Tag Archives: Olympia wedding photography

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

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 : )

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

Gathering at Winters Edge {Olympia Wedding, Deschutes River}

I love winter weddings.  Actually we eloped nearly 22 years ago at the end of December, a night that was silenced with softly falling snow.  It doesn’t seem possible that it was 22 years ago…  Afterwards we walked through the quiet, padded streets, bundled up, arm in arm.  Such a lovely memory of a sweet night.  But back to my love of winter weddings… there is something so intimate about gatherings in the winter time.  People linger closer, longer –sharing food, wine and stories.  I was thrilled when Kami called and asked if I was available for a last minute wedding–of course I couldn’t say no!

She has had a vision of being married along a river, surrounded by family and friends.  And that is exactly what happened.  With both of their families gathered alongside them (Dominic’s family arrived from California–poor people were bundled from head to toe), Kami and Dominic could barely stop smiling the entire ceremony.  Lit only with tiki torches and candles, with the rain softly falling and the sound of the river moving unseen, two of the sweetest people I’ve met, made promises to each other.  Promises that danced in their eyes and melted the chill of the night away.  It was a challenge to capture, the night was so dark my camera could barely find a focal point.  After the ceremony guests caravanned to her parents amazing farmhouse for a reception dinner.  Out of the cold, rainy night, gathering in their warm home, the guests shared their first meal as a new family.  This is what life is about…  Thank you for sharing your lovely day with me : ) Much love!

Texas Sized Fun in Little Oly {Olympia Wedding, Indian Summer}

We all know the phrase “Don’t Mess With Texas” right?  Well, I don’t mind messin’ with Texas when a wedding party crew is as fun and Holly and Brent’s gang were. The weather was a perfect fall day in the Northwest, so much so that a few of those Texans are considering relocating…

Just as they were about to see one another, the clouds parted and sunlight came streaming down on the shoulders of one beaming bride, and the tears flowed as our tough Texan groom allowed the softer side out.  Thanks for allowing me to capture your day and cheers to years and years of happiness. xo

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

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!!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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}

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!!


Just a Touch of Rain, For Good Luck {St. Michael's Parish & Indian Summer Wedding, Olympia, WA}

I had been checking the weather forecast all week, yes, rain was predicted for Saturday.  When I woke up that morning to the sound of water filling the bird bath outside my window (althought I LOVE this sound) I sighed.  But wouldn’t you know, the rain was brief and did a thorough job of cleaning the late summer dust, just in time for the wedding of Alicia and Marlon.  We had a rain shower during their engagement session, so I was beyond relieved for the rainy reprieve on their wedding day.  St. Michael’s Parish http://www.saintmichaelparish.org/ on the Westside of Olympia has the most stunning view–vibrant greenery framed the ceremony site.  Alicia and Marlon exited the church in a flurry of bubbles and found minimal refuge in their sparkling convertible…  Marlon always has had a thing for cars, so it was only fitting his groomsmen received gearshift diagram cuff links.  The newly married couple hit the road, with the wedding party in close pursuit.  We kept one step ahead of the rain, photographing the wedding party around downtown Olympia, as the guests made their way to cocktail hour at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club http://indiansummergolf.com/

The evening was filled with heartfelt toasts and as the sun deepened in the sky, the dance floor was illuminated and guests celebrated late into the night.  The photobooth was a hit–people stopped by again and again and again… Amazing what a box of props and a camera can unleash : )

Congratulations Alicia and Marlon!  Thank you for such a perfect day!

xo

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From the Hotel Monaco to Fields of Lavendar { Portland/Sauvie Island Wedding}

Mitch and Laura chose the date 9.10.11 for their wedding, a playful date for a darling couple.  I love fall weddings–the colors are so rich and vibrant, who would have thought the day would reach temperatures in the mid 90’s!  We began the day at the Monaco Hotel www.monaco-portland.com/ in downtown Portland.  The lobby is a visual feast of color–funky, fun and fresh.  It was a perfect place for photos–apparently two other wedding parties agreed, good thing we were the first ones down there and didn’t need to wait.  Each party was so different–it was interesting to see how each couple’s personalities shown through in the choice of flowers and bridal attire–every single one was beautiful.

