Beyond-Function

New location

2011-11-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

I have struggled with blogger for a while, as you can probably tell from the constant change of templates and backgrounds, to find my place in this blog world.It seems like I can never find the right way to showcase my photographs and honestly I am not really good at the writing part. You know the bogging part.... Important when you have a blog. :) Every time I did write it was short and simple. I really feel like blogger was created more for well bloggers... not really set up for photos only

So I have moved... I hope you will follow me at http://www.laurelhammondphotography.com/.

A new place and a new adventure.

See you there...

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T22:34:00.000-07:00

I really love how these Halloween photos came out. I took the whole roll was shot in black and white. (or you could call it a series- I like to think of my photo sessions in roles of film. It helps me mix up the style of photos. This role was in black and white and it is amazing the different contrasts you look for when you are shooting in black and white. )

Good night! Another wonderful Halloween!

Everything is cuter with a bandana on.

2011-10-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

Sporting her Halloween bandana for the weekend.

If you cannot be a poet, be the poem. ~David Carradine

2011-10-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

Summer is gone. On to winter!

Robert Frost's 'STOPPING BY WOODS ON A SNOWY EVEVNING'

Whose woods these are I think I know
His house is in the village though
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farm house near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake
The only other sound is the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake

The wood are lovely dark and deep
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleepAnd miles to go before I sleep......

I love nights like this. You and me- making our our traditions. No moment is wrong and everything is so new.

2011-10-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Eat, drink and be scary. ~Author Unknown

2011-10-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

You don't really know how to celebrate Halloween until you have celebrated the holiday in Bellingham, WA. It honestly takes over the town. Let me give you an idea..

In one part of town there are TWO major Halloween stores. One of the stores is located in the old toys r'us and the other is RIGHT NEXT DOOR AND it is just as large. the parking lot is packed everyday - Mondays are no exception.

We decided to carve our pumpkin tonight and we had the best time!

I can't wait to show you our costume this year. It is so stinking CUTE.

“If we're going anywhere, we're going down the aisle, because I'm too tired, too sick, and too sore to do any other damn thing.”

2011-10-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

I know this has been shared around, but I stumbled upon it the other day. It STILL made me cry. Tears of happiness and tears of pain. Just tears because it is so beautifully told.
Grab a tissue.
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/08/watch_danny_annie_an_incredibl.html

"25 times yes!!"

Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr., Life's Little Instruction Book

2011-10-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

More edits same photos... working with curves. There is a whole world out there I am just learning about!

Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless. ~Bill Watterson

2011-10-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

There is honestly nothing better than a slow Sunday morning.The kind of morning that wakes you up moment by moment, from the dew on the windows, to the fresh brewedcoffee, to the weight of the Sunday paper, and the quite moments shared.

This is what weekends are for…

Whatever you are be a good one. ~Abraham Lincoln

2011-10-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

We were the BEST darn pumpkin pickers you have ever seen.

Hope is a waking dream. ~Aristotle

2011-10-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Working to soften some of the photos and introduce a dreamy quality. Thoughts?

Black and white photography is a perfect lie. We must not let colour destroy this image.- Patrick Summerfield

2011-10-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

These are three of my favorite edited black and white photos.

The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer. ~Author Unknown

2011-10-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

When Justin and I got engaged I realize I didn't have one photo that was the "newspaper engagement photo" in our thousands of photos from over the last 6 years. Either the picture was not close enough, we were in winter gear(i.e. snowboarding, cutting the Christmas tree ..)someone was wearing a hat or sunglasses... and so on. We should have just dressed up one night and taken a picture, but it never happened. So when I was taking Leah and Brent's pictures I made sure to get a good newspaper photograph. Here are my top pics edited.

"Love shall be our token; love be yours and love be mine. " Rossetti, Christina

2011-10-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

I had the AWESOME opportunity to shoot a friends engagement photos this weekend. I was beyond nervous, because I have never done anything like this. However, it went so well and the pictures are a testament to their love.
These are with very little editing and I can't wait to edit more today!
Here are my favorites

We dropped the word love in the photo!... :)

Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another. ~G.K. Chesterton

2011-10-06T23:38:00.000-07:00

Every now and then we hold class online.
When we do, I head to a little coffee shop with the best view in town.

Jacob's ladders also made an appearance.What a view!

People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates. ~Thomas Szasz, "Personal Conduct," The Second Sin, 1973

2011-10-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

I really like to composition of this photo even though the little crab is not in focus! {but the coffee cup sure is! What are you thinking Laurel? Maybe I was trying to be artistic?}

I am in the picture too... can you see me?

