harvest party :: family time

welcome to our lil' harvest party which shaun and i hosted at our home on halloween night. we'd just returned from Spain a few days earlier and were not up for attending a big community function or hitting the streets in search of candy so we opted for a more creative solution. called up some family and friends - told them for a low-key, good ole time that they could join in the feast and fun at our place. i made the biggest pot of chili i've ever concocted and a pot roast fit for a king (well at least a king size appetite) and aunt sheila brought these ...





... pretty cute huh?! haha i saw an image online of a similar idea and forwarded it to sheila. she came up with making mini pumpkins out of sweet potatoes and using fresh cilantro and chives for the stems. the ghosts were made from plain jane mashed potatoes having pepper corn eyes and olives with the occasional cheerio for mouths. both were constructed by putting the potatoes in large plastic bags, cutting a hole in the corner and squeezing them out just like frosting. they were perfect when covered with the pot roast!



meet tucker! this is hayley's new baby which she just got from our mutual friends, The Romes Family, which breed shitzus. this lil' buddy was an absolute hit with the girls who i'm sure thought he was some sort of fantastic stuffed animal. throughout the visit they got much better with handling him 'gently' and were soon filling his bed with baby blankets and toys.





i don't know about you but i live for pumpkin pie! ohh it's my favorite - well possibly second only to my grandmother's homemade apple pie made with apples from their backyard orchard. i've always been such a fan and am so spoiled during the fall season because not only do pumpkin pies abound but so do the specialty Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes! heheh. below, are the jalapeno corn muffins and hand-churned honey butter aunt carolyn brought over - ohhh i love these lil' buggers too! they remind me of my favorite restaurant during college - From the Bayou in Parkland, which has since gone out of business. oh so delightful!



when macee got to the party she'd already stopped off at a few locations including great grandma's house, grandma's and a few others. her sack was filled with goodies that she had to show reese - she also came bearing gifts that great-grandma had sent along for reesey.





taking care of 'bebe dog' is very important to reesey. hayley and tucker arrived a few hours early to catch up and help us prepare - reese spent the whole time learning how to care for the lil' guy from hayley. she particularly needed help in how to hold the puppy when trying to carry him - ohhh geez what a wonderful sign that was of the challenges to come with our new baby (of the human variety).





i'm not a huge fan of treat-or-treating or at least not at this age so dannielle and i came up with an idea that would still be lots of fun, involve everyone and of course, include getting goodies. the week prior, we gathered all kinds of treats from dried fruit packets, chocolates and cookies to my lil' ponies, plastic rings and crazy hats from Value Village (yes mom, they were washed extensively). we then divided them up into over 20 plastic grocery bags and tied them off with flagging tape.



the dads then went outside and hid them throughout the property - tucked in the gardens, hanging from trees and coiled up in hoses. the girls, armed with mini flashlights and their helpful grandparents, quickly caught on and ran about the yard, squealing with every bag they found - then promptly handing it off to one of their assistants and searching out the next.









after about ten minutes all the bags were found and the girls headed inside to divvy up the loot.









dividing up the treasure was surprisingly easy which was not expected with two toddlers - i guess all that emphasis on sharing is working out. the two especially loved the crazy hats and party blowers we threw in the mix that were left over from a past party.





happy as a clown because she's downed more than her fair share of chocolate treats and halloween sugar cookies as told by the leftovers on her face. haaha.



oh and i forgot to explain reese's costume - shaun and i picked up the mini flamenco dancer dress on our travels in Barcelona along with the special black earring she's wearing which are actually one of my few finds from the adventure. the matching shoes were her gift from my Spanish trip last October with my sister and luckily still fit. i found the clip in flower in my stash of dress up accessories and thanks to miss Hayley the whole ensemble and hair came together perfectly. reese had to show everyone her 'dee dee' (which means 'pretty' in reese speak) dress and earrings. it was really cute - even the day after when she refused to wear anything else. haha.

have a great weekend friends and we'll see you on monday!

ashley + patrick :: it's party time

what are the ingredients to a great party? a great mix of music, tons of food and beverages and of course, all the people you love - combine that with the fact that minutes before you married your best friend and you've got yourself one heck of a night!







as mentioned before, ashley and her mother poured hours into making their own decor and special details for the ceremony and celebration. ashley's mother, barbie, is quite skilled when it comes to designing and arranging floral displays. the entire room glowed with soft light and warm hints of pink - just how ashley had envisioned.











i have to admit - photographing the cake is hard. for one reason - it smells so good! oh my gosh - i can't begin to tell you how many times i've spent an extra few minutes taking in the heavenly scents of butter cream frosting. delicious!









as night fell upon us, guests finished dinner and the toasts began. ashley & patrick have a strong network of loved ones to support them from immediate family to old friends - it was a treat to hear what this couple means to them.





awhhhh the first dance as husband and wife. a traditional heartwarming slow dance that symbolizes the way they'll gracefully travel the road of life together - right? haha - not so fast ...





... suddenly the music cuts and the ultimate dance mix picks up. ashley makes way for her man who busts into some of his signature dance moves - then she takes over as the song switches up. this battle royale on the dance floor surprised and delighted guests covering a range of music from Sir Mix-a-Lot's 'Baby Got Back' to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller.'







as many couples, ashley and patrick have aspects of each other that uplift, encourage and bring out a certain something in the other. for ashley, patrick is the one who really gives her the wind in her sails - by that i mean, there is a whole new side to her when patrick is around. she's more outgoing and has a sparkle to her that only he can trigger.







i say it all the time but that's only because it's so true. the best aspects of weddings are the ones that truly reflect who the couple is whether it's arriving by boat because you sail together or joining your climbing clamps to symbolize unity during the ceremony because you met through a mountaineering club. when it's truly unique to you - it's amazing and brings something no one else could to the celebration. these two know how to have fun, make people laugh and enjoy life - that was evident in every part of their day but shone brightest during the dance off.





the two then joined back together to finish out the song they'd started out to - accompanied by the roar of applause coming from their guests.







this party could have gone all night long but unfortunately had to end just when the dancing was kicking into high gear. i swear there was no possible way to fit anyone else on that dance floor!



i had to get one with the lovely Mrs. O'Brien before she drove off - as did two of my very favorite brides from 2008, Amber Moceri and Brandee Miller. all three of these ladies have become great friends of mine over the course of the past two years. it is an amazing reward to gain such people in my life due to my business.



