Simply Stunning

For those of you who know me, you'll know that I have a love for painting in oil. I haven't painted in a few years because I've been too busy, but after working with this beautiful expectant mother, my heart longs to pick up a paintbrush. The red backdrop, the simple gauze draped around her body, her black hair and stunning beauty just take my breath away.

As I took each photo, I was brought close to tears. The symbolism in my maternity photos is so beautiful. New life is a simple miracle which happens everyday, but its significance is overwhelming. In a universe filled with chaotic noise, the brilliant melody of a mother carrying a new child brings peace, hope and comfort.

Chelsea and Joey

This was a special day for me because I have known these two wonderful people for close to 10 years! I took both of their senior photos and I photographed Joey's sister's wedding 8 years ago, and then photographed his brother's wedding earlier this year. When Chelsea contacted me to photograph her wedding, I felt so privileged and lucky!

It was a beautiful day at the LDS temple in Portland. As you will see, there were many many people who love Chelsea and Joey there! The grounds to that place are so immaculate and stunning! Joey has some hilarious older brothers and I just loved the shots of them trying to drop Chelsea into the reflection pool! The expressions on all of their faces are priceless.

I really enjoyed the little bit of time I got to spend alone with the newly weds. I love the photos of Joey dipping Chelsea in front of the temple spire.

They had a ring ceremony and reception at a lovely place in east Vancouver. The sky started to sprinkle a bit, but it was still beautiful! I loved the brightly colored flowers and decorations.

Chelsea and Joey are both off to finish their degrees in college. I can't wait for them to see their photos!

Congratulations you two! I love you guys!

Evening at Water's Edge

I met this family 3 years ago! They have these two adorable twin boys and a friend from Kansas called me to give them a gift certificate for a photo shoot. We all hit it off so well! Dad is a motivational speaker and business consultant and actually helped me tremendously in presenting my own business. He has now published a book entitled " The High Definition Family: Tuning In Your Family Vision and Living It Out" by Sayer Strauch which is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Xulon Press. Congratulations to Sayer and his family!

He contacted me to take a few photos to include in his book, one of himself and one of his family. We decided upon the waterfront and met on a beautiful evening right before sunset. The boys have always been a little shy around me, and so it was a delightful surprise to be able to steal some giggles and goofiness from them! The oldest daughter is definitely one of my favorite little clients! Her red hair and beautiful eyes always captivate me!

Alex and Lacy

My cousin lives in Sherwood Oregon and I didn't even know it when I moved here to Vancouver ten years ago! About 3 years ago, we happened upon one another! When his wife contacted me and let me know about Alex's engagement, I was so thrilled for them all! Alex and Lacy wanted to get some photos with their horse on the beach.

Beach shots are always so unpredictable, but this day was absolutely stunning! I adore all of these photos! The wicked wind was quite the experience and kept knocking us all off of our feet. I had to dig my toes into the sand and hold my camera close to my body when some of those gusts came whipping across the water! Lacy's hair was all over the place, blowing straight up! I love the photos of her messy hair covering her face. These two are so much in love with each other. It was a supreme privilege to be able to capture this day of their courtship with them.

Here you go Alex and Lacy! I love you guys!

The Amazing JJ

Another play date for me! This simply adorable ball of energy is the younger brother of the first play date I had awhile back. I fell totally in love with these two boys during one of my Portrait Parties 3 years ago! Their giggles were so free and easy.

We started our date at a park in Vancouver (the location is a secret between me and "J"!) It took about 2 seconds for him to start to run and explore the playground. I literally worked up a sweat keeping up with him! I absolutely loved being able to relax and just capture his personality while he played. I spent zero time trying to get him to "smile for the camera" and just let him be himself. The smiles I did capture were from his joy for living. There is this red twirling chair at the park, and JJ just couldn't get enough of it. I would spin him around and he would lay his head back and just soak in the experience. When we left, we decided that we would make this park our "secret" so it would be a special place for just the two of us.

We then headed over to the Vancouver Mall, thinking that there was an arcade there. I guess it must have gone out of business, but instead of being bummed, I grabbed a purse-full of quarters and we decided to ride every single one of the little motorized rides in the mall! It was so amazing watching him experience each ride. JJ has such a joyful little soul and when he experiences something it is an experience for all those around him! I felt honored to be able to observe him and partake in a fraction of the joy he feels everyday.

We went up to the Candy Store and he filled his bag with whatever looked good to him. He also grabbed a yard stick of bubble gum! I know, I should know better, but with my babies all being teenagers, the ability to spoil with sweets just doesn't bring them as much enjoyment! I got a taste of what it will be like to be a grandma without the need to discipline and just the adventure of loving and spoiling!

We practiced the German version of "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" in the car on the way home so he could sing it to his sweet family.

Introducing the Amazing JJ! He was an experience I will never forget.

Your Baby Your Way

Join YourBabyYourWay.com at an Open House and Community Baby Shower September 13 ♦ 1-4 pm ♦ Southwest Washington Medical Center

Join us for prizes, gifts, and even mini-classes on breastfeeding, siblings and more. Meet Southwest healthcare providers, ...other local moms and moms-to-be, and support Babies in Need. Find out more

Juanita and Ty

If you have been following my blog, you will remember and engagement session where the couple came dressed in "film noir" clothing and I took their amazing photos in my studio. Well on August 1, 2009, Ty and Juanita became Husband and Wife! I was so excited to be able to capture this exciting day for them.

Robert and I got there early to photograph them getting ready and were immediately taken with the surroundings! The wooded environment was beautiful. They decided that they wanted to see each other before the ceremony so we could grab as many photos as we could before, so they could relax and enjoy themselves and their guests after. As you will be able to see, these two were completely wonderful to work with. Juanita was relaxed and having a good day! Many brides can be a little overwhelmed, but she told me that she had decided beforehand to enjoy her day. Ty was so relaxed, easy-going and completely in love with his new bride.

It was an absolutely glorious experience for us and I am so pleased to let you share a portion of their day with them.

Here you go, Juanita and Ty! You are the reason I adore weddings!