Harris Ave Cafe is a go to breakfast location in Bellingham. We always find our way there- and everyone always enjoys it!

Below is an old canning factory that I have been in love with since I moved here. I can't help but take a photo of it every time I walk by. What stories it could tell if it could talk!

Learn to... be what you are, and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not. ~Henri Frederic Amiel

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

It was so refreshing. This lady just owned being a mushroom farmer. I just found her fascinating.

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. ~Jimmy Johnson

2011-10-01T23:03:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Farmers market is a wonderful place to people watch! It is almost like visiting another country.

It is that little extra.

Everything is easier for me if you are there.

2011-09-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful remember that before you get me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me- it is crucial to my well being.

4. Do not be angry at me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment.

5. You have your work, your entertainment,and your friends. I only have you.

6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understands your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.

7. Be aware that how ever you treat me, I will never forget.

8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite you because I love you.

9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative,obstinate,or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I might not be getting the right food, or I have been out to long, or my heart is getting to old and weak.

10. Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: "I cannot bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death. Remember that I love you.

I just love this!

"Cooking is like love... It should be entered into with abandon or not at all." ~Harriet Van Horne

2011-09-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

There honestly is nothing better.

This is a recipe handed down from generation to generation.

The photois of my Grandfather, a true believer that brandy waffles

and an ice cream shake was a great way tostart the day!

A promise is a cloud; fulfillment is rain. ~Arabian Proverb

2011-09-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

“Who is staring at the sea is already sailing a little.”~Paul Carvel

2011-09-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

WELCOME to BELLINGHAM

Isn't this sky unreal?

A true oil painting with a water canvas.

Love is...

2011-09-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

Love is keeping a setting on your radio for your wife's favorite station in your car.

Love is finding old photos and realizing the best is yet to come.

Love is growing together.

Love is.

Home is not where you live but where they understand you. ~Christian Morgenstern

2011-09-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

My parents are visiting for the weekend. It is nice to feel so at home with everyone I love here right now.

Be like the wind. It only exists, when it is moving.

2011-09-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

Summer, I am going to miss you.

2011-09-20T19:56:00.001-07:00

At this point in my life.

2011-09-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this website?Emotional bagage check { not a huge fan of the name, but the idea is just too sweet}.. It is such a touching idea. You can share an anonymous worry or you can send you a message or song to someone else that is struggling.

I shared a song with someone. Their trouble is not mine to share, but this is the song I choose for them.

Date nights.

2011-09-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

We are married but we still have date nights. These could range from a movie to the fair to a night out or a fondue dinner in.

Each one I swear is better than the last. The only rule is the day that each of us gets paid is 'our date night.' It works well, because we end up having a date night at least every other week.

What do you do to keep a relationship strong?

coffee and movies

2011-09-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

I am recovering from a cold today, so I predict a lot of this... and movies in my foreseeable future.

Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst. – Henri Cartier-Bresson

2011-09-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

There are times of boredom that there is nothing more exciting than a self directed bathroom photo shoot. I ask you not to judge- I am only hoping that you have been there too.

What a strange power there is in clothing. ~Isaac Bashevis Singer

2011-09-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

I am working on identifying the clothes that I will take on the Paris trip. I know this is a bit early, but do you ever go on a trip and look in your suitcase and wonder, "What was I thinking?!?" So I am being proactive and creating outfits that I can wear. Right now I am identifying staples. All of which happen to be black with pops of color. Currently wearing: 7 skinny jeans, ould navy shirt and all this will be paired with a black peacoat and a knit scarf.

Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. ~Attributed to Howard Thurman

2011-09-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

We have a new addition to the Hammond household. I would like to introducemy Nikon D90. I have wanted a new camera for quite some time now and everythingreally came together the other day-with a few trade-in's. I have really become passionate aboutphotography and whether this little blog takes off or not, I enjoy keeping itup as a photo journal. I believe everyone needs a creative outlet. Somethingthat can make you squeal with excitement! This is my something.

So today I spent the day taking photos of absolutely EVERYTHING.

It was... pure bliss.

{This is Lilly -refusing to take one more picture.How cute is she?!}

Into the wind.

2011-09-14T06:21:00.000-07:00

A little Kite boarding sesh. {aka Photographer's dream.}

“Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” – Benjamin Disraeli

2011-09-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

I am honestly getting the travel bug again.

