Washington Coast Engagement Session: Lauren + Josh

For Lauren and Josh’s engagement session, we knew we needed something spectacular. These two are a true modern romance: meeting online while Josh was visiting the PNW, then doing two years long distance while he lived in Yakima. Their love story involves many nights on the phone up till 3 am, and millions of text messages before they could move to the same city. Josh loves Lauren’s confidence and sense of self, and Lauren is in love with Josh’s hardworking spirit and of course, his dance moves! They both love slow mornings making breakfast together and just enjoying each other’s presence. Their wedding this fall at Salish Lodge is sure to be one of the most romantic.

Seattle Arboretum Engagement Session: Molli + Jordan

Molli and Jordan’s engagement session was on just about the chilliest fall day we had in Seattle this year. It was perfect timing for the ultimate fall color in the Seattle Arboretum. Have you been to the Arboretum? Its a few square miles of gorgeous foliage not too far from the University of Washington. It features a botanical garden and a centuries-old aqueduct bridge that feels like you’re in ancient European ruins. Its one of the best hidden gems in Seattle and its right in the city!

Bluff Top Trail Maternity Session: Nina + Stevie

Last time I was down in Southern California, I had the opportunity to do a maternity session with the adorable Nina and Stevie, who were getting ready to welcome their baby girl, Eve! We met at the arches at the Bluff Top Point Trail one of the foggiest days I have ever seen in my life! We couldn’t see the ocean at all when we met that morning, but as the day went on, it did clear a bit. Bluff Top Trail is right near Dana Point in Orange County, and is part of a huge historical site from when Dana Point Harbor first started up! The houses were gorgeous, but the views of Dana Point were even better (when the fog wasn’t blocking them!) After the Bluff Top Trail, we headed down to Dana Point Harbor itself, and then made a quick pit stop down at Baby Beach (perfectly named for the occasion). Since this session, baby Eve has made her arrival and is as sweet as could be! Congrats Nina and Stevie!

Dana Point Intimate Wedding: Jenn & Sam

When your pledge sister from college tells you she’s having her wedding at the absolutely gorgeous Laguna Hills Courthouse, just down the street from Dana Point in Orange County, you get those plane tickets booked ASAP. How can you tell Jenn is my kind of bride? See below: TWO wedding jumpsuits, a bottle of Dom Perginon doing it’s own boudoir session with her grandmother’s vintage pearls, red cup toasts in the bridal suite, and a fifth of bourbon in place of a bouquet. This wedding was so, perfectly, characteristically, Jenn and Sam. From Pac-12 football references during the speeches, to pre-wedding Chik Fil A, I could never imagine her getting married any other way.

Dana Point in and of itself is an absolute dream. We posted up at the Marriott, which featured views of the bay and perfectly golden sunsets. Another bonus: saw about 350 dogs just during bridal portraits alone. We were only mildly distracted. Southern California, I just love you. Can’t wait to go back!

Downtown Seattle Engagement Session: Alex + Stephanie

Right now I’m sitting in a coffee shop writing this just steps from where we did this darling engagement shoot with Stephanie and Alex! They wanted something that reflected the city they love, Seattle. We met at Specialty’s Bakery downtown, and from there walked through downtown to Pioneer Square! I actually just parked my car near these rooftop shots only moments ago, before I head to shoot a courthouse elopement on this sunny Tuesday afternoon. I can’t believe its January, and it was late fall when we did these engagement shoots as well! Seattle, especially downtown, has been so sunny lately!

Auburn Newborn Session: Peyton Kari

Little Miss Peyton is finally here! I photographed her parents wedding at Rosehill Community Center back in 2014, and four years later, here she is! Sam and Nick, her parents, adopted the darling and fluffy Dallas in that time frame, and he’s pictured below as well. Peyton is such a little cutie! I had an extended family session with Sam and Nick this December and Peyton managed to look at the camera in just about every shot!

