Tag Archives: smiles

SoCal Wedding Celebration {Santa Cruz Wedding, Chaminade Resort}

 

 

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

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!  

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!!


Winning some family time in Las Vegas, Family Portrait Session, Las Vegas, NV

I’m not a big gambler, but was thrilled to be heading to Las Vegas for the annual Wedding & Portrait Photographers International conference last week.  I was able to catch up with my favorite photographer friends, make some new ones, and even hosted my brother Joshua who came in from LA for a couple of nights.  He is the best dancer and we ended up staying at Studio 54 until nearly 4 am… oh, I’m still paying for that one!

One friend I loved seeing was my girl Allison from Montreal.  Her husband Chris was tending to their adorable son Gabe during the lecture time, and would meet up now and then for a meal or quick visit.  Thankfully, we were able to sneak in a quick little family session. We savored the palm trees swaying in the crisp blue sky, knowing that snow was waiting for us.  I wish we’d had more time… but isn’t that always the case?  Gabe was a little uncertain about the shoulder thing at first…DSC_0003-EditHe changed his mind quickly! DSC_0016-EditDSC_0019-EditDSC_0044-EditDSC_0080-EditMom and Dad even got a few moments of adult time…DSC_0143-Edit

Can’t wait to see you guys in Seattle!

xoxoDSC_0195-Edit

Best smile ever! Teen Portrait Session, Olympia, WA

Today I photographed the ever so adorable Shelby.  She has these intensely green eyes and an exuberant smile with perfectly straight teeth.  Such a sweet kid!#8248As we talked, we found out we shared lots of mutual friends, that they knew my older son through the soccer shop, my younger son and nephew through choir, it just went on and on.  It was one of those times where living in a smaller, connected community felt so right.  I asked Shelby how she heard about me and her response was a little shrug, a smile and “just everybody”–I must confess I had my own little Sally Fields moment of “They like me!  They really, really like me!”  hahaha!!  So thanks Shelby and Candice for making the start of my weekend so very smiley.  And you know, I like you all right back!#8189

Sizzlin' Summer Senior Sessions, Olympia, WA

Kelli –what a doll!  She has the bluest of blue eyes and a smile you can’t help but catch.  She is one of those easy going beauties, and I love her relaxed style.  I am so lucky to have such lovely senior reps!  How does this happen?  Don’t know, but I feel grateful to photograph these great kids at such important times in their young lives…  Oh to be young!DSC_8381TDSC_8392TDSC_8186TDSC_8197TDSC_8165TDSC_8241TDSC_8259TDSC_8408TDSC_8409TDSC_8317T