Tag Archives: Cortney Kelley Photography

Adorable, Dog Loving Couple’s West Seattle Wedding {Salty’s on Alki Beach, West Seattle Wedding}

I first met Reid working a wedding together a couple of years ago.  His funky mohawk and lively personality made such an impression on me, as did his incredible eye–he is the man behind the creative force, Best Made Videos, beautiful, moving wedding films.  I was honored to have him refer his close friends to me for their sweet wedding, where I met his stunning girlfriend Dorothy, who was a bridesmaid that day.  When they became engaged, I was over the moon excited to be asked to photograph their wedding!  I knew this wedding was going to be a celebration full of life and maybe just a teensy tiny bit of fun! Ha!

They included their beloved pup Rosie in the first look, I’m not sure who received more kisses… Surrounded by family and friends, the clouds gave way to blue skies as they said their I Do’s.  Guests were treated to the delicious northwest cuisine of Salty’s Restaurant, which fueled the way to lighting up the dance floor.  Such a loving, connected group of people.  I would say they are beyond lucky to be supported by such a loving community.  Cheers to you both!!_DSC2511 _DSC2554-Edit _DSC2558 _DSC2567 _DSC2571 _DSC2579 _DSC2591 _DSC2598 _DSC2613 _DSC2630 _DSC2635 _DSC2639 _DSC2643 _DSC2648 _DSC2659 _DSC2666 _DSC2700 _DSC2707 _DSC2723 _DSC2744 _DSC2770 _DSC2842 _DSC2845 _DSC2863 _DSC2878 _DSC2921 _DSC2932 _DSC3010 _DSC3166 _DSC3259 _DSC3327 _DSC3365 _DSC3413 _DSC3441 _DSC3454 _DSC3513 _DSC3549 _DSC3578 _DSC3579

Sweet Nautical/Bohemian Wedding {Alderbrook Resort, Union, WA}

I have been looking forward to this sweet wedding celebration all summer!  I’ve known Liv since she was in high school–she’s like a sister to me.  Liv is one of those people who can tackle anything, and she does it with grace, passion and perfection.  I knew her wedding was going to be full of creativity, playfulness and elegance and, of course… it was.  She pulled in nods to the Hawaiian Islands, the Pacific Northwest, and added a touch of whimsy to her decor.  Her sweet Groom Jake, absolutely ADORES her!  It’s so wonderful to see the way he looks at her.  Ahhhh, love!  I am beyond happy for them both!  I love events at Alderbrook, it highlights the very reason why we love it here in the Pacific Northwest, it’s perfection, rain and all.  Guests settle in more, making it a weekend full of celebrations–you see friendships made and others strengthened, and even more fun to run the “highlight” reel the following morning…Wonderful wedding, sweet people and a smashing dance party!  Cheers to Mr. & Mrs. Bourne!_DSC2128 _DSC2474-Edit_DSC2479-Edit_DSC2468-Edit_DSC2476-Edit _DSC2282_DSC2570_DSC2278 _DSC2594-Edit _DSC2630 _DSC2740 _DSC2763 _DSC2766_DSC2833 _DSC2837 _DSC2839 _DSC2844 _DSC2847 _DSC2849 _DSC2852 _DSC2894 _DSC2898-Edit _DSC2904-Edit _DSC2921-Edit _DSC2958-Edit _DSC2994 _DSC3052-Edit _DSC3055-Edit _DSC3073 _DSC3745-Edit _DSC3746 _DSC3775 _DSC3781-Edit _DSC3679-Edit _DSC3791 _DSC3825_DSC3627-Edit_DSC3702_DSC3691_DSC4149_DSC4131_DSC4184_DSC4185_DSC4116   _DSC4127

The raw, untamed beauty of Ruby Beach {Ballet Portraits}

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Dance speaks to something deep within my soul, it’s an emotional stirring that reaches into my core being, eliciting such a range of emotions.  To me, it is one of the most authentic expressions one can explore.  The idea for this session has been simmering for a long time, and I was finally able to find a day to escape and create images I am so proud of.  Immense gratitude for Liz and Carol–you are exquisite dancers, and two of the loveliest people–what a treat to spend an entire day with you both.  And to Emmett, my sherpa, my lighting assistant, and one of my absolute favorite people–thank you for lugging gear, holding reflectors and being my go to guy!

I am thrilled to share this images and planning my next dancers excursion… It can’t come soon enough.

Here is the link… https://animoto.com/play/6XlvVYOaOlRw2q1ZE71Vag

xo Cortney

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

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

 

 

 

 

Bubbles, Giggles and Tutus {Baby Portrait Session, Olympia, WA}

I just love my work!  How much more fun can one have than playing with babies and bubbles? Pretty darn adorable : ) Maybe add a kitten and a couple of puppies…naaaaaw, that would be taking the cuteness level way, waaaaay over the top.  One baby and some bubbles was plenty for me!

I welcomed Stephanie into the studio, her arms full with sweet, little Miss L–her adorable little one, eyes saucers of melted chocolate. Such a gorgeous child!  She snacked, smiled, played musical instruments and experienced bubbles for the very first time.  It was a lovely, sweet morning that made me long for my baby days…  Thanks for coming in you two beautiful people!  

Springtime Love–Eryn & Erin {Olympia, WA Wedding, Schmidt Mansion}

There is something about the springtime that is so exuberantly hopeful.  The bursts of soft color emerging after the winters darkness, allow us to breath and stretch and yearn for renewal.  I adore the color palette spring offers–the soft, baby greens, corals, pinks and butter yellows.  What utter perfection for portrait backgrounds! Thanks nature for helping create such loveliness on Eryn and Erin’s windswept wedding day.  It wouldn’t have been complete without a kiss of rain, April showers indeed.  Congratulations you two!  Here’s a little peek slideshow…

http://video214.com/play/vJrxnaUDVt0mvkUQM99glA/s/dark

Vegas Adventures… CreativeLive, WPPI and Curlee Bikini

Last week I had the amazing experience of immersing myself in the photographic industry on various levels.  I was an audience member of Sue Bryce’s creativeLive 28 Days, attended WPPI–great courses and tradeshow, and had the opportunity to photograph new swimsuits for Curlee Bikini: poolside, in a hotel suite and in the desert. I loved spending time with my darling brother Joshua, his talented love Mallory (Curlee Bikini owner/designer) and good friend Allison, being roomies for the week.  I’ve been home for a couple of days but still feel exhausted. What the heck?  Maybe it’s the mountain of emails and phone messages I returned to…  I’m slowly making my way through them : )  Here’s a fun little video slideshow I made of some fave Curlee Bikini images. http://animoto.com/play/d5Tj2QJ30OFzM1YkBN7F6g

Winter Warmth {Kicking up the heat with Boudoir photography}

There is nothing better than giving the perfect gift.  To see the smile that floods their face and mists their eyes, and the swelling of love at such a thoughtful gesture, so very rewarding.  So, how about kicking that up a notch or ten?  Well, for a couple of very lucky gentlemen, their wives truly gave them “the best present EVER” (direct quote from both) with the Little Black Book.  Thank you both for trusting me and for being such incredible subjects! It was a total treat to capture these gorgeous women, knowing the wonderful surprise that was in store for their lovies.