bartending job to the next.

Stephen McCranie once said, "The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried." If it requires thousands and thousands of failures to become a master, then bring on the thousands more yet to come.

I invite you to join me on the journey of failure. It will be hard fought with skinned knees and bruised egos, but well worth the mastery on the other side. 

Baby Hazel Grace, Rex Hospital

“Our legacy is our love”

— Bob Goff

Oh my goodness you guys! I got to meet sweet little Hazel Grace at Rex Hospital today, she is just over 24 hours old and she already has a little personality! Her momma said she's already very direct with what she loves and what she hates and isn't afraid to let you know one way or other. My kinda girl for sure!

She definitely already has her daddy wrapped around her little finger...look at that love. I asked them what they're most excited for and they said they're still just trying to take it all in. Every moment is new and perfect. Love that. 

Eric bought her a ring with her sapphire birth stone which is just perfect. She already loves it you can tell. :)

Amber you are, of course, beaming and beautiful. I'm just so happy for you both! I know you're going to be so great at this! 

Daniel, Downtown Charlotte

“If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough”

— Ellen Johnson

This one.

When your brother has all the makings of a model, you go out of your way to help make that a reality. Even if you aren't a fashion photographer. Even if you don't know the first thing about modeling. Even if you're terrified. I'm not sure what the exact process looks like, but I know you start with a pretty face and add some head shots. Check. Perhaps someone in my vast network of friends can help with the rest? I'm lookin at you Sam. And Nick. And Lauren... 

Charlotte was the perfect setting of course, full of alleys and decks and bridges to work with and like with everything Daniel does, (literally...everything) he's just a natural. It didn't matter that I cracked up every other minute or so (I mean this is my little brother we're talking about) he was a total rock star, as professional as they come. I cannot wait to see where this adventure lands him.

It didn't hurt that Chris joined us either. The most joyful and fun-loving guy you'll ever meet, he set us both at ease and made the whole adventure so much fun! (of course I had to sneak in a couple head shots with him too).

Daniel, I'm so proud of you for taking a risk and putting yourself out there. No matter where the road leads from here, it's sure to be filled with amazing stories and new friends and experiences that will change you forever. Always in your corner...Sis. :)

Preparing for Your Engagement Session

“Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile”

— Franklin P. Jones

The first thing to remember as you arrive for your engagement session is that this is supposed to be fun! We'll have plenty of pressure from timelines and schedules on the wedding day, no need to be stressed now. These sessions usually take anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on how far we walk around and how many outfits you have etc. But if we knock it out in 45 minutes that's totally fine, if we need an extra 30 it's totally fine. Just be prepared to roll with it. 

This is our chance to get to know each other well before the big day so that we're both comfortable when we do have the time crunch. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like and know that I'll do the same. When you learn how I work and the types of poses I'm likely to move you into, it'll make you a pro on the wedding day. It also gives me a chance to see how you two interact together. If you don't enjoy kissing in public, or prefer not to sit on the ground, it's better for me to find out at this session rather than when I ask you to do so on the big day. :)

1. When to plan your session. Time of year is totally up to you, though, if you book your wedding out far enough, a lot of couples like to choose the opposite season of their big day. If you have a fall wedding then a spring engagement etc. Regardless of what month you choose, we will always, only shoot at either sunrise or about 2 hours before sunset. This ensures golden light that will make all your images dreamy and romantic. 

2. Outfits: Most couples choose 2 outfits, one casual to start and one dressier as you get more comfortable with the whole flow of the session. Once you've gotten used to the idea of a camera in your face, you'll warm up to the more romantic poses. That said, if you prefer one outfit or three, I'm perfectly ok with that. You can see my post HERE to see ways to coordinate them.

3. Location. I always recommend choosing a location that is important to you if possible. A family farm offers legacy, the place where you actually got engaged or had your first date can be a great way to capture that memory, or just a place that you find beautiful can ensure beautiful backdrops for when you print them for your home. If you can't think of any places like that, or you're not from the area where we'll be shooting, have no fear, I have a long list of places that are wonderful and I'm happy to check out a spot in advance if I'm unfamiliar with it.

4. Trust me. I certainly do not expect you to be a professional model. I will guide you when you need it and give you the freedom to be yourselves as often as you let me. I have hundreds of posing ideas floating around up there and am perfectly happy guiding you into them, I also really love letting you interact in your way. It always takes about 15-20 minutes to warm up to the idea of making out in a public space so we'll work up to it slowly and have some fun along the way. I'll never make you do something you're uncomfortable with. 

