Bryant & Katie

These two were the definition of bright eyed and bushy tailed at 7:30 am and upon first smile I knew this was going to be a photo shoot to remember. Their excitement for the day ahead of us was as thick as the fog that hung in the air — magical and sweet. 

I pulled into a dark parking lot in North Bend to meet Bryant and Katie prior to heading to our shoot location and from there we traveled 20-minutes to our destination. As we drove, we saw little blue sky breaks and I crossed my fingers for an epic sunrise.

Mother nature had a different plan for us that morning as the sun never really did make an appearance, but here is the thing: their chemistry rivaled any bright sunrise and I didn't even miss the golden rays because I had true love to photograph alongside a canvas of mountain peaks and tree lines behind them. Talk about dreamy.

We were the only souls on the lake for the entire shoot and we all felt free to be ourselves. I love that about Adventure Sessions — the quiet isolation to be wild, silly and free with your sweetheart. These quiet moments are some of my favorites and these images portray such an innocence, like those first butterfly feelings you get when you meet the love of your life. Simply, I love photographing couples who can't imagine their lives without each other. And these two were just that.

Congratulations to Katie and Bryant on their engagement — I am so excited to continue to watch your deep soul love flourish! 

You Had Me at Roasted Peppers

I decided one day to put it out there in the magical Universe of ours that I wanted to shoot more houses, more apartments, sweet spaces and sweet moments. 

Within days, I heard from a dear friend of mine that she was being interviewed by Apartment Therapy for her business Moon Cycle Bakery and that they were tying her tiny house into the article. They asked her if she knew of anyone in the area to take images for them and she answered without any hesitation, “I know the perfect person.”

My heart wanted to burst!! Ask and you shall receive —that was exactly what this shoot was all about! Not to mention Chef Brian decided to roast peppers during the shoot and ohhh, did it smell GOOD!

Getting to photograph Devon and Brian (and Olive the pup!) in their element was so darn fun and it reminded me of how much I love to capture those in-between, intimate moments that we oftentimes overlook; when we’re cutting vegetables for dinner, when we’re washing dishes with our partner, when we’re snuggled on the couch reading a book or watching our favorite show. 2018 is all about catching those moments and bottling them up like fireflies in a jar — a reminder of the light that comes through when we take a moment to pause. 

Are you interested in having pictures taken of your adorable house or capturing moments of you and your loved ones in your most amazing, everyday moments? Email me at contact@poppiphoto.com and let’s set a day to play!

Zoe Juice Bar

I'm all about embracing the things that served me well in 2017 and continuing to foster them in 2018. 

Zoe Juice Bar is one of those good habits from last year that I am happily bringing with me into the new year.

Zoe's screams joy, fun and color — a few of my favorite things — and shooting for them is a dream come true. I was a frequent customer prior to getting the opportunity to work with Zoe and I've found myself craving it more and more each time I go in. It's such an easy way to get your daily dose of vitamins and each juice or smoothie will absolutely send your tastebuds into "happy dance mode".  My favorite is the Pure Vida Acai Bowl (Hawaii in a cup!!) with extra cinnamon and added fresh pineapple on top. 

A few weeks back, I spoke to the owner and he shared the exciting news with me that they're opening a new west side location and will be hanging prints of these images in their store. It's so fun to see the photos go from the back of your camera to a wall print for many to enjoy. This was such exciting news and he finished the conversation with letting me know that he felt the photos elevated their brand. I took that as such an amazing compliment and walked away with cheeks that hurt from smiling so hard.

If you haven't yet, be sure to stop into this feel-good shop and grab something that is sure to feel like a vacation in your hand — your belly, soul and mood will thank you. 

Nicole and Brandon: Rooftop Lovin'

Oh, the magic of this crazy amazing world has always made me so happy, and this wedding was no exception.

I started following Nicole on Instagram because of her amazing personal style that I love so much. She posted a photo explaining that she was on the hunt for a wedding photographer and would love for people to reach out to her with their portfolio. I jumped at the opportunity and private messaged her right away. To my good fortune, she said she'd love for me to be her wedding photographer and made me the happiest lady!! 

