This weekend we attended my brother's wedding in DC.
We had an amazing time and I wanted to share a few photos. You know why I LOVE photography? Because I love capturing little moments and connections between people.
I am not a technically gifted photographer. NOT fishing for compliments here, I'm being honest.
I don't know much about the mechanics of photography. Or editing. I just like taking photos.
I like taking photos when everyone else is taking photos of something else.
I like capturing the moments no one else notices.
Okay, so a little info on the photos...
who: jimmy, harper, cate, lucy, sadie, my mom and dad, my brother jonathan and his bride lauren, my brother andrew and his wife ashley
what: jonathan and lauren's wedding
when: april 5 and 6
where: washington, dc
I just want to say that I see my family very rarely. I haven't seen my dad in a year and a half. I haven't seen my mom since December.
I saw Andrew in November but haven't seen Jonathan since 2008.
There were aunts, uncles, cousins, and loved ones that I haven't seen in ten years.
I love my family and miss them dearly. And this is why I have little to no patience when I see others complain about having family around all the time.
I would do anything to have that kind of support.
Having so many people love on my kids this weekend was amazing.
Have a beautiful day.
xo
lovely photos. I as well don't think you need to be a master phootgrapher to capture rel life... drama, fun, love, etc.
have a great day
Posted by: nicole @ I am a Honey Bee | 04/09/2013 at 06:47 AM
Love all the real life shots. Looks like a wonderful day and everyone enjoyed all the family time. I see Jimmy isn't wearing his sling how's his shoulder doing?
Posted by: Becky | 04/09/2013 at 06:51 AM
thanks for asking! they let him take it off last week (at 6 weeks post surgery). Hes okay. still experiencing a fair amount of pain but hes a tough cookie! :) xo
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | 04/09/2013 at 06:53 AM
What a blessed weekend! The cherry blossoms sure did cooperate!
The girls look absolutely gorgeous in their dresses - especially the twins' poofy skirts! You and Jimmy make a pretty cute couple too!
I'm glad that you had some time with your family - I've learned over the years {now that I live a life where I can only see my family periodically} that it is definitely quality vs. quantity. You can live next door to family and be miserable and ugly to one another - or, if you only have intermittent access to one another, hopefully you make that time special and forget about the petty stuff.
And now with your Italian adventure, you'll find ways to stay connected to your family heart to heart... and I pray that it will help deepen your bonds even more.
Posted by: KMM | 04/09/2013 at 07:30 AM
Beautiful and precious photos that you have captured!! Looks like the weather was nice and warm, and oh those gorgeous cherry blossoms?!!! Love!!
Posted by: Kami Pfingsten | 04/09/2013 at 07:34 AM
Love all the pictures. You captured some great moments. Great job.
Posted by: sherried | 04/09/2013 at 07:43 AM
beautiful photos! i love the little captured moments :) i live so far away from my family as well, getting to spend time with them is a treasure!!
Posted by: Ginny Hughes | 04/09/2013 at 07:47 AM
I love all of the moments you have captured, to me the real reason to take photos! I too, love the more casual in the moment over posed ones.
Posted by: Laurel S | 04/09/2013 at 08:03 AM
My beloved daughter, this morning finds me back in TX. - missing the warmth of family & friends. My tears started up all over again after reading & seeing your account of Jonathan & Lauren's wedding. How blessed we are to have each other even though we love from afar, often globally afar. I'm so proud of you & Jimmy. & of course my BB love for my granddaughter is over the moon. They are so happy, so well adjusted, charming & as we witnessed this weekend - social! We treasure each of you. Thank you Lord for creating this family like you did! BB
Posted by: Becki Steakley | 04/09/2013 at 08:05 AM
Oh what a glorious feeling to be surrounded by family! You have a beautiful family, pictures of BB loving on the girls are such a treasure. I have not lived near family in 13 years, so my son has never seen family more than twice a year. It breaks my heart that he has cousins that live a mile or two away from grandparents and great grandparents, but take it for granted and don't make an effort to visit them just to sit and enjoy their company. Sorry for my rant!
Loved your pictures, sweet moments captured!
Posted by: Jonnelle | 04/09/2013 at 08:32 AM
I literally just teared up reading your mom's comment. Stephanie, technique or gifted photographer DOES NOT matter. You were able to beautifully tell a story here that literally made me wipe the tears from my eyes. You are creating a family of love and honesty. For that, you are a master. (And, as someone who doesn't live near any family whatsoever, I completely and totally understand where you are coming from!)
Posted by: Jennie | 04/09/2013 at 08:44 AM
Wow.i am blown away by those photos. It's very nice . So natural and loving those lovely flower bloom.
Thank you for sharing. I hope someone also did take
Pictures of you with your children and husband.It would also be another
Amazing pictures. Hope you will share if there is!
