And now the Baby is a Father…

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I’m the oldest in a family of six kids.  Although it MUST have been chaotic, I don’t remember it being too rowdy.  There were kids in diapers for long stretches, and guess who was babysitter numero uno? Yep, me. I was 15 when the baby of our family arrived–Zachary.  My sister and I were away at camp and anxiously awaiting any news.  I remember someone breathlessly running through the woods to deliver the news to our cabin.  Another boy!  He was such a little stinker and so much fun. In fact, he still is a stinker, only a lot taller, and still so much fun to be with.  I know how lucky I am to have such a crazy family and LOVE my brothers and sisters so darn much! It’s truly a joy to watch them nurture their own darling little families.  Congrats to Zach and his sweet wife Desiree–little miss Payton is a blessed addition. xoxo

Fragile Sweetness {Newborn Session, Olympia,WA}

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I love photographing newborns–but I love watching how the new parents interact and dote over the newest little one even more.  There is such tender protectiveness in their gaze, at both the baby and each other.  What a wonderful time to reconnect as a couple and to bathe in the happy glow of the love that a newborn brings.  Congratulations Ray and Andrea!  Emery is so so lovely.  And really, REALLY good at pooping… hahahaha   You poor things–I don’t think a single stitch of your clothing was poop free by the end of the shoot… thanks for being such good sports : )

 

A Gorgeously Sassy Bride, a Handsome Groom, a Lovely Sunny Saturday and a Sprinkling of Tequila = One Awesomely Fun Mexican Themed Wedding {Olympia Wedding}

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For true Olympia natives, Lakefair is a week of carnival rides, fair food, parades and fireworks–and it marks the midpoint of summer.  For Haley and Rob, Lakefair will now hail their wedding anniversary! It was a perfect day, sunny and the right amount of wind.  Under the shade of ancient trees in the backyard of Rob’s family home, sweet promises were made. Once the formalities were completed, it was onto some serious celebrating! The fiesta lasted well into the night fueled by great music, delicious food, and maybe just a tiny bit of tequila…. ayyyyyyyiyiyyiii!!!  Love these two and the AWESOME friends and family!  Thanks for allowing me to capture the crazy fun of your wedding day : ) xo

 

A Little Bit Country {Rustic Farm Wedding, Elma, WA}

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Am I dating myself with the Donnie & Marie song reference?  Probably.

Following a dramatic lightening storm, the clouds parted, the rain abated, and the sun shone widely on the Smith Family farm as Heather and Michael said “I Do.”

Heather had the most meticulously planned details, I just LOVED the handmade signs and the burlap covered hay bale seated ceremony site, complete with birch trees lining the aisle and creating an entrance.  Perfection!

Everywhere you turned were more adorable touches.  It was such a perfect day…weather, food, locale and people–what more could you ask for? Congrats you two, thank you for allowing me to capture your day!!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for some inspiration! creativeLIVE Pet Photography Workshop with Vicki Taufer{Seattle, WA}

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I’ve been photographing pets for a couple of years now, but am ready to take it up a notch (or TEN!).  So here goes!  I’ve thrown myself into the selection pool for creativeLIVEs upcoming Pet Photography Workshop with Vicki Taufer.  I love Vicki’s work and am literally dancing at the idea of being in the LIVE audience!!!

http://youtu.be/fm0Y-uNqAXY

Not sure how this works, but would you all please send your happy thoughts my way? And help me be one of the 6 people selected for the live studio audience?  So AWESOME!!!!

Kids Keep You Looking Young {Family Portrait Session, Olympia, WA}

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I’ve been friends with Mark for nearly (choke) 30 years.  He and his gorgeous wife Danacia clearly don’t seem to be aging–or at least not as quickly as others!  Maybe it’s the fact that they have to be active chasing around three little ones.  Their oldest was the epitome of Big Brother, trying to set a good example for adorably rambunctious twins.  They were all so darling, and Mark and Danacia just kept smiling through it all, surrendering to the delightfully entertaining chaos that is their daily life.  Cherish it you guys…because it passes much too quickly. xoxo

Thanks for coming to see me!  I loved how my name was pronounced: Coort-ten-naaaay.  I just may change it….