{Photos from the Amazon and Sayulita, Mexico}Some amazing travel blogs that ARE Not helping... :)
Paris
Amsterdam
Around the world

You can't beat a good weekend with old friends.

2011-09-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

A grown up friendship bracelet idea
A thoughtful "breakup recovery kit" for a friend
The ultimate gift round-up for your best friends.

follow me

2011-09-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

This blog has gotten a makeover and I hope to keep it going strong. Please let me know what you like and what you want to see more of on this little blog!
If you missed some posts- don't forget to check the favorite bar on the top of the page!
Thank you for following me here and on bloglovin.

I will never forget.

2011-09-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

Today at 2PM until dusk, artist Fynn Sloyan will be at the Fulton Ferry Landing handing out transparencies of pre-September 11 skyline so people can see where the World Trade Center's Twin Towers once were. He also has a PDF that you can print out to make your own transparency at the WTC Outline Project. Picture and text via gothamist

A good friend on his facebook was really able to articulate the impact of this day.

Govey Aker

Ten years ago today, I was in weight class at high school, two years later I was in Afghanistan, a year later I was in Iraq. Two years ago I graduated College on the post 9/11 GI Bill. Amazing how one event changed my life and so many others. I will never forget. RLTW

Love and Lace

2011-09-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

I have been getting quite a few questions regarding my reception dress for my wedding. I purchased it from a Portland designer Holly Stalder. She has a wonderful shop on Etsy and is INSANELY talented. To top it all off she is so sweet. I had the opportunity to meet with her so we could take my measurements in Portland last year. I had some suggestions to alter the dress design and she was game! (I added the bow in the back.)

Ile St. Louis

2011-09-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have seriously spend HOURS on VRBO searching for a place to stay in Paris. We wanted to have a studio for our 10 day visit to the city, so we are able to get the real feel of the Parisian lifestyle.

After multiple inquiries, I landed on about the perfect little place you have ever seen! The apartment is on the ground floor of a 17th century building looking onto the courtyard and located on the Ile St. Louis.

"This apartment is located on the ground floor with big windows offering a lot of daylight facing the courtyard. As you exit the building, there is a grocery store just in front, a bakery on the right, and a cheese shop on the left. Charming restaurants line the street in either direction, but my favorite is the Alsation bar, which has a magnificent bistro area at the entrance for an aperitif! "

Welcome to our home for the holidays.

What do you think?

"We breathe in our first language, and swim in our second." — Adam Gopnik (Paris to the Moon)

2011-09-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

At this very moment I believe I have checked out every Parisian book from our local library.

This includes every cd, tape, or dvd on the French language.

"We breathe in our first language, and swim in our second." — Adam Gopnik (Paris to the Moon)

Now where are my French language "floaties?"
This guy cracks me up- but I have learned a lot from him!
Do you speak French?How did you learn?

When it comes down to it - the best birthdays are spent in the backyard and the most memorable boat trips are spent on the dock.

2011-09-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

We had friends over for a birthday celebration and we spent much of the day doing this..

Taking photos with the birthday boy..

Perfecting our swings

Then we headed off to the San Juan islands!

It was a PERFECT day.

The dogs even came along -
right in the middle of all that fun we blew a belt and had to be towed in.

So we went exploring this tiny town.

We got tired of walking the dogs, so we tried to teach them to walk each other.

I could think of worse places to be stuck for 5 hours.

As the sun was going down the boat was fixed and we were off!

Scott and I scouting for campsites.

In the end we simply headed home.

what an adventure!

WALK THE STREETS

2011-09-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

I found these items in my mailbox today. One of the best parts of planning this trip is hearing about my grandfather's time he spent living in Paris with his new bride. 65 years later I will return to France with my new husband and we too will walk the streets of Paris.

I can not wait a moment longer to tell you...

2011-09-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

We are going to PARIS for Christmas and the New Year!!!

Can you imagine the photos that wait for me there?!?

photo via pinmarklet

The MRS.

2011-08-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

Changing my name to Mrs. Hammond today and I am pretty excited!

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

2011-08-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

Images from my weekend. Deception pass to the Lake house on Whidbey Island.

A favorite shot of mine.

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. ~Sam Keen

2011-08-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

This summer we set up an outdoor movie theater at our house. BEST. IDEA. EVER.

Summer nights are about the glass of wine and good friends.

2011-08-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

enjoy the night.

Do what you love and do it often.

2011-08-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

So many exciting things are coming together right now! I will share our next adventure soon!