Mr. & Mrs. O'Brien left for sunny Cabo San Lucas, Mexico a few days after the wedding events. they stayed at one of my favorite resorts, The Melia Cabo Real, which happens to be the site where Brandee and Wally were married at last year. i have to admit, i was insanely jealous as were the rest of our friends that experienced the luxury of the highly rated, full service, all inclusive resort last year. they, of course, had an amazing time aside from their luggage being lost but hey, you can't complain when your day consists of sitting poolside with an endless supply of margaritas.

a loving congratulations again to you two. you know that i had an absolute blast covering every part of your wedding day adventures and experiencing this past year with you. i am so happy to hear that the images were all that you hoped for and allow you to relive that day - the beginning of your legacy. i love you guys and even though it's hard to share you - Alaska needs a lil' light in the form of Ashtrick. haha. you two soak up every moment of being newlyweds and know that the memories you make in these first years as husband and wife will be the ones you laugh about for the rest of your journey. congrats!

ashley + patrick :: sunset stroll

whenever possible i try to steal the couple away for a few romantic minutes at sunset. these photos are much more relaxed for many reasons - everyone's had something to eat, usually that corresponds with a few drinks and most importantly, the anticipation of the ceremony is over and they are finally husband and wife.









ashley and patrick march right along to the beat of their own drum. many times throughout their engagement session and wedding day they'd be lost in their own world - joking back and forth and often times singing to each other.





there's certain images that stay in your mind forever - maybe they were not ever captured on film but they exist only in you memory. for me, it's a picture of my husband, shaun, on our wedding day. we were in the rose gardens before our ceremony, he's sitting on a bench laughing at something i said and has the most genuine, joy filled smile across his face. he looks so young and handsome with his freshly shaven face, perfectly trimmed hair and tailored tux - hehe. it makes me smile every time i think about it especially when he comes home from work in muddy carhartts and a beard resembling that of a mountain man. hahaa.

it's that look in his eye and the timeless expression of joy that gets me every time. it's the same smile i've seen for the past eight years and it's the one i hope to see for the rest of my life. i always love to hear which ones make that kind of impact on my clients - usually it's ones like this.















if there's one thing these two know how to do - it's dance! ohh yes and you better believe there's plenty of that going on as we head into the night with their closest friends and family. stay tuned for the finale of ashley and patrick's big day tomorrow.

ashley + patrick :: i do

with all the planning and preparation that goes into making your wedding day all that you dream of sometimes it's easy to forget that the whole purpose of the day is the two of you becoming one. the ceremony is true reason all your friends and family have turned out on a summer afternoon - they want to witness that start of something beautiful.





that doesn't mean the ceremony has to be rigid and boring - it should reflect who the two of you are and these two took that to heart. as the bridal party began to file through the gardens the music turned up and we heard, 'i gotta feel ... that tonight's gonna be a good night!' the Black Eyed Peas dance hit thumped as each bridesmaid and groomsmen set rocked down the aisle to patrick - who finished out their dance with them!











WARNING! if you get this look from a dancing groomsmen while he's making his way down the aisle to you - be on guard because he's coming for you!



oh yes! now you know what i mean! well, i guess nothing makes you feel like part of the family like a lap dance from your new son-in-law's brother. hahaaa! priceless.









as the last of the bridal party finished up their shenanigans - the music faded into the traditional bridal march and these two darlings appeared with a sign announcing the coming attraction...









as ashley and her father made their way to patrick - the setting sun cast a breathtaking golden glow over the estate giving it a sense of romance and warmth that just felt oh so right.







you know that look your best friend gives you - that one filled with love, understanding and promise? well, this is patrick's. for a man with such a gregarious demeanor and skill for entertaining others, this is a look he saves for the one woman who deserves it all.











the look a couple gives each other after their first kiss as husband and wife is one of my absolute favorite moments from throughout the day. sometimes it's an outburst of laughter, others it's a gentle touch of the hand to their face but for ashley & patrick it was a reassuring grin that plainly says, 'i love you more than anything - and am now yours for the rest of my life' or at least that's what i got from it. hehee.





ashley didn't get to dance her way down the aisle so these two made it a point to dance back up it! posing for a totally candid (wink wink) photo by their adoring photographer - i love these guys!



tomorrow we'll take a sunset stroll around the grounds with the new mr. and mrs. - stay tuned my friends.

ashley + patrick :: anticipation

ohh who can resist a smiling, laughing lil' boy!?! i know i can't and was absolutely delighted to see patrick's nephew in such high spirits on this warm summer afternoon. throughout the family photos, this lil' guy was giggling and shooting killer smiles at everyone - what a charmer!





after a bevy of family shots, i managed to fit in a few more portraits of ashley before she was whisked away to the bridal suite as guests began to arrive. this allowed me a bit of time to explore the details the family and close friends had been arranging including the multitude of flower arrangements adorning the ceremony area.









finding the bride, alone in her suite right before the ceremony is one of my favorite positions to be in. at this time the emotions come to ahead and she is overwhelmed with thoughts, feelings and the swelling tide of anticipation for the start of her happily ever after. these undertones give the images such depth because not only are they beautiful portraits they capture the moment she is caught up in.







minutes before ashley was to leave the bridal suite and meet her father in the foyer - patrick had his gift deliver to her. as she read his hand-written card, she did her best to hold back tears and then opened the gift. patrick had crafted a charm bracelet that featured butterflies and matched the colors of the wedding. weeks before, he'd traveled to the craft store all by himself in attempt to find the perfect pieces to create it - there's no doubt he did and surely surprised his new bride.







