hot weather | rockin' videographers

109, is that even possible in Seattle? Well I guess it is when I got into my car this afternoon and the outside temp read 109. Other than almost melting every time I step outside, today was a great day to get out. I had lunch this afternoon with Laura and Chris from Edit 1 Media, Seattle Washington. They are a wonderful couple and I must say amazing videographers. It is easy to see that they love what they do and their passion truly shows through in their work. I watched a sample DVD of a few weddings they have shot and as weird as I might sound, found myself crying because they were such beautiful videos. I am excited to see what is in store for them as they continue to win awards and create works of art for their clients.

west coast road trip | july 2009

My friend Katie & I decided that it would be fun to take a 10 day road trip from Seattle down to San Diego, California and back up the Oregon Coast. We stopped in San Francisco for a tour of Alcatraz & a ride on a cable car, then down to Anaheim, with a stop in Hollywood and Disneyland, off to San Diego where the weather was 'hot' and Balboa as well as Coronado were beautiful. On our way home we took the 101 up the Oregon Coast and the views we saw from Gold Beach to the lookout at Cape Foulweather, along Cannon Beach and into Tillamook were absolutely stunning to say the least. It was refreshing, adventurous and overall a wonderful experience. Feel free to check out some of the images I captured along the way...

http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt74/beautifulendings/west%20coast%20road%20trip%202009/

julie & morgan | port townsend wedding

WOW, we are having amazing weather lately, welcome to summer! I had the honor of shooting Julie & Morgan's wedding in Port Townsend Washington at Chetzemoka Park yesterday. I woke up pretty early (around 6am) to finish getting a few final items completed before my 2.5 hour trek to meet the bridal party. I decided to treat myself to breakfast about half way through the drive, partially because they say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day right? Just needed to be sure that I was on my game.

We had a few laughs with the crazy wind and Julie's veil trying to attack Morgan during the pre ceremony shoot, luckily there was no wind during the outdoor ceremony. I met Julie & Morgan last year, did their engagement session about a month ago and it was lovely to be a part of capturing their special day. I am excited to share a few of the images with you and wish the happy couple a lifetime of happiness in this new journey. Congrats!

4th of July | Camping

Other than the sinus infection I am dealing with, the 4th of July in Yakima was wonderful. Time was spent with family, reminiscing during our meals about past trips and all of the memories we have created together. The weather was 100+ the entire visit and the pool was lovely. I spent many hours lounging by the pool, reading and relaxing, which was a nice treat. The fireworks show was just down the street, so we gathered our folding chairs, bug spray and cameras to take in the festivities. Overall it was a much needed break from reality as we celebrate our country and our freedom. I hope that you and your family had a beautiful time creating your own moments to reflect on in the future.

deception pass | washington

Today, a few of my friends and I drove the long but short distance to Deception Pass. After living in Washington my entire life, I am truly starting to realize how many sights I have yet to see and experience. We parked our car and started out on the walk over the bridge, now that is one high bridge that I'll admit is kind of scary to walk over. I kept my composure most of the time (or at least long enough to get this picture and get to the other side) except for when the semi trucks came barreling over the bridge, appearing to head straight for me. The day was absolutely gorgeous and the view was breath taking. I cannot wait to see what adventure Washington State will offer next!

holly & scott | after the wedding

I have recently become a huge fan of what I like to refer to as "Natural Beauty"... after the wedding photography sessions. What this consists of is hitting up all of the places that, you as a couple have created memories at. Whether it be the location of your first date, the coffee shop you frequent, the fair you've always meant to get to but never took the time to visit or the place you wished you'd taken your wedding pictures at but maybe didn't have time to get to.

My friends Scott & Holly recently did a session just like this. They took a spin on a carousel as well as playing some hip hop at EZ Street Records, wrote a message in sidewalk chalk and grabbed a sundae at one of their favorite local 5 Spot just to name a few of the locations we visited. It was a relaxing and entertaining way to spend our late Monday afternoon as the "Congratulations" from strangers made us chuckle a little. This session comes about three and half years after the actual wedding date, I think that was part of the fun. Here are just a few of the images we captured...

alexa's beautiful family | gas works park

On Sunday I spent the later part of my morning with Alexa Johnson (owner of Fiore Blossoms) and her family as we explored Gas Works Park in Seattle. The family picture session was filled with laughter, smiles and a few random moments of grumpiness from the boys. (honestly though, when children are throwing a tantrum or unhappy for one reason or another, the pictures you tend to get are sometimes the funniest ones of the day) I had a wonderful time capturing their family as they interacted with one another and am already looking forward to future sessions.

Alexa is an extremely talented florist in the Seattle area and I feel blessed to have been able to work with her on this shoot as well as past weddings. I definitely recommend checking out her site for a few samples of the gorgeous arrangements she has created - http://www.fioreblossoms.com/