Nicole explained that she was keeping her wedding as simple as possible and only wanted three hours of photography coverage. Just enough for photos prior to the ceremony, the ceremony itself and then a few at the reception. My kind of gal! :) 

On the day of the wedding, I pulled into the parking lot of the venue and saw a woman who I assumed was attending Nicole's wedding. She was paying the meter as I walked over and got in line. We started talking small-talk when she told me she is the bride's sister! We ended up having the sweetest conversation and I was so thankful for her kind words prior to my start time. She told me Nicole was so excited for me to be her wedding photographer and that she loved my work! I was so giddy and felt so excited to be a part of her day. The magic took it’s role again and I knew we were off to a great start.

There were so many things I loved about Nicole’s wedding from her contagious smile and gorgeous look and amount of joy present, but the rooftop wedding reception was my absolute favorite. It was a gorgeous setup at Within Sodo and it blew my socks off — it was SUCH a cool venue and one I will always remember. I loved getting to shed happy tears right along with Nicole and Brandon and from their officiant's special words, it was clear these two were meant to be and brought out the best in each other. 

Celebrating 10 Years of Love at Rainier

I knew this day was going to be magical when I spotted three of the biggest elks I have EVER seen on the drive to Mt. Rainier. And man oh man, was it magical.

In 2017, we weren't the only couple celebrating 10 years of marriage. The Chitwood’s were entering into their 10th year together (along with two adorable and vibrant kiddos) as husband and wife, and I was the extremely fortunate soul who got to capture them as they renewed their vows amongst the alpine trees of Mt. Rainier National Park. 

I felt a kindred spirit with their sweet love story as I could relate to the exact feelings of accomplishment and joy after growing together for a decade. I found their desire to read words from their hearts aloud as a sacred act and one of the best ways to celebrate this milestone. I also adored meeting Amber’s mom who stepped in and watched the babes while Mom and Dad had their heartfelt moment. To witness family in all its tenderness, generosity and deep love, warmed my heart. 

As you well know, I believe photos act like confetti — they enhance any celebration in life — and this intimate photo session was one of my favorites to date. Amber is one of those moms I hope to be someday. She is calm, patient and as sweet as a sugar cookie, which she surprised me with at the end of our session as a thank you! I was blown away by her thoughtfulness and soaked up every second of that view while I ate a cookie (or two) from the full box she gave me before the drive home. 

The last week of July and first two weeks of August are by far my favorite time of the year to book sessions. The wildflowers are tall and happy and awake, the wildlife is in full playtime-mode (oooh, the chipmunks!) and the sunlight is out of this world. It’s a dream of mine to be shooting up there within that small window of time from early morning one day to early morning the next day. The stars are UNREAL— it’s the perfect time of year to plan a day trip around your photo shoot and watch for the Star Parties (also known as astronomy programs) at night. 

These photo shoots have me bursting at the seams because of the pure joy and celebration that take place. Photo shoots are like kaleidoscopes; catching light, different perspectives and vibrancy with every click of the camera. They draw out the deep emotions we carry with us and highlight them in the most beautiful way. If there is something inside of you yelling, “yes!! I want to celebrate life/my family/our love/our pup/flowers/the PNW/health/happiness/being human!!”, let’s make photos together that will last you from one lifetime to the next.

My 2018

My friend turned me onto Death to Stock Photo— a website that collaborates with photographers to offer stock photos to creatives. These are not your typical stock photos, however. They are as real, living and breathing, intimate and simply honest. They invoke feelings and do far more than sit on a website or in a magazine. 

As I dive into more personal work, I'm constantly thinking about how can I can grow as a photographer and create images with more gumption, heart, and whimsy. Images that are embedded with feelings of: Calm. Adventure. Isolation. Wanderlust. Wilderness. With an incredible clientele and my chameleon-like transformation for each job I'm presented with, I'd love to be creating images just for me on my off days; representing how I feel, rather than what I see, and coming from the viewpoint of "if I hired myself, what would I create?" 

This idea excites me to no end because there is no cap to my imagination and my drive for a better image. I know this creative challenge to myself will not only benefit my artsy soul, but it will also benefit my clients as they will be hiring someone who is just as passionate about their work as the day they started. Below you'll find some of my favorite images I've created to kickstart this personal photo journey. Watch out for more personal work in the weeks ahead! 2018 is a year dedicated creativity and wherever she decides to take me next.