the sun was just beginning to tuck itself behind the tree line as the music picked up and the processional began. the grandparents and parents were seated first - i couldn't help but smile from ear to ear as each set passed me by with joy on their faces. when it's right - it's right. ashley and patrick have been together for years and everyone was happy to see them finally tying the knot.







and tomorrow we'll find out what these ladies are so interested in ... i've give you a hint, 'i've gotta feelin'...' haha see you tomorrow!

ashley + patrick :: all together now!

ashley has a very tight knit group of girls most of whom she has attend school with for years. the excitement they had for one of their best girls friends finally marrying the man of her dreams was contagious.





who doesn't love a lil' sun drenched stroll? these ladies were up for any suggestion i had so when i told them to 'work it' and throw a bit of attitude into their strut - it worked for about a minute before they all bust into laughter - which was the whole point anyway. haha.









we all knew this night was going to be one heck of a party so why not get it started early by kicking off those shoes!









patrick is a ham! i've heard countless stories of how this guy plans over the top dates and special ways to show ash just how much he loves her. these theatrics are intensified because over the last year these two haven't spent much time together seeing as patrick is stationed with the coast guard in Alaska. yet as the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow stronger - with these two, that's definitely the case.







have a deeeee-lightful weekend my friends - we're picking up the newest member of the family today - nope, not that one your thinking of that one's due on march 15. we're adding Sir Wilson, a doodle dane puppy to our mix. haha i know you're thinking - 'what the heck is a doodle dane?!' well i'll explain more about him and give a full report when i feature him next week.

on monday we'll be back with more from ashley and patrick's wedding day adventures so stay tuned!

ashley + patrick :: the two of us

meet patrick. undoubtedly one of the most genuine people you will ever come across. it's easy to see why these two are inseparable - both have hearts the size of texas and a sense of humor to match.





ashley was so funny as she approached patrick - primping her hair, grinning ear to ear and slowly creeping up behind him without a sound. when she reached his back she whispered a few words and they both started laughing - in an instant, patrick was turned around and wrapped her in his arms.









ashley and her mother designed and constructed all the flowers, table decor and other decorations for this special day. the flowers were silk for a few reasons 1) it cost the same as doing real ones and 2) ashley can now use them to decorate their new home in Alaska. if it's anything like her mother's, it will be like walking into a Victorian dream filled with vibrant colors and the warm glow of a home well tended to.











after a bit of dancing and snuggling with each other we were reigned back in by our schedule and had to call in the bridal party. as becca headed out to retrieve them from their suites - these two let the tensions out with their trademark laughter followed by a few more hugs and kisses. getting a few moments completely to yourselves on your wedding day is priceless because it's all just a whirlwind.





tomorrow we'll welcome the girls and boys to the mix and have them do a bit of strutin', jumpin' and even - dare i say it - strategic posing. haha. they were a hoot to work with and you'll see the fun we had next time!

ashley + patrick :: getting ready

welcome to the wedding day adventures of ashley and patrick! this couple booked me over a year ago and since that time we've become quite good friends. ashley found out about my work through a few different avenues but it was the personal referral from her long time friend, Wally Miller, that sealed the deal - of course, there was a delightful dinner at her parent's house in which we all officially met and really hit it off.





i like to get to know all of my clients because that's when i'm able to understand them better and therefore tell their story to the best of my abilities. watching a close friend experience their day is different because you've heard about all the up & downs in planning the big day, experienced this roller coaster with them and know what each glance and smirk truly means.







there are so many small details that go into each event but a wedding ceremony and reception are truly unique. everything from personalized gifts to the favors you share with your guests represent who you are and who you love. add to the mix that ashley is the only girl in her family and has one of the most creative & crafty mothers i've ever come across - and you've got yourself one big, beautiful, 'glittering in pink' celebration.











i love getting in close to reveal the intricate designs hidden within the sparkle and glitz of a wedding dress. the patterns and bead work are just amazing!





my favorite part of covering the bride is seeing how she handles the wave of anticipation - not only from within herself but from her attendants, family, friends and venue staff. it's fascinating to observe and shows so much about who they are and what is important to them on that day. ashley was completely focused on seeing her man who surprisingly was taking a bit longer than her to finalize his look. hehe.





tomorrow we'll meet mr. o'brien and capture the energetic love of these two under the hot august sun. stay tuned!

travel collage :: spain 2009

taking the time to soak up the details in any environment is important. you learn more about the situation - the history, the people and any other element that can be felt through the experience. i have to admit, i get a few odd looks from time to time when i drop to the ground and snap photos or pull out my camera during an elegant dinner - but hey - that's just what i do! haha.





paella are the traditional dish in the Catalunya area - with each region having its own special twist on it. this particular one had a mix of rabbit and chicken in it - ohh delightful! haha.







Barcelona was such a change from the rest of our travels in Spain. we had mostly been on the coast and in small villages in the surrounding hills - when we arrived in Barcelona the mood changed and we were on the go go go! soaking it all up.









when you're traveling abroad - doesn't finding a Starbucks feel like you've come home?





i love food. i would say, 'especially when i'm pregnant,' but the truth is i love it equally all the time! the breakfast spread at the paradors we stayed at was wonderful. filled with a variety of foods ranging from traditional regional cuisine to international favorites like donuts and cereals.











the view from our room at the Wilson Boutique Hotel in Barcelona was great - we had constant entertainment throughout the night seeing as it looked directly upon Avinguda Diagonal.









the Barri Gotic district in Barcelona is a maze of tiny streets containing some of the best cafes and shopping in the city.







