Janie + Francis: Mount Si Engagement

Hey guys! (Why do I always feel like a youtuber when I start a post that way?) Summer is just about underway and of course in Seattle that means surprise rain. I am so ready for it to be hot and miserable for a few months! Am I the only one who secretly loves being in a sweaty tank top driving around with the AC on? Either way, I'm headed to LA next month so its sure to be a scorcher down there.

This last weekend was the first big boy weekend for my wedding season. Two weddings as lead photographer, and my associate BreeAnna down in Enumclaw taking care of a third! The first of the weekend was Janie and Francis, who powered through the rain with style and grace. Their engagement session on the other hand, was a misty, sunny paradise. Their gallery seriously looked like they were ready to start an indie folk duo. If you add their adorable dogs to the mix, you've got a family band.

Janie, Francis, the dogs and I all met in North Bend so we could catch the alpenglow of Mount Si. Mount Si has become an increasingly popular request from my couples in the past year. The key to an awesome Mount Si session? You've gotta know all the secret spots :) Sometimes that involves a little extra driving (over massive potholes), or narrowly avoiding a giant elk herd (typical North Bend problems), but as you can see, in the end its worth it.

Have you ever spent any time in North Bend or hiking Mount Si? Mailbox Peak is forever the popular girl but Little Si is another favorite of mine. Comment your favorite North Bend hike if you have one to recommend!

Jordan + Matt: Alki Beach Engagement

Happy Friday everyone! Was it just me or did this week fly by? It must have been since it was a four-day work week after Memorial Day. I was lucky enough to hang out in Palm Springs with some of my best friends this last weekend. It was a weekend of 100 degree weather, Italian food, hard sparkling water (Have you guys tried those? Holy shit they're deadly in the best way), and copious amounts of sunscreen. 

Coming at ya on the blog today is Jordan and Matt's engagement session from last fall. Yeaaaah I'm obviously a little behind on the blogging train :) These two got started on Alki Beach, not far from their house where they live with the cutest little dog and kitten. We were hoping for some Seattle skyline views, but we actually got some super romantic fog instead. I am ALL ABOUT fog for engagement sessions. Maybe I'm biased, but Seattle can be home to some damn good fog. The sun did come say hello toward the end of our session together, once we headed up the hill from Alki to Hamilton Viewpoint to pop some champagne.

Jordan and Matt have the kind of connection where you can tell that underneath it all, they're the best of friends. Whether they're rooting on the cougs together or appreciating all Alki has to offer, its obvious they always have the best time. I can't wait for their wedding at Edgewater in Gig Harbor next month!

Springtime Romance Wedding

Back in October, I was able to partner with the amazingly talented design and planning company, Juliet + Lou, on this sunny dahlia farm styled shoot. Even though it was already autumn, the dahlias were still so radiant, and it just screams spring to me. Now that spring has officially sprung in Seattle, I thought it would be the perfect time to share :) 

Working with this amazing group of women was truly a dream. If you're getting ready for a Seattle-area wedding or elopement, do not hesitate to contact these ladies:

Planning + Styling: Juliet + Lou
Venue + Florals: Dandy Flower Co.
Rentals: Fanciful Rentals + Pedersen Event Rentals
Paper Goods: Libby Tipton
Makeup Artist: Makeup With Me
Hair: Holly Tipp
Model: Holly Deierling
Dress: Houghton NYC via The Dress Theory Seattle

This styled shoot was also featured on Utterly Engaged! Click here to see their feature.

Fun fact: This dahlia farm is only a few blocks from where I grew up in Maple Valley, WA! Danielle of Dandy Flower Co. grows the most beautiful flowers you have ever seen, and is a 425 rising star to boot! Not only did she and I both grow up in Maple Valley, but so did the Juliet and Lou team, Hannah and Elsa! It was so great to find ourselves in our own backyard, doing what we love, and each actively pursuing our dreams as business owners. 

Tarah + Zach: Franklin Falls Engagement Session

Tarah, Zach and I met up on what turned out to be a super chilly morning this fall. As fate would have it, Tarah won a session giveaway (follow on insta for future giveaways!), and Zach proposed that weekend! Their proposal was at the top of a stunning mountain-peak hike, so we knew we had to find something amazing to keep on-track with their adventurous themed engagement season. 

As we chattered our way up to the falls, we talked about how we had crossed paths. Tarah and I went to high school together, and Zach and I had lived across the street from each other in college. But they didn't even meet until we all had returned from college! Now these two love nothing more than heading out with their hiking boots and coming home to their adorable cats.

Franklin Falls is one of the most sought-after hikes on the I-90 corridor, and it was as crowded as you would expect on a sunny Sunday. We dodged the freezing cold spray and several squirrely kids to get some shots that reflected the excitement and romance these two have for each other. I love how they share a passion for the outdoors, and wish them a zillion more years of exploring together. 