Joanna the Warrior

It doesn't matter how healthy you are. It doesn't matter how young or old you might be. Cancer is a disease that when I think about it, I become instantly frustrated because I can't make sense of it. In recent years I lost two amazing Aunts to this horrible disease and it has been absolutely devastating to our family. We miss these two wonderful women dearly and I so wish they could still be here to gain wisdom from, to laugh with and to feel their love.

In my very personal circle, my sweet sister-in-law, my mom's long-term companion and other dear friends have been diagnosed, have been through various types of cancer and are now in remission. Needless to say, I'm all too familiar with how much chemo sucks, cancer sucks and how scary each stage and every doctor's appointment feel like small mountains to climb.

I'm sharing this with you because when my neighbor messaged me about her dear friend getting a cancer diagnosis and wanted to do something to empower her, she asked if she could gift her a Poppi Girl Session prior to starting her chemo treatments, I was blown away by the sentiment (and my answer was absolutely YES).

A few years back, I started these sessions to give women confidence and also as an opportunity to have an updated and beautiful portrait of themselves. I was honored she thought of me and brought my camera to Joanna's home with the most heartfelt, "You will kick cancer's a**" attitude." With each image, I wanted to show her strength, beauty and vibrancy. I had never met her prior to our session and it was an incredibly beautiful experience to connect through this art form and capture her at a moment when the future felt turned upside down. We preserved her will to be an optimist and her determination to overcome life's unjust curveballs. This woman is seriously a warrior, as is every woman I know that has gone through this same diagnosis. She is still fighting her battle and bravely taking on each new moment.

At this time of year when we reflect back on life's ups and downs, I feel this session in my core. I feel my heart bursting with love for Joanna and her family. I am reminded how you have to appreciate everything. Appreciate where you are in life at this very moment because the hard things, the sad things, the happy and joyous things, could change at any moment. Sending you all my most sincere well wishes for health, happiness and gratitude as we end 2017 and begin a new.

Senior Adventure Session: Jordan

There are many reasons I love Instagram — a hub for gorgeous images, oodles of inspiration, and engagement galore — but my favorite reason of all is due to the people I meet along the way.

Jordan is one of them.

I received an email from the kindest family explaining that they were traveling from Texas to Washington for vacation and wanted to set up a photo shoot. Her daughter (the gorgeous leading lady in this post) had found me on Instagram and loved my photos; because of this, they wanted to set up a family session and senior session during their trip and were hoping we could make something work.

I almost melted off my chair!! My heart was so full and I was so blown away by the kind words, sincerity and their excitement for an adventure together! Needless to say, it was a great day.

I am so grateful for the community that continues to create before my eyes and the people that make it up. This day was SO much fun and will go down in history as one of my happiest days in one of the most beautiful places with one of the sweetest families I've yet to meet. 

PS: Can we check out how gorgeous Jordan is and how amazing her jeans are? Immediately on the prowl for a pair...

Moon Cycle Bakery at GRLS Studio

This was one of those weeks where the rain just came and came and came. My sessions were rained out left and right and I wanted to do something to help my clients find some dry space to capture their essence! 

Enter: GRLS Studio in Tacoma — an idyllic, quaint and super stylish little studio with a gorgeous white brick wall, furry pillows, regal-like pink velvet chairs, and this super rad old-fashioned refrigerator we happened to find in the back! 

I was able to book 6 sessions that day and ended with Moon Cycle Bakery. The day overall was SO MUCH FUN and I loved the creativity of being in a new place and using props to help tell a story.

We set up a time lapse, took dance breaks, had fun with ribbons and movement, ate brownies and peppermint chocolate cups and laughed the entire session away. It was a breath of fresh air and a reminder of how my clients become my family. 

Moon Cycle Bakery opened up for pre-orders yesterday! To head to the login page to sign up, head here. If you're looking for something delicious right this instant or want to swoon over Claflin Thayer Co's handmade moon bags (I have one and LOVE it!), head to their shop now where you can purchase for immediate shipping! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Family Fun

Let me start this post off by saying oh, the dimples!!! Gosh, I just love them and this adorable family had my favorite endearing facial features, plus beaming, happy smiles (all the heart-eye emojis!!) 

