Thanks to Lauren for suggesting rescuing a pup verses getting one from a dog breeder! Chad and I spent a few hours at the North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue on Saturday. There were so many dogs in need of a home, we had a hard time choosing just one to take home with us! I browsed the listings online before we went.
The rescue has a fenced in area where you can interact with the dogs you’re interested in adopting. We played with an 8-week-old Beagle puppy and a Boxer mix (Furman). The puppy was so energetic and playful! I wasn’t sure that we could give her the attention she needed. Furman was absolutely adorable! We were between him and Sampson, a 6-month-old black lab mix. Sampson won us over. He was so friendly, playful, and easygoing. Some of the dogs barked nonstop while we were there, but not Sampson. He would be a wonderful addition to the family!
Beth told us that someone abandoned Sampson and his siblings in the woods and left them to die. They were so pitiful when they were found. Their hair had fallen out due to stress and malnutrition. Everyone at the Rescue did such a good job of nursing them back to health!
Just when we thought we had our minds made up, we were told that Sampson’s sister was recovering from surgery in a crate nearby. We went over to take a peek. She was born with inverted eyelashes, so she had to undergo surgery to prevent corneal damage. She looked absolutely pathetic! She had a plastic satellite around her head to keep her from scratching the incisions under her eyes. She has been through so much! We ended up adopting her and naming her Kaya, after a Bob Marley song. We were so torn between the two; we would have adopted both if we had enough room!
I would love to help find a home for her brother! Please pass on information about the North Meck Animal Rescue to friends and family who might be interested in adding to their family! To view available dogs click here. The day we were there, the cutest black lab mix pups were just being delivered. The shelter could always use donations for medical expenses, food, etc. The cost to adopt a dog is $175. That includes spay/neuter and shots.
I will subtract donations up to $500 from the price of wedding packages for new clients. Donations are also tax-deductible.
I had to add a few snapshots…she stays at my feet so it’s hard to get a good picture of her! She is too close to my camera in the first one so her head and body look a little distorted…but you get the idea! She’s a cutie!
We had to reschedule Magan’s bridal session due to rain. The second date we chose turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day…. until we started her session! It started pouring about 5 minutes after we got started. We hung out at my house for a little while to see if it would pass over, but when that didn’t happen we headed to the studio. I’m glad the rain forced us to shoot in the studio because we got some great shots! I absolutely ADORE her red shoes. I’m often asked how I end up photographing the most beautiful and stylish brides in the Carolinas! What can I say? My brides have amazing taste! ;)
Last fall, I overbooked myself by scheduling 2 weddings per weekend. The weight of my camera equipment took it’s toll on my back and neck. I was so sore after a double wedding weekend! I found an excellent massage therapist in Huntersville. Karen at Valeria is amazing! Chad booked massages for us this week. I had forgotten how wonderful the experience could be with the right masseuse.
During the busy wedding season, I usually have knots in my upper back that Karen works out for me. It’s a little painful but totally worth it! When there are no knots to work out, it is just a relaxing and indulgent experience. The 9-head Swiss shower is complimentary with any spa treatment. I haven’t tried the shower yet, but Chad loves it!
The deep tissue massage is 50 min- 1 hour and costs $75 (plus tip). When I visited Karen this week, she gave me 15% off certificates for new clients. If you would like to schedule a massage with Karen and save 15%, please email me at kate@kateashbrook.com. Valeria is located less than a mile off of exit 25 on I-77. Their number is: 704-987-3888.
Carlyn and Josh had a fabulous wedding at the Havana Social Club earlier this month. After weeks of rain, there were only blue skies and sunshine. I loved the heels Carlyn’s bridesmaids wore in the wedding. I’ve been told that some brides intentionally choose unflattering bridesmaid dresses and shoes, but that definitely wasn’t the case with Carlyn! She and Josh are a beautiful couple, inside and out. It was wonderful to be a part of their day. Many of the guests were professional dancers (and limbo-ers!) so the reception was lively to say the least! Here are a few favorites:
We captured the MOST amazing pictures of Carlyn during her bridal session! She was such a trooper- she stepped in an ant hill and had a close encounter with a snake during our session, but it was definitely worth it! Thanks to Shirley for helping out during the session. I loved her idea of adding the chandelier to a few! Here are a few favorites:
We’re heading to Cancun in the morning! I’m sure I’ll return with a mad sunburn! Last time we went to the Caribbean, I got burned on our first day. People at the pool cringed as I walked by because I was soo RED! I couldn’t sit down for a week! I’m going to try to be more careful this time! We’ll be back next Thursday. For reading material, I’m bringing The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand- I hope it’s a good one! I’m only a 100 pages in now…so far so good! I’ll post some vacation pics when I get back!