Georgina + Dylan: Swiftwater Cellars Winery Wedding

Like Dylan, I met Georgina at WSU. She is absolutely a fun-loving, caring, sincere, encouraging individual. It's so easy to see all the qualities in her that Dylan fell in love with. Also, with both of them being coug fans, there was no way this wedding wasn't going to be a blast. Swiftwater Cellars in Cle Elum, Washington, was the perfect place to bring their friends and family from all over the world to start the celebration. 

Georgina and Dylan each got ready surrounded by friends in next door "cabins" (these aren't your typical Girl Scout cabins), near Swiftwater. Scout the dog was front and center for the process. After a romantic first look overlooking the Cle Elum river at Suncadia, we headed back to the winery for the ceremony. Their vows were full of both laughter and tears, and they created their own blended rosé to symbolize their union. 

Their reception was full of touches that were so personal to them. And of course, being cougar football game night, the game was projected right next to the bar to celebrate each touchdown (and you know we won!) The dance party was absolutely wild, and Georgina's dad lead the way with some killer moves. Cougs know how to party, but these two took it to the next level. These two have so much love not only for each other, but for their family and friends coming together. Their wedding really set the stage for some amazing adventures to come.

Katie + Brian: Seattle City Hall

Last year, Katie had the whole big wedding planned for March 2018. One day in July, she called me up and said "I'm canceling everything. We're going to the courthouse". I about jumped for joy because I LOVE the Seattle courthouse and I am also a huge fan of super intimate weddings. There's something so special about having just your closest family and friends around you as you make the most personal promises of your life. 

Katie and Brian's Seattle Courthouse wedding was on the sunniest day in September, and it started at their home in Bonney Lake that they share with their three boys, Madden, Kasen and Parker. Cashew the fat orange cat was also part of the fun. Katie had written a special letter for her son Madden, and it was the sweetest moment. 

On the Seattle courthouse rooftop, the entire Puget Sound was stretched out glittering all the way to the Olympics. The skyline shone gold and a breeze was in the air. Then, you guys, ring. bears. Not ring-bearers. See for yourselves. I about died.

After some very special vows, we explored the city before Katie and Brian's reception. The whole day, you could just feel the genuine love they have for each other and their total excitement to finally be married. I'm so excited to see where the future takes them and their families.

Heidi + Travis: Rustic Cle Elum Wedding

After two amazing engagement sessions, (at Discovery Park and Artists' Point), Travis and Heidi's wedding had a lot to live up to. Man, did they blow it out of the water. Their wedding at the Cattle Barn in Cle Elum, Washington, was equal parts rustic, classic, and elegant. The antique farmhouse and huge indoor barn are nestled in the foothills of the cascades, surrounded by forests and tall fields. We thought we might be cutting in close, since wildfires had blown through a week prior, but the smoky haze drifted away as we pulled in and we were left with a clear, golden day. 

This wedding was full of gorgeous seasonal florals and greenery, but the sincerity and romance of Heidi and Travis' love still outshone the delicate and thoughtful decor. Heidi and Travis are true adventure seekers, and their passion for exploring was reflected in every detail. The speeches at dinner told stories of whitewater rafting, igloo building, and hiking, and the authentic Mexican meal was complemented perfectly by a mason-jar margarita bar! 

When planning your wedding, don't forget to think outside the box.  Not everyone would travel hours outside the Greater Seattle Area to host an event in a barn in the middle of cattle fields, but Heidi and Travis knew it was just the place to bring their friends and family to party in the late September sun. The beauty of the Pacific Northwest is that we have the opportunity to drive only a few hours in direction and be in the heart of the forest, the mountains, or amber fields like Heidi and Travis did. As they danced the night away, the stars were thousands of times brighter than they would have been back in the Seattle area.  

These two have many adventures ahead of them. I can't wait to see where the future will take them.

Smith Family: Discovery Park Family Session

If you're a part of the Seattle blogger world, you know about Obsessed by Portia. This flax haired, travel oriented mama is the resident expert on all things vacation and style. We captured the end of summer in this golden session in Discovery Park in Seattle. 

I absolutely love doing family sessions during the lazy days of summer in a fun, open place where kids can just run around and be kids. Family portrait sessions in the park are the perfect way to capture all the joy of the age that your little one at the age they are in the moment. Not to mention, how about updating those walls? Images created at family portrait sessions are the perfect opportunity to update the decor in your home, to reflect the love and joy that you share every day.

Canvases, prints, and albums are all available to order right from your online gallery when you book a family session. Shipped straight to your door, the process couldn't be easier. Don't let these short, sweet days slip by without taking the time to record just how special they are.