Olympic National Rainforest Waterfall Engagement: Taylor + CJ

A few months ago, I got an email from a fellow photog named Becca. She was sending her friends my way to the Olympic National Rainforest and wanted to gift them with a photo shoot. I was so excited to hear they were interested in visiting Marymere Falls for their session! They had spent the whole weekend exploring everything the Pacific Northwest had to offer, from the Seattle ferries to the coast. Full disclosure, Taylor and CJ are actually married and have a little baby girl named Winter at home! Can you believe they’ve been married nine years? Their connection was truly undeniable, you can just tell how much trust and appreciation they have for each other. Trekking through the rainforest with them and their friends was a fabulous adventure.

Ruby Beach Engagement Session: Sheila + Nick

If you’ve been to the Oregon or Washington Coast, you know all about the beautiful rock formations that line the shore. From Cannon Beach in Oregon all the way up to Port Angeles, the dark jaggy rocks stick out like ruins of old castles. When I visited Portugal in 2017, it was like seeing the golden older brother of these formations in Lagos: giant blonde fortresses dot the shores on the southern coast of the country.

Sheila and Nick but went to WSU with me back in the day, and its been amazing to see the journey they've been on ever since. They live down the street from me now right north of Seattle, and their wedding is sure to be a full blown coug party.

Sheila’s family has a beach house on the coast in Kalaloch, not that far from Ruby Beach, and we explored some other hidden gem beaches on our way to Ruby. I was lucky enough to get to stay the night with them on the coast, and Sheila’s mom made us minestrone soup! Sheila and Nick are not only a blast to shoot with, but it doesn't get more fun than draining a bunch of truly’s and reliving our college glory days while the ocean roars outside.

Deception Pass Engagement Session: Jordyn + Austin

Jordyn and Austin… one of my most fun and sweet couples this year. Lately I’ve been obsessed with their puppies on Jordyn’s Insta story. They are the cutest little puffs! Jordyn and Austin chose Deception Pass for their engagement session, which features some of the most stunning views the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Deception Pass is a little strait that connects the Skagit Sea with the Strait of Juan De Fuca. The bridge connects Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island. Its a gorgeous state park, not too far from Rosario Beach and all Whidbey Island has to offer.

After a little hike under the bridge, we crossed it to look out toward the Salish sea. We then hiked down toward the beach, explored a little, and they even got in the water! These two are tying the knot in Central Washington and its sure to be a blast!

The Landing at Tyee Wedding: Hailey + Matt

Getting butterflies just thinking about this wedding all over again. After selecting the images for this blog, I’m thinking shit, I really should text Hailey and see if they want to hang out! You know those couples that are just so cool that you’re like uhhh can I join your marriage? That was Matt and Hailey to a T. Even their engagement session was stylishly fantastic! These two have been together for just about ever and you can see how excited they were to finally be making it official. Hailey and her bridesmaids got ready in a quirky lil Airbnb house in Queen Anne - how fun are her bridesmaid’s dresses? They’re two pieces!

Their ceremony and reception were hosted at the Landing at Tyee on Lake Union, formerly the Seattle Yacht Club. Their day was full of classic, elegant glamour. They opted to have their first look be walking down the aisle, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Matt’s dad was their officiant! After their formal pictures, Matt had to shuck and shoot a raw oyster at their raw oyster bar, and at their first dance, Hailey dipped Matt for their grand finale. Dancing overtook the whole group after dinner, and their friends from all over the country joined in the party. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two lovebirds.

The Orchard at Sunshine Hill Wedding: Alyssa + Daniel

I freakin love my family. I’m so lucky to be related to these awesome people. Alyssa is my cousin and we are almost exactly six months apart. When Daniel first showed up on the scene a few years ago, everyone was instantly like oh here we go! The second you’re in the same room as them, you can just feel their connection. They got married in September at The Orchard at Sunshine Hill near Chelalis, Washington. My extended family from Salt Lake City even flew in! If you scroll down, you can see a sneaking picture of my parents dancing during the reception. So much cuteness on this day my little heart can’t take it! I’m happy Daniel is officially in the family so there’s someone who cries as much as me… ;) Daniel and Alyssa are having a little baby girl named Gracie Jean this spring and I couldn’t be more excited!

