Ten years ago today, I was on a blind date. The trees were blossoming. Flowers were blooming. Everything was new. He picked me up and I remember opening the door to that smile. He greeted my family, smiled, laughed and proceeded to roll around on the floor with our cocker spaniel. My knight in shining armor. Shyly smiling while opening the car door. Stealing quick glances. Sharing Moo Shu Pork. White t-shirt and jeans. Agreeing that this George Clooney movie was a bust. Having butterflies and not being able to sleep.

It evolved. Cooking chicken parmegiana in his tiny kitchen. Eating Easter candy on the front stoop. Our first bible study. Forever running errands together, living life together. Realizing that summer we would and could go anywhere with one another by our side. April 21, 2000 was the start of it all. What we termed “Jen & Jonah Day.” And I am forever grateful.

I love you J.

It has been over a week, and it is still hard for me to put into words the incredible experience I had at WPPI in Las Vegas. I was actually pretty nervous and intimidated about the entire thing—12,000 photographers, numerous sessions, vendors galore! However, once I arrived, my mind was put at ease. I was surrounded by the most amazing, talented, heartwarming people. I learned so much—not only about photography, but about myself.

I had an amazing time meeting new lifelong friends (Jen McKen!). My favorite experience was having dinner at Craft Steak (yes, the restaurant of Tom Colicchio of Top Chef fame) with a bunch of photographers, including Mike Larson, Eric Farewell, Jody Gray and Shaun Austin (co-creator of KISS Books—I can’t wait to place my first album order. Their books are amazing and I love their philosophy—simple is better). I left refreshed, inspired and blessed.

On Friday, I attended the Audrey & Tamara Workshop—What a great learning experience! These lovely ladies are so down-to-earth and humble. Not to mention extremely knowledgeable about children’s photography. Here are some photos from the workshop. Aren’t they the cutest?