La Sangrada Familia was by far my favorite site we visited while in Spain. in all my years of travel and study of the arts - i have never come across such an intriguing project. it's incredible.













i already have the series in mind that i am going to create on just the Sangrada Familia. there was so much inspiration and detail to take in. i'm still reeling from the experience.









the trip was amazing - for everything we saw, experience and felt. the two of us have not been that relaxed and in tune with each other since - gosh, ever. haha. it was truly the kind of break every couple needs once in a while.

for more images from the trip head on over to my facebook.

hola amigas! :: return from utter relaxation

well it's taken much longer than i expected but i'm finally adjusted back to reality. the jet lag wasn't bad at all - it was the whole switch up of mental states, going from that of total relaxation back to the full rush of fall at home. i have to admit, the cold weather in the northwest didn't help much either but boy was our time spent in Spain one for the books. i don't recall ever feeling so at peace and carefree with our time - it was amazing.







i figured i'd share a few images from our adventures - but when i got to reviewing and selecting a few that turned into more than 70 so we'll be having a couple posts for this travel teaser. haha.





the picture above is of shaun's whiskey one night - we were sitting on the terrace and as the waitress approached i could smell how strong it was. as soon as she sat the drink on the table, i smiled at shaun and ordered him a coke to chase it with. haha - i swear, i was getting drunk just off the scent!





check out that castle on the top of the hill - pretty sweet huh!? that was our hotel - you can't imagine how steep and narrow the road was leading up there!









we drove around quite a bit so i became very comfortable hanging out the window of our lil' Mercedes and snapping pictures while moving. haha.









i love doors - they symbolize so much. in Spain i found some of the most unique knockers and handles - such rich details to be found in lands as old as this one.





one afternoon we stopped by to inspect the local pottery near the castle of Miravet - this studio was HUGE! massive kilns throughout it and a warehouse stacked with everything from coffee mugs to 6 foot high pots!









spiral staircases are a trip especially ones as long and high as these - shaun had an especially hard time with them seeing as he's 6'3" and has size 13 feet. hhaaha.





we'll leave off there and save the rest of these travel teasers for tomorrow but if you just can't wait - head on over to my facebook and click on 'spain 2009.' i'm glad to be back and can't wait to share the rest of my favorite weddings from this season.

a real vacation :: vaya con dios!

greetings my dear friends,

after quite a bit of urging from faithful blog readers and friends - i'm taking a real vacation which means no blogging. ehhh, i know, i'm sorry but this takes quite a while for me to write and well, i just don't have the time to do before i leave. between teaching a workshop at PLU, finishing up wedding packages, prepping for the trip, shooting a wedding on saturday (my birthday! teehehe) and spending time with reese fitting in a few solid hours of blogging just doesn't work.

we'll get back into the swing of things when i return at the end of october - which more than likely means the beginning of november. thanks for understanding and for following this lil' blog - i truly appreciate sharing these stories and images with you all and will have plenty upon my return!

i figured since it's been a year since my last trip to europe that i ought to share a few of my favorite images from that adventure. i've gone through the photos here and there but have not edited or done anything else with them - my sister, who accompanied me on the trip - hasn't even seen them. hhaaha. i have quite a tendency to put off personal projects the last couple of years - just so much other work to be done.





shaun and i are off to Spain - flying into Barcelona then heading south to Tarragona, Tortosa, Alcaniz, Flix, Benicarlo and ending back in Barcelona. it's about three weeks of soaking up the autumn Mediterranean sun and the rich Spanish culture. last year, julie and i made it as far south as Tarragona where the following images were taken.

























and a few from France. i'll get more into the stories when i feature this trip on the blog ... someday. haha.

















thanks again for understanding friends - sometimes we all need a break! see you in a few weeks.

Jillian & Jarret :: don't stop believein'!

since ancient times, the way to celebrate has been to feast, sing and dance. you better believe all that was goin' on this amazing august night! as the couple took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife - many guests rose to their feet and gathered around to witness the love. this was one of jillian's favorite moments of the night because she had no idea what song jarret had picked. as Queen's 'Somebody to Love' came over the speakers she was thrilled - first off, because it wasn't the Chicken Dance (which she hates) and second, because it was the song that was featured in the movie Happy Feet which the couple saw on one of their first dates. jillian recalls, "It's not your typical first dance song but that's why it is so perfect because we are not your typical bride and groom."









there are times in life that bring you to tears - the absolute best kind of tears, those of uncontrollable love, happiness and joy. i can only imagine the rush of emotions that take place as your son cradles you in his arms and dances along to a song dedicated to you. after the months of build up to the wedding, the memories that come flooding back to you on that day and the promise you've watched this grown man make to his new wife - the only honest expression is to let it all out and show how you truly feel. it's such beauty.





a picture booth is always a big hit at a party especially when you give your guests props to play with! jillian and jarret had cowboy hats, feathered masks, mustaches and countless other dress up items to inspire their friends to take interesting photos - jenna sure got a mix!















meanwhile, back on the dance floor - it was time to get down! this crew knows how to party from the multiple couples swing dancing on the floor to the show stopping dance maneuver by two of jarret's friends that involved pouring beer over the head of the one dancing - it was like that scene straight out of Flashdance - haha and for a minute i felt just like i was back in Pullman!







it's an undeniable melody, one that touches the soul and inspires you to sing - you hear the build up and the lyrics start to flow, 'just a small town girl, livin in a lonely world, she took the midnight train goin anywhere.' as you belt out each line with more intensity than the last you hear you're part of a mighty chorus who's sweet harmony reaches it's peak at, 'Don't stop believin' Hold on o the feelin'!' oh yes, there's no better way to unite the masses than bustin' out a lil' Journey. priceless.









oh don't think those at the photo booth were going to miss out on the greatest 80's tune - even in the middle of their shoot they had to represent and share in the anthem!





i'd been told earlier in the night that there was a surprise for jillian on the way. when the ladies of her family took to the dance floor i knew this was going to be good. as the music picked up and they began to shake to the beat - everyone immediately noticed the Abba classic of 'Dancing Queen' and began to cheer. jillian loves musicals and one day when she was riding in the car with her mother, they were listening to the Mama Mia soundtrack. jillian joked to her mom that she should sing to her like the mom in the musical for her bachelorette party - but judith took that idea a step farther including all the women in the family creating a whole chorus line.