Golden Gardens Engagement Session: Tori + Colin

Remember when we had all that crazy smoke in the air this summer? Seattle’s air quality was actually rated worst in the country! The smoke from British Columbia rolled in from the north and fires in the Cascades blew in smoke from the east, so Seattle was a post-apocalyptic looking nightmare zone. As nasty as the smoke was, WOW did it make some glorious sunsets. The light all day was just peachy, soft, and gorgeous. I’d trade the smoke for our typical fresh clean air any day, but it was definitely easy to make the most of the hazy light.

Tori and Colin found their engagement session planned for just such a smoky day, and we headed down to Golden Gardens just as the sun dipped lower over the water. They danced in the waves and of course, made a beach bonfire. I can’t wait for these two to get married in June!

Seattle Waterfront Wedding: Heather and Corey

Remember these two mermaids from last august? They got married in in Costa Rica last summer, but when they came home to Seattle they knew they needed to do something special with family and friends. Their Seattle reception was hosted at The Landing at Shilshole Bay and their family and friends from near and far were in attendance. Since their beachfront wedding was more casual, Heather wore an elegant beaded and headpiece for the Seattle reception.

Heather and Corey got ready at the Marriott in Downtown Seattle, and after a sunny first look near the ferry terminal at the waterfront, they headed to the Landing at Shishole Bay to meet friends and family. The Landing was filled with the most personal touches, including a slideshow of their Costa Rica wedding. Dinner was surf and turf, followed by toasts, cake, and of course, dancing. Heather switched from heels to glittering metallic vans, and she and Corey danced the night away.

Anacortes Garden Wedding: Paige + Tyler

Its true, I pretty much fall in love with all my couples, and these two were no exception. They are the sweetest, most fun, in love and downright COOL people. Ty wore a printed dog shirt to their engagement session! Paige has done a Ted Talk!! Their cat's name is NIPPLES. So yeah, they crack me up and they are a blast and a half. For their wedding, Paige never imagined wearing a ballgown, but once she popped one on, she couldn’t resist. On the absolute rainiest day in June, she was a perfect woodland princess in the middle of a torrential downpour.

Despite the rain, Paige and Ty were able to do their personal vows during their first look. This special moment in the forest, surrounded by rain, tall trees, and gorgeous flowers, was one of the most intimate moments I’ve seen in 5 years of doing weddings. Since it was raining cats and dogs, the ceremony was moved inside the rustic old barn, with a backdrop of white gauzy fabric shielding from the weather outside. A sweet receiving line, taco dinner, and dance party followed. Paige is an 80s music aficionado, and there was no shortage on their playlist. Overall, it was an exciting, personal, and celebratory day.

Mount Rainier Wedding: Hannah + Nick

In 3rd grade, there was only one other third grade girl in my class. She had read all the Harry Potters (that were out at the time), didn’t hesitate to stick her tongue out at rude boys, and was ridiculously poised for an 8 year old. Fast forward almost 20 years later, and here I am shooting her wedding at Crystal on Mount Rainier, watching her marry someone who’s probably almost as good at skiing as she is. We actually met when we were 5, and she was one of three Hannah’s in my 3rd grade class. One of the coolest parts about being from a small town is seeing someone go through life, circle back, and be just as joyful, fun-loving, and passionate as they were as a kid. Hannah just moved home after a stint teaching underprivileged kids in Baltimore, and will now be teaching in Tacoma. She’s pretty amazing.

Nick and Hannah met in college, and he was just as star struck as you may have expected, based on his vows. Both Hannah and Nick love to dance, which they showed off by doing a swing dance as their first dance. Hannah grew up ski racing, so Crystal Mountain was a natural choice for their big day. The blue mountain popped a against their palette of red and yellow, and they incorporated traditions from Hannah’s British background into their ceremony. A family friend sang a beautiful song as champagne was passed and the marriage license was signed, and a toast sealed the deal right after their first kiss.

Washington State is surrounded by so much natural beauty, and Crystal Mountain is one of the places that shows it off in all of its splendor. Hannah and Nick did their first look in the lush green forest after getting ready in the quicksilver lodge, then took the gondola up to the top of the mountain, where Mount Rainier made the perfect backdrop to their I-do’s. Of course, being on Rainier, a pre-ceremony Rainier beer toast was mandatory, and the vitamin R flowed free.

Crystal Mountain is the ultimate choice if you’re a skiing fan, nature lover, or just someone who likes to take in the view. If a mountain getaway is your vibe, it just doesn’t get any better.