Hint: There will be pictures!!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

2011-08-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

Reading and Photos by Jess Skowlund

Edward Estlin Cummings

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in

my heart)i am never without it(anywhere

i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done

by only me is your doing,my darling)

i fear

no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want

no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)

and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

The dress

We could not tell who was more nervous. Isn't she priceless?

I made my own bouquet from thistles.

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows

higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

My mom

Dad and grandpa

Roomies from College. I love this photo. :)

We are all old and Married now! It is fun hanging out with other married people.

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

All the balloons started popping because of the low pressure system coming through. It was very exciting.

the boys.

We brought our dog Lilly!

Myla keeping my wedding impossibly cool.

All photos in this post are by Jessica Skowlund.

“All you really need is one good picture.”

2011-08-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

We chose not to hire a professional photographer. The decision was mostly financially based, but I had also once heard that “Your wedding is not a photoshoot. All you really need is one good photo.” True to form, and perhaps ahead of their time, my parents took this advice and on their wedding day in Ouray, Colorado back in 1982 where they did indeed take just one picture. We decided to recreate that picture the day after our own wedding.

*quote from esb

We have just joined the "it was so worth it" club.

2011-08-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

My Dad called me the week before the wedding to tell me that he had completed the Father of the Bride speech. However, instead of the traditional speech he was going to talk mostly about my mom and what an important role she played in our lives. With this simple idea, I believe he set the bar for every other Father of the Bride speech to follow.

The speech was planned in an area by the river, but it began to pour! Not to be deterred, we all gathered under an overhang outside of our rooms. Despite the weather and the close quarters, or maybe because of it, everyone stood spellbound during my dad’s speech and let me tell you, there was not a dry eye in sight at the end.

The toast came as a complete surprise to my mom and demonstrated to everyone what it really means to be married.

We toasted with mead that my Father made for my wedding day when I was 11!

My mom took our very first photo of the two of us 6 years ago on July 21, 2005. She wore this picture all night.

The wine glasses were given as a present by Justin's Mother and Step-Father, Dale. They knew we were searching for the perfect item to bring home that would represent the wedding. This was a perfect souvenir.

Our wedding guest book was simply a favorite coffee table book titled, The Spirit of the San Juans. Guests were asked to sign in the margins. Justin also had the San Juan mountains engraved on his ring.

We didn’t register for gifts.
We told our guests that just being a part of the wedding was enough- because it is.
If there is one piece of advice I can give is, do not register for gifts. The gift -and the party- and the drinks- and the formalities overshadow what is really happening. Entire families are coming together, because they want to celebrate your marriage. That is what it is all about.

Some people will still brings gifts. They will bring gifts and these gifts will be some of the best you have ever received, because they honestly wanted you to have it. The best example of this is, the recipe box I received from my Aunt. She had taken photos of my late Grandfather, a wonderful chef, and copied his own hand written recipes on the back. I cried when I opened it.

Another thing I loved- not once was I asked by our photographers or anyone else to stop what I was doing to take a posed photo, cut the cake or start the dancing. Nothing directed the day, but instead it flowed from scene to scene. This allowed for wonderful conversations and unplanned moments to occur. While this would not work for every wedding, it worked for ours. I honestly don't know how to thank the photographers and the people we worked with to create this wedding, for just letting me be present. If you are reading this. Thank you.

This gave room for the opportunity to hear impromptu stories....

.... heartfelt toasts...

....good discussions...

...and great dancing.

In the end we were married.
With our grandparents signing off as witnesses.
We can honestly say this was one of the best days of our lives.
We have just joined the "it was so worth it" club.

"My favorite moment had to be when the bagpiper took his first note."

2011-08-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

This was it and it was more than I ever could imagine.

Each person there traveled so far and played such an important part in the wedding. I honestly was overwhelmed at the love and support that surrounded us. When it came down to it there was not a moment’s hesitation THIS was our wedding. Every piece of it had a story and a person behind it. Each part of the wedding came together, not as an event, but more as a definition. It was a definition of family, friends, commitment and love. I look back on our wedding and I know this is what marriage means.

A good family friend of ours and her daughter offered to take photos of our wedding. While they are very talented, they do not do this as a living and the moments that they caught were so unscripted and raw that I could not help but falling in love with every photo.

We always knew we were grounded by our family, but we also re-discovered those old friends who cross so seamlessly into our lives forever. My mom said it best, “I didn’t realize that weddings are also really a tribute to old friends.” There they are, setting up chairs in a mountain meadow, arranging flowers at midnight, blowing up hundreds of balloons.

