Tag Archives: PNW

A Respite in the Desert {Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree}

Sometimes you just need to warm yourself to the core, to fill up those vitamin D stores,  to fill your heart and mind with deep conversations, with thoughtful beauty, and a hearty dose of laughter.  I didn’t even know how much I needed the trip until I was there.  A bit of work and some solid soul quenching sun, just what PNW’ers need in the middle of a rainy winter.

It’s so interesting to discover niche worlds, like the world of traveling art gallery shows. Talk about visual inspiration.  The Spectrum at Indian Wells http://spectrum-indianwells.com was a new world to me.  The international juried art show featured an incredible range of work from paintings, sculptures, glass work, photographic art, and even some wild steam punk creations.  It was incredible to wander through, champagne in hand, lounge on the swank white leather sofas, and take it all in. Thank you to Essence Arts, and Tom and Anna Boatright https://www.tomboatrightoils.com, for inviting me along.  I loved being part of this journey with you.

I was also lucky enough to steal away to Joshua Tree for the day, spending time with radiant humans and capturing their portraits for Erin Jane Illuminations www.erinjaneilluminations.com/ and Essence Arts. I lingered a bit longer meeting up with dear friends for lunch at the infamous www.pappyandharriets.com/ before venturing back to the park to capture sunset images in Joshua Tree.  Let it be known when your story begins with “So we were drinking tequila in the desert as the sun was setting…” is always a solidly hysterical tale.  Ask me about it next time you see me : )

 

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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

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!_DSC2128 _DSC2474-Edit_DSC2479-Edit_DSC2468-Edit_DSC2476-Edit _DSC2282_DSC2570_DSC2278 _DSC2594-Edit _DSC2630 _DSC2740 _DSC2763 _DSC2766_DSC2833 _DSC2837 _DSC2839 _DSC2844 _DSC2847 _DSC2849 _DSC2852 _DSC2894 _DSC2898-Edit _DSC2904-Edit _DSC2921-Edit _DSC2958-Edit _DSC2994 _DSC3052-Edit _DSC3055-Edit _DSC3073 _DSC3745-Edit _DSC3746 _DSC3775 _DSC3781-Edit _DSC3679-Edit _DSC3791 _DSC3825_DSC3627-Edit_DSC3702_DSC3691_DSC4149_DSC4131_DSC4184_DSC4185_DSC4116   _DSC4127

The raw, untamed beauty of Ruby Beach {Ballet Portraits}

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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