Newborn Photos:Elijah

I can’t wait to get the full post of handsome little Elijah up for you, but I thought I’d better give you a preview.  This afternoon was a fun day full of newborns photos and big sisters photos.  I only got peed on once (thank you to every newborn client I’ve had to prepare me for motherhood!) and got to dance with a two year old.  It doesn’t get better than this.  Check in soon for more of Eli and his big sis Grace.

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Walla Walla: Wine Tasting

The swirl of the glass lifted the aroma of the bouquet up from the wine.  The legs thick with flavor slowly slid back down to the bottom of the glass.  I looked at Mike.  He smiled.  Our good friends, Jim and Kari, also enjoyed their wine just down the tasting bar.  This was the beginning of a very good adventure.

We had taken the 4.5 hour drive to Walla Walla, Washington for wine tasting, not sure what we would find.  To our hearts delight, we drove into the quant town that has become a booming wine region.  Over 100 wineries sit beautifully within a short drive of each other.  It has become a mini vacation that must be repeated.   And nothing is better than good wine, good friends and good adventures.

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Underestimated pictures

The first time I saw this picture I burst into tears.  Seriously.  Someone handed me a copy of it, and I walked into my office and cried for 15 minutes.  I can’t put words to the emotions that the crippled bridge somehow managed to capture, but it had a choke hold on me and wasn’t letting go.

Unpacking my feelings about the picture is definitely a different blog post, so don’t worry about that.  The reason I share it is that there are days I want to quit photography.  There are days that I feel  a picture is just a picture, and a lousy one at that.  Then I look at an image like this, and I feel the wings of 10,000 baby butterflies taking flight lessons in my stomach.   I realize that there is purpose to art.  There is purpose to creativity.  I know that if you’re an artist or someone who feels they have a creative flair, you know the ups and downs that I do.  And they are paralyzing.  But don’t let that side track you.  There is purpose.  There is meaning.  You are able to give people the gift of unlocking nameless or forgotten emotions. Giving them the gift of living more fully with the beauty of their heart realized.

(Picture taken from the University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, UW21414)

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Newborn photos: A little miracle

It doesn’t matter the year.  It doesn’t matter the child.  In every nursery you hear the hush of a whisper “what a little miracle”.  And that whisper is right.

In Breanna’s case, the whisper is not only right, it’s the only way to describe her.  33 weeks into her mommy’s pregnancy, there were complications.  My cousin, Julie, had HELLP syndrome and the situation was life threatening.  Breanna needed to come early, but there was concern at how young she was.  In God’s good grace, Breanna was born perfectly healthy, never needing oxygen or spending the beginning of her life in an incubator.  After three weeks of scary ups and downs for her mommy, both a healthy daughter and mother were able to come home.  Many thanks to all of our friends and family who have relentlessly prayed for both girls.  We have a good God, and he has miraculously brought Breanna safely into this world.

Welcome Baby Anna!

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Here’s looking at you, Cupcake

This last week Mike and I did a series of daycations.  At first I was feeling bummed to not get out of the area, but quickly lost my disappointment as we found adventure at our doorstep.  We were all over the place, Woodinville for wine tasting, Seattle for lunch and coffee, watching Inception (yes, I am in love with it), etc, etc.

The last day we decided to go a bit further off the grid.  Neither of us had been up to Sunrise at Mt Rainier, at least in our known memory, so we headed out.  The day before an extremely thoughtful and loving friend, knowing I am in love with cupcakes and quite enchanted with Cupcake Royal,  had picked up the darling bundles for us at that very place. So we packed those little babies gently in the back seat and headed for the mountain.  I had wanted to take pictures of my precious on our hike, but the mosquitoes were on a rampage that day, and the sugar got their little taste buds blazing.  So, here is my delicate fresh strawberry cupcake overlooking the majestic view at Sunrise lookout.

The summer may feel as if it’s coming to a close, but my love for cupcakes lives on strong within my heart.  There is always summer in the bite of a cupcake (or something corny like that). 