Seattle Yoga Boudoir: Kendall

While we’re on the topic of girl power (see previous post), Kendall’s bringing you a sexy Mother Nature moment with her yoga inspired boudoir set. We decided to head to one of Seattle’s gorgeous outdoor spaces on one of the hottest days of the year while she was up here visiting from San Diego. Kendall is a yoga instructor and avid rock climber originally from the Seattle area, and whenever she’s in town we love to get together to create some awesome boudoir work. For this session, we partnered with awesome local Seattle lingerie brand Salua Atelier, which you can shop for yourself down in Madison Park! Believe it or not, Kendall and I actually met when we worked together at Jimmy John’s in college!

Mommy and Me Session: Emily + Addie

So even though 99% of my work is weddings, engagements, and boudoir, its still fun to catch a curve ball and do a little mommy and me session when the opportunity arises. I am so inspired by moms like Emily who want to give their kids the world and document the beauty of it all along the way. I personally am super close with my mom, and I would give anything to have a session like this to look back on. Girl power, mom power, lady power, whatever ya got. Let’s get together to capture the magic. And if grandpa wants to get in there too (like at this session), the more the merrier!

PS have you EVER seen such an angel? This little one is the cutest!!

The Edgewater House Wedding: Matt + Jordan

THIS. FREAKING. WEDDING. YOU. GUYS. You know that feeling before a big presentation at work, where you just want to pour your heart and soul into the project and have it go perfectly? Combine that with preparing for a huge, special family holiday. That’s how I feel before every single wedding I shoot. I truly want every little moment to go off without a hitch, from the lighting at the ceremony, to the details, to the last dance. Jordan and Matt are such a caring, sweet couple, and I was feeling all those feelings right before their wedding at the Edgewater House in Olalla, WA.

The Edgewater House is one of those venues where every other moment you just say “YESSS” to yourself. Both Jordan and Matt were able to get ready with their wedding party at the Edgewater House, because it provides suites for both groups. A gentle breeze blew through off the Puget Sound, keeping the July heat at bay. Jordan and Matt kept their guests entertained with lawn games, a photo booth, and of course, a dance party. Oh my god the SPEECHES at this wedding I just about died. I cry at every wedding, but the words of their friends just rang so true and heartfelt it was beyond touching.

If you’re considering the Edgewater House for your wedding, hit me up! I’ll be clamoring to get back to that gorgeous venue as often as possible.

Snoqualmie River Backyard Wedding: Rebekah + Seth

For her wedding, Rebekah truly thought of every little detail. It was hosted in her family’s backyard, which borders on the Snoqualmie River in North Bend, WA. The Wenatchee National Forest is almost right out their window, and the sunset over the river was the perfect backdrop to their reception. Rebekah and Seth made their day so personal with touches that are special to them, like having wood-fired pizza for dinner and having their son join them down the aisle in a vintage pram. There were hints of baby’s breath and woodland touches throughout the venue, and Seth gifted his groomsmen with leather-bound flasks. The great Cascades stood tall in the distance for their portrait time, and the sun glittered through the trees. After hours of dancing and spending time with loved ones, they capped off the night with a sparkler exit. From Rebekah’s lace-top dress to ditching her heels to dance at the end of the night, it was a fairytale.

Maple Valley Family Session: Freeman Family

Mackenzie, oldest daughter in the Freeman family, reached out to me about doing a family session last fall. They live in Maple Valley, the little town 45 minutes south-east of Seattle where I grew up. Maple Valley is a quaint but growing suburb that sits just out of the shadow of Mount Rainier, in the foothills of the Cascade mountains. She asked if I had any close to home ideas for locations, and an idea popped into my mind. Even though my family has lived in Maple Valley for over 20 years, my parents recently bought a little patch of land out by Issaquah-Hobart Road. They actually just broke ground on the foundation, and big things are happening! But back when Mackenzie and I first chatted, it was just a golden patch of grass with a few trees, and some flowers. The perfect Maple Valley location, with no errant pedestrians in sight. Hopefully once the house is built, there will be enough space for many family sessions to come. Maybe even one of mine :)