Cheeks and Chubs, Jack’s 3 month portrait session {Olympia baby photographer, Olympia, WA}

Babies!  It’s such a treat to have little ones in the studio, especially when they have cheeks like Jack.  This sweet little guy is such a happy, smiley, cooing, drooling bundle of cuteness!  His momma Nichole is already his biggest fan, laughing easily over our failed #Pinterest attempt to cover his face in red lipstick smooches.  Dang it!  How to keep those smooches smear free is beyond me!  Still completely adorable though…  I can’t wait to see what he does next! xo_DSC4116 _DSC4199 _DSC4234 _DSC4321

Taking time to just be… {Olympia, WA Portrait Photographer}

There is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea.
   ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I love the ritual of tea drinking.  The careful preparation, the dainty accouterments, the seductive wisps of steam rising and then disappearing.  I’m not sure if I prefer a solitary, meditative cup or the intimacy of sharing a pot of tea.  Either way, I’ve made a resolve to drink more tea. It’s just a simple way to remind myself to pause, reflect, be grateful, dream, and breathe.  It’s good to be reminded…_DSC3867w-logo _DSC3870w-logo _DSC3880w-logo _DSC3892w-logoAnd what better companion for tea than THIS sweetness? I wonder if there is a special tea for dogs…

Celebrating Family {Olympia, WA Family Portrait Photography}

I love big, blended families.  A few are hers, a few are his and ALL are THEIRS.  I come from a large family of six kids, so when I find another fun, boisterous family, I feel right at home.  What a treat it was to photograph this sweet family a few weeks ago, with their newest little grandson.  Nothing better than gathering your loved ones for the holidays.  Except maybe gathering them at some warm, tropical locale…  Thanks for coming to see me! Suzi and Jim, you are blessed!_DSC2065-Edit _DSC2040-Edit _DSC2020-Edit _DSC2008-Edit _DSC1994-Edit _DSC1991-Edit

New Series: The Makers {Portrait, Bremerton Office Machine Company} Bremerton, WA

Meeting interesting people is just ONE of the perks of my profession. I ran across a news story about a 93 year old gentleman from Bremerton who has been repairing typewriters for nearly 80+ years. What?  I have an old Royal typewriter that could use some help–and hadn’t even considered typewriter repair folks were still around, and fairly close!  I was immediately on the phone making arrangements to meet him.  Allow me to introduce Bob Montgomery, of Bremerton Office Machine Company.  I lugged my machine up the 5 flights (thank goodness for elevators) and expectantly waited to hear his appraisal.  His repair shop was packed to the gills with resource materials, tools, binders, machines patiently waiting, and a bespectacled Mr. Montgomery, atop his swiveling office chair, in the middle of it all.  You can be certain he knows EXACTLY where every single thing is in there too.  After locating the serial number, he pulled out a dog-eared manila folder full of well worn loose sheets, page after page full of columns of tiny numbers.  His finger navigating the way through the numbers, he tells me my machine was made in 1937 with the excitement of a gold prospector who found flecks in his pan.  Incredible to think of how many stories and correspondence were produced on this machine…  Apparently all it needs is a new ribbon and some deep cleaning!  I can’t wait to see how it works and looks.  Now to find some deliciously creamy typewriter paper…  Letters anyone?_DSC8514 _DSC8516 _DSC8519 _DSC8522 _DSC8526 _DSC8529 _DSC8533 _DSC8539 _DSC8548 _DSC8551 _DSC8563 _DSC8566 _DSC8572 _DSC8574 _DSC8581 _DSC8586 _DSC8599 _DSC8602 _DSC8603 _DSC8611

SoCal Wedding Celebration {Santa Cruz Wedding, Chaminade Resort}

 

 

I had to pinch myself more than once this past weekend.  Was I really traveling to Santa Cruz in the middle of November to capture the wedding of Taflyn and Andrew?  Yes, pinch away…  The entire weekend was full of sweet moments–this is a family I have loved for many moons, and I was so very honored to be asked to photograph such a treasured event.  Taflyn is this tiny, tiny person with a heart as big as the moon, a smile as wide as the sea, and eyes that send you over the edge.  And her darling groom Andy laughs easily and often and has eyes the color of the mediterranean sea–holy smokes are their kids going to be adorable AND sweet : )

Their ceremony was set on a bluff, with views that stretched to the Pacific ocean. The glorious sun deliciously warmed our skin and illuminated the countless smiles.  The Bride’s sister, Amaya, played the wedding party down the aisle with sweet songs on her ukelele, her lovely voice and twinkling smile inviting the guests to sway along with her.  Under the shelter of the huppa, loved ones shared readings of Rumi’s poems, blessings,  and cherished words. With the breaking of the glass, Taflyn and Andy made their way down the aisle to receive their guests in concentric circles of Sufi dancing.  It was one of the most celebratory ceremonies I’ve seen–so much love and laughter.