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A Preview: Scott and Jac’s Wedding

This weekend was the perfect weekend of weather and beauty for a wedding.  I’m going to tell you more about this fabulous couple next week, but wanted their guests to get a quick look at of at least one picture from the wedding.  More to come!!

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Seattle: Searching for the best burger

I nonchalantly glanced over the titles on the magazines while standing in line at the grocery store.  Movie stars, reality tv stars, burgers, how to lose 20 pounds in two weeks, WAIT! Was that burgers?!  Of all the titles of all the magazines, could one really be featuring Seattle’s best burgers?  It was a must buy.  A must do.  The list was a challenge that needed to be accomplished.  A savory delight that was begging for a champion. 

Over the last year Mike and I have been working through the list in the article and have found some exceptional places.  The most recent spot we’ve been to was also by far the best.  I must tell you friends, The Palace Kitchen in Seattle has the most amazing, juicy, flavorful burgers that I’ve ever laid my teeth on.  Everything is local, which makes the taste even more intense from the freshness.  It’s a simple burger, but it packs a punch.  The Beecher’s Flagship cheese from the market tops it off fabulously. 

So, this really has nothing to do with photography, except the fact that you better go and get one and take a picture of yourself.  You won’t be disappointed.

(picture is taken from the Seattle Met…I’m offsight tonight and not able to access my own picture)

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Newborn and 2 year old photos: Isabella and Abigail

Her older sister looked at me with excited eyes and exclaimed “Amba!  Baby Iza-bella inside!”.  We had just finished getting a few absolutely adorable pictures of Abigail when she heard her sister had woken up.  We quickly ascended the stairs to where Abigail’s 7 day old sister awaited her first photography shoot.   There is nothing more endearing (and terrifying!) as a new big sister.  They are full of love and curiosity as they cuddle their infant sibling.  It’s beautiful, until they go for the eyes.  They always go for the eyes.  But as far as big sisters go, Abigail is going to be a great one.  And as far as little sisters go, Isabella is beautifully serene. 

Isabella was a wonderful model!

This is one of my favorites!

I LOVE how Abigail is looking at Isabella’s hand

The big sister

Thank you Burlando’s for the joy of working with your family, and specifically your girls.  They are such a joy!  Congratulations on your newest addition.  She is absolutely wonderful!

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Wedding at The Manor, Lynnwood: John and Heather Jolly

It’s interesting the places you find your soul mate.  It’s always unexpected, and always a cherished story.  I found mine in an old friend, someone who had walked beside me for years when suddenly my eyes were opened.  Heather found her’s on a dance floor.  I’m not sure that’s the first meeting for them, but I know they fell in love as they danced.  Full of laughter and fun, it seems dancing is the perfect place to have their enthusiasm for life take expression and lead to love.

Y

I loved the contrast of the embroidered leaves of her dress against the real thing

I must tell you, this is my favorite picture!!  Thank you Heather for being willing to get so close to the bumble bees!

And the one that made her laugh and fall in love…

Isn’t Heather’s look precious?

I love diamonds and flowers, so why not put them together?

I’m into the laughter.  I really am.

Again, another of my favs…

The best way to end is to start where they began.  Dancing.

John and Heather, you are beautiful together and we loved working with you.  Thank you for letting us join in your day!

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Kennedi’s one year shoot

The weather was warm and the sun bright.  Pink frills and decorations surrounded the yard, all exclaiming a first birthday was about to be celebrated.  A beautiful cake and appetizers lined the kitchen counter, waiting for the guests to arrive.  The birthday girl was unsure of what was about to transpire – although being one was sure it was all about her anyway.  Her white dress with perfectly pink accents distinguished her as the champion of the party.  A wonderful way to celebrate Kennedi turning one.

After having the privilege to photograph Kennedi’s first year, her parents invited me to capture her very first birthday with a few pictures before the party, and a few during.    It was a ton of fun to be able to watch this little beauty transform over the last year.  I can’t wait to work with her again in the future.  Happy Birthday Kennedi!!

Oh, and I had to show you this cake!  Isn’t it absolutely adorable?

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