the ladies had coordinated each part of the song and paired their dancing with singing and much laughter. jillian was then pulled up by the feathers of her mother's boa and told to lead the conga line. it was a great surprise and just another precious element to this unforgettable night. jillian commented, "It means so much to me that all of these amazing women got together and practicied this just for jarret and i. it was so special and something i will never forget."









with minutes left in the night, jillian changed into her evening gown and shared the last dance with her man. there's no doubt in my mind, this party could have continued til the wee hours of the morning but as in all fairy tales - there must be an glorious exit.





as the couple exited through a tunnel of sparklers everyone of their remaining friends and family cheered - and then they stopped. well, because the car that was supposed to pick them up was running late. really late. instead of making guests wait until the car arrived the two decided to run the sparkler gauntlet and then make their way out the front gate to meet the car. but one guest had to make sure they had their midnight snack of gourmet sliders - hence the to-go boxes haha.



the day was honestly a perfect blend of all that is good in life - friends, family and above all - love. these two are amazing people and that couldn't have been more evident than in the words and praise they received from those who love them most in life. it was an absolute pleasure to experience this day with these two and like i said before, i can't wait to see where the winds of change take them. congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Dodge!

Jillian & Jarret :: sunset romp

when going over the schedule of events for the day, i mentioned to jillian that i'd really like a few minutes with them after dinner. i explained how the light would be perfect and it would be a nice romantic break for the two of them - not to mention, probably some of their favorite shots from the day. so when august 1 rolled around - the skies were clear and the temperature in the 80s - i knew we were going to have a great day of shooting and an even better sunset romp in the field!









the energy of these two is incredible in everyday situations - now add to that equation that it's finally their wedding day, all their friends and family are here to party and they became husband and wife only hours ago and you've got one super charged, uncontrollably happy couple. which is more than i could ask for because really all i had to do was hide in the long grass and shoot away.







i talk about it all the time - but really? is there anything more romantic than your man taking you by the hand and dancing about to your own tune? no - there isn't! haha - it's one of my favorite acts in my own love story and i love to see it happen with others. dancing conveys such tenderness, teamwork and undying affection - seeing two people seamlessly move to their own beat is such an incredible symbol of their past and the future they'll face together.





there's lil' doubt in my mind that these two will face every challenge in life with a positive outlook and unrelenting support of the other. it's something you can see and by the way others speak of them - it's something many know. i can't express what an honor it was to capture this glimpse into their life on one of the most important days they'll experience.











my husband and i like to think that the couple that plays together - stays together. gosh, that sounds so cheesey but it's true for us and i believe many others. when you first meet your other half, everything is new, exciting and full of promise. you're playful and make every effort to experience new things together on countless dates and adventures. over the years, your relationship goes through different seasons and that playful priority can fade - but that's a shame. you're a team and the best aspect of being part of a team is that you always have someone there to cheer you on and experience the best of times with. jillian and jarret bring the good times wherever they are at - i'm anxious to hear what grand adventures await them.







tomorrow we'll finish up this party with dance after dance after dance on the floor! along with a trip to the photobooth which acted as the couple's guest book. great ideas and fun times await!

Jillian & Jarret :: party time!

there's no doubt about it - the wedding day is a blur. that is the one consistent observation that brides have recalled throughout the years which is why they are so thankful to have a such a complete record of that day. although, there were so many different elements going on at jillian and jarret's wedding it all pulled together seamlessly - jillian even made time for a change of her hair style which i have to admit, i was very impressed by. she looked absolutely refreshed with perfect curls and a freshly powdered face ready to dance the night away! brides, i highly recommend adding this element into your wedding day schedule - it gives you a moment to relax, change up your look and get into party mode!







one very unique facet to this wedding is mr. jarret is a fan of pink. oh yes, you heard correctly which is why he didn't put up a fuss over pink beer steins, accents and of course, his own attire. as was eloquently put in his brother's speech to the couple, jarret is different but that is what makes him such a special soul. we'll get to more of that in a minute ...









the whole bridal party arrived at the party together, dancing in one by one. jillian and jarret waltzed in to a standing ovation from their friends and family - a small display of the love that was present that night.



everything at this wedding was pink and personalized - even the kids bubbles!



now if there is one thing that is consistently a huge hit at weddings - it is the sweet treats bar! especially when that bar includes favorites that were home baked by family members - such as the cookies! in order to get these photos i had to hold off eager party goers who were chomping at the bit to get their hands on some candy! luckily, most of them were half my size. hehe.











the speeches to jillian and jarret were hands down the best complete set i've heard all year. first, jillian's sister shared - surprising everyone with cards taped under their seats. each guest found their hidden surprise and discovered it was a recipe entitled, 'Why I'm Souper' by Jillian Derpack. jillian had wrote the recipe as a child, her sister creatively went through and connected each of the ingredients to her character both as a child and as a beautiful, intelligent, vivacious young woman.







guests were then asked to flip over the card and follow along as she read through her own beef stew recipe that related to the couple. each ingredient was a testament to their strength, passion and commitment to each other. it was absolutely charming and a true statement of the love and respect these sisters have for each other.







next up was jarret's brother who admittedly surfed the internet for the best topics to express in his best man speech. he went through his top four selections which included complimenting the bride and telling of some embarrassing moment related to the groom. as he started on this topic he got into the core of who jarret is by sharing that most things that would be embarrassing to others just aren't to jarret. that he has a unique way of looking at the world and a great acceptance of others which is why he is such an amazing young man.



as his brother spoke, you could see the depth of this couple beautifully expressed by another - that underneath their amazing personalities, charming smiles and infectious laughter is a genuine love for life and the people they share it with. there are few times in life that people take the time to truly express the way they see you - where all the good times, hardships and every day interactions come together in a representation of who you are to them. jarret's brother knows his story better than most anyone - to hear his admiration, respect and love for his brother was truly a gift to witness and brought many to tears.



next jillian's parent's took the mic to share their welcome and thanks to all in attendance. jillian's mother, judith, then revealed a letter she had written to jillian when she was just a baby. it expressed the hopes every mother has for their baby girl and was even more special because this was the first time this letter had been opened since it was written. at this point there wasn't a dry eye surrounding me and this night of celebration had been given it's clear foundation - that of two loving and supportive families coming together to lift up two amazing young people as they come together as one and carry on the legacy of love.

it was the way things should be and more. absolutely perfect.

tomorrow we'll steal the couple away for a sunset romp in the field! dancing, singing, romancing and the frequent outburst of laughter - you're not going to want to miss this one!