I find so much joy in photographing families with their first kiddo. Proud first-time parents know the value of each stage as their sweet babe grows up and it's an honor to capture those moments. It's such new territory and the wrinkles in time fly by so quickly. Weren't they just learning how to crawl? Now, they have a toddler running around with ample independence (and the brightest eyes). I know as the years continue to speed up, they'll reflect back on this awesome session when their boy was hip height, fascinated with his belly button and gave the best heart-filled, sloppy kisses. 

This photoshoot was also a huge inspiration for offering “wardrobe consultations” for my clients. Ashley was torn the day of their shoot and she brought a couple of different shirt/top options to gather feedback on which outfit worked the best. I loved getting to suggest what I thought would look best with what the boys were wearing and she happily trusted my instinct — it was like shopping with a girlfriend! I love the way the pink sets Mamma apart and I’m always happy to help with wardrobe ideas for your photo shoot! (Let’s talk clothes!!)

Vada & Jess

The intimacy, coziness and love in this shoot makes me so darn happy. I met Vada at Barre class quite some time ago and quickly learned that she is an amazing makeup artist who I referred several of my clients to for photo shoots.

Vada now lives in sunny California, but prior to her move, I photographed her and her girlfriend Jess in their home. I asked them not over think what they wore and to be in more loungewear type outfits — I wanted to capture them as if they were having a cozy afternoon in. My hope was to show a new type of session which was based more on connection and love at home, rather than traveling to a remote mountain (which as you know, I would shoot any day of the week!) As an artist, I loved the idea of trying something new and this felt so aligned with my hopeless romantic, homebody self! (Not to mention, how cute are they??)

This session is so beautiful and simple. Master Oakland Enchanted is the adorable kitty who joined in on the fun and I'm so excited to share more of this awesome session with you all. I would love to photograph more couples in their homes as an anniversary session, just-because session or as an engagement session. Be ready to give your sweetie lots of love and I'll have my camera ready!

Thank you so much for letting me spend an afternoon capturing your warm and comforting love, Vada & Jess! It will always be one of my favorites.

J + R: Hearts of Gold

Rachael and Jesse contacted me about photographing their intimate and late August backyard wedding earlier this year and I knew from her sweet correspondence we were going to hit it off! They officially hired me as their wedding day photographer, but as their wedding date approached, they reached out to me to inquire if I was available the evening before their big day. It just so happened that I was free and I couldn't wait to find out what they had in mind.

I was set to take images of their wedding from 3 pm - 6 pm, which would mean we would miss any type of sunset hour golden hue. Rachael knew she wanted images filled with warm sunset light as a part of their most precious memories, so she thought it would be fun to do a special shoot the night before with just the two of them. It was so exciting to me that Rachel knew the value of great lighting for romantic photos and I was SO pumped to capture these moments! Not to mention I was madly in love with their hair and wedding attire — it was all so gorgeous!!

Needless to say, these photos speak for themselves. Rachael and Jesse are bursting with love, kindness and gratitude for this special photo shoot together. We got super lucky with stunning sunset light (one of my favorite captures is the one where the light literally illuminates their hearts!) and It was a wedding eve dream come true.

One of my favorite things was that Rachael had a completely different look the day of her wedding, which was super fun to photograph that following day. I urge you to do what feels right for you and your love! If you feel like having a special shoot the day before your wedding, don't hesitate to get the photos you really want!!

Thank you so much for such a spontaneous, creative and romantic shoot, Jesse and Rachael. You made my photography dreams come true, too!

Baby Bishop on Board

Oh, man! What a special privilege to know top secret info before anyone else!! Pregnancy announcements make me so happy and Olivia and Cody brought the party to celebrate (complete with the most playful and vibrant confetti!!)

My favorite image is Cody spontaneously doing the "YES" clenched fist after I asked them to show me how happy they are to be parents. Right after, this awesome dance party with two very proud parents spontatenously evolved and if you know me, you know I LOVE dance parties!!