In our wedding we chose this passage,” Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of human relationships. No ceremony can create your marriage; only you can do that – through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other; through tenderness and laughter; through learning to forgive, learning to appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest.”

“By learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest.” I hope to live by these words for the rest of my marriage.

Our bagpiper Shawn was able to create a haunting and peaceful sound that seemed to reverberate off the mountains. We asked the guest to parade down to their seats and then my Dad and I followed to the song Amazing Grace.

Our friends and family played a huge role in the wedding, but in the end I knew it was a commitment between the two of us. We chose to stand and say our vows alone, together. This was our first step forward as a family and our commitment to each other. Looking back it was the perfect decision for us.

Reception photos next.

It was awe-inspiring.

2011-08-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

It was more than I ever could imagine.

I know this is right. I have always known.

2011-07-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

We are getting married next week!!! I just wanted to share with everyone who has been following since the beginning. This is it. July 30th 2011.
I wrote Justin a note that i plan to give to him on the day of our wedding. It says simply,

I know this is right. I have always known. We are going on this adventure together and all I can think is that I can't wait to be writing you 50 years from now saying the same thing.

I know this is right. I have always known.

Love always,
Laurel

This is us. See you on the other side.

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America. ~William J. Clinton

2011-07-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

How was your Bachelorette trip? ... it went a little something like this...

2011-06-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

ER nurse came prepared for a night of drinking.

And that is how Vegas is done.

Reception area

2011-06-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

We will have the reception that evening in the Coachlight Inn in Ouray, CO. I love all the wood in this place. It also has a deck and a huge back yard surrounded by mountains. The best part? Our hotel in right next door! That's right - we rented out the whole block.

Two people in love do not live in isolation. Those of you who have been invited here to witness Laurel and Justin’s wedding ceremony and to celebrate with them here today will play your part in their marriage too .By our steadfast care, respect, and love, we can support their marriage and the new family they are creating today. In a commitment to the couple, please join me in the Lords prayer.

2011-06-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Our Father,

who art in heaven

hallowed be thy Name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those

who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

We gather here today to celebrate the wedding of Laurel Denison and Justin Hammond. Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of human relationships.

2011-06-03T05:58:00.000-07:00

The title is part of our wedding ceremony.

My wedding dress - I found this with my mom. We had just spent the day at the beach and we still had sand in our toes. I just love that. I STILL need to get it altered (just shortened!) Yikes! ($200)

Custom recepetion dress I purchase from a designer in Portland. ($200)

Aldo Shoes from zappos $60.00

Justin's outfit - phone picture ( I really need a
better phone...)
I really like this because he looks like him. We purchased everything with the help of this amazing sales lady at Macy's. We even took her picture too! He seriously tried on two pairs of pants and one shirt. I love the tie it is blue and silver.
(sorry for the poor photo quality)

These rings announce to the world that you have been found.

2011-06-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all your sweet comments. I know I said invites and dress photos, but rings were on my mind so ring update first!

(The title is another favorite line in our ceremony.)
What Justin's ring will look like:

This ring is currently being custom made by Ouray Silversmith . As Justin said " It incorporates the two mountains that defined our relationship. "

The mountains on the ring will be taken from these two photos.
The first picture is of Mt. Baker in Bellingham, WA this is where we currently live and it is where we have spent the last 3 years. This mountain stands alone and is just stunning when the sun shines on it.

The second picture is part of the San Juan Mountain Range at the Top of the Pines where we are getting married.

My engagement ring will be paired with a wedding ring that we are currently designing. I will post a picture of the wedding ring once it is ready.

No ceremony can create your marriage; only you can do that – through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other; through tenderness and laughter; through learning to forgive, learning to appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest.

2011-06-01T00:21:00.000-07:00

Wedding planning recap:

We will be getting married in Ridgway, CO

Save the dates: "I can make 30 of anything" FAMOUS LAST WORDS . :)

Flower girl dresses. From J crew (white) and Target(blue).

Unfortunately our good friend Hugh can not marry us, so his son in law is going to be our pastor. Hugh is such a part of our family and I really wish we could celebrate with him, but the elevation is just too high.We are creating our own ceremony, so I feel like we have that creative input.( The title of this post is part of our ceremony.) However, I was very concerned that this guy I barely knew was going to sign our wedding certificate.

So we decided to have our grand parents sign it. My Papa will then go down as our officiant and Justin's grandmother will be our witness. : ) I love THAT!!!

