Tag Archives: olympia photographer

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

 

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

 

Hello Class of 2013! {High School Photography Reps, Olympia, WA}

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I love photographing teens–they are so full of sass, fresh perspectives and enthusiasm–and that’s so very contagious! Thankfully the weather cooperated with my first round of Studio Rep photo shoots.  We are gearing up for the promo posters for a fashion show in Westfield Capital Mall this May.  I can’t wait!


Hand crafted Cocktails, Greta Jane Quartet, Silent Fim and Burlesque–Celebrating the Repeal of Prohibition, Oly Style

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Who doesn’t love a well crafted bevvie?  I adore  the garnishments, the classic stemware, the tinkling ice and then savoring how every little detail comes together in that first sip…  On Monday evening people gathered at the historic Capitol Theater to celebrate the repeal of prohibition.  It was a step back into the yesteryears–with attendees dressed to the nines, bartenders worked quickly to keep the crowd happily imbibing as a silent film played in the back.  The Greta Jane quartet kept the swooning mood alive and Tush Burlesque performers scandalously entertained the rowdy patrons as the entertainment drew to a close.  It was the most fun I’ve had on a Monday night in ages!  Here are a few images from the evening.  The full collection of photo booth images will be posted on the Olympia Film Society’s Facebook page, so make sure to stop by and “Like” both Cortney Kelley Photography and Olympia Film Society on Facebook.  In fact, maybe you should pour yourself a cocktail first…  Cheers!  Cortney_DSC3504_DSC3509_DSC3520_DSC3523_DSC3527_DSC3591

Oh to be Young Again… Birthday Party Photo Session, Olympia, WA

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Oh the beauty and vitality of youth… Last weekend I photographed the birthday party of Maddy and her friends–a crazy group of 13 year olds, girls who have been friends since elementary school–what a darling group of girls.  Full of sass and giggles, crushes and loud music, glitter and attitude.  The party was so  fun!  I’m still finding glitter in the dressing room…  Happy birthday Maddy!! Thanks for coming into the studio girls : )DSC_1464-EditDSC_1481-EditDSC_1483-EditDSC_1489-EditDSC_1498-EditDSC_1501-EditDSC_1506-EditDSC_1613-EditDSC_1587-EditDSC_1566-Edit

Sea Inspired Wedding, Olympia Waterfront Wedding {Keryn & Kollyn}

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Keryn has grown up with a fisherman in the house, her Dad.  So it completely made sense that her Groom Kollyn would also head out to sea often, bringing back the treats of the sea.  Fittingly, their wedding was infused with all things nautical.  Her parents amazing waterfront home was the perfect setting.  Ellen Peterson of Serenity Weddings ( http://www.eventsbyellen.com/Serenity/Serenity.html ), guided the day through to its flawless finish.  Keryn’s cake was darling, bejewled with the bounty of the sea, all edible of course… Celebrity Cakes ( http://www.celebritycakestudio.com/ ) are so amazing!  Her bold color palette was punctuated perfectly with flowers by Julie Elgin at Always and Forever Creations ( http://www.alwaysandforevercreationsinc.com/ ).  One of the highlights of the evening was the wedding video… A same day edit by the talented Laura and Chris of Edit 1 Media ( http://www.edit1media.com/ )  left the audience with teary smiles.  It was simply a perfect wedding celebration, especially being whisked away in a vintage Rolls Royce.  I am so grateful for the wonderful people I happen to meet along the way… Congrats Keryn and Kollyn!! Love to you!!

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Welcome Baby Cruz! Newborn Photo Session, Olympia, WA

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I photographed Kiersten and David’s New Years Even wedding nearly two years ago.  A brilliant party and festive night, their guests danced into the wee hours.  I was thrilled for the when I found out they were expecting! And I could barely wait to capture their darling new baby boy Cruz!  They are a lovely couple, completely enamored with their little guy.  He was about the most complacent baby, barely fussed at all.  But when your needs are met, why fuss?  Congratulations you three!! xoxoDSC_8153-EditDSC_8103-EditDSC_8056-Edit

A Day at the Beach, Family Portrait Session, Burfoot Park, Olympia, WA

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A family photograph–such an important image to document. So why do we put it off? Thankfully, the Swindler family made time together : ) We spent a lovely little hike through the woods to emerge into a bright and busy Puget Sound beach. Now if I can only manage to do the same with my own family… Thanks again for making time with me! I love LOVE the images : ) DSC_2456-EditDSC_2510-EditDSC_2695-EditDSC_2687-EditDSC_2605-Edit

The Smilers, Engagement Session, Olympia (Boston Harbor), WA

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DSC_1129-EditLike Buddy the Elf, I like smiling.  I can safely say, it IS my Favorite.  That, and laughing–I’m pretty good at both of them too.  But meet Dan and Gabi, two people who clearly also like smiling, and laughing, and just being adorably in love.

I first met Dan when he was a wild 18 year old soccer player with the Blackhills Football Club (BHFC).  I remember taking a team photo for them — Dan decided to embellish his look with a piece of wheat grass hanging out of his mouth, it really made the photo… yep, that’s Dan.  He’s still a bit wild. Thankfully, I think he’s met his match–maybe not as wild as him, but she seems like she can most definitely hold her own! Yay!

Gabi and I met at the holiday party for the BHFC coaches (my husband Philip is also a coach with Dan).  Part of the evening festivities was a white elephant gift exchange–always a hilarious and mildly inappropriate game…  Some people brought coffee baskets, some people brought used athletic gear and SOME people brought a fifth of delicious tequila and a darling PHOTO of themselves… guess who brought the gift and guess who fought to win it?!  Yep, Dan and Gabi brought the photo and yours truly, thoroughly enjoyed the tequila.  I have the photo on my desk right now, and every time a look at it, it makes me smile. Smile at two people who are really REALLY good a smiling… I can’t wait for their wedding.  There will be LOADS of smiling then!

It also didn’t hurt that they were leaving in the morning for Mexico.  Yeah, I’d be smiling too…

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