I played really happy, wedding reception type music during Olivia and Cody's entire session and we had the best time laughing and creating together. I invite clients to feel free to have their favorite playlist ready for their photoshoots so we can jam out together and capture your rockstar selves. I think music was an amazing addition to this shoot and would love to incorporate it into every shoot!!

CONGRATULATIONS Olivia and Cody!! Baby Bishop is a very lucky little babe to have you two as parents and I couldn't be more excited for you!

The Magical Meg Newton

My lovely friend Meg of Meg Newton Photography booked a Poppi Girl Session with me and I was immediately excited to capture her in her element. She has a deep love for lattes, ferry rides, our local Orcas, Barre classes, farmers markets, brunch on Sundays, road trips, cooking, campfires, and hiking. I know, I know...she is the coolest. (wait until you see her looking so darn cute in her rusted orange beanie...THE COOLEST, I tell you!)

As a photographer, I know the struggle of not having an updated headshot. When you're always behind the camera, you rarely get images of yourself. Meg and I know the ol' "tripod set-up", but it feels cumbersome most of the time and it's hard to capture genuine emotion in that way (something we both value).

I love Meg's work and was so flattered to take portraits of my beautiful friend. I wish the ferry ride to Vashon was longer because I was having so much fun during this shoot, I didn't want it to end! As soon as they gave us the green light, we ran from our cars up to the ferry deck and squeezed in as many images as possible. Meg is an incredible artist and shares my love for all creatures, furry or otherwise. There is something about someone so soulful that you just never forget — that's Meg. 

If you're like me and need updated photos of yourself, I'd love to work with you! Email contact@poppiphoto.com to set up a session!

Thankful for TREE

A big break. Good fortune. Meant to be. I'm not sure which one of these best represents the email that changed my professional career but on February 15th, 2017, I received the following email:

 "As we are are in process of renovating a beautiful historic building in Tacoma as our warehouse and retail boutique, there is conversation about creating opportunities to photograph our progress as TREE establishes itself in the US.  We want to tell a story in imagery that captures our beginnings. We have a beautiful location, unique pieces on-site that we would like to have photographed, as well as create content for our website. We will also have on-going events and are looking to establish a relationship with a local photographer who will brilliantly "see" the magic moments and partner with us on our journey. I have truly enjoyed watching you work and have been impressed with your product. Could you please send us a list of pricing as well as well your availability?" 

I replied with the following, trying to keep it businesslike, even though I wanted to use 100 exclamation points, all-caps on every word and every happy emoji possible.

"First of all, the Hong Kong website is BEAUTIFUL! What amazing pieces of furniture with a wonderful story. I especially loved reading more about how you left the corporate world to pursue your passion! Congratulations on the renovation in Tacoma. I would absolutely love to be your go-to photographer. -Kristina" 

Before I take you through one of the happiest moments in my life, let me explain a little about who TREE is and what they do. TREE creates eco-friendly furniture with heart. Their items are artisan crafted from eco materials or carefully preserved antiques that are created with the utmost consciousness about what materials they use and where they source from. (Something I deeply appreciate.)

The first moment of walking into the Tacoma location is tattooed into my memory. The grandness of the building, the warmness of everyone I met, and the stunning natural light which wrapped around everyone like an amazing Lightroom preset, left me speechless. I felt like I had stepped into my dream job and literally twirled with excitement. (I actually did take a self-timer shot because of how stoked I was for this opportunity) It was and still is surreal that I get to be part of the TREE team. 

The photos, in the beginning, were like watching a flower bloom. I saw each stage of the process to reveal what this incredible space is today. The renovations, the heavy machinery certifications, the garden center and nursery trips, the inventory deliveries, the adding of electrical and lighting and so on. It has been awe-inspiring each time I arrived to take photographs and now I'm so thrilled to announce they are open for business seven days a week from 10am-6pm. Hello, best holiday presents EVER! From home shopping to designing commercial spaces, they have classically timeless and environmentally conscious treasures in every corner waiting for you to discover. 

One of my favorite attributes of TREE is their dedication to giving back. Through their work with Trees4Trees, they have planted over 70,000 trees to date and have plans to keep that number climbing. This is a company with a big heart and they want you to follow yours, too. Signs all around the building say, "Follow your heart to TREE" which I have witnessed keeps patrons flowing in the door! What a sweet reminder to stay true to you.

