the autumn sweetheart

While the leaves were still turning shades and gently falling from their branches, Carissa and I headed out one gorgeous fall evening for her senior portrait session. She’s actually already graduated from High School, but she and her mom felt it was important to capture her during this pivotal point in her life – and I couldn’t agree more.

We met at Game Farm Park in Auburn, a huge 53+ acre park nestled along the White River. We were fortunate enough to get the last of the golden evening light, which really worked with the rich fall colors surrounding us. As we raced against the setting sun, Carissa gave a glowing performance as a complete natural in front of the camera. I’m proud to share some of her beautiful images with you and I hope she is too. 

I’ll call her…the autumn sweetheart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And because he was such a willing and skilled lighting assistant, I even let her boyfriend sneak in for a couple of shots. Aren’t they a cute couple? 

 

 

 

 

 

Love along the shore

What a beautiful day to be married. Dave and LaDonna chose a fantastic spot for a summer wedding in Western Washington. Snuggled up to the Edmonds Ferry Terminal, their location had it all – a grassy knoll for the ceremony, beautiful blue skies, waves crashing on sand and the constant gentle passing of ferries in the background.  What more could you want?

Oh right – a blushing bride, perhaps? Enter LaDonna…

Beautiful, simple, elegant – and completely at ease. I’m pretty sure she was more relaxed than I was. 

And the groom?  He was having as much fun as the kids…

Speaking of kids, between the two of them, Dave and LaDonna have 10!  The largest, and youngest bridal party I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. 

What a blast…

My thanks to Dave, LaDonna and their families for including me in their big day. 

 

 

 

The ceremony site…

 

 

Girls getting ready:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The dress:

 

 

 

 

 

The details:

 

 

 

 

 

The rings:

 

 

Hanging out in the girls’ getting ready room! My favorite part of the day for candids.

 

 

 

 

 

And the boys’ room…

They had much tighter quarters than the ladies did. Exactly as it should be. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is one of my favorite shots of the day. It doesn’t make a lick of sense. 

He’s got a camera, she’s got a shoe. Yet both objects appear equally confusing.

I love it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dave and LaDonna really wanted to see each other for the first time at the ceremony, so we were all on high alert to keep them from seeing each other beforehand. I had an idea to get a group shop of them with blindfolds on – and thankfully they were game. It was quite the task! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ceremony begins…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sassy little flower girl was so much fun!

 

 

 

 

We snuck away from the party for a private couples session down the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first dance as a married couple…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I caught this little munchkin stealing candy from the dessert table…note the clenched fist.

Without a doubt, full of sweaty m&ms. Mmmmmm.

 

 

One of many moments of natural, candid beauty from LaDonna.

 

 

The father/daughter dance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sneaking in a kiss…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The mother/son dance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The garter…

 

 

The bouquet toss…

 

 

Time for dessert…It was almost too pretty to eat.

Almost.

 

 

 

 

 

Toasts…

 

 

More dancing…

 

 

 

 

 

 

The great escape!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sneak Peek ~ Dave & LaDonna’s wedding!

I give you Dave & LaDonna’s wedding day sneak peek! This is the kind of shot a photographer dreams about the night before shooting a big wedding. I started doing back flips when I saw this! Alright fine, I could never pull that off. I almost…did a jumping jack. How’s that? 

Photographer’s glee aside, what a beautiful wedding these two put on. We had gorgeous weather, a picturesque Northwest setting and enough love to span the Pacific Ocean. More to come soon…

 

One of a kind beautiful

I’m so excited to finally share the following images. We started off together at Seward Park for a few family shots and finished up back at home, for a one-on-one maternity session. These are the kinds of experiences that make me so grateful to have a place behind the camera. It allows me to meet amazing people, to capture a special connection between them and to reveal their inner selves swirling to the surface. This family is one of a kind beautiful and I’m proud to share a glimpse of them with you.

 

Psst. That little belly of hers had a tiny baby boy inside. And soon after he was born, my camera and I headed back over for more. So stay tuned for little Oxani’s debut!

A sunny engagement: Dave & LaDonna

On a rare, sunny afternoon not long ago, I had an incredible time photographing Dave and LaDonna, an energetic, radiant couple getting married next month. We kicked off their engagement session at Howarth Park in Everett. I had never been there before, but as soon as we made our way to the saltwater shore, I knew our session would be a breeze. With railroad tracks, driftwood, sandy beaches and a saltwater view, Howarth Park is a dream for any photographer looking to set signature Northwest characteristics as a backdrop. And if that’s not enough, it’s just a great place to hang out. Perfect for beach combing, a picnic date or to play a little ocean fetch with your dog. That’s right! Dogs are more than welcome at this beach, which is a delightful find considering that dogs aren’t allowed off-leash on most Seattle beaches. And in my doggy euphoria, I digress…

These two made my job so easy – and so much fun! As Northwest natives, they weren’t afraid to take their shoes off and run around the beach with me. They even waded in the icy water for me – and then waited on shore while their clumsy photographer almost bit the dust (along with her camera) in the icy water as well. The good news is that we all survived, a little sandy, a little damp, but with a great set of photos. Their natural, carefree approach to being in front of the camera really paid off. Take a page from their book and you’re bound to have the kind of shots we captured below: Natural, candid and beautiful.

Thanks again, Dave and LaDonna. Looking forward to the big day next month!