5. Drink ALL the water. Think a gallon a day every day for a week leading up to it. (and then every day after that for the rest of your life) ;) It's not only healthy, but for the purposes of the shoot, it will get rid of dark circles under your eyes. 

6. Prepare your fiance'. Sometimes one person is really excited about the photography portion of the wedding, and the other is well, not so much. They may be planning to show up, smile at the camera standing in 2 or 3 locations and then calling it a day. If they aren't prepared when I tell you to snuggle or nuzzle, they may not know how to respond. I recommend choosing your top 3-5 favorite images on my site or blog and showing your fiance' so you're both on the same page when you arrive. If you're going to err on one side or another, over communication is usually a good bet. (Feel free to use that one as a general marriage tip as well...you're welcome) ;) 

It can also be fun to practice some of the snuggling and flirting in advance... just sayin ;)

7. Ring, Hair and Make Up. Some ladies like to take this opportunity to get their hair and/or make up trial arranged with their stylists so they can see what they'll look like on the big day as well as taking the pressure off of preparations for the engagement session. Certainly not a necessity, but if you're having a trial anyway, this is a good time to do it. (This or the bridal session if you choose to add one). There will definitely be photos of the ring, so it's a good time to get it shined up as well. 

And just for fun, here's a few couples showing off their snuggling and flirting skills both at their engagement and their big day. Have fun!

Bubbles Open a World of Possibility

“Too much of a good thing can be wonderful”

— Mae West

Can I just say how much I love bubbles? On a photo adventure with a child, I can safely say, bubbles make the session better every time. 

There's just something about the dream-like state it puts a child in that opens them up to the possibilities in the space we're in, opens them to laughter, opens their eyes bright toward the sky. If you're ever wondering if you should grab a bottle for your session, you should. :)

Jetton Park, Cornelius, NC

Leaves. Leaves are also acceptable flying dream makers. 

And balloons. :)

If only we could easily retain that ability to be moved by dreams as we grow. May your day be filled with beauty and your future with bright dreams. Maybe pop open a bottle of bubbles (or bubbly if you prefer) and see if it helps you see the world a little differently today. :)

Why Sunrise is the Perfect time for Portraits

“Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them”

— William Arthur Ward

All of these images have one thing in common: brisk morning air and gorgeous glow from the sun. Location, time of year, type of session and outfits are all secondary. The light is what matters. Every time. 

If given the choice, I will always choose 7am to meet for a session. (followed closely by sunset, but I find it harder to pinpoint the start time because you're racing the dark). 

I know. I know. It's not easy to get up extra extra early, and when you have kiddos to wrangle or otherwise uncooperative adults, it can be difficult. I promise though... get to bed a little earlier and just make it happen. You'll get dreamy images every time.  

Try Not to Get Lost in the Details

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do rather than the ones you did”

— Mark Twain

Beech Mountain Club

I see it over and over again: the build up.

At the wedding rehearsal there's always something that starts the break down. Maybe a favorite out of town guest has phoned in to say they're not going to be able to make it or the flower girl gets a stomach bug. The first note of stress appears in the couple's voices as they try to tell each other it's going to be ok. 

Then at the dinner they get more bad news: the linens have arrived one size too large for their reception tables the next day and they won't be able to change them. Guests will now have to wear a blanket in their lap as they're seated. 

As they're unloading all their bridal party gifts, she remembers she left one of them sitting at home on the table... now they have to decide if they're going to leave someone out tonight or give all the gifts in the morning. They disagree. Their voices raise another degree. 

I arrive the next morning ready to greet the beautiful bride and I see dark circles under her eyes. Oh no. She didn't sleep well because the hotel neighbors threw a party into the wee hours of the morning. She's now stressed from the rehearsal and sleep deprived (not to mention worried those circles are going to show in photos for the rest of her life).

When her mom enters the room to tell her the rain forecast just got pushed to the exact time of the ceremony I see a tear well up in her eye as she looks out the window and tries to hold it together. She's not mad at her mom, it's obviously not her fault, but she fusses at her anyway then immediately regrets it - causing another tear to trickle down her face. 

Just when she thinks she's going to be able to hold it together, her wedding director phones to say the caterer misunderstood their order and brought cheap plastic plates instead of the beautiful crystal she'd paid for. Cue the downpour. 

When you spend countless hours planning the perfect day and have an extraordinary vision; it can be devastating to watch it all unravel.

The last thing you want to be is a bridezilla and you know that nothing in particular is anyone's fault but you're so overwhelmed with details and sick and tired of making decisions all you can do is cry it out - or take it out on someone else. 