To say I love working for TREE is an understatement; it's an opportunity I feel I have been working towards since I picked up my camera at art school and I'm thrilled to share with you some of my favorite moments I've captured. Please check out their website and Instagram to see all of my work & and their heart-centered product.

Thank you to Nicole and the entire TREE team for embracing me and providing space for this hybrid palm tree/cedar tree to flourish ;). I'm definitely planted in the right soil with you all and I can't wait to see where this grows.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS!!

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Images to Look For:
- Me twirling around in the empty warehouse pre TREE magic!!
- An image of a sofa cut in half so you can see all the materials used! SO rad!
- Nicole the lady boss herself! She's the beautiful, blooming, brunette in this gallery. 
- TREE featured in some pretty amazing publications! Heck, yes!

Other Worldly Lovers: Vance + Shelby

Have you ever met a couple and within minutes of hanging out with them, you can feel that their connection is so rare, so palpable, that it doesn't feel of this time? It feels much older, like they've found each other from lifetime to lifetime and you're getting to witness their love in this present moment. 

That is Vance + Shelby.

I love adventure engagement and elopement sessions so much for several reasons: new friendships, gorgeous photographs and the unknown. Weather, moods and locations are all variables when you drive to a remote destination and the surprises that unfold like the vows they hold in their hands always leaves me in awe. Not to mention that documenting love stories connects people fast...like REALLY fast, and it's so satisfying at the end of the day to know I have two new friends and a deep connection. I just love getting to know people's stories so darn much.

For Vance and Shelby's engagement photos, we met at their house and all rode together to the Vashon ferry in Tacoma. We talked cocktails, football and our favorite PNW places to frequent. It was a rainy day on their engagement session, which was the catalyst to extra cuddly embraces (my favorite) and I was already falling in love with their sweetness for one another. Shortly after their engagement session, they contacted me and told me they wanted to elope. I think I hung up that call and danced around my house for a solid couple of minutes. They wanted to stay relatively close to home and left the ball in my court to pick a location (I love a good surprise!) I wanted a location that fit their free-spirited vibe and gladly gave my friend Kerry at Hood Canal Events a call. She coordinated the location and even made a dessert picnic for the newlyweds to share after their intimate ceremony. It made for some of the warmest moments and best images.

As they stood with the gorgeous Panoramic views of Mount Rose, Mount Ellinor and Mount Washington behind them, I could faintly hear their precious vows as I took shots taking it all in. Vance promised Shelby to always encourage her free spirit and to never hold her back. I shouted "YES!" in my head after I heard him say that because it reminded me how thankful I am to have a husband who does the same for me. How special to be reminded of your own love while witnessing their love story unfold.

I have no doubt Vance and Shelby will be wanderers together forever, always taking the other's hand and embarking on a new adventure. Here's to love that is other worldly. 

To check out Shelby's gorgeous photography work, head to shelbylouisephotography.com!

The INSANELY gorgeous bouquet and flower crown? You guessed it — the genius workings of Fleurae Floral. Check them out!! 

Our Maui Ohana: Becky, Walle and Kai

I have one word for this shoot (and it’s one of my favorites at that): Serendipity. 

While Jared and I were in Hawaii, we drove to Pāʻia for fun and we found just that in the form of two amazing, heart-centered individuals and their 2-year-old son. 

While we walked the blocks of downtown, we came across an eco-conscious surf boutique called POME and fell in love (I mean, they sell sunscreen that doesn’t damage the reef! Amazingness.) I knew I really wanted to take a surf lesson, but I hadn’t done any research or planned any such adventure. Lucky for me, Walle and his wife Becky —the owners of POME — were teaching surf lessons. Jared and I signed up and before we knew it, we were anxiously awaiting our first wave.