My mom made each family a hand thrown flower vase. they will serve as the center pieces and will be filled with hydrangea's!

next up... invites and dresses!

I think the best pictures are often on the edges of any situation, I don't find photographing the situation nearly as interesting as photographing the edges. ~William Albert Allard, "The Photographic Essay"

2011-05-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

photo by Laurel Denison

“The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than endings.” David Weinbaum

2011-05-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Photo by Laurel Denison

The wind shows us how close to the edge we are. ~Joan Didion

2011-05-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

photo by Laurel Denison

photos by Laurel Denison

This quote just rocks my soul. It is something that just makes me sit up and listen.

Yes, we are that close....

This is how humans are: we question all our beliefs, except for the ones we really believe, and those we never think to question. ~Orson Scott Card

2011-05-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

photo by Laurel Denison

What do you never question?
Mine is ... my family. Always there. Always will be.

To change one's life: Start immediately. No exceptions.

2011-05-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

photo by Laurel Denison

I dropped a tear in the ocean. The day you find it is the day I will stop missing you. ~Author Unknown

2011-05-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

photo by Laurel Denison. From my San Diego trip.

I missed this blog. So I am back.

(updates soon)

And at the finish line at the end of the New York City Marathon it would sound like war...

2011-03-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

What about little microphones? What if everyone swallowed them, and they played the sounds of our hearts through little speakers, which could be in the pouches of our overalls?

When you skateboarded down the street at night you could hear everyone's heartbeat, and they could hear yours, sort of like sonar. One weird thing is, I wonder if everyone's hearts would start to beat at the same time, like how women who live together have their menstrual periods at the same time, which I know about, but don't really want to know about. That would be so weird, except that the place in the hospital where babies are born would sound like a crystal chandelier in a houseboat, because the babies wouldn't have had time to match up their heartbeats yet. And at the finish line at the end of the New York City Marathon it would sound like war.

JOHNATHAN FOER (Extremely Loud AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE)

Currently reading : Extremely Loud AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE
I would highly recommend this book. I simply cannot put it down.

“I don’t want to, but I could die now. That was a lifetime day.” - CMH Kootenay

2011-03-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

A glimps into one of the best powder days I have ever rode in my life. This is a day we will remember. PS this is probably my favorite picture I have ever taken of Justin. He was just in a zone.

The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man. ~Author Unknown

2011-02-20T17:33:00.000-08:00

2011-02-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,
I know I have been MIA. I have made an effort this year to de-clutter my life and jump at every opportunity. That is exactly what I have done.

I have archieved every email in my inbox except 15 working emails at one time.

I donated a quarter of my clothes

I reset my phone (deleted texts, vms and apps.) Important texts and vms were written in a journal.

I backed up my computer.

I bought a day planner

I signed up for scuba class

I signed up for surfing class

I read more... play on the computer less. (but I still scroll through all your blogs on google reader!!)

all in all ... so many great changes for the new year!

xoxo

SIN CITY

2011-01-29T18:34:00.000-08:00

I sent out invites for my Bachelorette party in June. I just sent an invite over Facebook so everyone could get it on their calendar and we could see what everyone was up for. At first I was really against the Facebook idea but I have loved hearing everyones reaction ( I invited about 10 girls ... not all were also invited to the wedding because we will have a small wedding. )

Where are we going? LAS VEGAS of course!!!

invite:

"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art.... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."

~C.S. Lewis

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I want to invite all my favorite girls to celebrate with me in my last single girl trip to Sin City. It will be a weekend full of sun, drinks and fun. An itinerary will follow and you are welcome to join any part of the celebration. There will be swimming, shows and a zip line. Is a trip to Las Vegas necessary?...no. But it will be fun!!

I hope you all can make it!!!

♥ always, Laurel

So far 7 girls can make it and I am beyond excited to get all these girls together!

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do. ~Zachary Scott

2011-01-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

Making diving cool ....One stupid face after another.

We just had a great day signing up for our Scuba diving classes and buying new gear.

I am so Freaking excited!!

Seriously ... I can't wait!!!

Freedom lies in being bold. ~Robert Frost

2011-01-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010... being bold. (Justin and his friend Marsh)

X-country skiing day!!

1.1.11

2011-01-01T23:48:00.000-08:00

2010- New Years Eve

2011 - New Years Eve

not my dog... I wish... her name is nugget... how cute is that?

