I believe I first met Hailey when she was just 4 years old. Now she's off to college.
Most people don't know that I actually have a degree in Special Education not photography. The class graduating this year was my first class that I ever taught. They were in first grade then and Hailey was in that class.
Congratulations Hailey and the rest of the students I've had the privilege watching grow up can't wait to see where you all go.
Skagit Valley Engagement Photography: Amanda and Jacob
Jacob and Amanda met in high school. He was a senior and she was a freshman. It didn't take long for Jacob to convince Amanda that their friendship needed to be more.
On a cold winter evening Jacob snuck Amanda into one of their favorite spots to go every year in Seattle. With not a single sole around he got down on one knee and ask her to be his bride. It may have taken months for him to convince her they were a perfect fit but only seconds to convince her they would be together forever.
Skagit Valley Maternity Photographer- Baby Burton
Brittney and I met in high school. But we didn't truly become friends until us and another close friend were chosen to be our school's yearbook editors. When you grow up in a small school apparently experience isn't that high on the priority list when choosing leaders. They handed us a nice camera and a whole lot of responsibility. This is actually where my love for "nice camera" started.
In the years to follow Brittney went on to become a successful business owner and the only person I will trust to cut my hair. When she told us she was expecting her first little one this coming December I was beyond excited for her, and a little nervous for my hair during her maternity leave.
Despite her reservations I'm so glad Brittney's husband Austin was able to talk her into getting maternity photos done, and that she trusted me to take them.
Congratulations Burton family I can't wait to meet your little man!
Nik and Karen Engagement
When you meet a couple as fun loving as Nik and Karen you know their engagement session is going to be a blast.
From the minute they met their relationship has been an adventure.
Nik knew that not just any ring would do for his one of a kind bride. He had her ring custom designed by a jeweler in their home town Anacortes WA.
We are so excited to be part of their one of a kind wedding this upcoming June.
Maplehurst Wedding- Erin and Jack Walker
Erin and Jack were married in front of their closest family members at Maplehurst Farms in Mount Vernon Wa. Their intimate ceremony was held just before the sunset behind the trees.
What is more fitting then walking down the aisle together. I'm still in love with this idea. I mean what a beautiful moment between the two of them.
Jack and Erin the smiles on your faces, the look in your eyes when you look at each other are just a few examples that show the forever love you have for each other. Congratulations.
Mount Vernon WA wedding- Kenaston Wedding
Kristen and Kevin were married under a stunning sunny sky in Mount Vernon WA. Their intimate ceremony and reception was held at Il Granaio.
Every small detail was custom made for their special day from Kristen's amazing jewelry, her ring holder and their wood engraved invitations.
Their maroon colors were stunning against the cream roses in their bouquets and center pieces created by Petals by Linda.
Congratulations Kristen and Kevin on this next chapter of your lives. We were so honored to not only be part of your big day but to also be able to call you our friends after it's all said and done. We wish you and your entire family nothing but happiness.
Seattle Gasworks wedding- Carolyn and Marc
Marc and Carolyn have travel the world but if you ask them I'm sure they would say the best trip ever made was the one where they finally got to meet each other face to face. After six amazing adventurous years they start their next adventure as husband and wife.
Marc and Carolyn were married on a cloudy day in Seattle, at Ivar's Salmon House, but they didn't let the wind and rain dampen their spirits. After many years together they were both very eager to finally say their vows in front of their closest friends and family members.
Marc was not about to give just any ring to his bride to be. Carolyn was able to have her ring custom designed in Thailand on one of their many trips.
Carolyn wore a beautiful lace and sequin dress from David's Bridal.
Flowers by Pike Place Market.
Congratulations Marc and Carolyn your smiles tell us everything, you are going to create one amazing life together full of love, laughter and maybe a few more travels.
Natures Connection Wedding- Rodney and Baylee's Wedding
Rodney and Baylee's white wedding glowed under the radiant sun. They were married in Arlington at the beautiful Nature's Connection Wedding Venue.
Whenever Baylee talked about her wedding she would use one word, "elegant", and she sure delivered on that promise. From the floor length lace bridesmaid's dresses to the perfectly placed white rose petaled aisle their wedding was stunning.
