Tag Archives: love

Paradise in the Spring {Magical Maui}

Maui–what an absolutely magical place to be, especially when the gray skies and sideways rain are pelting the PNW.  A very special group of people needed some photographic coverage (ahem) and beach portraits while on holiday, and I was just the tiniest bit thrilled to oblige… We had such fun with the wild kids who had sand in the most amazing places … And then another fun shoot wandering the streets of Lahaina.  Great to see such good friends creating memories together.

Two of my favorite people were able to join me — we rented a Westfalia camper van to explore the island.  What a cool way to dive into the island, meeting the most interesting folks along the way.  Adventuring with your friends in paradise is pretty spectacular, watching the sun set at a different beach every night, swimming in the ocean, eating chocolate covered frozen bananas, living out of a cooler, feeling the salty grit in your hair, smelling the warm, tropical air, the freshest fruit picked right off the trees, and the slow wash of meditative waves cleansing our minds and our souls.  It was a heavenly trip, full of quiet contemplation, soulful conversations, and a lot of gratitude.  This life is so full of mystery and beauty. I hope to always find and honor the magic of this world.  Cheers to loving adventures and traveling the world!

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April Showers Wedding {Alderbrook, Union, WA}

Spring weddings are just so pretty, with a color palette that is soft and hopeful. The sudden rain showers, followed by bursts of bright sunshine, the freshness so desperately needed after long, grey winter months, the perfect transition as we navigate towards the vibrancy of summer.

I love it when a couple knows who they are–not just who they are individually, but who they are as a couple, and incorporate that stylistically into their wedding theme.  Jeff and Shelby nailed it.  Starting with the quintessential PNW wedding venue, Alderbrook Resort, to their vintage/nautical decor, having their beloved furry faced Luna in attendance, and the delicious menu–the entire celebration was a sublime reflection of their laid back demeanor and understated elegance. Shelby was a vision in her Tadashi Shoji wedding gown, and the whimisical succulents in her bouquet by Fleurae was a flawless background for the special shell as an homage for Jeff’s Mom. It was an absolute honor to spend the day with them capturing the lovely celebration.  Cheers to many happy years together, both lakeside and beyond. xoxo_DSC7905 _DSC7909 _DSC7926 _DSC7933 _DSC7941 _DSC7943 _DSC7948 _DSC7951 _DSC7962 _DSC7983 _DSC7998 _DSC8002 _DSC8005 _DSC8006 _DSC8031 _DSC8054 _DSC8059 _DSC8072 _DSC8099 _DSC8108 _DSC8457_DSC8119 _DSC8128 _DSC8136 _DSC8141 _DSC8146 _DSC8149 _DSC8166 _DSC8168 _DSC8173 _DSC8192 _DSC8201 _DSC8254 _DSC8384 _DSC8399 _DSC8414 _DSC8416 _DSC8432 _DSC8471 _DSC8480 _DSC8486 _DSC8613 _DSC8628 _DSC8633 _DSC8644 _DSC8650 _DSC8652 _DSC8654 _DSC8655 _DSC8656 _DSC8661 _DSC8681 _DSC8824 _DSC8917 _DSC8961 _DSC8972 _DSC9142

A Respite in the Desert {Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree}

Sometimes you just need to warm yourself to the core, to fill up those vitamin D stores,  to fill your heart and mind with deep conversations, with thoughtful beauty, and a hearty dose of laughter.  I didn’t even know how much I needed the trip until I was there.  A bit of work and some solid soul quenching sun, just what PNW’ers need in the middle of a rainy winter.

It’s so interesting to discover niche worlds, like the world of traveling art gallery shows. Talk about visual inspiration.  The Spectrum at Indian Wells http://spectrum-indianwells.com was a new world to me.  The international juried art show featured an incredible range of work from paintings, sculptures, glass work, photographic art, and even some wild steam punk creations.  It was incredible to wander through, champagne in hand, lounge on the swank white leather sofas, and take it all in. Thank you to Essence Arts, and Tom and Anna Boatright https://www.tomboatrightoils.com, for inviting me along.  I loved being part of this journey with you.

I was also lucky enough to steal away to Joshua Tree for the day, spending time with radiant humans and capturing their portraits for Erin Jane Illuminations www.erinjaneilluminations.com/ and Essence Arts. I lingered a bit longer meeting up with dear friends for lunch at the infamous www.pappyandharriets.com/ before venturing back to the park to capture sunset images in Joshua Tree.  Let it be known when your story begins with “So we were drinking tequila in the desert as the sun was setting…” is always a solidly hysterical tale.  Ask me about it next time you see me : )

 

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My Little Muse {Child photography – Olympia, WA}

I hope you’re all fine with my blog stream being filled with adorable images of our sweet granddaughter.  If not, darn it, get on board!  She is lively and bright and so curious–it is such a joy to be with her.  I dida little secret photoshoot over the holidays, and although the little vintage dress isn’t really her sweet Momma’s style, I couldn’t resist!  Please enjoy the biggest blue eyes and holiday wonder. Love to you all… Cortney_dsc5253-edit _dsc5292-edit _dsc5303-edit _dsc5304-edit-edit _dsc5325-edit _dsc5326-edit _dsc5329-edit _dsc5333-edit _dsc5353-edit _dsc5356-edit

