I blame the first half of this post on Lisa Gisczinski who gave me a chocolate cupcake craving ever since I saw her latest post! So I gave into my sweet tooth last night & pulled out a recipe my sister gave me last year for devil's foodcake cupcakes. It's the best & most used recipe I have in my recipe box!

And here's what's leftover. (Yup, had 3 last night and 2 today...so far.)







Can we say "Time to hit the gym"? I think so.

The second half of this post goes out to my babies, er, kitties, who bring joy & love to my life.

Cute little Tovi.


And Bella w/ her beautiful emerald eyes.


ROOOOAAARRRR! Ok, it was actually more like, "Yaaawwwwwwnn."


"Man, why can't Mommy just let me sleep in peace?"


"Aw man, here she goes again w/ that thing!"


Heh heh heh. I love buggin' all three of them!

I met Lori & Mike for the first time on their wedding day (since they're both from Phoenix) & just loved these two. Lori is incredibly sweet and Mike's such a mellow & easy-going guy. Their wedding was at this awesome beach house in Malibu with an expansive view of the ocean & coastline.



Lori & her sister, Kelly, meditating with Lori's friend/mentor before the wedding ceremony. What a great way to calm your nerves & conjure up positive energy for the day.


Kelly wrote Lori a very heartfelt message on a card, causing them both to fan the tears away.



Our first glimpse of the groom:


Mike & his best man/brother, Scott, waiting for their cue to head down to the ceremony site. That's one of the best waiting areas I've seen!






I love the excitement on Lori's face when she first sees Mike.


Mike attempting to go for the kiss before the ceremony even started! Everyone loved that move!






Lori's grandpa looking on from the side.


Lori's mom said she didn't expect the moment to hit her, but it did. I told her it was normal for moms to cry at their daughter's wedding.




Friar John had married Lori's parents, and here he was delivering another beautiful ceremony years later.


Now you may kiss the bride Mike!


Yay!!!


After the ceremony there are always lots of warm embraces. This one's from Grandma.


The moms come in for a big hug. It was great to see their families getting along so well.
























We met this guy during the bridal portrait session!


She looked so stunning!








Lori & her dad making their way to the guests.










This was such a beautiful wedding from beginning to end. When the sun had set, the moon came out round & bright.







Congratulations you two! Your easy-going personalities made my job fun & easy! I look forward to seeing you guys in Phoenix when I move over to your neck of the woods. =)


florist: www.ezaiflowers.com