Kinsley turns “ONE” | {Busy & Beautiful}

undefinedWhat a treat it was to capture some special photos for Kinsley to commemorate her first birthday! This little sweetheart I met withing a couple weeks of her birth and it’s been wonderful to photograph and watch her grow throughout her first year! It was a bit of a surprise that she was walking…and not just walking…she’d been walking for a couple of months and was a BUSY little one who kept her mom and myself on our toes in trying to entertain her and keep her corralled in the studio! She wanted to explore…everything and anything! That is what I love about babies and toddlers…their desire and eagerness to learn about new things is NEVER ending and they are constantly searching for something new to touch, taste, smell and see just what it can do…if only we as adults were that eager to continually learn about new things…our brains would never go stagnant! Kinsley was very busy, but so sweet and I got many hugs from her and she even blew me a few kisses during the session…oh, how I LOVE the babies! I can’t wait to see this darling grown over the next year ahead…how blessed am I to meet these beautiful babies and be able to watch them as they grow into toddlers and children…and teens…oh, how I love my job!

 

undefinedWhat fun we had playing…Kinsley was into everything and I thoroughly enjoyed my session with her!undefinedundefinedIsn’t she just adorable…I love her eyes…they say it all!undefinedCurious and a flirt…she was priceless with this hat and knew she had her mom and I wrapped around her little finger!undefinedI must say, the tongue came out several times and it was so funny…she had been working on some new teeth, so I’m sure it was a whole new feeling to have some teeth to feel and play with!undefinedNow, don’t think that we were torturing her…this sad face was the only time she was unhappy…and that was because we kept moving her and she wanted to be where SHE wanted and not where we wanted her! I couldn’t resist capturing this! Love the close up…this was thanks to my mother in-law who was visiting and walked in at this time and Kinsley just quietly stared at all of us for a bit…so sweet!undefinedAnd, the cake smash…one of my favorite parts of the one year sessions…and isn’t this the cutest crown that here mom made…she was AWESOME with this part of the session!

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Thank you, Laura and Ed, for allowing me the privilege of following Kinsley’s first year of her life, it’s been a pleasure and a joy…you have a beautiful daughter, who I hope to see more in the years to come!

Teri & Howard | {True Love}

I’m a bit behind on my blogs, and I appreciate the patience of my clients….it’s been a busy few weeks, but I’m back and so excited to share these photos with you. Earlier this month I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing Teri and Howard’s wedding in Portland, OR. Now, as I said, I hadn’t met Teri before, but felt as thought I knew her through my husband who she used to work with…so it was wonderful when we finally met in person….and what a beautiful woman she is…she was everything I expected and more! And, the groom, Howard, is a very kind and generous man, who obviously loves Teri very much….their love was evident in just the way they looked at one another….you could feel the emotion of their connection! This wedding fell at the end of my trip to California and it timed out perfectly that I arrived in Oregon just two days before the wedding and was met in Portland, on the day of the wedding by my wonderful assistant and amazing husband…who along with my brother, were GREAT assistants during the wedding.  The Hotel Vintage Plaza in downtown Portland was the scene of this special ceremony – in the wine cellar in the basement – such an amazing place for an intimate affair! If you ever have a chance to visit Portland, I highly recommend looking into staying here, the staff was very friendly and so helpful…definitely a class act…just like Teri and Howard! 

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Isn’t Teri a beautiful bride…she was truly glowing…and not the least bit nervous (other than if the men eventually got the correct clothes on!). Her son, Ryan, stopped by, he was so happy for his mom and obviously a very proud son!undefinedTerri’s dress was gorgeous, simple and elegant and other than the bustle, it was just perfect! After the ceremony, there was a bit of a struggle to get it bustled…there out to be classes for this!!undefinedRyan walked his mother down the aisle and gave her away…it was quite touching and special! The best man was Howard’s brother and the matron of honor was Teri’s mom…certainly a family affair!undefinedThe ceremony was attended by family and close friends….who all love Teri and Howard and were so happy to share this evening with them.  Even during the ceremony, there was lots of laughter…along with a few tears…but the laughter was something that carried out throughout the whole evening!undefined

Imagine that it was raining….what, rain in Portland in the spring? Well, it didn’t stop us from stepping outside, thanks to the hotel for lending us a couple of umbrellas for this shot!undefinedundefinedI just love Teri’s smile…she has the best smile and was so happy that evening, I don’t think it ever left her face…a definite sign of true love!undefinedundefinedFamily – whether it be by blood or love or marriage, there is nothing better and more special! These two were a delight to meet and get to know throughout the evening, I only wish I’d had more time with them. Since Portland isn’t too far away, I hope that we will be able to get together again soon…they are a special couple, with a deep love for one another and for life….and that is just what LIFE should be!! Congratulations Mr. and Mr. Speelman! 

Brittany | {Kentlake HS Senior…Stunning!}

undefinedHow blessed am I to have have had another senior session last weekend, with another beautiful young woman! Being that it was Mother’s Day, it just seemed fitting that I had the opportunity to meet and get to know Brittany and her mom, Amy, as well as Erin and her mom, Theresa. Brittany and Erin are GREAT friends and both play softball together at Kentlake High School and have been very successful with their careers in softball, which began when they were both very young. This was sort of a double session this afternoon, and I was fortunate enough to have my good friend and fellow photographer, Chelle, working with me as she photographed Erin and we both got some shots of the two of them together. Let me tell you, these girls were a kick, and it sure didn’t take much to get them laughing, really, sometimes just the suggestion had them laughing as you will see in some of the photos! Friends since early elementary school, it’s obvious they are quite close and both are bright and sweet girls with great plans for their futures! Brittany has a scholarship at Chapman University in Orange, CA…and when I asked why she chose there…her answer was simple…why not! Well, really, there was more to it than that, the scholarship (softball, of course!) was a huge part, but the weather was another big draw and who can blame her, especially after this past winter/spring! Her team has played several tournaments in that area, so she’s familiar with the area and is very excited about her future…in business, possibly international business! I can tell you one thing, this girl will do well…and go wherever she wants…she is determined and confident!

undefinedBrittany and Erin…best of friends, talented softball players and beautiful young women…who know how to enjoy life!undefinedAs we started out this session, Brittany warned me that her eyes are sensitive to the light…I can relate as mine are as well…so we tried to find some locations that wouldn’t bother her eyes…above, you can see just how stunning her eyes are….wow, she is beautiful!

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Such a poised and polite gal…it was really fun to talk with her during the session and get to know a little bit about her…on this Mother’s Day, I could see her mom was quite proud of what her daughter has become…and she has every right to be!undefined

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These two just cracked me up…serious one minute (well, maybe a moment!) and then laughing and making crazy faces the next…

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Next fall, Brittany’s parents will become empty nesters…something that most parents both look forward to and dread…it’s not always easy, but I’m sure that Brittany will stay in close touch once she starts college! And, how could I not capture a shot of the four beautiful women as the session ended…a tribute to the mother’s who have raised great daughters!

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I must say, this is one of my favorites…Brittany could be a model…she was fun and easy to work with and was so very sweet! Best of luck to you and your future!