Posted by: Carol | 04/09/2013 at 08:44 AM
Beautiful family you have and just right how you just captured
Natural! No worries over having perfect pictures..
True! Gladto hear that your family enjoyed family time!
Posted by: Jennifer | 04/09/2013 at 09:23 AM
these are fabulous Steph!! you captured life. oh and the babies are getting so big.
Posted by: Mary Rogers | 04/09/2013 at 09:30 AM
Thank you so much for the look at Jonathan's wedding! I loved spending time with your family way back in high school. Your mom was always so sweet and welcoming to me. So I loved seeing everyone again! You all look great!
Posted by: Paige | 04/09/2013 at 09:45 AM
those are so lovely, I wish my wedding photographer took more candid shots like that, all of mine are posed...you and J look so amazing in that one photo outside near the tree and the kiddos are adorable as always :)
Posted by: laurielariviere | 04/09/2013 at 10:04 AM
OMG, loved every single bit. Felt like I was there. Big time goosebumps!
Posted by: Elizabeth Rosemond | 04/09/2013 at 10:14 AM
your family is beautiful - such a treasure! i love your blog, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: virginia | 04/09/2013 at 01:06 PM
beautiful fun pictures~
we are FINALLY around family and I am LOVING every second of having Michaels parents, sisters and the girls
cousins around us~ it's been 7 years since we have lived by family and we LOVE IT~!
nothing is more important! the sad thing is now I am 8 hours away from my family, so we don't see them as often!
great pics steph!
tara
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | 04/09/2013 at 01:59 PM
Stephanie,Jimmy & those beautiful little girls are a treasure. You certainly did a good job raising such a beautiful loving daughter.
Posted by: ginny | 04/09/2013 at 03:01 PM
fabulous pictures, you captured so much love in them.
I know what you mean, i have not seen my family in almost 5 years, we made the decision to move to the other side of the world, but still i do miss them and i miss the support also, the love, the sharing, the friendships etc, yes we have skype but it is not the same as popping into grans every morning for a cuppa kwim :)
hugs and glad you enjoyed your weekend
Posted by: Caz Hancock | 04/09/2013 at 04:39 PM
That picture of your brother dancing with the twins. That's the stuff right there. What a great moment to capture.
Posted by: Stacy | 04/09/2013 at 06:08 PM
Beautiful family! Beautiful pictures! Blessings to all Steakleys.
Posted by: K Clanton | 04/09/2013 at 08:16 PM
These life momments are so delightful... what sweet family times...I need to appreciate how close by my family is to us...:) Thanks for the reminder....
p.s. I looked at that first photo and a caption came to mind: "Now Jimmy, what in the heck is washi tape and why do I need it? Isn't regular tape good enough?"
(I'm sure it really was a wonderful deep converstaion of life affirming importance but I just thought of that wonderful grandfatherly man reading your blog and thinking, "What is washi tape?")
Posted by: kristine cline | 04/09/2013 at 09:51 PM
moments...I can spell...a little
Posted by: kristine cline | 04/09/2013 at 09:52 PM
Thank you for sharing your beautiful weekend with your family. I loved your pictures and I loved and identified with your Mom's comments. We both love and miss our children, but are proud of the lives they are creating and nurturing. thanks again!
Posted by: Trish | 04/10/2013 at 06:18 AM
happy days!
Posted by: kate | 04/10/2013 at 12:23 PM
You had a fabulous weekend to visit DC. Those weekend weddings fly by, don't they? These are the moments the girls will remember: weddings, family, cherry blossoms. maggieb!
Posted by: Account Deleted | 04/10/2013 at 02:10 PM
Beautiful photos.
Ok total twilight zone!! My name is Lauren and my brother is Jonathan. My kids' names are Ashley and Andrew!!! Bizarre!!
Posted by: Lauren Nguyen | 04/10/2013 at 03:49 PM
A beautiful family. The girls look amazing. Love the dresses they all have on!
Posted by: Pat Cloud | 04/10/2013 at 06:02 PM
I love the photo of Sadie under the cherry blossoms. But all of the photos are great and really demonstrate the love your family has. Even if you haven't been together in one room it is clear you are all very much together.
Posted by: Christi in MA | 04/11/2013 at 05:03 PM
Oh those blossoms are amazing!! You all looked so wonderful and so happy!! My fav is the one of Sadie with her arms up in the air - such a happy little girl!! I can't wait for my sister's wedding - pushed back to next May since she's having a wee one in October :) I am lucky enough to be photographing a good friend's wedding this coming June and a family reunion on Canada Day. These are they types of moments I like to capture as well, in addition to the staged, group shots everyone wants. Congrats to your brother and his new wife Steph!! xo
Posted by: Christine Campbell | 04/11/2013 at 09:32 PM
Beautiful; real; living in the moment - but honestly, your timing is a.m.a.z.i.n.g.
Posted by: sandi m | 04/11/2013 at 11:25 PM