Back over November I ran across a deal on Ruelala for a swanky hotel in Dallas, Le Meridian Stoneleigh. So I asked my best friend, Karen what her and her hubby were doing for Valentines Day… no plans. We each booked a room there for Friday evening, and then Karen found a second deal (via Groupon, I think) for The Adolphus, a grand, old hotel in downtown for Saturday evening. Now, getting to Dallas was no small feat… it took a small army to push our Mini out of the neighborhood in 8″ of snow Thursday night before our Friday morning flight. Thankfully, we got out and made it to the airport and happily traded the snow for sun and 60-70 degree weather. I really loved the furnishings at the Stoneleigh. All the muted, velvet furniture was just up my ally. I really wish I had taken more photos of the hotel! Just down from The Adolphus was the Neiman Marcus flagship store… complete with bridal salon. I wanted so badly to play dress-up. After we checked out of the Stoneleigh, we headed to Bread Winners for brunch, it was a shot in the dark on google maps, but I think it was our favorite meal! Jeremy had a bacon, jalapeno bloody mary. After leaving The Adolphus, ate lunch and then decided to site see… this is dangerous when left up to Karen and I. We ventured to see a giant longhorn statue in a not-so-nice part of town, and then on to AT&T Stadium where the Dallas Cowboys play. The Roadside America website can be both amusing and scary at the same time. A few quick good-byes at our hotel, and they were back off to Waco. We’ll be out there again, we still need to see Southfork 😉 *if this blog runs across any Dallas/Waco/Austin brides, I’ll fly out to shoot your wedding with no travel fees* *All images Portra 400 35mm, minolta maxxum, scanned by Indie Photo Lab

In the midst of my own struggles, I find myself grieving for a woman I hardly knew. Meredith Stapleton came to me by way of fellow photographer, Paige Styles nearly two years ago. Paige was a close friend of Meredith’s and looking to help her find a photographer for her wedding day. I happened to have that Saturday available and happily booked Meredith & Christopher’s Aiken, SC wedding on my calendar. Most of the time, I have many emails, calls or in person meetings with my brides…. not Meredith. She was a woman, I knew was fighting cancer and that I was her wedding photographer. We had nearly no contact prior to the wedding day. Jeremy dropped me off in front of a beautiful brick home to meet all the ladies inside brunching and primping. I had no idea what I was about to walk into, who I would meet, or how I would react. I rang the doorbell, and a wide-eyed, grinning-ear-to-ear girl named Meredith smiled and greeted me along with her aunt. They gave me the grand tour, the introductions, and lead me to the large spread of perfectly southern food on the dining room table and made me eat. As I walked back and forth from the master bathroom where the girls were having their hair done, to the kitchen table where laughs were being exchanged I knew this wedding day would be different than others. I’ve never met a more welcoming, sweet and excited group of people in my life, and no amount of sickness could hinder that. Yesterday, Meredith went on to Heaven. I know she’ll be missed, but her friends & family should rest assured knowing she made a giant impact on everyone she met, including me. She made it OK to be scared, OK to be happy and OK to profess your faith openly. Meredith started a cancer fund, and if you desire, please consider donating: Meredith Legg Cancer Fund, First Community Bank, 407 Silver Bluff Road SW, Aiken, SC, 29803. View Meredith & Christopher’s wedding slideshow here

So, the winner of our Nautical Giveaway cannot use the session or 10% discount on a wedding package, so she’s generously offered to gift it to the next bride who books their wedding with me! Is it you?! Email me for a full price guide!   *Image shot for Michelle Lyerly