Tag Archives: Sweetness

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

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

 

 

 

 

An Intimate Wedding Along the Bay {Olympia, WA}

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

 

 

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!

My Baby Bro's Getting Married! Engagement Portrait Session, Olympia, WA

#6679This was a kid I lugged around on my hip—I was 16 when Zach was born, so I thought of him as my baby too.  He was the cutest, cutest little boy, soft blond curls and a devilish smile.  At age 5 he’d perfected the Zackie Special–a rice cake with a slice of cheese, toasted to sheer perfection–and he was always happy to make one for you.  The first time he met Philip, (Zach was maybe four) his first comment was “Nice khaki shorts”  — I’m not sure Philip even knew khaki was a color, to him they were likely tan shorts… but hey, it felt good to be complimented : )

Well, little Zackie has grown up, WAAAAY up to nearly 6’3,  graduated from UW, and has perfected many more culinary masterpieces. He’s no longer that sweet little boy, now he’s a sweet young man. A sweet man who has met a very sweet woman.  And in June they will become a sweet family with her son Keevan.  That’s a lot of sweetness.  I am so proud of him.  I think I need to make a Zackie special for lunch…#6618#6646#6565#6459#6652#6491

University of Washington does more than educate…it nurtures young love

I first met Danielle when she was starting her senior year of high school at Tumwater High School.  We wandered along Tumwater Falls Park snapping photos and talked of her future, of college plans and wanting to attend the University of Washington. She was a sweet, bright and excited young woman.  I knew that she would find success in her college years with that combination.  And she did, as well as find an adorable young man with the same sweet spirit and exuberance for life.  DSC_8277-Edit

Jamie waited patiently to see his gorgeous bride.

DSC_8304-EditShe was worth the wait…DSC_8318-EditThe had some of the funniest touches during their wedding.  Guests were entertained before the ceremony with a multi-media show–a slideshow and mini movie that had people laughing one minute and tearing up the next.  Well done!DSC_8366-EditDSC_8373-EditThere was a break in the sprinkling rain and we dashed outside to capture some autumn afternoon photos.  #9997DSC_8395-EditThe perfect amount of sun popped through to help make parasol magic.
DSC_8407-EditDSC_8460-EditDSC_8478-EditAnd the fall colors soaked up every ray of sun and sent the glorious honey filled tones right back to me.DSC_8925-EditJamie shared one of his favorite passages.  Lovely to see such deeply spiritual people.DSC_8946-EditAnd one last moment with her Dad before heading down the aisle.  Nothing but smiles…DSC_9029-EditHeading into the reception, we had to stop for a quick twirl : )DSC_9294-EditAnd the last shot of the night reveals the silly side.  Danielle and Jamie kept the stoic expression despite the frivolity around them. Way to pull that shot off!  Loved LOVED capturing your day.  Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you two… xoxo CortneyDSC_9631-Edit

Neither Rain nor Sleet will dampen this Wedding! Northwest Wedding, Olympia, WA

#1822When planning an outdoor wedding in the Northwest, there is one gamble that looms large…the weather. Jeff and Kelly had a wonderful, intimate September wedding with close friends in their secluded slice of heaven, nestled in the forrest.  #1925Just one little tweak to their plan, rain.  But as true Northwesterners, the rain was simply a well moisturizing addition to the fun of their celebration. #1853 Kelly walked shyly down the aisle as raindrops softly fell around her.#2014As she took her place next to her teary eyed groom, it was as if they were the only two people in the world.  They did more than smile one another, they radiated love.  #2198It was such a sweet ceremony, with a quick retreat down the aisle guests made their way to the shelter of the tents, decorated in perfect fall fashion.#2484#2490I was so glad we had the barn to setup the photo booth area.  #2478As the evening drew to a close, Jeff serenaded his lovely bride, all as the rain continued to softly fall. Congratulations Kelly and Jeff! Thanks for allowing me to capture the sweetness… xoxo#2848

Oh Just One More… Power Green Couple Wedding, Olympia, WA

OK, it’s nearly 2:30 in the morning and I have to leave for the airport in less than three hours…why even go to bed at this point, right?  Besides, I’m still riding the energy high from Josh & Sarah’s beautiful wedding today.  This couple is completely adorable.  They’ve been together for 10 years–since their mid teens, and were high school and college sweethearts.  They now run a cool startup: www.GreenCupboards.com for everything you could need to run a green household!  I LOVE my clients! How does this happen? How is it that I seem to work with only the sweetest, most wonderful people?  I don’t know, but I do feel grateful for each and every one : )  Here are a few images from their day… More later, but I should probably finish packing.

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