Baylee's first love of her life, Baker, was not about to be left out of the celebration.
Though Rodney's father couldn't be there in body the made sure to honor him in spirit. Baylee along with the help of other family members was able to incorporate Rodney's late father's duck tags into his boutonniere. It's reveal was an emotional one for everyone.
Congratulations Fox family. It may have been your trucks that brought you together but it was your humor, kindness and love for adventure that kept you together. Your love for each other is one that will last a life time, of that we have no doubt.
Venue: Nature's Connection
Dress: David's Bridal
Skagit Valley Wedding Photographer: Engagement photos
You can call it fate when Carolyn and Marc met each other online. Their sense of humor and love for adventure make them a perfect match.
For a couple who has literally traveled the world the most obvious place to get engaged would be in Thailand! Marc knew that his bride to be deserved the best and did everything to make sure she had the ring of her dreams. Carolyn even worked with the locals to personally design her forever ring.
It was clear from the first shot, as Carolyn looked up with pure joy at her husband to be, that these two had a forever kind of love. Their humorous banter and lovable glances would have you believing they were together for only a few months but this sweet honeymoon phase has lasted over 6 years.
Skagit Valley Engagement Photographer: Kristen and Kevin Samish Island
Kevin and Kristen's relationship has taken them around the world. On a three month trip through Europe Kevin ask Kristen to marry him upon the top of the Eiffel tower. Their life hasn't slowed down since.
Skagit Valley Family Photographer: Brittni and Bobby
Brittni and Bobby were married five years ago in Texas. Shortly after they moved to Washington state. They are truly a couple you never forget once you meet them. They are incredibly sweet and are raising their children to just as sweet.
In just the beginning of their dating relationship they went through things that could break even the strongest married couple. However the hard times just made them stronger.
Brittni and Bobby's ceremony was held out side in a wide open field, where their guest sat on blankets. This is the exact blanket they said their vows on. But now it's joined by two adorable littles.
Skagit Valley Engagement Photographer: Rodney and Baylee
Despite going to the same high school Baylee needed some convincing to go on that first date with Rodney. While everyone else seemed to know that just like their trucks they were a perfect match for each other. She however didn't need any convincing that he was the one for her when he privately asked her to marry him after a fun day of valentine's day activities.
Skagit Valley Wedding Photographer: Airport Wedding
Every where Steve and Hannah go they pick up life long friends along the way. Their wedding party alone traveled over 8500 miles to be part of their wedding! This doesn't include Steve's family who flew in from Texas. Hannah's friends from Pennsylvania, or her aunt from Massachusetts and many many more guests.
Hannah was blessed to have friends willing to help her every step of the way, from her hair and makeup to her beautiful bouquets and cake.
Steve is an avionics technician for the Navy and aspires to become a commercial pilot in the next few years. So naturally the choice to hold their wedding in a nostalgic hanger of the Heritage Flight Museum in Burlington WA was an easy one.
It was important to the couple that they honored family members that sadly couldn't join them on their special day.
The couple flew away into the sunset to Frank Sinatra Come Fly with Me.
Skagit Valley Newborn Photographer- Cooper
Just over 2 years ago I had the privilege of meeting this family's little girl for her newborn photos. So when Danielle contacted me about newborn photos for their newest addition I was so honored to be trusted again.
I met Danielle many many years ago when our families went to the same church. We even spent a whole week together in Mexico. Our families have remained close since and now our kids are close in age.
Congratulations Schols family, he is absolutely precious.
Washington State Park Engagement-Hannah and Steve
Hannah a country wide traveler life style fits in well with the military lifestyle. However after one blind date she wasn't convinced Steve was the man for her. Thankfully she didn't let a small misunderstanding keep her from going on another date. Good thing because by date number 2 she was smitten. So much so she was willing to follow him all the way to the Pacific Northwest.
Steve surprised Hannah with a ring late one night close to Christmas. She had no idea that when she walked into the sanctuary of their church that he would be there waiting on one knee.
