Sara + David | Vancouver, WA Engagement Wedding Photographer

I love it when  my clients have an idea all their own about where they want to have their shoot. It's usually somewhere they love to be...and that makes it all the more special. David and Sara had a place they love to spend time at, in nature. It was down near Vancouver Lake...the fog was lifting, and it was pretty for an overcast morning in February!

See, I'm all about capturing real moments. Real love. I love the moments of genuine laughter. Or when the one you love grabs your hand, and that warm feeling rushes over you. In that moment, you feel it. The love that pulled you in to begin with. Those are the moments I want people to remember forever.

Anyway... Those moments were plentiful with Sara and David. We even snuck a few family shots The genuine laughter was bubbling. A warm smile was almost constantly on Sara's face. I'd even say she was "glowing". It's clear there's alot of warmth in this love, and even better...laughter. 

DEREK + MARY | VANCOUVER, WA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

My heart is a puddle of warm and fuzzy right now. For reals. Ooey gooey hot fudge insides, is what I have after looking over this images from Derek and Mary's session.

 

These two. Completely adorable! This was truly, one of my favorite days of shooting thus far. I loved how I would say, "just talk with each other about your day"...and Mary would just start chatting it up. At one point, it was about what kind of dryer sheets and Tide they would use in their new apartment. And Derek, would just smile, completely engaged with her in the moment...over dryer sheets. MELT my heart. He looked at her like there was absolutely no place he'd rather be, than right there, with her in his arms. I'd say "get cozy" and before the two words were out of my mouth, they'd be in each other's arms, delighted for a chance to steal a kiss. 

 

Or, how when I told Mary to "give me fierce"...first I got giggles.




Derek and Mary are sweet friends of Matt and I. I tease my hubby that Derek is his BFF. We've enjoyed Derek as a friend for years, and we are so thrilled to see him in love with such a sweet gal. I look forward to many more meals at our kitchen table with these two! Derek and Mary, I'm so honored that you chose me to capture your special day, and I am praying for many blessings over the two of you as this new chapter of your life unfolds!

LAUGH AS WE ALWAYS LAUGHED | FAMILY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER VANCOUVER, WA

I've know Jess my whole life. Literally...we're cousins. I was thrilled when she asked me to photograph the fam for their holiday pictures. We'd planned to go for in the rain (since it IS the Pacific Northwest!)...rain had been pouring for days, but it was time to just DO it. I brought umbrellas and the girls were ready to smile in the puddles...but, it dried up just in time for a perfect afternoon in the Pearl District of Portland!

LOVE STREET | VANCOUVER WA PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

This fall I had the chance to photograph some amazing families! I am so blessed by friends who chose me to capture this season of their lives.

Julie and I first met when we were both newly pregnant with our second kiddos. Julie is seriously, one fun gal to be friends with...she knows how to party, she's passionate, and I love that she lets her kids be kids. She embraces who each of them are, where they are...and they are one fun and spunky family!

It was SUCH a cold day...I think my car thermometer came in at 31 degrees when I got back in my car...they were TROOPERS. It was such a gorgeous day on the Columbia River, even though it was so chilly. I look forward to finishing this session (little ones can only keep a good attitude in frigid weather for so long!). The little ones were freezing, but Ryan and Julie were looking fabulous in spite of the chill.

I had Julie ask each family member to bring one thing that was special or represented them where they were in this season of life....it was so fun! Julie, rocked TWO marathons this year. She brought along a little trinket to capture.

Poor Caden was FREEZING. He really was a champ for most of the shoot, but by the time we got to him, his little hands were SO cold!

Connor is gets after life with heart. He is passionate about football, like you wouldn't believe. He's all about the Seahawks and the Oregon Ducks!

 Sugar and Spice, this little Miss Kate.

 Ryan is Julie's champion. #1 fan of his ladies, and doing a great job of raising those boys to be men. I love that he showed a little of his own spunk to my camera.

Thanks Julie and family, for a fun and frigid time!