 

One Perfectly Matched Couple {Union Station, Tacoma, WA}

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Saturday’s weather sampling was perfectly timed for the events planned on Sarah and Mike’s wedding day.  It rained when we were indoors (and I mean RAINED) and then clouds parted and the sun appeared at precisely the most perfect moments, with a radiant glow piercing through the windows and lighting the Chihuly glass sculptures like fireworks. It was so devastatingly lovely.  The atmospheric sounds of Sigur Ros rose into the cathedral ceiling as the wedding party made their entrance, and entrancing it was. So very sweet to witness such tenderness in a couple.

Congrats you two!! I’m looking forward to sharing a bevvie with you at the Sigur Ros concert on the lovely grass field at McMenamins Edgefield later this summer. xo

Northwest Wanderings…Trails, Meadows and the Shore– Engagement Portrait Session {Discovery Park, Seattle, WA}

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It was such a gorgeous day last Monday.  Thankfully the happy rays continued right into the early evening for my engagement session with Collete and Ryan.  These two are so darling!  They love Discovery Park, so we planned to meet and explore.  Collete has the most amazing copper hued honey hair and skin that is literally luminous.  I couldn’t wait to photograph her!  And Ryan has this easy surfer vibe, mellow and agreeable–though he only surfs the snow…  We wandered through the park, leisurely making our way down to the beach.  What a treat.  With windswept hair and relaxed smiles, we wandered along the shore, taking in the ridiculously beautiful view.  Oh, just another Monday in the Northwest… Dang I love living here!!


Olympia Downtown Association – – {Girls Night Out Fashion Show}

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I love organizing events!   There is such amazing synergy that happens when creatives come together. Last Friday, the Olympia Downtown Association had their annual Girls Night Out shopping event.  Downtown Olympia was radiant with gorgeous weather and happy shoppers, most wearing pink and sporting their bright pink event bags.  Great deals on shopping, dining and services were to be found all throughout downtown.

Along with the help of my fabulous Evergreen State College intern, Gabriela, we hosted a fashion show highlighting the extraordinary clothing and shoes of the boutiques in downtown.  We had a great team of stylists from Alchemy Salon and Spa http://www.alchemy-salonspa.com/, adorably delicious cupcakes and cookie treats from Mela’s Minis https://www.facebook.com/MelasMinis, men’s fashion from G. Miller http://gmillerolympia.com/, Vivala www.vivalastore.com/, Belleza Ropa www.bellezaropa.com/, Sweet Life  www.shopsweetlife.com/ Hot Toddy  www.hottoddyolympia.com/ Bonaventure Shoes www.bonaventureshoes.com/ Metro  www.metropiercing.com/ Jinjor  www.facebook.com/pages/JINJOR-BOUTIQUE/347144831293 and some refreshing sparkling pear and apples wines from the Olympic Wine Merchant provided by Nathan Peppin of Peppin Photography, my studio mate.

Here’s the final runway walk of all the models.  All of these looks can be found in downtown Olympia boutiques.  Holler if you need to know where a specific look is from and we will happily direct you to that boutique!

GNO Fashion Show

Thanks to all who helped with the successful show!

Cortney

 

Finding Shelter {Newborn Session, Olympia, WA}

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Another rainy spring afternoon in the Northwest…one of those days you’re grateful to be inside. Aaron and Lauren brought freshie, week old Noelle, in for her first portraits bundled in a sea of pink sweetness.  She had more hair than my boys had at age three!  Dark, lustrous hair that almost shone as brightly as her parents beaming faces.  Parents who, I marveled, looked remarkably well rested : )

I miss those days where you would lose yourselves for hours, just watching a yawn, a nose wriggle or listening to the funny newborn grunts.  The miracle that becomes the center of your world. As I watched and photographed Lauren and Aaron with Noelle, I saw a place of such love. And I knew that no matter how much rain fell in our verdant city, she would always have a place of shelter. A loving, cherished shelter.  Congratulations to you! xoxo