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When your Baby is expecting THEIR baby…
Man, I thought I would be able to keep it together and get through writing this without tears…but whelp, it’s me, so tears there will be. But the happiest of tears, be sure about that–because in about ONE month, the person who made me a Mother for the first time, is about to finally know how much a parent can love. It’s difficult to fully express to our children, the true depths of our love. Love you too Mom, they say. But now that Austin and Morgan will become parents, they will GET it. That soon, there will be a little person in their lives that will transform who they are to the core. A little person that will slay them with the tiniest of smiles, someone they would do absolutely anything to protect, a new life that will bring them closer as a couple and turn them into a family. Imagining them as parents is easy. They are among the kindest, hardest working, playful, creative people I know. That is one lucky duck of a little girl. And the best part? I get to be part of that sweetness… just call me Gramma Coco. Now where is that damn box of kleenex?
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
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Sweet Nautical/Bohemian Wedding {Alderbrook Resort, Union, WA}
I have been looking forward to this sweet wedding celebration all summer! I’ve known Liv since she was in high school–she’s like a sister to me. Liv is one of those people who can tackle anything, and she does it with grace, passion and perfection. I knew her wedding was going to be full of creativity, playfulness and elegance and, of course… it was. She pulled in nods to the Hawaiian Islands, the Pacific Northwest, and added a touch of whimsy to her decor. Her sweet Groom Jake, absolutely ADORES her! It’s so wonderful to see the way he looks at her. Ahhhh, love! I am beyond happy for them both! I love events at Alderbrook, it highlights the very reason why we love it here in the Pacific Northwest, it’s perfection, rain and all. Guests settle in more, making it a weekend full of celebrations–you see friendships made and others strengthened, and even more fun to run the “highlight” reel the following morning…Wonderful wedding, sweet people and a smashing dance party! Cheers to Mr. & Mrs. Bourne!
The raw, untamed beauty of Ruby Beach {Ballet Portraits}
Dance speaks to something deep within my soul, it’s an emotional stirring that reaches into my core being, eliciting such a range of emotions. To me, it is one of the most authentic expressions one can explore. The idea for this session has been simmering for a long time, and I was finally able to find a day to escape and create images I am so proud of. Immense gratitude for Liz and Carol–you are exquisite dancers, and two of the loveliest people–what a treat to spend an entire day with you both. And to Emmett, my sherpa, my lighting assistant, and one of my absolute favorite people–thank you for lugging gear, holding reflectors and being my go to guy!
I am thrilled to share this images and planning my next dancers excursion… It can’t come soon enough.
Here is the link… https://animoto.com/play/6XlvVYOaOlRw2q1ZE71Vag
xo Cortney
Spring is here and with it, NEWBIES {Newborn Portrait Session, Olympia, WA}
I luuuuurve babies, especially the babies of my siblings. The baby of our family just welcomed his second little one, Gracen, into the world last week. It never ceases to amaze me holding a newborn–she was just inside someone else, hours earlier… fahreekee and awesome…and now, boom, out, being a cool baby. It was so darn sweet to see her older sister Payton holding her, singing her songs, and just being a darling 2 year old. Dang these girls are sweet! Thanks for hanging out with me today you cute cuties.
