One of the coolest perks of marriage is the immediate inheritance of family. One minute you’ve got two parents, the next four. Your two sisters become five, and your brotherless-ness is voided. Now your sharing bathrooms on holidays with people you didn’t know a few years ago, and even more than that, you’ve got the same last name. All of a sudden, Christmas time looks WAY more exciting, and electric, and… expensive, but whateva. Their family. They’ll understand the gift of regiving. Maybe.
For only-children, the ability to inherit siblings for the first time must be REALLY special. And for those who have lost a parent, or sadly sometimes both, to [...]

I think the very thought that drives some people away from marriage may be the very thought that drives other to it.
That is, thinking about spending the rest of your life, committed to one person. One person. One who may be extremely lovable, beautiful, funny, WHATEVER, yet still comes complete with all their hiccups, bad habits, and inconsistencies.
One. You can only choose one.
It’s sort of like that overdone journal prompt English teachers loved to assign, back in the day. “If you could only choose one person to live on an island with, who would it be and why?” (Which, upon viewing on the white board, I almost always immediately thought [...]

Just a little slice of heaven, that Stephanie and Mark.
We played in the pretty Spring sunlight, as I indulged in their bubbly love:

Enjoy the sneak-peak—> So. Much. More. Fun. To. Come.

It was Valentine’s Day. Courtney, Mike, and I were on our way to Laguna Beach to shoot their e-session at this private beach we had in mind. We had it all worked out. The place. The lighting. The mood. It was ours. Almost.
If you live in Southern California, and have a brain, you know that Laguna Beach is going to be slammed with lovers on their way to the Charthouse, to the White House, or to whatever-else house that serves steak, lobster, and cocktails. Unfortunately, I only had Courtney and Mike on my mind. I forgot that the canyon to Laguna Beach is a two-lane pain, synonymous with “parking lot” on [...]

Meet Brittany Arbuckle and Stephen Sheldon. Once upon a time, I went to college with these beautiful people. They were just friends. Then Stephen realized he didn’t want to be Brittany’s friend anymore. He wanted to kiss her. And take her on dates. Then Stephen realized he didn’t want to be Brittany’s boyfriend anymore. He wants to keep her. And make her his wife. Brittany thinks it’s the best idea she’s ever heard. This summer, they have an engagement to tie the knot in Portland, Oregon. And boy, ohhhh boy, I’m really excited.
A full E-session is on it’s way, but for now, let’s rejoice in the short of the story– [...]