I see you. I hear you. 

I am here to remind you that your love is the only thing that matters today. People might have to eat on plastic plates, but they'll be doing so in celebration of you. You might get a little wet, but only because you're dancing in the rain celebrating the grandness of it all.

I promise, no matter how perfectly your details fall into place, no one will remember them outside of photos. What they'll remember is how you looked at each other with that shy smile, how you took time to come hug them and introduce them to your love during the reception, how you got choked up (and so did they) as you stated your vows before God and everyone.

I know your details are important to you and you simply want the day to be perfect, but trust me - just focus on living in the present and loving the people around you and the details will take care of themselves. And don't worry about the memories, I'll take care of those. 

Daniel Boone Native Gardens

Rudi and Nick Engaged! Beech Mountain, NC

“Everyone deserves someone who makes them look forward to tomorrow”

— Unknown

When you first meet your love on a boat, you know the relationship is bound for grand adventures. After their first encounter, they quickly discovered a common love of Zac Brown Band and from Miami to Banner Elk and back, the rest is history. 

With wet dew on every blade of grass and brisk mountain air keeping us on our toes, we explored several nooks around Beech Mountain with breath taking sunrise views for these images. If you want to ensure this glowy light in your images, you just have to make sunrise happen. It's early, but it's worth it every time. 

One of my favorite moments from the day was when we were walking across Beech Mountain Club's golf course and they shared what made them want to spend the rest of their lives with each other. Rudi expressed that Nick takes care of her really well and he said that her strengths fill in his weaknesses perfectly. Love that. 

Nick and Rudi were never without a smile on their faces and so much fun to explore with. I hope you love these two and their gorgeous Beech Mountain engagement as much as I do. Enjoy! 

Btw...their hashtag is #nudiweds...isn't that adorable?!?

The fam

“I can’t believe I never noticed my heart before - until I noticed you”

— Mute Math

If it weren't for A.J. this blog wouldn't be here. In fact, I wouldn't be here.

I've always fancied myself an adventurer who is willing to try anything new, show me the mountain and I'll climb it, the plane I'll jump out of it (or fly it), the road less traveled and I'm already half way down it. 

But apparently I have an irrational fear of all things new technology. (I still haven't tried the Pokemon Game or Instagram Videos...or whatever they're called). Raised by two people who swear the internet is evil, who don't own a computer or a mobile phone, who don't even like talking on a landline, I was a little behind the curve when I met A.J. I swear I'd still have a little flip Razr if A.J. hadn't forced it out of my hands years ago. He's constantly baffled at my ability to use "thingy" and "whatchamacallit" and "you know" to describe the really complicated things like the internet. :)

When it comes to the world of technology I am utterly dependent upon him. But I'm ok with that. I hear we're supposed to focus on our strengths and find other people to fill in our weaknesses anyway. 

That's just one of my witty husband's many talents. He also happens to be a phenomenal public speaker, entrepreneur, photographer, ultimate frisbee player, hilarious comeback wiz, wedding officiant, latte art master, life comedian, and of course dad to our pup Letty and the very best husband who ever lived. 

I figured today would be a good day to introduce him to you, as it is our 11 year anniversary. ELEVEN. It seems like we began one life in undergrad and found our way into a different one along the way. Every bump in the road has made us stronger and every detour given us a new skill set. He is far more than I could have ever hoped for and I think it's safe to say my love for him now is 11 times stronger than it was in 2005. He's just one of those people who make you want to be a better person.

Letty girl is pup number four for us. (had to leave the other three in the mountains) We've only had her for about a month but she's already family and matches our outgoing personalities perfectly. She's partial to coconut oil, belly rubs and wants to destroy every evil squirrel in existence. 

I couldn't do life without A.J. and wouldn't want to do it without Letty girl. They both make me stronger. Happy 11th babe. 

Why You Shouldn't Anticipate Their Reaction

“Love has nothing to do with what you’re expecting to get – only what you’re expecting to give – which is everything”

— Katharine Hepburn

The Oaks at Salem

It's not uncommon for a mom or perhaps a bridesmaid, even an officiant to pull me aside before the ceremony or first look begins and say, "Now make sure you get his reaction, I just know he is going to lose it!" I, of course, assure them I will do my best and that the moment is just going to be perfect. 

While this sentiment is meant as excitement for the couple, and nerves just make people say things because they've heard others say them; I've found in practice that it sets up both the couple and those who love them for failure or disappointment. 

