The story of the military family is one of strength, resilience, and love. It's one of unpredictable phone calls, trying to explain to little ones why daddy or mommy can't tuck them in at night, and count downs of days until being reunited. It's also a story of joy. The excitement and anticipation of being able to have a conversation face to face, the camaraderie and bond you make with your fellow military families, and the pure elation across both parent and kiddos face when finally in arms reach of each other.
Read MoreLast night's stylized session was a dream come true! A few months ago my wildly talented photographer friend Kim (of The Big Day) and I were catching up at Whibey Coffee, and a vision of collaborating on a Roman inspired wedding shoot began to evolve. We imagined the rocky cliffs of Rosario Beach and a beautiful bride in a gorgeous flowing gown standing upon the rocks at sunset...
Read MoreTalk about the epitome of the PNW at its finest! Usually the turquoise waters surrounding our island are in the distant background of photos, but for this maritime wedding, it set the scene for one of the most unique ceremonies I've photographed. Tiffany and Jon celebrated their I-do's surrounded by their closest family and friends on a whale watching tour boat docked out of Anacortes. For about 3 hours we cruised the open waters, passing bald eagles and various densely forested islands I didn't even know existed, until we came to a stop to watch an orca pod breaching and tail slapping in the distance and eventually coming right alongside the boat.
Read MoreI get teary at weddings....it's just what I do. The pure joy, the heightened emotions, the candid moments...So who knew I'd also be turning on the water works at a graduation celebration?! Photographing Columbia College's graduating class of 2017 at NAS Whidbey Island was such a moving experience. I loved hearing the students' personal stories of what their degree meant to them, watching the ceremony unfold, and documenting the pride and sense of accomplishment on not only their faces, but also on the faces of their loved ones.
Read MoreTaylor & Caleb's PNW engagement session was the first time I actually was able to meet this darling couple in person. I had spoken to Taylor a few months ago on the phone as she was out of state, planning a wedding back in Arkansas while engaged to a handsome fella stationed here at NAS Whidbey Island.
Read MoreLast night's time behind the camera made me happy...and for so many reasons. First off, it's beginning to feel like summer here on Whidbey. I know, I know....we're just hitting spring now, but last night the sun was out, the breeze was just right, and the air was just cool enough to enjoy the warmth of a bonfire. Being surrounded by the beauty of the PNW is therapeutic enough by itself, but paired with a day like yesterday....ahh, heaven.
Read MoreThere are 3 top reasons I love being a photographer. 1) Telling stories through images, 2) meeting awesome new people, and 3) exploring different places that I probably wouldn't discover on my own. Ysabel & Brett's engagement shoot was no exception!
Read MoreI feel like Deception Pass State Park is the epitome of PNW livin'. Beautiful, rugged and amazing. Saturday started off as a dreary day, but as we approached sunset, Mother Nature sure brought her A-Game for Ashley and André's engagement session!
Read MoreThis island...seriously. Been here 8 months now and I still can't get over it. On the same afternoon, I get to go from forest, to beaches, to fields with mountains in the distance....what?! So when Claire said that she and her husband-to-be wanted to do engagement photos at Fort Ebey, (one of my favorite spots!) I knew it was going to be a good day!
Read MorePeople kept saying it was going to snow all week, and I kind of wrote it off with a "sure, we'll get a tiny dusting that will melt by 10:00 am, no biggie..." attitude. So imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning to a beautiful winter scene instead of the dirty slush that I had predicted.
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