Jillian & Jarret :: let's celebrate!

there are few better reasons to celebrate than the marriage of two amazing young people. as mentioned in yesterday's post, the party started as the couple victoriously celebrated down the aisle and officially kicked off as guests entered the cocktail hour just down the way from the ceremony area. guests were greeted by waitresses offering various drinks including the wedding's signature beverage, The Bill Dodge, which consisted of V.O. Gold Whiskey and Diet Pepsi.





the marriage trees were one of my favorite elements to the party - each tree had wedding photos from each family's legacy of love. then in the middle between the two was jillian and jarret's immediate family. on the flip side of each was the couple's names and wedding date - a great addition to any family oriented event!









while guests mingled and listened to an acoustic guitarist play in the nearby cocktail tent - we got a few minutes to hang with the bridal party - notice the delicate balance of this crew on that dock - it was a bit tipsy! haha.





after a few more group shots the bridal party headed off to the cocktail tent, leaving us some alone time with the newlyweds before family photos were scheduled to start. the light was beautiful and created the perfect mood for this energized duo.







there is one consistent theme with all my couples - they love life! people who are confident in their decisions and love the life they are living - beam with happiness! all i need to do is suggest activities to keep them moving, engaged and looking just as in love as they truly are. it definitely was a breeze with these two - just look at them!









there is that look a couple gives each other that is different than any other expression. love, longing, trust, passion and desire rolled up into one gaze that definitely says it all. for a couple as social and entertaining as these two, catching them laughing and smiling was common but a look like this - now that stops you. in that moment you know that nothing else matters to them - just a boy and a girl more in love than any two could be.







as you can clearly see, jillian and jarret are an absolute delight to be with - they have a spark that ignites not only each other but anyone they're around. it's a beautiful thing to witness.







on monday, we'll pick up with the official start to the party with a change of hair style, official entrance, speeches and a look at all the amazing details that went into making this one heck of a party.

Jillian & Jarret :: i do

jillian and jarret had been planning this day for the past year and seven months. many elements were hand crafted and all of them were carefully thought out. the programs featured multiple tiers of paper describing everything from honored guests to the family photography schedule after the ceremony. to say this wedding was well planned would be a complete understatement.







the time right before the ceremony is always filled with excitement and anticipation but also a swell of emotions that are building beneath the surface. even the most gregarious bride turns from laughter and jokes to a quiet, contemplative beauty at this time. as everyone around her rushes about pinning flowers and fixing hair - she's lost in her own fairy tale filled with loved ones, romance and her own dashing prince.











trying to get two young girls to cooperate is one thing - you add a lil' dog in the mix and you've got a handful. luckily, with lil' distraction all three made it down the aisle.





jillian recalls that 'by far' her favorite moment of the day was seeing jarret at the end of the aisle. since then, she's had many friends ask her if it was worth the wait - to that she responds with a whole hearted Yes! she adds, "it was the most intense emotional moment i have ever had."













photographing the guests is part of the storyline so of course, we're going to find the most entertaining ones like this lil' tike! check out his expression! someone loves weddings! hahaa.











jarret is a school teacher - the enthusiasm he brings to his career is clearly evident in every aspect of who he is. the cheerful disposition that encourages others and a signature laugh that makes any situation comfortable are just a few reasons jillian fell in love with him. what is most endearing to watch is how playful and absolutely head-over-heals these two are for each other. in every expression and glance you could see every word spoken was truly a commitment.









as the couple kisses everyone starts to cheer and many times, the couple will engage in a celebratory yell or pumping of the fists which is more than appropriate. many couples spend a year of better planning their union - and when it's finally said and done all you want to do is laugh, sing and dance - which is what they're all about to do so why not get that party started as you celebrate down the aisle!?!









tomorrow we'll spend some time with the bridal party and our lovely couple. one thing i can attest to is if a couple hasn't seen each other before the ceremony the energy is high and every request to kiss or hug is very welcomed. stay tuned.

Jillian & Jarret :: the hiding game

the one element that both jillian and jarret were very set on was not seeing each other before the ceremony. they really wanted that to be the special moment they'd dreamed of and it absolutely was - but we'll get to that soon. until then we had to play a bit of a hiding game with our bride. you see we were unsure of exactly when jarret and his boys would arrive so we kept close to the house and a sharp eye out for new arrivals.













the vibrant shade of pink that was used for the girl's dresses looked amazing against the natural landscape of Sanders Mansion. the late summer tones of golden yellow, light green and warm browns couldn't have been more perfect compliments.









anyone with kids knows you keep snacks handy ALL THE TIME just in case. it's amazing what a teddy graham or cheese stick can do for a child's behavior!



not long after the girls were tucked away in the mansion, jarret arrived with his groomsmen. we headed out to one of the far fields so these guys could have some space and made sure to keep them in the shade as much as possible - on a hot day like this, suits become absolutely unbearable!









and here they are - the big surprise! haha aren't they great! jarret is also a big fan of pink and wanted to strongly incorporate it in his outfit too - in fact, he had more pink on then jillian! these personalized nikes not only commorated the two's wedding but they were perfect for all the dancing later that night!



tomorrow we'll get to the big event - the ceremony and see the emotional vows that they waited so long to say. stay tuned friends.