My resolutions:
*get married (I will be checking that off on 7.30.2011!!!!) woo hoo
* run more outside.
*take time to breathe and enjoy this time in my life.
*try to keep the fridge stocked with more than just greens and cheese.
*pick a band... and play their entire album til I know it by heart.
*donate clothes.
* Throw myself into something that I really care about.. and give up the things I don't.
* learn more about my camera.
* take more pictures.
* make more resolutions...

wedding update:

2011-01-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

Wow Where to begin...

*invitation wording selected. Huge deal because well have you ever looked at all the options? I wanted something that really explained what the ceremony was all about and why we were inviting specific people.

We decided on...

Because you have shared in

our lives

By your friendship and love, we

Laurel Chappell Denison

and
Justin Lee Hammond

together with our parents

request the honor of your presence

at our marriage

.......

so what do you think?

Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T22:46:00.000-08:00

We are in Ouray, Colorado

Planning our July 2011 wedding,

dipping in the hot springs *clothing optional*,

and

exploring Ouray in the winter!

I just want to thank everyone who follows this blog. It has been one of my favorite creativity releases. It will continue to be good quotes, good pictures and good honest reflection. Have a great new year!

If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment. ~Henry David Thoreau

2010-12-15T23:48:00.000-08:00

An early morning trip to the ER Monday morning was emotionally and physically draining. We arrived home and found out that our basement had flooded.

Yeah I know...... I really could not take one more thing.

Justin looked at me (and this is why I love him)

he said, " Do you want to play hookie?"

Sometimes you just have to say Fuck it and go play.

So this was our morning....this was our compensation...

looking to buy a house? :)

Crazy right? It was one of those moments where you just repeat to yourself.

"Never, never, never forget this."

half the time I had to remind myself to breathe.

The experience was just too beautiful and surreal.

It was just the two of us.

In bad times and good.

Our compensation. We were ready...

The worst gift is a fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other. ~Johnny Carson

2010-12-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

To me, nothing says Christmas like a ticked off puppy in a santa hat. lol - jk - I hope you all are having a great holiday so far. I am done with fall quarter and I feel like I have all the time in the world on my hands!

Justin was making fun of Lilly in this picture and she just was not having it. This is how we spend most of our afternoon.... the lights will go up another day. :)

I was laughing so hard because as soon as you put the hat on she would refuse to move and she would just give you the look of death. ( HUGE box in the back is full of Christmas decorations... we finally got around to putting them up!)

She loves that hat... she just has an odd was of showing it.( haha no ... she hates it.)

All our love,

Laurel and the 'I've had it with Christmas' puppy.

And then you let go....

2010-12-04T23:02:00.000-08:00

lomo by ~opcd on deviantART

So tonight I was sorta a B*tch. I knew what I was doing and now I feel pretty bad about it. I just get in these moods and some people just rub me the wrong way and I never let it go. I know this about myself. I never forget.... forgive but never forget.
It is a Cancer thing.
I just need to let some things go...

There are so few good surprises left in life when you get older... It's like "surprise you have cancer!"

2010-12-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

I am proud to say that my cousin is expecting her second child. When I asked why she never wants to find out the sex before the baby is born this is what she said, " There are so few good surprises left in life when you get older... It's like "surprise you have cancer!" "
I laughed so hard... and then I realized... it's true.
*If Justin and I have a kid this made me want to wait to know if it is a boy or a girl!*

My parents waited. Well my mom did. My dad snuck back in the office and asked. He kept it a secret from my mom the whole pregancy. I think that is so sweet. So he knew when he hung the VW car poster over my changing table that I was a girl.... but he did it anyway.

"If it is not your problem don't make it your problem"

2010-12-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

The Vice President of Instruction is in the same office as I am at the Community College and I swear he is like a little quote book. Everything he says you want to stick it on your computer as a reminder. The above advice is my favorite. I hope this helps someone today trying to get through their crazy Wednesday.

When snow falls, nature listens. ~Antoinette van Kleeff

2010-11-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! It snowed here and made for a magical day.

I am thankful for the fact...

2010-11-24T08:56:00.000-08:00

I got something right....

Let it Snow!!!

2010-11-21T22:25:00.000-08:00

xoxo
Your girl with a sled.

Tattooing is about personalizing the body, making it a true home and fit temple for the spirit that dwells inside it.... Tattooing therefore, is a way of keeping the spiritual and material needs of my body in balance. ~Michelle Delio

2010-11-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

So I get pretty freaking excited when people I thought I would never hear from again, search me out just to say 'hi.' Such is the case with my blog friend Emily. We shared a passion for tattoos. She has since stopped blogging, but came by this blog the other day to say 'hi' and to tell me she had gotten her first tattoo!!! I can not WAIT for mine!!(after the wedding)

photo credit

*not hers but she did get birds~*

Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains un-awakened." ~Anatole France

2010-11-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

It HURTS!!!

