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Now, I know what you are thinking because I thought the same thing. 141? It doesn’t scream I-AM-AN-EYEWEAR-COMPANY but basically no one other than my family can remember how to say my last name correctly, so I am not one to judge. It wasn’t until my optician at Look & See Eyecare pointed to the wooden hands on the glass display that it clicked. The purpose of 141 is, very literally, One Four One.

Much like Tom’s Shoes, the 141 Eyewear philosophy is simple. “You buy, we give. 141.” It’s deceptively simple though because not only are they giving frames, but they also are providing prescription lenses. This is an eye exam, a fitting, making of lenses and then the giving. But here’s the thing. All YOU have to do is buy and they take care of the rest. And if you have vision insurance or an FSA account with 2010 money to spend, you really don’t have an excuse. So go, find the retailers tab and see where you can purchase a a pair. Because not only are you improving your life, but you will also change someone else’s. We have so much. SO much. Why not jump on the opportunity to give back, even just a little bit?

My interactions with anyone between the ages of one and five usually start with the old classic, “how old are you?” Decent start, Oholendt. And then comes the (this is automatic; I can’t even control it at this point), “Oh, but I thought you were <insert a number 2 years older than they just said>. You look so much older!” Because. You know. Flattery gets you everywhere. With a 5 year old. (I rock.) I could give you dialog to fill a blogpost but I’m pretty sure you can guess how it ends. (Badly and with someone crying. And most times it’s me.)

But Lily? I could write on and on about this wonderful little girl. A) she’s sassy, sweet and genuinely adorable; B) she ignores (or at least pretends to ignore) my blunders and C) she seriously made me question my Connect Four abilities since she beat me every.single.game. (Whatever. Let’s play CandyLand and THEN let’s talk.) And then there’s the fact that she’s a daughter of one of the most wonderful women I know. Jessica Barker has a soul of gold and gives back to the community more in one week than I do all year. She is, hands-down, amazing and I’m so honored to call her friend. Love, love, love you both.

Last weekend we spent a few hours together braving the cold, drinking hot chocolate & smelling the fresh evergreen trees. Ladies and gentleman, I do believe it’s Christmas.

My husband, who loves me, period. End of story.
My mom, who showed me that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
My incredible (!!) 2010 clients who taught me much about myself and became my biggest fans.
Lara Casey. Emily Ley. Gina Zeidler. (For giving me back a piece of myself.)
My amazing second shooter, Phil, who kept me sane, laughing and hydrated at every single wedding.
My friends, who made me love more than I thought I was capable and who made me laugh harder than I thought possible.
My best friend, Claire, for showing me what a Godly woman is in the midst of personal trials.
Taylor Pemberton for working so, so diligently the last 11 months on my brand (and for putting up with me).
A God who loves me even when I am not faithful.
My last year shooting with Photogen Inc and the lifelong friendships that union created.
Jenni Undis for her amazing skill in letterpress and her never-ending encouragement when I most needed it.
My 2011 clients who have already put their trust in my hands without second thought.
My family, who cheered me on and picked me up when I fell.
My MTH Besties who bless my life daily.
My blog readers & commenters without which this would not nearly be as fun. (And then I would be that girl talking to myself.)

To every single person who has sent encouragement, laughter or criticism my way, thank you. Melissa Oholendt Photography would not be the force-to-reckon-with business it is without you. I would not be who I am without you.

Please pass the mashed potatoes.

On Monday, my long dreamt-of J.Crew Jane Austen shoot was featured on the Minnesota Bride Magazine Blog! What an honor and a priviledge for this fabulous shoot to be featured on the most fabulous of all the Minnesota wedding websites; I seriously could not be more thrilled to be associated with such an upstanding publication.

One big bear-hug to my friends at Minnesota Bride. You guys rock.

I’m so excited to share more from this shoot.

Kelly & Andrew. The amount of love at your wedding literally blew my mind. It was so beautiful and so stunningly tangible and so, so respresentative of you as a couple that I’m pretty sure every guest left a little bit more in love with you. I know I did. Oh. And when you high fived after the cake cutting? Cemented your place in my heart. xoxo for reals. (And p-to-the-s, both of your families? Rock.)

Ceremony & Reception Location: Private Residence - Ivyland, PA
Flowers: Yardley Flower Company
Cake: Cramer’s Bakery
Catering: Giuseppe’s Catering
DJ: DJ Donny Love
Rentals: Bucks-Mont Party Rentals

Two days ago I walked into a room and felt completely ill-prepared. I was far away from home. I hadn’t slept well. It was 80 degrees in November. My hair was out-of-control-big and my outfit was all wrong. And I was hungry.

But then. Then we started talking. And none of that mattered. You shared your amazing stories and all of the sudden my nerves & vanity could not have been further from my mind. We all felt it.  There was an emotional shift in the room and we knew that nothing would compare to the growth we were all about to experience. From the very beginning, when that first Kleenex box was opened, we poured every single piece of our hearts into a 10 hour journey that would literally change each one of us in a way no one could have predicted. We cried and laughed and cried and listened and thought and grew and wrote and cried and breathed and then flew. All of us. At the same time.

I am so blessed. So blessed beyond measure to have been able to experience the hearts of 12 amazing women. Thank you for your trust, your non-judgement, your laughter, your sweetness,  your encouragement, your courage, your belief in me, your vulnerability, your spirit, your love, your tears, your drive. I cannot WAIT to continue this journey with you.

I am not the same and I am so grateful for that.

Love each and every single one of you, deeply.
xoxo

And if you have not? Making Things Happen. It will change you if you let it.

Photo by Lara Casey.

Chris & Cole. I won’t ever be able to convey to you how powerful your love is and how much it has impacted me. Over the last 6 months I have fallen in love with you both and I’m so excited to see where life leads you. Hopefully somewhere with lots of guacamole from Target and lots of Matt & Melissa time. Just saying.

Ceremony & Reception Location: Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe
Bride’s Dress: Wedding Shoppe Inc
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Hair & Make-up: Neysa Berman
Custom Bridesmaid Jewelry: K Kay Designs
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Suits: The Men’s Warehouse
Cake: Cabo Dessert Diva
Videographer: Mind Set West Productions

But, let’s be honest. They were always like trains on a collision course; they could go as slow as they wanted but the path they were traveling on was only going to lead them to each other. Everyone knew. Chas’ mom knew the minute she heard Chas talk about Kimber; Kimber’s bestie could see it happening even 3 states away. Some things in life feel undeniably destined and this was one of those things.

Kimber & Chas. What fun it has been to see how your relationship has changed from friendship to love over these past years!  You enrich the lives of the people you come into contact with and I am lucky to count myself as one of those people.

I owe one gigantic thanks to John Sharpe for flying out to Utah and shooting Chas & Kimber’s wedding with me. You truly are the best.

Ceremony Location: First United Methodist Church of Ogden
Reception Location: Davis Conference Center
Bride’s Dress: The Bridal Corner
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Suits: The Gallery by Lynette
Flowers: Marla Rawlings Design
Live Band: Liz Woolley Trio
Cake: Layer by Layer Gourmet Cakes
Photobooth: A Day to Remember
Videographer: StudioK

There is nothing in the world like laughter between sisters.