Rubio Wedding
All it took was a photo on a desk for Fernando to fall in love with his bride to be. He patiently waited by her side for 10 years to make her his. Their life long friendship has created a one of a kind love.
As if they weren't blessed enough they had friends hand craft their flowers, Jennifer's cousin did her hair and Fernando's long time friend and family came out to be their witness.
Jennifer and Fernando along with Jennifer’s 4 year old little girl were married at Wallace Falls in Gold Bar, WA. Their simple wedding was nothing short of magical. The wedding was officiated by Jennifer’s cousin, while they balance on river rocks along the rushing waters.
Sometimes life doesn't turn out the way we plan and sometime life ends up better then we ever could plan. Congratulations Fernando and Jennifer. I hope you hold onto the love you have this day. That God continues to bless your entire family as you trust in Him.
Bridal Portraits- Allie
Allie is a photographer's dream. She easy going, can pull off pretty much any look and of course is gorgeous.
My family's property is surrounded by plum tress and as soon as I saw them in full bloom I knew I had to get a bride out there and shoot.
Thank you Allie for being so willing to drive all the way to LaConner on your Saturday. I love our mini sessions together and look forward to your your vow renewals in the next few years!
Happy Mother's Day
It's Mother's Day and I want to get on here and write some Hallmark worth quote about how amazing all the women in our lives are. How they make us who we are or are going to become. How they sacrifice day after day and time after time. How one day isn't enough. I want to say that without them we would be lost and so many of us are lost after loosing our mothers no matter our age. I want to say that today mothers deserve so much more then we can buy, or give or do for them. And the truth is all of that is so very true. But it feels like such a lie coming from my mouth.
You see even though I love my mom, my grandma's, my aunts, even my best friend's mom, and I want them to know how much they mean to me on mother's day I feel blocked. Because even though they are amazing I forget that I too am a mother. But today isn't for me because I don't fit in the same category as all those amazing moms. I don't deserve to be celebrated on a day like today because I am constantly failing at being the perfect mom, I'm constantly tired, short tempered, and so far from what I feel like I should be. My laundry is forever in a basket, clean or dirty, my child eats corn dogs for lunch because it's not worth the fight, and I don't know what I would do if pony tails didn't exist so my dirty hair couldn't fit into a bun every day. But if I was truly honest with myself I bet every single one of those women in my life would probably say the same thing, that at times they too failed.
So for every type of mom out there, perfect or far from it, Happy Mother's Day. You deserve it.
Despite everything I love my son. And I have to believe that if we love them, truly love them that no matter what happens that's what they will remember. And my wish for all of you moms is that you feel loved today as well.
Howson Family
When you're a photographer work is always on your mind. You tend to create the perfect session for different people you meet, or as you drive around day after day you're always figuring out how to turn it into a client's dream location.
I first met Robin's girls when I was volunteering in our church's nursery. I fell in love with them both. They have this sweet soft voice that demands your respect, not to mention I'm pretty sure their 4 year old has a higher vocabulary as me. Robin always makes sure the entire family has the cutest clothes and their hair done perfectly.
I couldn't help but think they were be an amazing family to do a session for. So when they contacted me about family/maternity and eventually newborn photos I was ecstatic.
And of course they didn't disappoint! Loved their playful manner and hope you can feel that in each and every shot.
Skagit Valley Spring
We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place.
Like most of you I found myself avoiding the tulip fields so much this time of year that I have not actually been to the tulip festival, which is crazy because it has literally been in my backyard my entire life. However when you become a photographer it's almost expected of you to take at least one shot of the beautiful colors. Though I am NOT a landscape photographer, and have never wanted to become one I was requested by another photographer to take a few field shots.
When I look at these photos I can't help but laugh at the experience. We showed up, I walked as far away from the tourists as I could, set up my tripod, took maybe 10 quick photos, packed up a left. The older gentleman next to me asked if I was done already, I blamed it on my 3 year old's patiences but really I was thinking "their just flowers and I really only need one photo". And I have to say I am proud of the one (well two) photos I was able to get. So glad so many of you enjoy it as well.
Consider this my gift to all the locals who would love to enjoy the beauty of the valley but from a distance.