Lilly played a little too hard this weekend in the burr bushes. We had to do a little work on her paws and her facial expressions cracked me up! Drama Queen. Have a great Monday everyone!

The world is governed more by appearance than realities so that it is fully as necessary to seem to know something as to know it. ~Daniel Webster

2010-11-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

Creature Couture via esb

I read this quote and thought... "well THAT takes the presure off." :)
Have a great Friday.

PS To my followers: I often commet back via your email. So if you would like a response please make sure your email is linked in blogger. I have met so many wonderful people on here I would love to return everyone's comment.

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence

2010-11-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

We went up to Mt Baker to go sledding...

but the rain the night before washed it away. It turned out to be breathtaking.

A little spiced apple cider and a rainbow met us at the top.

The end to a beautiful day...

....a stop at a little beer and wine cabin.
(I just loved how the pictures really captured the day and I just had to share them with y'all)

Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. ~Emily Brontë

2010-11-10T09:24:00.000-08:00

Mt Baker "2010: two-zero -one-zero"

Thank you for your concern regarding Justin's health. I appreciate the emails and comments more than you know. I just love this guy... and I worry. Thanks again for your support.

PS I found this quote the other day and it is EXACTLY what I want to say to Justin every time we share an inside joke, laugh and love. We are the same....

Chase down your passion like it's the last bus of the night. ~Terri Guillemets

2010-11-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

I love this visual.When was the last time you have done this? I can't remember... by the end of this year I plan to do this. Now I just need to decide on the 'bus.'

Fake it.

2010-11-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

photo

All about the fake eye lashes right now...Ill be over here checking out the possibilities.

Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story. ~Mason Cooley

2010-11-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

Despite my last post... Halloween was not a total bust. Actually I had a wonderful time with our equally Halloween obsessed friends. Here is proof that we remained standing the whole night through... (Check out my new dark hair. I basically LOVE it!)

Bringing the blood and gore back to Halloween....

The crew- Superheros and zombie Killers. A natural fit really. (We went out to dinner and the restaurant applauded when we walked in. Basically because Capt. America Ran in 'Superheros style' telling the kids to eat their veggies. I've never laughed so hard.)

Being bad ass and bloody.

Check out Justin's neck!

so I never have to live a day without you...

2010-11-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend was actually extremely stressful because we spent most of Sunday in the hospital. Justin has been having these intense pains on the right side of his body for a week. I swore he had Appendicitis. After four hours and one xray they came up with nothing. Sending us home instead with more pain pills and muscle relaxers. This on top of his fractured wrist and lower back pain (due to arthritis @29?!?!) I just lost is in the hospital room. Tears and demanding the Dr. to tell us what we are supposed to do next? Is he supposed to live off pills the rest of his life. (This was after the Dr. laughed at my Appendicitis diagnosis even though it was textbook definition.) I should have clarified with the Dr. why my diagnosis was laughable when he didn't even have one.

Basically, I am scared. Scared that he is falling apart and our life has only begun. I could not live without him.

*I realize I am being very dramatic but this stuff f*ing scares me.

If only I was three feet tall...

2010-11-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

I would rock these!
*photo via ridiculously ever after

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T17:22:00.000-07:00

Happiness is never stopping to think if you are. ~Palmer Sondreal

2010-10-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Photo by The one and only Sart

If this doesn't make you want to go home and paint your nails red we can not be friends. (I kid I kid... sorta.)

The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another. ~James Matthew Barrie

2010-10-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

This is my life.... there is no starting over. If I want to do it I need to do it now.

distracted..

2010-10-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

I've fallen out of blogging because I have been so busy. So until things slow down and you need a GREAT blog to read about all the celeb happenings to distract you head over here...
http://www.dayoldnews.com/

I can not tell you how many hours I have spent over here.

Bonus: The girl who writes for Day Old News is super nice.

When you inhale, you are taking the strength from God. When you exhale, it represents the service you are giving to the world. ~B.K.S. Iyengar

2010-10-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

source

I went to yoga last night for the first time in a year and it was the best thing ever. It was two hours of some of the most intense and quick paced yoga positions I have ever done. I know you are not supposed to say that it "kicked my butt" ... but it did. I can not wait to go back next week....