Jillian & Jarret :: getting ready

welcome to the wedding day of jillian and jarret which took place on august 1, 2009. if you are a fan of pink then the weddings of august 2009 will be a treat for you! the next three i will feature all had pink as the primary color in their wedding scheme. when the big day finally arrived for jillian and jarret, i met up with the girls who were staying at in the penthouse suites at the top of the Double Tree Hotel.





if there is one thing that i knew from our first meeting - this wedding was going to be a total blowout! complete with tons of special elements and meaningful touches - and most of all energetic, youthful and fun seeing as jillian and jarret wanted it to reflect just who they are.





when asked about her thoughts on the day of, jillian responded, "The day of the wedding was kind of a blur, I felt so prepared and not stressed at all but all of a sudden when I was getting ready with all of my bridesmaids and family that morning a wave of emotion came over me (just typing this makes me tear up!). I started crying and couldn't stop. I had been imagining this day for the last year and seven months and in just a few hours I would be walking down the aisle to the love of my life. My aunt was able to calm me down so that I could get my makeup done lol."







the day is all about the bride and groom - so when they take the time to make the ones involved in their day feel special it makes a huge impact. you don't expect it and therefor it adds that much more to the whole experience. jillian and jarret had many gifts prepared for their guests, attendants and family such as these goodies bags and the customized what bottles with a thank you note on them.





talk about a beautiful bunch of girls! the tank tops were emblazoned with 'Bride's Entourage.'









i love it when the bride and groom exchange gifts on the wedding day but i have to admit the best part is when that gift includes an incredible hand-written message that brings the other to tears. jillian forgot about the card but made up for it with a quick, loving message to her 'jarr-bear.' jarret on the other hand, wrote a letter and paired it with the lil' blue box beloved by most women - a Tiffany's jewelry box.





the handkerchief is a classic gift for the bride and the parents - it's a very emotional day which means tears are sure to fall at some point. having a personalized hankie near by is essential - and these were even encouraging, carrying a message of love.









long veils are so much fun to play with but they're even more magical when you're a lil' girl. can you imagine how a child sees the bride's transformation - how the veil, dress and shoes change someone you've known in everyday life into a princess! it's just like a fairy tale and from most accounts - that's exactly how it feels.



tomorrow we'll spend a bit of time with the bridal party - you'll get to meet our dashing groom and see the secret surprise he has for his bride. stay tuned.

early morning thoughts :: life in general

this blog entry will post at 9 am but i'm writing it at 2:30 am - why you might ask? hhaaha well, i'm up and can't stop thinking about everything in life - from the fun i had with reese today to the work i have yet to do in preparation for a workshop i'm teaching to the international trip coming up in exactly two weeks from today. oh yeah, and lets not forget the constant dwelling on the lil' something growing in my belly which happens to be the reason i'm up so early.

i try to keep this blog mostly about my professional work but that's hard when everything i do is so closely tied to who i am. featuring stories about what adventures we have in the backyard or the road trip i took with shaun, feed into how i see the world and therefore, how i photograph it. i've been thinking about this more and more as i prepare for this workshop i'm teaching at PLU at the end of this month. the professor has left it wide open for me to focus on any elements of photography i'd like. i love having room to play with but i have to admit, my mind wanders in every direction and i end up with way more ideas than could ever be expressed in the time we'll have. i believe i've narrowed it down and can begin working on some solid material at this point - but gosh, all this prep work makes me feel like i'm back in school.

then my early morning thoughts shifted to my lil' reesey who by this point was fast asleep in her bed. of course, that came about more difficult that usual - hours before she was screaming 'mommeeeeee' from the upstairs in a last ditch attempt to have me read one more story. shaun and i are strong believers in the techniques of 'self soothing' so as she yelled we went about our nightly routine of cuddling on the couch. as we waited out the lil' monster i couldn't help thinking about the wonderful day we'd had.

it started with reese waking us up at around 7 am and then assisting me in the kitchen as we prepared waffles. we then created a variety of paper leaves in fall colors to hang in the kitchen area - yes, this would be my attempt at being a 'crafty homemaker.' we strung the multicolored leaves up on the old barn window we have hanging above the kitchen bar - the whole time reese kept pointing and telling me how pretty they looked. during her nap, i got the idea of making her snack time into a scavenger hunt - i placed the cheese, crackers and veggies into plastic baggies and hung them from branches with ribbons. when she woke up, i had her find a basket and we headed outside for the hunt. she was surprised to see food hanging in the garden but quickly caught on. we went from the front yard to our secret garden where i'd placed a blanket, applesauce and her teapot filled with juice. reese, the dogs, bebe and i sat there and enjoyed our lil' meal.

reese spent the rest of the afternoon tending to her babies and helping me organize the kitchen. last week, we received our new dinnerware set from Chris Johnson Pottery and needed to thin out the collection of random kitchen gadgets we've built up over the years to make room. i had boxes of kitchen items set to go to the Goodwill but reese kept trying to save them by hiding them away in her fort (the dog kennel). before long it was time for dinner, i worked on a random concoction of chicken, wild rice and veggies as miss reese set the table. it's usually the small things that spark a memory for me - watching reese climb her stool up to the counter and retrieve the plates made me think of how short of time it has been since she was sitting in a highchair watching me do everything. now she's an active participant in how things work around here from meal prep to folding the laundry - it's amazing how easily kids learn by example.

after dinner reese and shaun took to the couch to find a good flick for movie night - or as reese pronounces it 'moomie night.' they landed on Bedtime Stories which couldn't have been a better pick to end our weekend. i whipped up a special treat of yellow cake with rainbow sprinkles and let reese lick the whisk because that's something i always remember my mom letting us do when we were kiddos. after the 'moomie' it was time for a bath, teeth brushing and story time which led us back to where i started our story. shaun and i both chuckled as the lil' voice from upstairs began to tapper off with exhaustion. i joked that it was great to feel so needed and we headed to bed.

