Tag Archives: love

End of an Era… {Appreciating Family}

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C & M RentonI’ve had a big ‘ole lump in my throat since 9:55 am yesterday morning when I received a text from my sister Melissa sharing the exciting news that they had secured their loft in Seattle.  Move in date, March 1st.  After a hearty Hooray, my next reaction was “I’m not ready!” I know, selfish, but I’m having a difficult time reconciling my sister will no longer being my next-door-neighbor.  As with any siblings, we have had our moments of being the best of friends and world wars 3, 4 and 5… But she has always been there for me.  “Horseback riding” trips (on barstools) for hours in the backyard, meticulously sorting Barbie clothes, reading Laura Ingalls Wilder books, roller skating in the garage, sneaking out of the house to go dancing, rock concert corruption, and then into motherhood–watching Austin when I was doing back to back theater shows, taking our babies on many a trip to IKEA and Goodwill, spending afternoons exploring parks with the toddlers. We were lucky enough to raise our son’s together, the BroZens roaming back and forth between households.  For me, always having an ear to bend or someone to share a beverage with, just knowing she was close.  The first two months they moved in we had dinner together every single night.  Over the years, a comfortable routine settled in–holidays were always happily punctuated with a gathering of some sort. Summer evenings imbibing in the sunset, or catching up while folding laundry and drinking coffee.  The poodle, Hero, coming over for his nightly visit.  While cherishing these moments, I fear I may have taken them for granted.  Yes, I know Seattle is only an hour away, but it seems like a lifetime as we close the “rearing our children” years and move into a different phase of life. I’m excited for their next adventure to unfold in Seattle and know we will continue to share, celebrate and create loads of new memories.  I guess I just need a bit of time to mourn the ending of a very sweet era… I will miss you and love you…

C & M braids

 

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

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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

SoCal Wedding Celebration {Santa Cruz Wedding, Chaminade Resort}

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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}

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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}

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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}

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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}

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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}

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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

 

 

Rustic Country Themed Wedding {Kelly Farm, Buckley, WA}

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What a whirlwind of sweetness!  I was so thrilled to be asked by Brad and Nayeli to capture their wedding celebration at an amazing new venue–The Kelly Farm.  Located in Buckley, it was tucked just off the road to Crystal Mountain, a route I know well…  As this ridiculous summer weather rolls on day after sun filled day, we were fortunate to find a bit of shade, perfect for portraits.  Brad was the smiliest groom I have ever seen, and it only grew wider and more twinkly every time he caught a glance of his perfect bride.  Nayeli was truly radiant–surrounded by her lovely friends and family, she eased through the day with complete grace.  I love calm and happy bridal parties!  As she emerged from the Bridal cottage with her Father, the mariachi band sounds lifted into the country evening.  I was on sensory overload with the beautiful floral designs, the rustic handmade touches, topped of with Brad’s family ranch brand burned into log rounds atop each table, perfect.  The couple and their family danced on into the night with unabashed happiness and vigor, which may or may not have been fueled by tequila… my kind of party!  Congratulations Brad and Nayeli!! The best of times are still ahead, and I’m pretty sure you’ll know how to manage… : )

Summer Breezes, Love in the Afternoon… {Engagement Session, Olympia, WA}

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These two!  I cannot wait to photograph the wedding of Krosbie and Justin this fall.  They are wildly in love and so, soooo sweet to one another.  We started the portrait session out in the studio, made our way to the boardwalk, did some abandoned warehouse exploring, and then headed back to their newly purchased home–which they moved into THE DAY BEFORE!!!  Happily greeting us was their sweet baby Kingston, 3 month old Shepherd mix–his paws are GINORMOUS!  So much fun ending the session with the two of them, piled on the floor surrounded by boxes, eating take out Thai…  ahhhh, such is young love : )