Tag Archives: downtown Olympia 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 : )

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!  

Introducing Emerging Singer/Songwriter Shelby Adams {Promo Fashion Shoot, Olympia, WA}

Some people just HAVE it.  You know, the elusive “IT” factor–that thing all stellar people possess.  Well, this darling young woman has “IT” by the buckets.  Shelby has such an inCREDible voice!  And lucky for me (and those in the Olympia area) Shelby will be playing at my studio –The Steam Plant (113 Thurston Ave NE, Oly) on Friday, April 26th during ArtsWalk.  Make sure you come by for a listen… time well spent, I promise : )  Look forward to seeing you soon!  Cheers to you Shelby!

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 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

 

Summer Sizzling, Engagement Portrait Session, Olympia, WA

I love the feel of the sun on my skin.  It instantly calms me.  So I’ve been celebrating each day this week as the sun makes her glorious appearance.  It was a perfect evening for an engagement session as Laura, Ron and I headed out.  Nearly 83 degrees, we all agreed that a refreshing, cool cocktail would likely be the best way to begin our session.  (I love these two immensely…)  Entering The Brotherhood –a perfect little hideaway: cool, dark and sexy. Grey Goose martinis, tart olives and rum for Ron, done and done.  We then braced ourselves for the warmth and spent the rest of the evening smiling.  Who wouldn’t be smiling with friends who break out a bottle of Macallan 25 year old scotch… The glowing illumination of Glassy Babies and the outdoor fire place was as close to a perfect way to end and evening as it comes–thanks to Susan and Scott for their gracious hospitality.  I can’t wait to photograph their wedding celebration at the Olympia Golf & Country Club next month–it’s going to be all kinds of crazy, in the very best way : )  Cheers to you both!

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Glorious Fall Wedding at Alderbrook Resort, Union, WA

Autumn in the northwest can be as close to perfect as it gets…when the weather cooperates.  For Missy and Matt’s wedding in early October, Alderbrook Resort in Union, Washington was utterly glorious.  Something the die hard Northwesterners don’t eagerly share with out of towners– needless to say, their California guests were loving every second of it–with group hikes and golfing excursions planned, along with lots of leisure time.  The pace of the day was unhurried, just how I like it. Plenty of time to capture the many details of their day.#5967Matt’s childhood baby bonnet was tucked into Missy’s bouquet.  #5972#5992And the Rock of Gilbrater, a family heirloom, found it’s place around Missy’s neck after spending some time with Moet & Chandon…#6015Missy’s Dad quickly teared up seeing her in the gown.
#6086#6088And family members were lovingly adorned with bursts of fall color.#6112#6126Everyone needed just a smidge of lips…#6184#6202And the nervous bride took a moment before heading out to the dock to see her groom.#6207#6214Just a tiny bit happy…#6228And a tiny bit nervous…#6239#6246And then a LOT happier…#6303#6347Her God-daughter was the picture perfect flower girl.  Those curls could possibly be illegally adorable.#6460#6515And the groomsmen, well, they were ready with their “Fire Powah”#6570A dash of Charlie’s Angels.
#7023And how often do you have Secret Service men as your groom attendants?#7039These tackle ball fans paid tribute with their cake.  USC and WSU colors fit perfectly with the fall theme.
#7098#7117And  an adorable harpist set the tone for cocktail hour by the water.#7148The night wore on and true colors began to emerge…a sense of humor is an absolute necessity when entering marriage.  Can I get a HOLLA?  Congrats Missy and Matt–enjoy California but you’ll be back… : ) xox Cortney#8071

Downtown Olympia Alleys Aren't Scary…

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Although I wouldn’t suggest wandering in any alley alone at night… especially in the fall, spider time. Bleh…

It’s amazing to me how many of my high school senior clients haven’t explored Olympia’s alleys.  There are some really great spaces down here.  I hope the City of Olympia is able to utilize them better–as pedestrian walkways, cafes, etc.    In the meantime, I will intrepidly traverse, clients in tow, seeking out the perfect photographic background.  I mean it’s seriously working…

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