Jenna + Taylor: Wahclella Falls Engagement Shoot

Jenna, Taylor and I met several years ago in college at Washington State. They now live outside of Portland in Vancouver in the cutest little house on the block. For their engagement session, we knew we needed to find a place that was something extra special. Wahclella Falls, about 40 minutes outside of Portland, was the perfect spot for their engagement session. Wahclella Falls is just a short hike from the trailhead, and its not too far before you reach some stunning views. 

Some couples might be concerned about whether or not they can get a sunny day for their session. As you can see, no sun is needed for a super romantic session, especially with such a stunning location like Wahclella Falls. We even got a little misty when we were down at the base of the falls but it only added to the romantic feelings of the day. 

After we explored the falls, we walked down the trail and discovered the cutest little river scene. Jenna led the way, and we saw some mini-waterfalls that we couldn't resist. On our way out we saw a river that also looked great - it was freezing cold but Jenna and Taylor were up for the challenge! Afterward, we decided that a stop at Burgerville was in order. Have you guys heard of this place? I would die for one up in Seattle. Seriously one of the best burgers I've ever had. Between the burgers and the waterfalls, I would say that another trip toward Portland is in the works. 

Ali + Alex: Rock Creek Gardens Wedding

Ali and Alex had a vision for their wedding that was totally them: 1920s glam. From Ali's art-deco inspired dress to their vintage style half moon photo booth, the entire day was a fabulous affair. 

I met Ali more than 10 years ago when we were both in high school drama club. She was a true leader of our rag-tag crew, and inspired us all to shine both onstage and off. When she and Alex and I met last year ago to plot an enchanted forest engagement, I knew we were in for an adventure. We hit up a waterfall, and Ali rocked a yellow dress straight out of a fairytale. But their wedding was even better.

Their wedding day in July was searingly bright, located at Rock Creek Gardens in the South Puget Sound area. Ali's delicate feather hair clip and her golden shoes were the perfect details to start the day off. After a first look more romantic than any you'll see, the bridesmaids gathered their bouquets and the groomsmen lined up for an elegant ceremony filled with meaningful vows and smiles between tears. 

Ali and Alex surprised their guests with a choreographed waltz straight out of the Great Gatsby, and Ali and her dad broke into a dance that was more fun than anyone expected. The wedding guests were treated to a taco bar, and a three-tiered wedding cake that matched the vintage photo booth. As the sun went down, Ali, Alex and I snuck away for a few twilight pictures under twinkling lights, then headed back to the tent to dance the night away.

Katie + Brian: Golden Hour Enumclaw Engagement

Since day 1 of their dating days, I'd been dying to get these two in front of my camera. They are both ridiculously good-looking, but were the classic "ohhh we're so awkward on camera". Little did they know, they're actually the cutest pair both on-camera and off. When they got engaged, they couldn't avoid it any longer! 

Taking engagement photos at golden hour is one of my favorite times of day. All of the shadows grow long and the light gets warm and perfect. Not only does it bring out the most flattering tones, but it adds an extra-romantic vibe to the whole engagement session. 
Katie and Brian's style is just like their relationship: classic, simple, but most of all fun. We needed a location that would reflect not only that, but also go well with the warm, rustic decor throughout their Bonney Lake home when they printed their images. This open field in Enumclaw was the perfect location for their engagement session. The golden sun lit up the tall grass, and their constant giggles made for one of the most happiness-filled engagement sessions ever. 

After our session, we had to make a pit stop. Wally's burgers in Enumclaw is one of Katie and Brian's favorite stops, especially with their three boys in tow. This time though, it was just mom, dad, and some awesome shakes.

Stay tuned because Katie and Brian's courthouse wedding will be on the blog soon!

Kaila + Josh: Downtown Tacoma Wedding at Washington State History Museum

Kaila and Josh got married in downtown Tacoma, WA at the Washington State History Museum. I had the opportunity to take their engagement pictures last spring, only blocks from where their ceremony would be this summer. We met at a brewery on a drizzly day, and enjoyed all the cloudy vibes Tacoma had to offer. See the whole session here.

Kaila and Josh's wedding day was just the opposite, with bright sun followed by a gorgeous sunset. Their venue, Washington State History Museum, was decked out in black and gold details. We wandered down through the Chihuly Bridge of Glass toward the Port of Tacoma. Kaila rocked the most amazing tiered Maggie Sottero dress.  

Kaila and Josh's wedding ceremony was super family-oriented and so uniquely them. Kaila's dad even officiated! Washington State History Museum was an amazing venue to hold their event, and Kaila looked like a dream as she came down the terraced ceremony site. The whole scene was elegant and romantic as Josh and Kaila said their vows, with dozens of laughs along the way.

After the reception, we snuck out for some golden hour portraits on the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. With the cars rushing below, it was every wedding photographer's dream as the sun dipped lower in the sky. We headed back for some dancing, a bouquet toss, and a party that only Josh and Kaila could throw.

