For my wonderful husband, for always loving and accepting me, and for always always being there.

For my amazing children, for teaching and challenging me every day, and for loving me unconditionally.

For my family, the one I was born into and the one I was lucky enough to marry into, for constant love and support, and countless lessons about life, love, and forgiveness.

For my friends, who have stood by me through everything, and whose love I treasure deeply.

For living in a country where I worry about the quality of my children's schools and whether there are pesticides in their food, not whether they will have schools or food.

For a beautiful universe that never ceases to be full of discoveries and revelations.

The image above prompted me to write this. 

There are several moments at every wedding where I cry. At vows, because commitment is so bold and crazy and beautiful.  When parents dance with their children, because the cycle of life is so profound, and I think how soon I will dance with my own tiny children at their weddings. And at women and their best friends, for their closeness, and for a hole in my world.

I am blessed with incredible girlfriends- friendships that have sustained decades of changes, and continue to grow stronger.  These women stood by me at my wedding, with one heartbreaking exception.

One of my dearest friends, Julie, died of cancer when we were 23.  One moment she was a healthy and happy college senior, full of life and joy.  The next she was striken with leukemia, and in an instant devastatingly ill.  Within twelve months she was dead.

It will have been nine years this winter, and I don't think I will ever get over it.  I cry at every wedding when I see women embrace their dearest friends, for I will forever miss her, and forever lament that I never got to embrace her at her wedding, or she at mine.

So in closing I wanted to compel anyone reading this today on Thanksgiving, or whatever day it may be, to embrace the ones you love a little more tightly, and to step back for a moment and stop to take it all in, because it can all be gone so very quickly.

They are an adorable couple, and it was a perfectly beautiful day.

And, as a perfect ending for the snow-loving Cassidy, flakes began to fall as they pulled away from the reception- a cinematic finale.

Cassidy made personalized sneakers and wore them throughout the day- it was a great personal touch, and set the tone for their elegant yet fun celebration!

And not so great, because this new blog habit has seriously fallen by the wayside.

But not to worry, we're back on the horse, and promise lots of fun new blog posts soon!

Happy days...

It was such a great shoot, and I'm excited to get to document the rest of Carly's first year!