We were able to squeeze in a beach session the day after–some of my favorite images.  Their family lingered together, not wanting the weekend to end.  I couldn’t have dreamed a more wonderful weekend. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the celebration!  Cheers to so many happy years! xo

Intimate Autumnal Wedding Celebration {Olympia, WA}

Autumn is absolutely my favorite time of the year.  The robust colors, the slowing down, the smell of fires filling crisp evenings–an entirely different set of sensory experiences from summer. When Jeff and Jill asked me to photograph their wedding on the Autumnal Equinox, I was thrilled.  They have such an incredible relationship–thoughtful, caring and deeply loving.  Their ceremony was filled with such tenderness and authentic promises, I couldn’t keep the tears from flowing.  I would click my shutter and swipe away the stream running down my face.  It was so perfect.  Jill looked like she stepped right out of the set of Mad Men–her sophisticated elegance perfectly matched her calm intent.  The day was a bit blustery to start, but the raindrops gave way to one the those rare evenings where the sunlight hangs like a golden mist.  Guests gathered close to share an exquisite salmon dinner, music and conversation.  A wonderful way to usher in the changing season and begin a newly united life.  Congratulations Jeff and Jill, thank you for allowing me to capture your beautiful celebration. xxoo

20 Years in Love {Olympia, WA Wedding}

Friends and family gathered to celebrate Wendy & Cam’s 20th anniversary–this time with a wedding thrown into the mix.  It was a lustrous, warm afternoon–the kind of day that stretches it’s warmth into the evening, only to be quickly replaced by that distinct Autumn chill.  Set in their charming backyard, accented with ripe plums dangling like sweet ornaments, Wendy and Cam exchanged vows on the back steps of their home standing alongside both of their sweet daughters.  Full of humor and tenderness, these two amazing people acknowledged the many years of commitment they have shared and promised one another many more.  It was honest, funny and full of gratitude–gratitude for their families, for their community and for one another.  I was so very proud to have been asked to document this important occasion : )  I think their smiles say it all… Cheers to another 20 years!! xoxo

 

 

 

 

Books & Poetry Abound … Bibliophiles Wed in the Woods {Northwest Wedding, WA}

Eric and Emily, self professed bibliophiles, were surround by towering pines above them and gaggles of kids from the knees down, on their wedding day.  This sweet couple wove their love of books into nearly every part of their wedding–starting with their proposal, their wedding invites–which were complete with bookmarks and library slips–tables tops piled with books, book donation bin for children, and even a bookshelf entry way for guests to pass through.  Their ceremony included a wonderful poetry reading, hilariously heartfelt wedding vows, and two of the very best toasts — delivered with wit and perfect comedic timing — by both of the brides brothers.  It was a wonderful celebration layered with love, acceptance, and a heavy focus on celebrating family.  It was just what I needed that day… Thanks to Annie Hastings for being a wonderful second shooter, I’m so grateful : )  Cheers to you both!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thunderstorms Be Gone! {Olympia, WA Wedding}

Sunny days for eons and eons and then a tiny blip on the weather radar… thunderstorms?!  The evening before Kristina and Ryan’s wedding was a lovely display of illumination and drama–thanks Nature for the spectacular show.  Thankfully, the clouds parted and the sun rose on yet ANOTHER sunny day here in the Northwest, right on time.  Kristina pulled the uber luck card in the floral arena–her aunt is the talented floral designer Lena Shed of Newbury Bay. The colors were bold and sassy–just like their wedding party, which was comprised of footballers and fast pitch players.  I’m surprised a game didn’t spontaneously erupt! The wedding celebration was full of smiles and ease as these two made promises to continue to support, laugh and watch football as they grow old together.  I’d say pretty perfect plans for a physical therapy doc and a football coach and teacher.  Healers and mentors, I know this sweet couple will continue to make massive impacts of goodness on all who know them.  Isn’t it comforting knowing this world is full of such lovely people?  I agree : )  Congrats you two!!

 

An Intimate Wedding Along the Bay {Olympia, WA}

Margaret and Ryan flew into Seattle from Washington DC and were greeted with one of the most glorious summers we’ve had, ever.  Absolutely perfect since they had planned a very intimate, outdoor wedding celebration with their family at the home of dear friends.  The mood was relaxed and elegant, just like the two of them.  Margaret looked like a goddess in her gown, and Ryan couldn’t take his smiling eyes off her.  The ceremony was light, and full of sweetness and humor.  Cocktail hour rolled into a gorgeously catered dinner feast, with the spectacular views of sunset along the waterfront and breezes that  lifted the warm summer air. Truly a perfect night.  Cheers to you both! Don’t forget I’m just a short plane ride away should you need reception coverage… I hear Autumn in the East is lovely : ) xo