A Sweetly, Delightful Afternoon {Breakfast at Tiffany’s Themed Bridal Shower, Seattle, WA}
Saxon, one of my 2015 brides, was being surprised with a darling themed bridal shower. Hosted by her cousins Heather and Ashley and aunt Kathy, the setting was perfection in their gorgeous Victorian home with sweeping views of Puget Sound –it took my breath away. I was thrilled to have an open Saturday, and happily made my way to West Seattle for her Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed event. She was treated to a secret hair and makeup session, and wasn’t allowed even a peek at herself! When she arrived, her guests were happily waiting to toast her, Tiffany Blue champagne in hand, all donning their favorite little black dress, with Moon River softly serenading. It was a sweet afternoon of lively conversations, a delicious and beautiful buffet lunch spread (catered by www.NolaEvents.com) , creative games, and lots of laughter. If they have this much fun at the shower, I can’t wait to see what happens at the wedding! Thanks for including me in such a wonderful day! xo
Savoring Simple Fare {Weeknight Chuck Roast, Homestyle Food}
Spring has, apparently, arrived. The weather lately has been incredible! I have been excitedly planning my garden–both veggies and flowers–I am planting a cutting garden this year. I’ve always wanted one and can hardly wait to bring armloads of gorgeous flowers to make bouquets to share with my friends. We are also bringing in a new flock of chickens. Philip has been masterminding the Taj Mahal of chicken coops, I just want something that is safe for the girls, easy to clean and collect the huevos. But of course, I also want it to be adorable… All of the domesticity has my mind wandering from my workload, to dreaming of dinner meals. So while there is still a nip in the air, I figured a weeknight chuck roast was in order. We don’t eat a lot of meat, but when we do, I like to source as locally and fresh as possible. I like the Painted Hills grass fed meats.
After seasoning with salt and pepper, sear the roast on all sides in a bit of olive oil. Once it has browned, in goes a handful of freshly gathered herbs–rosemary, sage and thyme (sing if you’d like), a few cloves of roughly chopped garlic (leave the husks on, who cares) and one quartered yellow onion. Add 2 cups of water with a beef bouillon cube, cover and pop into a 350 degree oven for 3 1/2 hours. Now, back to work while dinner simmers away… Let me know if you make this and please share photos : )
Newborn Sweetness {Olympia, WA Newborn Photographer}
Oh sweet Malia! What a treasured little person. Krosbie and Justin are so in love, thoughtful and sensitive, I KNEW they would be wonderful parents! Little Malia, barely two weeks old, made a bit of time for us (between nursing) to photograph her perfect little features. It’s so relaxing cranking the heat up in the studio and sitting on the floor while photographing teenies. Although most of the session is usually split between diaper changes and feeding. Haha… In between all of that, I get to sit and hold a tiny miracle in my lap, and feel waves of gratitude that the child I am holding is loved beyond measure. I just wish all children could be this loved… So much love and congratulations to you! xo
End of an Era… {Appreciating Family}
I’ve had a big ‘ole lump in my throat since 9:55 am yesterday morning when I received a text from my sister Melissa sharing the exciting news that they had secured their loft in Seattle. Move in date, March 1st. After a hearty Hooray, my next reaction was “I’m not ready!” I know, selfish, but I’m having a difficult time reconciling my sister will no longer being my next-door-neighbor. As with any siblings, we have had our moments of being the best of friends and world wars 3, 4 and 5… But she has always been there for me. “Horseback riding” trips (on barstools) for hours in the backyard, meticulously sorting Barbie clothes, reading Laura Ingalls Wilder books, roller skating in the garage, sneaking out of the house to go dancing, rock concert corruption, and then into motherhood–watching Austin when I was doing back to back theater shows, taking our babies on many a trip to IKEA and Goodwill, spending afternoons exploring parks with the toddlers. We were lucky enough to raise our son’s together, the BroZens roaming back and forth between households. For me, always having an ear to bend or someone to share a beverage with, just knowing she was close. The first two months they moved in we had dinner together every single night. Over the years, a comfortable routine settled in–holidays were always happily punctuated with a gathering of some sort. Summer evenings imbibing in the sunset, or catching up while folding laundry and drinking coffee. The poodle, Hero, coming over for his nightly visit. While cherishing these moments, I fear I may have taken them for granted. Yes, I know Seattle is only an hour away, but it seems like a lifetime as we close the “rearing our children” years and move into a different phase of life. I’m excited for their next adventure to unfold in Seattle and know we will continue to share, celebrate and create loads of new memories. I guess I just need a bit of time to mourn the ending of a very sweet era… I will miss you and love you…
