Jil + Corey

OK, I know it's been forever since I've posted, but it was a particularly busy season for me, and despite my promise to myself that I would hire someone this year, it somehow slipped by and then, well, it was just too late to take that on. So, I will be trickling out some posts over the holiday season to try to catch up at least a tiny bit.
This wedding had so many images I loved, that even as long as this post is, these are just a few of the highlights. Jil and Corey were so much fun to photograph. We were short for time on the portraits, but Jil is such a beautiful model that I'm going to drag her out again (and hopefully Corey too) come spring to do more bridal concept shots.
One of my favorite moments of this wedding was when the ringbearer suddenly came barreling down the aisle just before the exchange of rings. To say he adores Corey is an understatement - he just couldn't help himself. It was just so cool how they rolled with it, laughing, and incorporated him into the ceremony.
Jil and Corey, I truly felt blessed to be part of your day. You are two very special people.
Oh - and a shout out to the amazing Kaily Fitzgerald who coordinated everything and did all the beautiful arrangements, and to Beach Castle Sweets who, let me just say, make the most ridiculously delicious handmade chocolates ever to pass your lips. I was laying in bed catatonic after the wedding, devouring all the ones I made off with.....wishing I had grabbed more. YUM.

Bend, and all that happened there.

I realize, as I start to post this, how lucky I am. I have, simply, the most amazing women as friends. It borders on the surreal just how otherworldly great they are. Julia, an artist, had recently moved into this fantastical "cabin" in the woods about 10 minutes outside of Bend, and we had to check it out. Sherri, a rockstar of a photographer, and Linda, a designer who recently graced the cover of Portland Spaces magazine, came in from Portland, kids in tow. As usual with our group, it doesn't really seem to matter how many wee ones are running amuck - it just kinda works in a strangely organic way, and we still get to relax. Of course the huge hot-tub, the amazing mountain bike trails, and the beautiful river (which I slept along one night and was visited by a friendly spirit), didn't hurt.
And no, clothes were rarely worn by the youngest (and the rest of us at times). Who needs 'em? And hoola-hooping is harder than you think.

Emma's Senior Session

Wow I just loooooove shooting in that sweetest of evening light. Emma has such a timeless look about her, it was just so inspiring - could have shot for hours, but that light only lasts for a short time so we were literally running from spot to spot to catch it.
I love shooting seniors, because they are, more than most, open to the unusual, the unexpected, the uncoventional. It's playtime.

Beautiful Kirsten

Another shoot from last season's senior pics - I've been archiving them to DVD, and keep thinking "Why didn't I post these?". Well, because I was just too bloody busy, that's why. So I might be posting a few more as I sift through them all. I loved photographing Kirsten - such a strong and lovely girl.

Candace

I was re-burning a CD of this session from last summer for Candace's mom, and realized it was one of many I hadn't gotten around to posting. Late, yes, but I got a kick out of the few snaps I took of her little brother before we started her session.......superhero underwear, shoulder blades like little bird-wings, and flying with complete enthusiasm.

Peyton

Newborn sessions are so fun - they are so moldable! I only wish I could a.) sleep like that and b.) be that flexible.
It's funny how quickly I forget just how tiny we are when we first burst into the world. It gets me every time. All downey, and hands like little stars.....

Mieghan + Noel

Another beautiful day in Anacortes made for a lot of people out and about at Rosario Beach, but it all just sort of seemed to add to the party. These two were about as laid back a couple as you'll find, and all their friends and family contributed to making their day an unforgettable one.
The roast pig was a continual source of entertainment, what with eyeball eating dares and general gnoshing of parts that wouldn't normally make it on the menu - with the dog just laying low under the table catching flung bits.
The ceremony was very sweet, in that it included Noel's daughter, along with some unique traditions that were special to the couple (the binding together, and sharing of bread). I always love the "after" shots of the couple - how totally relaxed they are compared to the start of the day! And of course everyone wanted to know what was under the kilt......
As you can see by the last images, the party got the better of one or two of the partygoers. (He was breathing.)
Hair and make-up by the fabulous Kelsey Ekstrom at Red Salon.

Ami + Drew Engagement

Well, even though it kinda looks like winter in these pics, it just happened to be on one of the few cold mornings we've had lately (did I ever think I'd be saying that?). Ami and Drew were so much fun to shoot - game for it all, and so easy in front of the camera. I'm feeling so very lucky - have had just the best clients finding me!

Truckee Tribe

Every year a group of my girlfriends meets at a beautiful "cabin" in Truckee, CA for some relaxation, good food, good wine, and most of all good company. These women are each amazingly talented in their own right, and each one lives their life in a true and beautiful way. I love them to my bones, and every day I am so thankful they are in my life.
We cook together, walk together, skinny-dip in the lake, and talk and laugh (a lot). It's just about the moment, and being in it for whatever that looks like during the course of the day.
These images are in no particular order, but are randomly picked to give the flavor of one of our weekends - my advice? Go get your girls and GO somewhere!!

Cereal and Champagne for breakfast, of course.

No, we did not let Deni get the dress.

My find at the garage sale....my dream bike and a pair of wings to fly with.

Deni's magnificent risotto.

I'm in love with this gas station. Makes me wanna pump gas for a living and just see who all comes through...

Deni painting a temp tatt on my back for a whimsical suprise for a friend.

LOVED these boots. Couldn't have 'em.

Won't somebody pleeease pleease help me? (or at least help Tara focus).

Nellie being X-Rated (again).

The end of the day, but not of the memories....

Sherri + Daniel

For some reason I never got around to posting these, along with so many others from last season, but this was a very sweet wedding of a very special friend of mine, and incredible wedding photographer, Sherri Ditemen. She was the one who encouraged me to start shooting weddings, and I'm forever grateful to her for that.
I have to say, shooting another photographer's wedding is an interesting experience...especially since she is so much like me in that she does not like the camera pointing at her. It is now a painful joke that we never really got pics of her and Daniel.....she simply wouldn't get dressed. We hung out in the super-cool "Tin Cantina" sipping Campari on the rocks as the sun sank low, until it was well passed ceremony start time. This is what happens when you agree to a very loose "just snap a few shots" sort of thing. I still cringe over this. But it was so beautiful - and so perfectly her. I am honored to have been a part of it, because she is one of the most beautiful, true people I have ever known, and Daniel is such a wonderful talented guy, and perfect match.