over the years of working as a photographer, it has become more and more apparent to me that the stories i tell for my clients are unique because they can only be told by me. no one else will see their experience the way i do - and the same is true for any other photographer. each has their own way of seeing the world and interpreting the story that unfolds in front of them. when i see the emotions of the bride turn to tears of joy or a new mother carefully swaddle her child; i capture it the way i do because i feel it with them and personally know what that moment is like. the photographs portray the intimacy of the moment and the beauty and promise that it holds. i love what i do because it's who i am - it's wholeheartedly experiencing life's most amazing moments, it's looking for the beauty in every situation and it's loving, understanding and connecting with people.

thanks for indulging my thoughts on life this morning. sometimes it's best to get it all out and reflect on what it is you're doing in life. i appreciate having this place to share my work and thoughts - because if not, i'd be waking up tony (my boston terrier) and having a in depth conversation with him - and let's face it, no matter how much you love your dog - that's just crazy. haha. have a great start to your week friends.

HICK PARTY 2009 :: gettin' down in the country

whenever you can get a large variety of people together, singing, dancing and raising money for a great cause - it's bound to be a time to remember. this year the HICK PARTY became more than just our family and friends getting together for a rowdy, funny themed party - it became a way to celebrate life by raising the funds needed for vital cancer research right here in Washington.





a huge thanks to Rollie of Rollie's Tavern located off steele street in tacoma for donating the beer kegs for the event. rollie's helped us out in years past and we are very thankful for his support!



the best dressed contest is always a highlight of the HICK PARTY because that's when all the outrageous characters get up on stage and shake it! this year we had at least 10 girls and 10 guys competing for the title and fabulous prizes including custom made beer cap jewelry & crowns by Ada Rosman, hand crafted snuggies by Briget Johnson and the crowning glory - your very own trophy!









i have to admit - this year, the boys took the cake! so many of them went above and beyond with fake beer bellies (and a few real ones!), mullet wigs, clip on rat tail hair extensions, super tight jean cut offs and my personal favorite - fake belly button tattoos & tramp stamps!







there was no doubt about it - Uncle Larry was the undisputed winner of this contest! in fact, he was the bell of this ball - taking home trophies for the best dressed contest and the wheel barrow race! no one could compete with the half shirt, suspenders, jean cut offs and fake tattoos combined with outrageous dance skills! hats off to one heck of a party animal!







Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs were the entertainment for the evening and boy, did they rock it! this band is incredible live and got the folks on the floor! they came all the way from Ellensburg to play and even brought their tour bus so they could spend the night. we were so lucky to have them - thanks again! for more info on Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs visit www.staranna.com.











that night i heard countless stories from survivors, family members and those still fighting about how much they appreciate the efforts we've made and can't wait to see what we come up with for next year. i've not personally battled cancer but from the wisdom i've gained from those family members and close friends who have; i've learned that it is all about your positive attitude and a strong desire to live life to the fullest. living by that motto regardless of whether you are sick or not will improve the life you have. get-togethers such as this one are small ways we embrace that sentiment - by gathering our old friends and new to create the best of times.





the girls of the Beer Pit rocked it all night long - going through all six kegs of beer by 1 am. there's even proof of more than a few keg stands taking place but we'll save those for the private albums - haha!







last minute donations are always welcome - like when Uncle Larry decided it was time to let his cocks fly the coop - and by that i mean auction off his roosters to the highest bidder. haha. as our honorary MC of the night, Renee Barkley, rallied the troops around the silent auction tables, Uncle Larry burst onto stage and the two began the bidding. it was a fierce battle of funds but the lucky winner was Stephanie Mason of Puyallup! unfortunately, stephanie later found out her home owners association doesn't allow farm animals - but hey, it's the thought that counts! hahaa!





we don't encourage guests to bring their own brew but hey, it's a party and if you can't live without your couple gallon, pump action margaritas - who are we to argue! haha!



The winner of the Seahawks Chair, Steve, and the team of Shot Girls who are also hosting a tailgate party for Steve and his guests at the Chicago Bears game on saturday, september 27th!



Samm Thompson was the big winner in the raffle, taking home a sweet new ipod which was donated by the boys at Generation X Productions! Jered and Olley also let us borrow all their personal speakers and stereo equipment for the party which was a huge life saver - they were not able to make it to the party due to their incredibly busy schedule of dj'ing all over the state but hopefully will be on board to party next year! thanks boys! check out what they can do to get your party started at thegenxpro.com.







what's a good event without a lil' competition? well we already witnessed the shenanigans of the best dressed contest and now it's time for the annual Wheel Barrow Race! we had willing participants pair up in teams and pick their wheeling device - when renee shouted 'GO!' they were off like a wild fire! tearing down the driveway towards the keg which they had to run around and then switch with their partner. it's always a cluster of confusion which is what makes it so fun to watch!









Uncle Larry and Joey were the big winners this year!







check out the stage - that's right, it's an equipment trailer! the day of the party the boys built on the extension for the drums so that the band would have plenty of room to move around. it worked out great although for next year i think we'll add some stairs too.



confronting guests with hard facts such as '1 in 3 of us will battle cancer in our lifetime' and '154 Americans heard 'you have cancer' today' helped use get the reality of the situation out there. we also listed where all the research money raised through American Cancer Society goes in the state of Washington. the bottom-line is cancer sucks and at some point, we will all be affected by it. raising awareness and funds for research now will benefit everyone in the long run.







The party was a success! in our first year doing it as a benefit we raised over $5,600 for American Cancer Society which is awesome! we've got big ideas for next year and a willing team of friends who are going to make it all happen.

Shaun and i want to again thank everyone who helped out in turning all these big ideas into a reality. the party is always a blast and this year we all can be proud that all those good times went toward helping create longer, happier lives for those battling cancer. thank you friends - we'll see you next year! for more information on the HICK PARTY visit www.hickparty.blogspot.com.