Read Kaila's testimony below:

By far the best! She did our engagement shoot as well as our recent wedding and we couldn't have been happier. She is professional, fun, and knows what she is doing! We loved our engagement photos and can't wait for our wedding photos. She will definitely be photographing all the important moments in our life together!

Hannah + Josh: Waterfront North Seattle Wedding

I met Hannah years ago when we both worked at a school in Queen Anne. We quickly became work BFFs and I honestly couldn't have survived even half as long as I did without her. When she and Josh started dating, she had a look in her eye where you just knew this was it. The big one. He proposed a few years later at Elliot Bay Book Company, because they are the perfect Seattle couple. You can see their engagement session, also at Elliot Bay Book Company (and some other rainy-day haunts), here.

When Hannah and Josh asked me to be the photographer for their waterfront wedding in North Seattle, I couldn't have been more excited. Hannah is crafty as all hell and brought her talents to the table. She designed all of her own florals! Total DIY goddess. The bouquets were all white, local florals highlighted by fresh eucalyptus. How great are her mismatched bridesmaids' dresses? Each bridesmaid was able to show off their personality, but still reflect Hannah's dreamy vision for her wedding day. Their outdoor wedding venue overlooked the gorgeous Puget Sound, which was sunny and bright the whole day through. I felt like I was photographer for Ariel and Prince Eric, looking out at the glittering water.

Not only was Hannah the most beautiful bride, seeing her and Josh's connection throughout their wedding day was nothing short of heartwarming. They care so deeply about each other, and it truly showed in their photographs. Getting to witness their wedding not only as their photographer, but as their friend, was a highlight of my year. 

Side note, Hannah bakes the bombest (yes I made up that word) cakes and pies ever. Check out her delicious work here.

Here's what Hannah had to say about her experience: 

Lindsey is an amazingly talented photographer and I would not have chosen anyone else to shoot my wedding day photos! The day-of can be extremely stressful, but Lindsey was one of our greatest assets because she helped everything run smoothly and efficiently. Her fun-loving personality made everyone feel at ease; she is a joy to work with! Her creativity and ability to keep large groups of people organized and on time was a huge help. Lindsey captured every special moment, and our guests raved about how wonderful she was. For any brides who are looking for stunning wedding photography plus a great person to work with, I highly recommend Lindsey!

Zoey: Romantic Lace-Inspired Boudoir

Hanging out with Zoey to create this boudoir set for her fiancé was a blast in a glass. Literally, because nothing makes boudoir more fun than a bottle of wine. Boudoir is one of the most fun and memorable experiences of an engagement season, but its not just for brides-to-be! Anyone who wants to celebrate what they've got going on should look into what boudoir has to offer!

Tia + Justin: Hurricane Ridge Elopement

Remember BreeAnna from my last blog post? Pretty soon after meeting we decided we needed to get together for a styled shoot. I remembered my former co-worker Justin and his fiancé Tia and a lightbulb appeared above my head. Armed with Pike Place Market flowers and makeup by Yoana Clarke, we hit the road to Hurricane Ridge for some dusk elopement images that were thick with PNW love.

Also, surprise! Justin's adorable daughter Milli tagged along as the cutest photo assistant ever. Had to get a few shots of her cuteness in there too. She was so excited to "go to the mountain!"

PS: This is one creative lil family. Justin is a music artist and can be heard here: https://soundcloud.com/justinhalecollection. Tia is a visual artist and can be seen at Instagram.com/oh_hey_tia. 

Corey + Heather: Pacific Northwest Beach Engagement

Corey and Heather had the best idea for their engagement shoot. Since Heather grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and Corey grew up on the beaches of the West Coast, they decided to combine the two and head out the the peninsula for some golden hour magic. We even got a little skim boarding in! These two beyond rocked me and my camera's world. Can't wait for their Seattle reception in August- after they jet away to Costa Rica to make it official this summer!

Heidi + Travis: Artist's Point Engagement Session

Oooh you guys I can't wait to share their wedding from September! For now, here's some shots from their absolutely stunning engagement session. We traveled up to Artist's Point in the Mount Baker National Forest and were surrounded by snow, forests, and mountains as far as the eye can see. They also brought their adorable dog Cash. Seriously this guy was a champ, he snuggled int he back seat the whole way up! He was so sweet! 

Laura + David: Olympic Peninsula Wedding

The first word that comes to mind when describing Laura and David's wedding: inspirational. Not only was their location breathtaking, but their love itself makes you believe in fairytales. These two have a love for each other that you usually only read about. Surrounded by friends, family, and hundreds of old-growth fir trees, Laura and David said I do at a wedding that was perfectly, inspirationally them.

Cheers to two beautiful souls, I can't wait to see what the future holds for you.