Santa Monica Pier Engagement
Kari + Justin

After a long hiatus from the blogosphere, I am back to tell the story of two of the most wonderful people I know:
Kari + Justin!!
We’ve been friends with Justin for about 7 years, and Kari’s family for even longer -

We all attend the same neighborhood church, Mountainside Communion.

Today I want to tell you the incredible story of Justin’s surprise ferris wheel proposal and the music and art that surrounds their lives.

But first, here are three fun facts!

1. I used to be a groupie for Justin’s former band, Justin Little and the Morning.

This band’s songs, written by Justin himself, were incredible.

Years later, I still have their CD in my car! And guess what? Two of its members fell in love and got married: Heidi + Scott!

2. Kari + Justin are both psychotherapists!

Justin recently graduated from Fuller, and Kari is wrapping up her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from APU.

3. Kari + Justin are the kind of people who immediately set you at ease with their easygoing nature and playfulness.

They embody both groundedness and levity.

Don’t you love them already?

Justin plays just about every instrument, and Kari is incredibly creative.

So what better way to spend an afternoon in Santa Monica

Then Kari drawing on a wall (with chalk, mind you) and Justin playing the accordion!

These two bring life wherever they go..

And they have so much fun in the process!

They’re vibrant.

I mean, would you just look at that smile?

She shines!

And he sees it!

Now, for my favorite part: Storytime!

It was a warm day at the LA County Fair in early Fall.

Justin + Kari were best friends in love,

and they were going to complete their magical day with a ride on the ferris wheel..

Justin couldn’t wait. He had carefully coordinated and eagerly anticipated what was about to unfold..

When Kari + Justin reached the front of the line, the ferris wheel operator gave Justin a knowing glance and handed him…

Justin’s guitar!

In one swift movement, Justin took the guitar, led Kari into the ferris wheel carriage, and began to play for her!

Justin serenaded Kari with a song he had written for her. A song of love. .

And Kari was swept off her feet – quite literally.

I’m tearing up as I write this because I love to think about what this moment of happiness must have felt like for them!

As the ferris wheel ascended into the sky, Justin proposed to Kari.,,

and as the sun set on fairgrounds, Kari said, “YES!”

And the world became brighter.

I can’t help but remember this touching song Justin wrote years ago called “Attachment Theory”

(you can listen by clicking on the link below):

“You’ve just got to reach your hands out now

You can never face this pain without

A friend willing to go with you and help you climb back out…

So sing to me, my friend, of a day when all this pain will end:

Every tear will dry up and we’ll never hurt again…”

Kari + Justin, I am so glad that you found one another!

May you share joy…

And peace…

together.

P.S. – Did I mention that Kari + Justin are now Mr + Mrs Little?! Stay tuned for their Wedding!



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A Brief Memoir

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Green Mountain Ranch Wedding Photography
Heidi + Scott Part III

Hello, friends!

Its been a while since our last post,

so…

 WELCOME BACK!

Let’s pick right up where we left off, shall we?

Part III of the beautiful story of Heidi + Scott’s Green Mountain Ranch Wedding!

After their emotional ceremony,

Heidi + Scott spent a few quiet moments alone together as the sun set behind the trees..

Love emanated through their shared glances.

These moments in-between the ceremony and reception feel sacred when we photograph them..

Amid all of the excitement, this is when time stands still.

Together, Heidi + Scott took a few moments to be quiet and savor.

But when it was time,

The party began!

Heidi + Scott’s Wedding Reception was full of tightly-knit family and friends who often feel like family

The smiles were radiant, and the laughter was constant!

 Every detail was a perfect reflection of Heidi + Scott,

from Heidi’s surprise ice cream cake (Scott’s favorite), to their wedding favors:

mix CD’s with songs these two musicians cherish together.

Although Heidi + Scott’s wedding was six months ago,

I still remember tearing up at the heartfelt toasts.

