Now we all know that MZP doesn’t do a lot of weddings, and that’s because I only do them for referral clients.  Meaning the bride or groom needs to know someone I know (a personal friend of mine, a client, etc).  Earlier this spring I was contacted by Kristin (whose sister has worked with a local photographer that knows me) about shooting her wedding to Gabe in April.  This April…specifically, last Sunday.  They were engaged in January and the Pastor they wanted to marry them has a crazy busy schedule…I mean running a church of over 15,000 members keeps a man busy!

Lucky for Kristin and Gabe…I don’t usually shoot on Sundays!  And after meeting with Kristin, her mom, and her sister I was thrilled when they selected me to shoot the big day!  I had some amazing help from my second shooters, a gorgeous sunny, blue sky day, and seriously all the prettiest people on the planet gathered for this event!

Kristin and Gabe aren’t even home from their honeymoon yet, but I know they’ll be excited to find their images waiting for them when they return!  And I couldn’t very well talk all about this wedding without showing off some favorites!

I had the pleasure of meeting with Resha and her husband on Saturday morning to celebrate the upcoming arrival of their fourth child, a second boy.  He’ll be here in just a few short weeks (one week before I am set to deliver my second boy), and Resha couldn’t be more excited!  She’s glowing from the pregnancy, and she glowed when she spoke of her children at home…three different personalities, but three amazing hearts!  It sounds like there is a lot to be thankful for in her family…and this little guy will be welcomed with a lot of love!

…New Jersey!!

Congratulations to Molly Murphy and family! You’ve won the Seventh Generation starter kit (which I promise you’ll love!) and a complimentary session with MZP and 5 digital negatives to take place sometime this fall!  I can’t wait!

Thank you to everyone who participated in MZP’s celebration of Earth Day 2010.  I hope you’ve found some new things you and your family can do to reduce your carbon footprint…thanks for making this planet better for our children’s children!

First the winner of the Sandbox Threads t-shirt is…Isabel White!

Shoot me an email mz@melissazihlman.com with your address, and I’ll get it sent your way!!

And now…for the final contest of the week.  They are our my family’s favorite products to clean with! Its a Seventh Generation Free & Clear gift set.  Something to get  started…products you will love, I promise!  This set comes with:

• 2x Liquid Laundry (32 oz.) – This unique, non-irritating blend of plant-based surfactants and enzymes powers out the toughest stains.
• Hand Dish Soap – Tough on grease, gentle on your hands and the earth. No phosphates, safe for even the youngest dish-washing family members.
• All-Purpose Cleaner – Cleans and degreases hard surfaces, indoors and out. Non toxic, it creates no harsh fumes. Safe for your family and the planet, great for wet mopping; not recommended on wood floors.
• Auto Dish Tabs (15-count tabs) – Concentrated automatic-dishwasher pacs deliver phosphate- and chlorine-free detergent in convenient packets. Environmentally friendly, safe for your family.
• Glass & Surface Cleaner – Effectively cleans glass, mirrors, chrome and other hard surfaces – without streaks, toxins, fumes or harsh chemicals.
• Liquid Fabric Softener – Free & Clear 40oz.Canola-derived fabric softener makes your laundry naturally fluffy and static-free. Add to your final rinse cycle or use for hand-washing delicates. Truly free and clear of fragrances, dyes, and masking agents.

And (as if that wasn’t enough right?) a complimentary weekday session with MZP and 5 digital files ($1200 value)!! Sessions must take place between September and November 2010.  I’m willing to travel to any location (airfare provided by winner, but come on…$1200 in prizes for a little plane ticket, that’s nothing!).

Contest ends Sunday, April 25th at 11PM CST

How to enter: Leave a comment below with something your family does to “do your part”  Inspire others to get on the bandwagon and embrace their inner hippie!  Good luck!

Extra entries:  Blog it, facebook book it, or tweet it…and then come back and leave a separate comment saying you did it!

Congratulations to Merritt McGlynn – you’ve won the first earth day giveaway for the week on the blog!!  A brand new shiny, green Goodbyn Lunchbox is heading your way!!

Check back tomorrow for another awesome giveaway, and the winner of the Sandbox Threads t-shirt (you still have until 12PM CST Friday to enter!!)