front porch friday

"They say a kitchen is the heart of a house, but I believe the porch is its soul. From the very steps, you knew if you were welcome or not, knew everything you needed to know about the people inside." {Rick Bragg, Southern Living}

Welcome to the first of many front porch Fridays where I'll be posting some of my favorite people, places, ideas, things. Y'all come on over, have a seat, stay awhile. ​

source

Today's favorite: giraffe prints.​ And the girl that designed them. So two favorites!

​Ashleigh Carter, my insanely talented roommate/former coworker buddy, designs, illustrates & sketches these beautiful pieces that remind you how much we serve a God who have given us creativity and art as ways to reflect His glory.

The splendor of the Creator is so evident in her life & I'm truly blessed with a capital B in our late night conversations & early morning talks. Several of her giraffe & other fun illustrations were featured in a reception at old town Alexandria's Revel boutique, styled by our event guru Simply Jolleen.  

The little guys on the left have bow ties on. Bow ties on a giraffe?? Can't get enough.

Hello Spring is on display through May ​29th. Head over to Revel to pick up Ashleigh's illustrations (postcards, pillows and more) plus bright West Coast looks handpicked by shop owner Francesca. 

Happy weekend!​

Bekah + Steve: to be wed

ove was in the air, well, snow a few weeks ago when Bekah, Steve & I headed out to this Chantilly winter wonderland (call it a pre-engaging session). Steve proposed to Bekah with a sweet heart adventure through Leesburg just last week and I can't wait for you to see the adorableness in the photos.

Bekah was such a trooper in the chilly weather. And Steve brought the energy up with some impromptu goose chasing. Yes, as in the feathered bird. You could say we all had some fun that afternoon :)

it all started with a laminated red heart

What do red hearts, Leesburg & Twitter all have in common?

A soon-to-be Mrs. Stratton!

It all started yesterday over inter-office chat.

“I think you should come in here and see this note I just got,” is the message from Bekah that popped up on my desktop. When I walk into her office, she shows me the shiny laminated (nice touch!) heart from her boyfriend Steve. The note read:

Gigs,

You are free from work today and going on an adventure.
Take some time and finish up any loose ends.
You will receive the next destination and clue when you get to your car.

Love you.

This was it! P-Day (Proposal Day) had arrived! Bekah + Steve are one of the sweetest, super fun, in-love couples this side of the Mason Dixon. B and I have worked together for almost 2 years now and have had our share of adventures (the search for the hidden rope swing, random line dancing in the office, weekend brunching to name a few).

With a birthday coming up in a few weeks, she was *sure* with all her heart that Steve would pop the question then. And all his misleading hints pointed that direction, too.

But having received the first red heart at her desk yesterday, she began to think that maybe he had surprised her. And so, the engagement heart adventure began! She later learned that he had called our editor to ask if Bekah could have the day off.

And there is nothing like an engagement to make me cry. It starts slow – with a sniffle or two. But by the end, I’m sure my face resembles more of a sad puppy than anything else.

When B grabbed her heart and headed out the door, she found her next red love note on her car windshield telling her to head home  and get ready for the day.

Before leaving, B promised to live tweet the day. She did and my coworkers and I followed along like crazy. At home, she was greeted with lots of kisses. Then a surprise visit from her sister led them to lunch at one their fave spots in Leesburg. From there it was on to a gorgeously decorated bridge, Raflo Park gazebo and the final clue: Ida Lee Park, a spot they liked to sit and talk for hours.

Ladies, what a keeper, right?? And gentleman, this is definitely the way to propose to the love of your life.

It just so happened that when we had a snowy Monday two weeks ago, I was able to shoot Bekah + her fiance in an adorable park near our office. The pre-enagement engagement pictures, I'd called them. Is that good timing or what ;) Here's a sneak peek of the full-of-love shots (more to come next week!): 

Bekah + Steve, I'm so excited for what God has up ahead for you both! Y'all are so fun to be around and totally rocked in front of the camera. Yes, even the kissing pictures : ) 

Have a lovely weekend!

{April Goals}

Happy Easter Wednesday!

If you're thinking, "Uhh, Lorin, you're a few days late," let me explain. Our pastor challenged on Monday night to live each day in light of the resurrection. ot just a once-a-year-He-is-risen but a daily, He-is-risen-INDEED mindset. So happy Easter Wednesday :) The photo above is from the Lincoln Memorial sunrise service with Mr. D. What a beautiful morning to gather with hundreds of DC + Virginia folks to celebrate our living Savior!

Thanks to the ever inspiring goal-blogging of the fabulous Nancy Ray, I'm joining in the making things happen fun by posting my monthly goals here (funny side story: as I sit typing this, "Quitter" by Carrie Underwood is playing in my iTunes haha. Too bad, playlist! This will *not* reflect my goals). And here we go - 

April Goals

>> Have a logo for LMP designed!
>> Read Jon Acuff's "Quitter" (**completely unrelated to Carrie's singing, this is all about work).  
>> Only check email 3x a day max (not including sending out emails, communicating back & forth for personal/work). Challenged by Jess Lively's intentional work style
>> Book my first wedding ♥ 
>> Schedule a sunrise cherry blossom shoot with the lovely Sam Reho
>> Continue memorizing a Scripture verse each week with my Small Group, plus review all past verses
>> Allow James 1:19 to grace my every day: quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry
>> Take risks + willingly embrace the challenges of starting a business

What about you? What goals are you setting for yourself this month?

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,
you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." / John 15:15

welcome to LMP!

Happy spring! It's one of the most beautiful times of year here right outside of DC. I've got 2 words for you: cherry. blossoms.​ (The above shot is from last year. We have a mild case of winter that hasn't quite left yet, but almost).

Spring is also time for
​>> long strolls to your favorite coffee shop,
​>> early morning runs through the neighborhood,
​>> sweet outdoor engagement sessions*,
>> praising God for His beautiful creation.

*Speaking of sessions, I have the privilege to take photos in a few weeks of Sara + Dan, a fantastic couple from our church who love each other with a capital L, and love their God with all they are. ​

​Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to email me if you're in Northern Virginia, DC or Maryland and looking to book a photographer for your save the dates/wedding/portrait session.

Because He lives,​

Lorin