“I saw Scott touch Heidi’s face tenderly, and I knew!” Deborah said,

“And when I talked with Heidi about how she felt with Scott, she agreed that she felt at home.”

She feels at home.

It gets me every time.

As the light grew dim, and the photobooth lit up,

the dancing began -

and if you know anything about Heidi + Scott’s friends, you know that they love to dance!

Why? They’ve got moves..

And everyone joins in!

It was the BEST time.

Heidi + Scott, you are incredible people -

What an honor to photograph your Wedding!

We have so much love for you both.

Warmly,

daniel + megan



u4fifa - June 4, 2016 - 7:32 am

No, I know.

Green Mountain Ranch Wedding Photography
Heidi + Scott Part II

On the afternoon of July 28th, Heidi’s niece Sasha was ready to walk Heidi down the aisle.

It was Heidi + Scott’s Wedding Day!

Guests were in their seats, and family members were lining up:

and Scott was standing in front of all of his loved ones, waiting for the Bride.

As the anticipation was building, Scott embraced his parents warmly,

And the sound Heidi + Scott’s friends playing music signaled the beginning of the processional:

Finally, the time had come!

Isn’t Heidi absolutely beautiful?!

After Josh led a moment of prayer,

Heidi + Scott joined together in front of their family and community, under the shady trees by the lake.

It was a peaceful, gentle moment on their Wedding Day.

Throughout the ceremony, Heidi’s smile radiated joy. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen her smile like she did that day!

As Heidi + Scott shared their vows, Scott was tearful – a reminder to everyone present of the significance and sacredness of the day:

Is there anything more meaningful than intentional, thoughtful, and steadfast people committing to love one another in sickness and in health?

Just as the tears came easily at Heidi + Scott’s Wedding, so did laughter.

When a gust of wind unexpectedly wrapped lace streamers around them, they paused and enjoyed the spontaneous interruption.

Heidi + Scott’s openness to playfulness, finding enjoyment is simple moments…

is utterly life-giving to everyone around them.

Moments later, Josh pronounced Heidi + Scott husband and wife.

And their first act in marriage?

Serving Communion to parents..

And grandparents, and friends.

And then they shared a kiss!

Before walking back down the aisle hand in hand, Scott looked at Heidi,

and gave her a giant bear hug.

This is what love looks like when it overflows.

Without hesitation, Scott and Heidi turned to Josh and gave him a hug, too -

And then exited the ceremony with applause, as Mr. and Mrs. Haskins!

Two weeks ago at church, I met an old friend of Heidi’s.

“Oh, you know Heidi + Scott?” I blurted out,

“They’re two of the best people I know!”

With a glimpse into their Wedding Day, I’m sure you’ll agree.

Warmly,

daniel + megan

P.S. Heidi + Scott, thank you so much for letting us photograph your Wedding!

P.P.S. Can you believe that there’s a Part III to this story? We can’t wait to share it with you!



Heidi Haskins - October 15, 2012 - 3:23 pm

Thanks Daniel + Megan! We can’t express how grateful we are for such a wonderfully-photographed day, AND for friends like you :)

[...] Part III of the beautiful story of Heidi + Scott’s Green Mountain Ranch Wedding! [...]

Green Mountain Ranch Wedding Photography
Heidi + Scott

Welcome to the story of our dear friends Heidi + Scott on the day of their Wedding!

We have known Heidi for over 10 years, and we consider Heidi + Scott some of our closest friends.

They are simple people who love God and neighbor.

They are playful in spirit, hard workers, and deep thinkers.

We have laughed together and cried together.

To us, Heidi + Scott are rest.

Heidi + Scott were to be wed on a warm day in late July at the aptly-named Green Mountain Ranch in the San Bernardino Mountains.

There were touches of nature in the details of the day, from Heidi’s wedding ring of silver branches,

To the delicately sewn flowers in her hair.

Heidi prepared for the Big Day with her sister, Sonia.

These two women helped build our church and serve our community with love and grace.

They are my role models.

