Wow, what a stunningly gorgeous couple!  This past November, Kelsey, Jake and I ventured to Crystal Mountain to shoot their engagement session. {little did we know that instead of the gentle snow fall we envisioned, we were about to enter a blizzard for the duration of their shoot}  They were troopers then, even with the bitter cold and snow swirling around us and continued to be troopers on their wedding day.  Luckily we beat the rain and got some fun images outside the lodge.  Kelsey and Jake are high school sweethearts and two of the nicest individuals you'll meet.  Some of my favorite images have to be when we ventured up the chair-lift {mind you, I'm afraid of heights, but if facing my fear means getting a great shot, I'm definitely up for it}  Overall, it was a wonderful weekend full of love, laughter, family, friends and joy!

Thank you also to BreeAnn Gale {Pink Blossom Events} for your coordinator skills, it's been a blast working with you over the last two weeks!

I have known Kory and Chris for about five years and it has been an absolute joy this past year to take pictures of their beautiful little girl, Lilia. {I am hoping that one day we get her to give us a big cheesy grin, but for now, the slightly serious photos have been fun}  Watching a child grow, their personalities take shape and the energy they seem to have no matter the day or time is quite fascinating.  One of my greatest privileges is being the person to capture a few precious moments along their journey.  It's always fun to think back, reflect on the memories you have created with you children, the photos we create bring those memories to life.  Thanks you two for allowing me to be a part of your life, I am blessed!

Often times it is so easy to forget what a beautiful state we live in and just how close we are to some amazingly tranquil locations to visit.  Over the 4th of July weekend my fiancé' and I rediscovered a few of the hidden gems in our own backyard.  A day trip to Friday Harbor & Roche Harbor {the ferry ride was so relaxing and helped to transition my mind from the hustle and bustle of daily life to a calm surrender}, followed by a local baseball game and ending the weekend at the Ballard Locks.  I am continually amazed at the variety of activities there are to see and do, in the very state that I have lived in my entire life.  I can't wait to continue in this quest to explore more of what Washington has to offer its residents and tourists alike.  Happy travels to you as well, wherever your journey is taking you this summer!

You may or may not be familiar with the TEARS Foundation.  My heart and spirit were deeply moved this past Saturday as I was the event photographer for their Walk and Rock, at Safeco Field.  The TEARS Foundation was started in 2002 by its founder, Sarah Slack, who on November 14, 2000 experienced the stillbirth of her son.  Sarah has turned her tragedy into an opportunity to reach out to other families who have lost a baby and make a positive impact in her community.  The TEARS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to compassionately lift a financial burden from families who have lost a baby by providing funds to assist with the cost of burial or cremation services.  They also believe that every baby's life deserves to be honored and memorialized in accordance with the grieving parents' wishes and are committed to helping bereaved parents with this experience.

The butterflies you see in the images below, surrounding the field, are representative of a baby that, for however brief a time, made a significant impact on another's life.  Each butterfly contains the name of that baby, the baby that now has a special place in heaven.  I will be completely honest and candid, when I say that I was so blessed to see so many families leaning on each other for support and strength, during a time that no one would ever anticipate having to go through.  Please take a moment, visit their website, show your support and say a prayer for those left to grieve.

I had the extreme privilege of shooting Karie and Louis's wedding this past weekend in Renton.  Karie and I graduated high school together and she has such a sweet spirit.  To see the love that Karie and Louis have for each other, is a truly beautiful thing.  Karie looked stunning and her groom was equally as handsome.  I wish you both many many years of happiness and all the joys that marriage has to offer.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the beginning of this incredible journey.