Kevin and Amanda's Engagement Session

All week I had been looking forward to photographing Kevin and Amanda for their engagement session, praying that the sun would continue to shine when we were together. Kevin is my nephew, and I wanted to treat him and his bride-to-be with a fabulous time together at my favorite places. The Northwest in fall is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful locations I have ever seen. We started at the Arboretum in Seattle, and I was so grateful that the color was still plentiful on the trees as well as the ground. Isn't that color awesome?




We next veered into Seattle to take some pics at the Pike's Place Market. It was so busy, that we didn't stay long. Even so, we ended up with some fun images...

We topped off our time at the Newcastle Golf Course, a place where the sweeping view of Seattle and the Olympic mountain range is absolutely stunning. We arrived just as the sun was setting - my favorite time of day to visit. Amanda was a trooper in her beautiful sleeveless dress, and didn't complain at all about the cooler temperatures.



Kevin and Amanda, we pray that God would bless you with love, laughter, peace and joy during this time of your engagement as you prepare for marriage. We love you!

Kevin's Senior Session at Bothell Landing Park

The fall can be a tricky time to schedule outdoor location portrait sessions...but when it works, it is so worth it! After a few false starts and the need to reschedule due to poor weather, we decided to fit in an impromptu session last week when the sun was shining. Unfortunately, by the time we actually got together a few hours later, the sun had disappeared behind the clouds and we ended up with some rain showers. Kevin was a great sport, though, and we made the best of our time together. We started out under the bridge - one of my new favorite spots.




I love the look of this rustic, historic cabin, so I thought it would be interesting to use an antique finish for one of the images.


Kevin has a fantastic smile...
Kevin, thanks for staying flexible and being willing to continue with your photo session, even when the weather didn't cooperate as we would have liked. I look forward to sharing all of the images with you soon...be blessed!

Family session with Bob and Krisztina

Sunday was the perfect day...the fall weather was absolutely gorgeous and warm; I was able to spend the morning with my closest friends to celebrate my birthday; and I ended with camera in hand to take pictures of one of my favorite families. I've been photographing Bob and Krisztina's family for several years now, beginning just prior to the birth of their oldest daughter, Aliyah. I love that Krisztina values photography and has invited me time and again to help document their lives in pictures - it's been a blessing to us both.

Now that Aliyah is a pre-schooler, I enlisted her to help me with our photo shoot - deciding where to place her parents, finding the right spot, etc. She wanted a picture taken of herself and her baby sister in front of this shed - why not? I love how Aliyah wanted to "help" her sister smile for the camera, but I'm not sure Livia was too crazy about her help.

Okay, that's better!

After exhausting our options at Willows Lodge, we headed out to a pumpkin patch farm for a few more shots. I think this image is so sweet of Livia.


I could see Aliyah was having a great time choosing the perfect pumpkin, but it was even sweeter when I realized she had chosen the pumpkin for me. Awwww...


Bob, Krisztina, Aliyah and Livia - you know I love you guys! I pray these images will bring a smile to your faces and be a blessing for a long time to come.

Ryan and Elisabet's Engagement Session

The past weekend we had the most spectacular fall weather in the Northwest, so I rearranged my schedule to make sure we fit in an engagement session with Ryan and Elisabet. We traveled to four different locations in search of just the right spot...I think we were successful!



You might not guess by the look of the image below, but this was taken at the Arboretum at what was I'm sure the busiest day of the year! I have never seen so many other photographers and cameras in one outdoor spot as I did on Saturday. We had to time it just right so that they had the path to themselves!


This is my favorite image from the day. We took a break while at Pike's Place Market, and found a cafe that served not just coffee but tea as well, Ryan and Elisabet's drink of choice. I loved the relaxed and tender nature of their relationship that was expressed here.



Ryan and Elisabet, thank you for inviting us to capture this unique time in your lives. May your engagement be filled with much love and joy as you look forward to the day you become one. Blessings to you!

Nate's Senior Session at Bothell Landing Park

I was glad to be able to fit in a last-minute senior session for Nate yesterday. With the yearbook deadline looming, and the skies threatening rain, it seemed a little improbable that we'd be able to pull it off. But Nate has a mom that prays - hard! - that the showers that fell earlier in the day cleared away for an absolutely gorgeous afternoon.

The fall color provided a beautiful backdrop Nate's pictures...

We encountered an unusual problem when we came to the underpass of the bridge for photos - rather than rain and overcast skies, it was actually too sunny! Not to be deterred, we went on photographing at another location and came back at the end of our session to absolutely perfect light, just the way I like it.

Nate, it was great to meet you and to spend time taking your senior pictures - I appreciated your willingness to handle all of our suggestions. I look forward to sharing the results of your session with you. Be blessed!

Tim and Lauren's Wedding

This weekend our family had the honor of witnessing Tim and Lauren's wedding and capturing images that we pray will be a blessing in their lives together. We loved the care and attention that went into every detail of their wedding day - and even came away with some ideas we'll be sure to put into place when our own girls walk the aisle.

Here is the beautiful bride Lauren with her beautiful mom, Rebecca, prior to the ceremony.

Tim and Lauren chose to have their pictures taken before the ceremony, which led to a special time for them to meet for the first time on their wedding day. Lauren asked her father to escort her to the spot where Tim was waiting. Alyssa caught this moment of anticipation:


We were hoping for the rains to hold off - and they did, for a few short minutes. We were able to capture a few images on the golf course at Sahalee Country Club before it began to drizzle.

Lauren and Tim had a large and loving group to surround them and support them as they tied the knot. Everyone braved the rain to get out onto the course for just a few quick pics...

Back inside where it was nice and dry...

A candlelight ceremony was held at Sammamish Presbyterian Church. The ambiance was lovely.



The littlest dancers took a break to wait their turn while Tim and Lauren had their first dance.

Getting ready for the bouquet toss...

Tim and Lauren are both alumni from Washington State University, a place that holds fond memories for them. I have to admit I've never met such loyal alumni as those from Wazzu. An ice-sculpture with their college alma mater was used for the room decoration - it was quite spectacular!

I loved this scene which played out before me for quite some time. I learned that this woman was tending to her great-grandchild, who slept peacefully in her arms for a long time while the room was alive with music and dancing. What a great service she provided to her family!

Making their grand exit by the most amazing sparklers I have ever seen.

Tim and Lauren, thank you for inviting our family to document your wedding day through images. May God bless you with an abundance of laughter, peace, friendship, joy and love all your years together...congratulations!