I love photographing this family every year around the Holidays!  Lisa and I are sorority sisters from College that both came from California.  She and Curt have the most adorable kiddos: twins Aubrey & Erin and handsome Jake!

Robin and I share a very good mutual friend, Katie!  It was fun getting to know Robin better through the planning process. She and Zach are so perfectly matched, their love is infectious.  I’m so excited for them, they just moved to Texas to start their new life together!  Congrats you two!  Shout out to Helena from Divine Events by Helena for rocking this wedding as the coordinator! Love working with her!

Robin’s sister Heather was married earlier in the year and had Mandi as her photographer!

Cermony: Heritage Hall, Old Town
Reception: The 19th Hole Restaurant and Lounge
Photographer: Melissa McClure
Assistant Photographer: Bryan N Miller
Coordinator: Helena with Divine Events by Helena
Florist: Fancy That Designs
Videographer: Murasaki Media
Linens: Duchess of Chairs
Cake: Cupcakes Squared
Harpist: Lea Bennet
DJ: Carl, DJ by the C
Limo: Rolls Livery
Makeup: Ashley with AC Makeup
Hair: Kerry with DK Hair

I adore these two!  They came to me through a referral from one of my favorite 2010 couples and they are equally as sweet and kind-hearted.  I also love the sweet comments these two post to each other on Facebook.  It makes my heart smile.  They were my first 2012 wedding booked and I am so excited for their wedding next year in Orange County!

Part three of my travel blogs, and then I’m back to the regularly scheduled blogging, I promise!  Lots of gorgeous weddingness and fun engagementness coming soon!  😉

We spent a few days in Lalibella and Gondor, Ethiopia.  Lalibella was an unreal experience!  We were there during the holiday of Maryam (Virgin Mary) and we got to witness the beautiful ceremony with dancing Priests!

The famous Lalibella cross, which was stolen a few years back.  It was a huge ordeal but was returned when the thief was caught.

12th Century paintings

After two nights in Lalibela, we went to Gondar which is the former capital.  We toured King Fasiledes’ castle, here is my mother at the castle.

Haile Selaisse’s church had amazing paintings all over, including the ceiling.

A street scene in Gondar

When my parents and I were planning this trip to Africa, I only had two requests.  To go on an actual safari and to see Lalibella, Ethiopia (next blog!)  We chose Tanzania for the safari because it is smaller than Kenya and has less tourists.  What a beautiful country!  So green and the clouds are amazing.  I saw some gorgeous animals, up close at Lake Menyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.  I would highly recommend visiting Tanzania some day!

My parents, married 41 years in August!

We got the opportunity to visit a traditional Maasai Village where they welcomed us with their dancing

And I met this little cutie, Nema!