Heidi designed her bouquet with the help of local florist Aleah Holakoui, and looked utterly beautiful.

The mood was mostly peaceful,

With bursts of excited laughter.
Heidi’s laugh is one of my favorites in the world:

See what I mean?!

As the moment drew near for Heidi + Scott to experience their First Look,

Heidi and some family members paused to pray a blessing.

What a sacred moment.

Meanwhile, Scott was getting ready for the Wedding with his father.

Like Heidi, Scott has an incredible family -
tender hugs like these came often and flowed freely.

Anticipation was building..

And finally, the moment was here:

On the steps of an old chapel, Scott was ready and waiting to see his Bride for the first time on their Wedding Day!

This is why we love photography.

There are no words that can capture this moment:

The moment when Scott first saw Heidi on their Wedding Day.

This is love.

I tear up every time I look at these photographs.

Scott loves Heidi with his whole heart.

Heidi + Scott decided to go inside the chapel to spend some time in prayer over their marriage.

I love these quiet moments before the ceremony when couples can enjoy each other in peace,

before the energy of the Wedding sweeps them up in all of its glorious energy.

What a beautiful thing.

Something that you probably have picked up on, is that Heidi + Scott are best friends.

You can tell by the way Scott keeps glancing over at Heidi,

And the way Heidi melts into Scott.

Heidi + Scott’s friendship was founded in their love for music

(they used to play in a band together, and I was their biggest fan).

So, I thought it would be fitting to show you these next few images, some of my favorites from the day,

with the lyrics of the Coldplay song Scott sang to Heidi when he proposed in the hills around the Griffith Park Observatory:

(Click here to listen to the song on Spotify as you view these photographs)

My song is love
My song is love I know…

I’m on fire for you
Clearly you don’t have to be alone
You don’t have to be on your own

And I’m not gonna take it back
And I’m not gonna say I don’t mean that
You’re the target that I’m aiming at
But I’m nothing on my own
Got to get that message home

And I’m not gonna stand and wait
Not gonna leave it until its much too late
On a platform I’m gonna stand and say
That I’m nothing on my own
And I love you, please come home

My song is love, is love I know
And I’ve got to get that message home

Heidi + Scott, your Wedding Day was one of the most special days we’ve ever photographed.

Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of it!

Friends, you are not going to want to miss Part II of Heidi + Scott’s Wedding Day.

Bring tissues.

Warmly,

daniel + megan



Kristin Ritzau - September 25, 2012 - 8:06 am

You guys – these are a-mazing! Felt like I was stealing glances the whole time. Love everyone involved in these photos. :)

Meghan Jackson - September 25, 2012 - 8:45 am

LOVE! Oh this was such a wonderful day, and you captured it so well. Great work!!

misty jo - September 25, 2012 - 8:47 am

These are so wonderful. You and Daniel have done a wonderful job of capturing all those things that are so unbelievably lovable about Scott and Heidi. Excited to see more! :D

Heidi Haskins - September 25, 2012 - 10:02 am

So wonderful! I love them all! Thank you for shedding those tears of joy with us and for being such an important presence to us that day.

megan - September 25, 2012 - 11:29 pm

Thanks Heidi! We’re so glad you love them – that makes us so happy! :)

megan - September 25, 2012 - 11:30 pm

Thanks, Misty! That’s a great compliment – that we captured Heidi + Scott! Woohoo!

megan - September 25, 2012 - 11:30 pm

Thanks Meghan! Well you know, there was this GREAT Wedding Coordinator..

megan - September 25, 2012 - 11:31 pm

Thanks Kristin! You were missed that day – but glad you got to experience it through the photos!

Shelby Jones - September 25, 2012 - 11:54 pm

Wow! Thank you Meghan and Daniel!!! These are amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better more beautiful peaceful wedding for my brother and sister in law and you both totally captured it in film.

Best to both of you!

Shelby

[...] Years later, I still have their CD in my car! And guess what? Two of its members fell in love and got married: Heidi + Scott! [...]