Wedding Fun - Grayslake Family Photographer and Writer

This weekend we attending a beautiful wedding in the Virginia Beach area.  It was a great weekend! Once a year we get away as a couple and attending such a joy filled event was the perfect reason to get away.

There were many beautiful heart felt speeches throughout the weekend.  I listened closely as the priest stated that wearing a wedding ring wasn't a reminder of your commitment to your spouse it's actually a reminder of your spouses commitment to you.  I found that to be an interesting statement.  I thought it was a reminder of my commitment but this explanation gave it a little bit of a different significance.  "Someone gave themselves to you... someone is waiting for you at home..." the priest passionate conveyed.

So naturally I did some research about wedding rings and the significance....  there was no surprise that wedding rings have been around a LONG time, since ancient Egypt about 4800 years ago.

The symbol of the circle with no beginning or end spans many ancient cultures.  But I was surprised to find that the hole in the center of the ring also had ancient significance.  It's isn't just space to put your finger through. That space is a gateway, or door; leading to things and events both known and unknown.  Putting your finger through the gateway means that you are ready to meet the unknown with the person who gave you the ring, your spouse.

Wedding rings have lots of meaning and significance.  I don't think there is just one explanation for such a beautiful symbol of love.  Personally, I've found that the meaning evolves throughout the years of marriage too.  And still there is so much ahead to discover side by side.    

Spring Session - Grayslake Photographer

The rain teased us all weekend long.  Thank you to the C family for being flexible and great to work with.  We captured some beautiful images.  Here is a sneak peek:

 

A very beautiful family, thanks again to the C's!

For your individualized family session at my most affordable price of the year contact me at: angelclarkphotography@gmail.com

No Photos - Grayslake Photographer and Writer

R had a dance recital over the weekend.  This was the first time she participated in dance, we normally allow one after school activity and R selected dance this school year.  She practiced once a week for 8 months.  The dance recital was the culmination of the year and highly anticipated.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there was to be no flash photography nor videography at the event.  This was the rule at her communion as well.  Although, at first I was disappointed at the thought that I wouldn't be able to capture every single moment.  I didn't have to worry about settings, my thoughts being elsewhere in camera land as opposed to present at the event.  Her dance lasted just a few minutes and I was there for every second of it.    Some times it's just better to put the camera down and be there.

"Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.  Make the Now the primary focus of your life." Eckhart Tolle

How To Live Happily Ever After - Grayslake Photographer

My youngest, J asked me; "Mama do you want to live happily ever after?"
I thought about it for a minute and answered; "I already am."
J responds; "No, mama I'm going to tell you what you need to do to live happily ever after."
Me; "Okay, what do I need to do."
J while demonstrating with his hands, "You have to go like this."  Tapping each finger with his thumb.  "And say: 'I am wonderful'."
I did it with him.  Touching my thumb and index finger together "I". Touching my thumb and middle finger together "AM".  Touching my thumb and ring finger together "Wonder".  Touching my thumb and pinky finger together "ful".
"You should do that every day and you will live happily ever after," J assured me.

I've seen him touching his fingers together before but didn't know why until this exchange.  He was in a kids Yoga class this winter at the Yoga Effect. His wonderful instructor Nancy Nedland  taught him this mantra.  It has stuck with him, now it is etched into his heart.

Knowing how wonderful he truly is, looking inward, he will live happily ever after.  

Thank you Nancy, for this life lesson you have taught J.  I can't even describe the value that this holds for me as his mother and the value this lesson has for him as he carries it with him throughout the years.

I am wonderful. 

And so are you!