After dashing about downtown for urban photos, the limo delivered each side of the bridal party to the stunning venue on Sauvie Island sauvieisland.org/,  the home of the Groom’s aunt and uncle.  I had never heard of Sauvie Island before Laura contacted me.  It is this magical little nugget of agricultural goodness just outside of Portland.  Fields of lavendar, berries and farms roll along, the wind acting as a composer.  It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been.  Laura and Mitch honored their families by wearing the Groom’s mother’s veil and the Brides grandmother’s necklace.  Laura carried a handkerchief tucked into her bouquet that had been in Mitch’s family wedding for four generations.  So very sweet!

Laura’s attention to detail was impeccable. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour which then gave way to dinner.  Guests were seated in long rows of tables, and the meal was served family style in the middle of a fruit orchard by the deliciously talented Portland Catering Company staff http://www.portlandcateringcompany.com/.  White lights strung the perimeter and tea lights daintily hung in the trees–it was breathtaking.  We were able to spend the golden hour during sunset, capturing portraits of the bride and groom. It was difficult not to get carried away.  Every where I turned was another incredible panorama!  I loved every minute spent out there–thank you for allowing me to be a part of your celebration!DSC_2379-EditDSC_2388-EditDSC_2390-EditDSC_2450-EditDSC_2466-EditDSC_2521-EditDSC_2574-EditDSC_2580-EditDSC_2585-EditDSC_2605-EditDSC_2612-EditDSC_2681-EditDSC_2686-EditDSC_2703-EditDSC_2731-EditDSC_2756-EditDSC_2823-EditDSC_2857-EditDSC_2888-EditDSC_2900-EditDSC_2937-EditDSC_2956-EditDSC_2986-EditDSC_3030-EditDSC_3082-EditDSC_3090-EditDSC_3110-EditDSC_3153-EditDSC_3207-EditDSC_3208-EditDSC_3209-EditDSC_3226-EditDSC_3324-EditDSC_3347-EditDSC_3373-EditDSC_3430-EditDSC_3442-EditDSC_3463-EditDSC_3528-EditDSC_3541-EditDSC_3602-EditDSC_3626-EditDSC_3642-EditDSC_3665-EditDSC_3743-EditDSC_3753-EditDSC_3759-Edit

Just MORE love! {Olympia Wedding, Grand Holiday Ballroom, Olympia, WA}

Who doesn’t need more love?  Well, the wedding of Ashley and Thomas was bursting at the seams.  Ashley is seriously the most energetic, wonderful girl!  She seems to smile even when she’s not smiling.  It’s just a happiness that radiates from the core of who she is.  I was thrilled when she asked me to shoot her wedding : )  I always love meeting the bridal party–getting to see who is important to a couple.  Ashley and Thomas had a great group–they were game for anything!  We spent the scorching day bouncing around Olympia, getting to the most perfect locations.  Ashley also works part-time at the Grand Holiday Ballroom (in addition to working full time and going to school!) and was given the royal treatment by her coworkers.  She thought of so many sweet details.  The kids attending the wedding nearly lost their mind when they saw the candy bar!   I loved the energy and the lively guests!  They even ended the night with a hotdog buffet, an ode to their college days…  And as we all know, every great party ends with someone wearing a lampshade…  Congrats you two!! xo

DSC_7440-EditDSC_7457-EditDSC_7505-EditDSC_7508-EditDSC_7530-EditDSC_7534-EditDSC_7542-EditDSC_7561-EditDSC_7581-EditDSC_7599-EditDSC_7612-EditDSC_7624-EditDSC_7631-EditDSC_7650-EditDSC_7695-EditDSC_7736-EditDSC_7751-EditDSC_7846-EditDSC_7883-EditDSC_8087-EditDSC_8101-EditDSC_8129-EditDSC_8139-EditDSC_8152-EditDSC_8160-EditDSC_8791-EditDSC_9032-EditDSC_9068-EditVenue: Grand Holiday Ballroom, www.grandholidayballroom.com

Officiant: Joan Cathey

Floral:Newbury Bay, www.newburybay.com

Cake: Celebrity Cake Studio, www.celebritycakestudio.com