A Little Bit of Holiday Cheer

Oh, these two sweet girls!  Austin’s girls. We are so profoundly grateful to have them both in our lives.  Austin would be so in love with his little one, she’s lively and sweet and smart and so happy.  I like to think he is right alongside them both, pushing Morgan to complete her MBA, soothing Riann, watching over them.  I was so excited when I found out Morgan had bought them matching pajamas since the boys always received matching Hanna Andersson striped pajamas  and a holiday storybook to open  Christmas Eve.  The tradition continues!  Riann was so excited about the stories–it was sweet to see her reaction to her Daddy’s books and ending with a little squeeze with Austin’s very first teddy bear. Keep the love flowing this holiday season ya’ll!_dsc4694 _dsc4702 _dsc4709 _dsc4719 _dsc4726 _dsc4738 _dsc4749 _dsc4762 _dsc4781 _dsc4796 _dsc4803 _dsc4812 _dsc4828 _dsc4834 _dsc4848 _dsc4855 _dsc4857 _dsc4866 _dsc4881 _dsc4885 _dsc4905 _dsc4944 _dsc4961 _dsc4971 _dsc4979 _dsc4999 _dsc5005 _dsc5015 _dsc5034 _dsc5039 _dsc5050 _dsc5061 _dsc5066 _dsc5082 _dsc5091 _dsc5107 _dsc5138 _dsc5142 _dsc5146 _dsc5184 _dsc5191 _dsc5193 _dsc5200 _dsc5204 _dsc5209

Intimate Wedding Along Hood Canal

Some of the most special weddings I’ve photographed, have been small, intimate, family only weddings.  There is something so dear about gathering ones family to usher in the next phase of life.  Brent and Hannah had the most perfect weather on their wedding, as family surrounded them at Brent’s family summer cabin along Hood Canal.  How fitting that he would add his marriage ceremony to the treasured memories he holds at this special place, with many more to come!  After the  sweetest ceremony and heartfelt vows, guests were treated to an incredible dinner masterfully created by the talented Dahlia Lounge staff.  A truly elegant start to the rest of their life together.  Cheers!_DSC5561-Edit _DSC5632-Edit _DSC5745-Edit _DSC5759-Edit _DSC5767-Edit _DSC5800-Edit _DSC5815-Edit _DSC5839-Edit _DSC5856 _DSC5879 _DSC5921-Edit _DSC5928 _DSC6168-Edit _DSC6504-Edit _DSC6577-Edit _DSC6580-Edit_DSC6181 _DSC6668 _DSC6679 _DSC6684 _DSC6697 _DSC6704

Jammin’ Out

I have recently started working on a new avenue of my photographic business: FOOD! It’s been a long time dream and true labor of love. I am in the beginning phases of photographing my first cookbook for local chef Lela Cross of Capitale, Cielo Blue, and most recently Dillingers. I love her approach to food–focusing on local and fresh but done with a rich flair. I can’t wait!_DSC0963

 

More recently, I spent a lovely morning with my friend Melissa,  who has a side business in the cottage foods industry called Otis Beach Jams–these treats are low sugar, organic and locally sourced little pots of magic! She made blackberry lavender jam and you wouldn’t believe the way the kitchen smelled, absolute heaven. Check her out on Facebook, and if you would like to order a pot or two, hurry… they go fast!_DSC1043 _DSC1012_DSC1066_DSC1075_DSC1069_DSC1094_DSC1099_DSC1109_DSC1134_DSC1140_DSC1060

 

When your Baby is expecting THEIR baby…

Man, I thought I would be able to keep it together and get through writing this without tears…but whelp, it’s me, so tears there will be.  But the happiest of tears, be sure about that–because in about ONE month, the person who made me a Mother for the first time, is about to finally know how much a parent can love. It’s difficult to fully express to our children, the true depths of our love.  Love you too Mom, they say.  But now that Austin and Morgan  will become parents, they will GET it.  That soon, there will be a little person in their lives that will transform who they are to the core. A little person that will slay them with the tiniest of smiles,  someone they would do absolutely anything to protect, a new life that will bring them closer as a couple and turn them into a family.  Imagining them as parents is easy.  They are among the kindest, hardest working, playful, creative people I know.  That is one lucky duck of a little girl.  And the best part?  I get to be part of that sweetness… just call me Gramma Coco.  Now where is that damn box of kleenex?_DSC2971 2-Edit _DSC2984 2 _DSC2994 2-Edit _DSC3000 2 _DSC3037 2 _DSC3067 2-Edit _DSC3108 2 _DSC3137 2-Edit _DSC3159 2-Edit _DSC3191 2-Edit

A Pacific Northwest Wedding in the Fall, It Doesn’t Get Better Than This! {Fernbrook Wedding, Olympia, WA}

Fall is absolutely one of the most incredible seasons in the PNW.  The crisp mornings give way to luxuriously warm afternoons, just in time to turn crisp again for the evening, calling for fires in the hearth.  Ashley and Keith celebrated their wedding day with one of those perfect falls days.  Set along sweeping views of Mt. Rainer and the Puget Sound, sweet “I Do’s” were exchanged in the presence of dear friends and family.  These wildly brave souls took it to the next level by stepping INTO the Puget Sound, wedding attire and all, to allow for some gorgeous images.  I just love when clients have a crazy fun idea!  Thanks for allowing me to celebrate with you!  Cheers to years of happy times! xo_DSC3960 _DSC3985 _DSC3996 _DSC4022 _DSC4054 _DSC4105 _DSC4117 _DSC4185 _DSC4194 _DSC4210 _DSC4233 _DSC4235 _DSC4256 _DSC4288 _DSC4379 _DSC4384 _DSC4396 _DSC4416 _DSC4509 _DSC4551 _DSC4662 _DSC4720 _DSC4727 _DSC4743 _DSC4754 _DSC5527 _DSC5530 _DSC5533 _DSC5542 _DSC5553 _DSC5571 _DSC5589 _DSC5661 _DSC5684Olympia we

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