Venue: Grand Willow

Make-Up: Shimmer

Florist: Enchanted Florist

Cake: Extra Special Cakes

Hair and Make-up was by the much-in-demand Jenny Bowker, who not only does a gorgeous job, but is just a lovely person to work with. The fabulous jewelry was courtesy of Boudoir Bed & Bath, a must-stop visit before your boudoir session!

Check out their latest adventure to realize their dream – and please donate if you can…no matter how little. It all counts, and maybe their story will inspire you to take your own leap of faith. http://www.indiegogo.com/Ski-Sail-Adventure-for-Publication?a=446648

Here’s a few random “before and after” Dagny and Tomahawk  that I’ve taken over the past few years.

Jess & Karl – Much love and gratitude for the hours spent. Salut!

I don’t know about you, but 2011 was full of, well….everything for me.

It had it’s highs and lows in greater measure than years often bring. I’m grateful for both, and here’s why. It was a year of lessons for me – some of which I probably should have already figured out long before 2011, but I can be a slow learner in some areas. Here’s what I know for sure about what I will be taking into 2012 – a host of wonderful memories and experiences with people I will hold in my heart and am so grateful for the time spent. I’m one of those who believes that God (however you define that), brings people and situations into your life in order that you may learn more about yourself, and what what makes you happy and fulfilled.

I’ve learned that often I try to be too many things – juggling things that really are not even meant to be in my hands.

I’ve learned that I need to listen to my little voice – and more importantly, follow it’s guidance.

I’ve learned that it’s OK to say no to some things in order to say a big YES to the things that really bring me joy, and stoke my passion. And I’ve learned that by letting those other things go, the right thing has room to step through the door.

So….what does that mean for 2012?? It means there’s gonna be some changes around here – and I can’t wait to share them with you! I’ll be refocusing my business to the areas that bring me the most inspiration, expanding those in some pretty exciting ways ( and maybe even taking a bit of it abroad!).

So stay tuned…

Here’s hoping your new year brings plenty of love, growth, happiness, and personal challenges that make your heart sing – and as always, thanks so much for stopping by, commenting, and sharing your stories and enthusiasm!

Cheers

I’ve been wanting one of these for the longest time. I finally got a {Kelly Moore} B-Hobo Bag when I lost my old lensbag at the airport on my way back from a shooting wedding. It’s OK, it was time. The bag was falling apart, and I really did need something a little more constructed – that I could also carry my wallet, keys and phone in. Plus, I just really dig the cool promo videos

This is a site I just stumbled upon one day, but I find that I keep going back. There’s a lot of really unique items on here, with temporary discounts. So for a little something different, for a little less than you’ll pay next week, check it out! It’s {FAB}

I just find much of what this guy has to say interesting, and worth reading. Nuf said. {Jonathan Fields}

This site is a glaring example of my obsession with being organized. My obsession, of course, is not a reflection of my reality. I just love organizational systems/tools/products, and live in a perpetual state of hope that one of them will actually transform my life. This one got me totally excited because it’s designed for creative people….you know, us right-brained peeps. (Or is it the left? I can never remember, but you get the idea). I especially like how the “Action Cahier” comes in your choice of a very cool looking orange or blue. (I have no idea what “Cahier” means, but I love orange, and feel 10% more organized when it’s in my purse.) {Behance}

Just because these headpieces are lovely. And I love lovely things….{Jane Taylor Millinery}

Check out one of my favorite weddings she highlighted….

Now {BOOKING} for 2012….give me a jingle with your ideas!

It was one of those shoots that required a lot of forethought – and I knew ahead of time exactly what I wanted. That all sounds great right? Well, it is – but then you have to figure out how to make all the elements that you envision actually work together, and at the right time. That’s the fun part. And every time I look at this image, I laugh to myself at everything that went into it, and everything that was going on just outside of the frame to make it happen…..crazy!

After scouting the island the day before at sunset hour for the perfect spot that would have the perfect wave, and then getting hair/make-up/wardrobe coordinated, and then carrying all the gear and props over our heads through a lagoon, we set up and waited. And waited. Yeah, I shot a few frames during this time, and they were lovely….but they weren’t the shot. Time was running out, and as you can see from this image the sun would be gone in about 30 more seconds. Rob’s arms were getting tired from holding the lights off camera right, and the model was exhausted from holding her pose wave after wave. Make note – the poor girl could not see what was coming at her from behind – the stylist was up on the ledge with her, just out of frame also getting soaked, hollering out the countdown before each wave hit.

Finally….just moments before the sun disappeared, we got the perfect wave. I remember screaming across the expanse to Paula (the model) “Don’t Move – hold it hold it hold it!!!!” as Julie counted down for the critical moment. Fired a shot – got it…. relief screams all around. We all clambored down from our spots, and popped the bottle of champagne we had hauled out with us, and cheered as the sun slipped away.

Now that’s what I call a great day. Thanks to Paula Kuhnemann of Smart Woman, Julie Burgmeier of Skagit Marketing, Rob who tirelessly held the lights, and of course my fabulous client, Kelly of Natural Bitch (where you can get some amazing products and see more of my work).

Cheers!

{BOOK} now for your company’s upcoming season

This couple actually met in the Skagit Valley, and enjoyed years of friendship and memories there – so they wanted to have some of their portraits taken in that area as well….so we made a little  visit to Terra Bella in Conway and had some fun shooting before the wedding day. (I’ve posted a few of them after the Seattle wedding shots at Newcastle)…..So this post is a little heavier on portrait shots than most!

The amazing flowers (have you ever seen roses that color??!!) were done by Stacie Sutliff at Blush Custom Floral,  and Hair & Make-Up for both shoots was done by Kelsey Eckstrom.

Now {BOOKING} weddings for 2012!