Tag Archives: wedding photographer

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

Thunderstorms Be Gone! {Olympia, WA Wedding}

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}

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

 

 

A Gorgeously Sassy Bride, a Handsome Groom, a Lovely Sunny Saturday and a Sprinkling of Tequila = One Awesomely Fun Mexican Themed Wedding {Olympia Wedding}

 

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

 

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!!


Fairy Tale Wedding, Truly Fit for a Princess {Wedding at Thornewood Castle, Lakewood, WA}

Most little girls have visions of their wedding as a splendid day, where they look and feel like a princess.  Well, Chantell and Aaron had just that.  The setting was dramatically royal: the Thornewood Castle, simply incredible.  Chantell was completely dreamy in a voluptuous gown, with a little bit of hidden sass in her pink shoes.  The flowers, the cake, the candy buffet…all  hues of pink yumminess.  Every where I turned was another ridiculously beautiful scene.  The guests were treated to luscious fruits and appetizers, and a lighter luncheon buffet catered by Pellegrino’s.  All in all, perfection.  Congratulations you two!  Have a great time at Turtle Bay!! xoxo

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Summer time is for lemonade, smiles and weddings… {Olympia, WA Wedding}

Summer has finally arrived in the Northwest, though for how long…? My darling wedding clients have to be prepared for rain or shine, when planning an outdoor wedding.  Brittney and Dan were ready for either, and though it was nearly 90 degrees and my face was as red as a tomato, I was grateful for the beautiful summer afternoon.  They are both artsy–graphic design and music fuels their creative spirits, and they were game for just about anything. There were so many sweet little details throughout–and the color palette was perfect: soft gray, white and bright yellow–summer! I brought along my vintage Schwinn and a couple of oversized balloons as props, and the results… adorableness!  Congratulations you two! Enjoy Cancun : )DSC_3805-EditDSC_3813-EditDSC_3807-EditDSC_3827-EditDSC_3852-EditDSC_3975-EditDSC_4518-EditDSC_4564-EditDSC_4594-EditDSC_4612-EditDSC_4633-EditDSC_4663-EditDSC_4688-EditDSC_4696-EditDSC_4711-EditDSC_4705-EditDSC_4733-Edit

{Big Texas Love! Pacific Northwest style….} Pacific Northwest Wedding, Shelton, WA

It is such a delight to work with the same family over the years.  I have photographed seniors, engagement and families photos for this beautiful clan.  I was thrilled when Don and Jackie booked their daughter Christy’s wedding with me.  Christy now lives in Texas and had to rely on her parents for much of the logistical wedding planning.  I had only communicated with her via email until the wedding week when we finally had an opportunity to meet over lunch.  Brian and Christy are a lovely, humble couple who laugh easily and smile with their eyes.  And she has the most beautiful, shiny hair I have ever seen!  My only regret is that I didn’t have a chance for a barbecue lesson…from a REAL Texan!  hahaha  Enjoy your trip down the coast, you sweet honeymooners!DSC_9415-EditDSC_0328-EditDSC_9545-EditDSC_9546-EditDSC_9754-EditDSC_9644-EditIMG_4411-EditIMG_4260-EditDSC_0338-EditDSC_0400-EditDSC_0443-EditIMG_4936-EditDSC_0585-EditDSC_0552-Edit

The Baby Gets Married! Schmidt Mansion, Olympia, WA

My younger brother Zachary was married this past Saturday–the baby of a family of six kids, of which four of those older siblings are sisters.  When he was little we would drag him around on our hips, put him in dresses and generally dote on him.  He was such a funny little kid, razor wit and humor, even at four. And he still is completely hilarious.  I know that’s one thing Desiree loves about him… we all do! Who doesn’t like to laugh?

Zach proposed to his bride Desiree last year when we were all on holiday in Maui.  It was so special to be able to share that with them, and to celebrate their engagement in such a stunning place.

Their wedding day was glorious–absolutely perfect sunny weather.  One of those days in the Northwest that helps us to remember why we endure the long gray months of fall, winter and most of spring (ha).

It was a lovely ceremony and GREAT party!  I love being with all of my siblings–they are all creative, expressive and so dang fun.  It was A LOT of family time time this weekend, but surprisingly drama free! I hope Zach and Desiree are stretched out on a Mexican beach sipping margaritas about now…  Too bad I couldn’t convince them to take me along for Honeymoon photo coverage!  DSC_5999-EditDSC_6005-EditDSC_6026-EditDSC_6042-EditDSC_6049-EditDSC_6051-EditDSC_6095-EditDSC_6111-EditDSC_6127-EditDSC_6162-EditDSC_6164-EditDSC_6186-EditDSC_6190-EditDSC_6212-EditDSC_6223-EditDSC_6277-EditDSC_6284-EditDSC_6294-EditDSC_6305-EditDSC_6311-EditDSC_6316-EditDSC_6346-EditDSC_6368-EditDSC_6378-EditDSC_6390-EditDSC_6391-EditDSC_6395-EditDSC_6396-EditDSC_6398-EditDSC_6451-EditDSC_6457-EditDSC_6496-EditDSC_6502-EditDSC_6777-EditDSC_7019-EditDSC_7160-EditDSC_7333-EditDSC_7345-EditDSC_7350-EditDSC_7626-EditDSC_7631-Edit

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

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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