If you expect your love to cry and they don't, or drop to their knees and they don't, or do a happy dance and they don't, it immediately makes you wonder if maybe you're not dazzling enough. Maybe he doesn't like the dress you chose, or she thinks your hair looks funny. Maybe they're just ready to get this part over with so they can get to the party. Maybe they're getting cold feet. In reality, maybe your love is just not a crier. Maybe instead you've rendered them speechless and all they can do is take you in. 

Milligan College

Might I suggest instead to have no expectations, only love.

Rather than worrying about how they're going to respond to you, focus instead on taking them in, fully. Notice the way her curls fall across her face (her stylist put in a lot of work to make that happen you know), notice that he put on your favorite cologne and breath in deeply, notice the shy look on her face as she twirls (she's a little nervous you won't like her dress), notice how he fidgets with his watch and sways back and forth (he's a nervous too, this feels like a first date after all).

When you commit to just living fully in the moment and allowing your love and your family and friends do the same, I promise the day will be more fulfilling, more surprising, more memorable. You be you and let them be them.

Live in the present and let me capture the memories. 

Carol's Garden Inn

Annnnnnnnd the same theory applies to the proposal of course... 

Roan Mountain

And one more...can't resist. :)

The Inn at Crestwood

Meagan the Herbalist

“We like to pretend it is hard to follow our heart’s dreams. The truth is, it is difficult to avoid walking through the many doors that will open”

— Julia cameron

Time paused for a moment during my long curvy ride through the Tennessee Mountains this weekend. With such breathtaking views and fresh mountain air, it's not hard to see why a couple would choose to raise their kids here, away from all the noise. 

It is here that I met Meagan. And can I just say, Meagan is awesome. She's a registered nurse, family herbalist, mom of 4 boys and a homeschool teacher. In addition to all that she manages a blog about all of these things. I've met a lot of incredible people in my life and that list just got longer this weekend. She had a vision for what she wanted in life and hasn't stopped working hard to make it happen. 

If you ever have any herbal needs or questions, you really should check her out. I learned so many things simply chatting with her as we explored her forest. For example, did you know that jewelweed is a remedy for poison ivy?? That would have been good to know when AJ was hospitalized for it a couple years ago. 

Anyway, thank for you introducing me to your world and beautiful family Meagan! Hope you enjoy seeing it through my eyes. :)

CAMstellation Raleigh 2016

“The artist never entirely knows — We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark ”

— Agnes de Mille

"Leap Into Fear" | 24"x36" | Mixed Media

As an artist and a business owner, I've had to make some difficult decisions. Probably the least of which is forcing myself to dress like a "professional" when I'd rather wear jeans and a tee shirt every where I go. I tried to take the stance of #theartistwearswhatshewants (favorite hashtag ever, thank you Amaris) for years but I suppose being an adult is more important... Alas, bring on the heels, and feel free to tease me like my brother Daniel who says I look like a little kid playing dress up. #jerkface #notreallyloveyou ;)

More importantly, as much as I love being a creative, it can cause dilemmas when you enjoy creating in many different mediums. I've been painting for as long as I can remember, I enjoy writing poetry and performing spoken word, I've written a memoir that I'm scared to death to publish, I dabbled in all forms of music for years and of course there's photography - my ultimate love. 

Taken via iPhone pano at the artist's reception for CAMstellation. 

So how do you choose? I'm not sure how it works for everyone else but I suppose ultimately my love of people has won out for me. All the forms I listed entail a bit of isolation during practice/building/editing/creating/considering/dreaming...even performing, but the only one that really allows consistent interaction with people, is photography. If I'm isolated for too long I get cray...just ask A.J. I need people and love being a part of their lives. 

ALLLL that to say, I still dabble in the other arts from time to time. Currently this piece is up at CAM Raleigh with their exhibit celebrating the creatives in the community. (come to either August's or September's First Friday to see it!) 

Taken via iPhone pano at Creative Mornings RDU...amazing group, you should totally check it out. 

It's titled "Leap Into Fear" because when I painted it, A.J. was talking about launching a second location of his coffee bar (among other crazy family things going on at the time). The first shop was probably the hardest thing we've ever survived as a couple, I wasn't sure we could survive a second. After a total breakdown I just threw all the emotions on the canvas and decided to let go. We love each other enough to believe in the other's dreams and we've built enough trust to know we'll both do our best to work through the muck. 

Six months after opening, we couldn't be better. In my experience, the wings don't form until after you jump. I suppose it's more exciting that way anyway. I believe this leap has prepared us for the next, whatever that may be. What's the scariest leap you've ever taken?