The highlight (besides learning how to surf, which was freakin’ AWESOME!!) was riding with Walle in his 1986 VW Van! Jared and I have always secretly wanted one (secrets out!) and it inspired us to really live a life full of choices that bring us total joy. It was an instant connection with Walle and when I reached out to see if he and his family wanted portraits done, they were stoked! We had the BEST time learning about what brought him back to the Hawaiian Islands and hearing stories of his son Kai, who you will see is THE most adorable two-year-old little dude (those CHEEKS) and meeting his gorgeous and light-filled wife, Becky. I could hardly contain myself this shoot! I was in Maui "Adventure Session" Heaven.

I have to say, there are about 10-15 ways to make people smile in my back pocket at all times and I didn't have to use one trick up my sleeve this entire session because their family is LITERALLY JUST THIS HAPPY. Every smile, hug and laugh is real. Every moment captured here is pure joy which bounces off each of them like a ping pong ball in a never-ending loop. It lit me up from head to toe. 

If you haven’t figured out already, I just love this family so much and am thrilled that I was able to capture their amazing family and son at this time in their life (2 is such a fleeting age!) at their favorite place on the island. 

Dream. Come. True. 

Thank you so much Becky, Walle and Kai for making our dream vacation that much happier!!!

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts: Teresa + Manuel

Teresa is lifelong friends with the owners of Fleurae Floral and was recommended to contact me for engagement and wedding photography. Of course, any friend of Fleurae is a friend of mine (good vibes all around!!), so I already knew this was going to be a really fun time. Teresa and Manuel wanted to shoot in a space that was special to them and Priest Point Park in Olympia was that haven. I love the scenery in this shoot — it's such a great reminder of how lucky we are to live in a place that is as gorgeous and alive in the winter as it is in the summer.

I can't say it enough, but I really am so grateful for my clients. These two were SO playful and willing to go along with any idea I threw at them, which made for some of my favorite, emotional images to date — the shot where Manuel picks Teresa up and spins her around gives me all the feels!! Teresa's smile is an open book — you can see how happy he makes her. 

This shoot also reminded me how gorgeous and cozy winter wear is!! Wool coats, killer shoes and all winter accessories make for awesome seasonal memories.

As if I didn't already love them enough, Teresa and Manuel are an amazing couple who care deeply about our Pacific Northwest Community. Teresa is currently running for Seattle City Council Position 8 and I have no doubt she'll win and create a more just and equitable society. I am so thankful for their huge hearts and ambition to make our home a better place. This shoot may be chilly, but I am honored to have captured two of the warmest people. 
 

Learn more about Team Teresa here!

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Lifted: Erika + Kevin's Engagement

What is it about balloons that makes everything just a degree happier? This shoot was filled with joy and serious laughter and I think the use of balloons only magnified that.

Erika + Kevin really wanted something neutral for their engagement shoot and were hoping to steer clear of the PNW green, so we were debating between a downtown backdrop or something more in the desert scheme. We eventually landed on an urban vibe and I was SO pumped. 

This shoot made me realize how much FUN it is to dress up and play around in the city! Erika brought three gorgeous outfits and rocked every single one of them. It was a great reminder that if you plan it out, you have time for at least 2 outfit changes with Adventure sessions! Bring on the fashion!

I also loved this shoot so much for the wind and movement it captured (particularly in Erika's awesome dresses and her long locks). There is nothing more magical than that natural movement when captured on camera — if you look at it long enough, you can almost feel it brush your own shoulders.

Keegan's Adventure Senior Session

Oh, gosh, there is a lot to say about Keegan. The Fields family means the world to me — we had such a fast connection — and this shoot was just so much fun!! Not to mention that I was invited to spend time with everyone at their family home down in Hood River Oregon to take their family photos. 

The thing about the Fields family is that they are so deeply caring and kind. They rolled out the welcome mat like it was my home, too and gave hospitable a new meaning. For Keegan’s shoot, we drove to scenic spots to see which ones we liked best and it inspired me to want to make more room for senior photos in unique locations. Keegan’s sense of adventure lit me up and I found myself wanting to give every senior the chance to explore somewhere new or old (and with their friends!)

This session was at sunrise (my favorite time) and Keegan took it like the champ he is. It’s definitely not every senior guy’s dream to wake up at 4 am, but he trusted me and the process. What a kid!!

Thank you for being an inspiration, Keegan. You can add that to your list of accolades next to soccer star, model and total sweetheart.