my valentines

I’m headed to the WPPI photography convention in Las Vegas this weekend. I’ve attended this convention before, but opted out last year since Hazel was so young. This year, I’m bringing my family along for the ride. I don’t know how that’s going to work out, but I figure it will be an adventure regardless. So while I’m away, I thought I’d leave you with some shots of my little valentines this year (and at the end of the post, my thoughts on the ultimate valentine gift).

I have a hard time getting “the” perfect shot of my girls. They’re totally over my camera, Hazel especially. But I also recognize I have super high expectations. When I come home from a client session, I literally have hundreds of images that I’m happy about. With my girls, that number is significantly lower. So lately I’ve had to remind myself that even if I get one picture I really love, then the “session” was a success.

I can’t even believe how Ella has grown up this last year. I expected Hazel to change rapidly (which she has) but Ella has really been the one to amaze me, even in the last six months. I feel lucky to have those changes documented, even if they’re just in snapshots or silly little photoshoots. I’ve said this before, but I’m going to reiterate how important it is to PRINT your pictures, not just take them. I recently ordered another set of little spiral bound prints taken during the last six months and I love looking through those. They’re easy to access. I don’t have to remember which folder or what hard drive they’re in. Flipping through memories is one of my absolute favorite things to do.

And last but not least, I wanted to share MY valentine. Jordan was recently interviewed about being married to me He shared this interview with me for Valentine’s Day. I posted about this interview on Facebook and had a few requets to share (this is the “safe” version as Jordan labeled it). WARNING. This video is PURE CHEESE. I recommend watching just the first minute or so (then skip to 5:32 if you want to see a nice slideshow of the girls) because the idea is fairly clever and funny. But after that, it’s a video that maybe only a wife can appreciate. But, it was of course, created for me.

The best part of the whole gift was when Jordan shared all the outtakes with me the next day. I absolutely love that he’s willing to not only think outside the box for me, but to live out there too. I think what really bonds a couple is when they’re willing to really share themselves with the other. Not just the day to day living. But really putting yourself all out there for your spouse to love and accept. This can be so hard and requires a huge amount of trust. But I would argue such a move is crucial to happiness in marriage. Deep down inside we all just want to be loved for who we are. Marriage should be the playground for letting ourselves be free and loved unconditionally. So if you’re newly engaged or have been married for years, consider setting your love free. Provide your spouse with an environment where they can never go wrong at being themselves. This is the ultimate valentine gift you can give.