WEDDING : Patrick + Abbey : Hidden Meadows in Snohomish, WA

When Patrick and Abbey asked me to photograph their wedding, I was thrilled!  Patrick is one of my husband's childhood friends and I have enjoyed becoming friends of our own.  For many years, my husband and I would find a nice girl and think - 'she would be nice for Patrick.'  But something about her wouldn't fit and we would abort our matchmaking opportunity.  He deserved someone perfect for him and nothing else would do.  Of course, his mother had similar feelings.  She met Abbey while Abbey was working in her classroom as a student of education in Pullman (go Cougs!).  She had her then Seattle-based son, Patrick, drive over to Pullman for a date with this lovely Abbey.  David and I actually saw them on their first date (ironic, I know) in a restaurant while visiting Pullman ourselves (go Cougs!) and had the pleasure to see the awkward first date from a nearby table.  My husband and I spend our entire dinner eyeing nervous Patrick, trying to read Abbey's face expressions and making our own ideas about what they were talking about.  'Don't mention politics or religion, Pat!' I was chanting in my head.

Well, first date went well (obviously).  And just as we hoped for some time - Abbey was PERFECT for our Patrick; our friend.  It is funny how well things fit when it is right.  We adore Abbey and think she is really fun and balances Patrick wonderfully. 

As wonderful as they are together I knew their wedding would be the same - wonderful.  And it was.  The sky was slightly grey and rain had wet the earth the night before.  There was freshness in the air and out amongst the farmland of Snohomish, it was peaceful.  "There is the most beautiful tree outside, Anna," Patrick said to me the moment I walked in.  "You won't miss it.  Just go out back."  I stepped outside and there was the most beautiful blossoming tree I have ever seen.  So of course all family photos had to be taken under this gorgeousness.  And to top off the perfection- their wedding colors were pink which matched the tree so lovely.

Abbey was beautiful, the vows made me cry and we left the Sunday afternoon wedding full of smiles.  Thank you for allowing me to be such an intimate part of the day, Patrick and Abbey.  Lesson learned- when your mother tells you to drive across the state to go out with a nice girl, you listen to your mother.  And GO COUGS!

Groomsmen being groomsmen.

WSU cookie favors made quite a splash among the many Cougar Alum and future Cougars.  Tag read: How sweet it is to be loved by you.

At the reception, photos of Pat and Abbey from birth to present-day ran as a slideshow on the wall.  Patrick was slightly embarrassed by some childhood photos.

 Love a bride who starts out a marriage with cake in her husband's face.

Pat and Abbey's nephew knows way too many good moves on the dance floor.  A future heartbreaker.  He even shook his bottom at the bride.  'What a card' my grandmother would say.

A beautiful setting at Hidden Meadows in Snohomish, WA.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy FIRST Mother's Day to all first-time expecting mothers! 

And a Happy Mother's Day to all the women who have stayed up through the night with a sick kid, patiently watched their child learn to put on their own shoes, ran to the grocery store to then realize you have spit-up on your shirt and to discover dinosaurs and Cheerios in your purse, but more importantly, to the women who have been blessed with slobbery kisses and little giggles in their home. 

The work is tough; the rewards are a delight. 
Motherhood is a life adventure worth experiencing.  Celebrate your day!

WEDDING SNEAK PEEK : Brett + Erin

I had to throw out a sneak peek one week after Brett and Erin said 'I Do' at the Georgetown Ballroom, the coolest venue I have ever seen.  But before all the hoopla, this relaxed couple met before their wedding down in a Pike Place Market bar to share a drink and enjoy eachother's company on their wedding day.  I thought it was so nice to start their day together just the two of them....well...ummm...plus me.  But I don't count.  I was the fly on the wall or gum on the wall- however you see it.  After this, they caught a cab to their own wedding together.  Ahhhhhh.  More to come in a couple weeks.

Yes, that is gum.  The famous Gum Wall underneath Pike Place Market.

Company Awards Banquet

I have the privilege to photograph happy people during happy occasions.  Whether a wedding or an expecting family, I get surrounded by happiness.  But this company awards banquet was probably the happiest group of people I have ever photographed.  They had a blasted at the Rainier Golf and Country Club enjoying a yummy dinner together (yes, I even got a plate), celebrating the success of co-workers and getting down with a little dancing afterwards.  And did I mention how snazzy they all looked.  Wow!

Baby Makes Four : Myrtle Edwards and Olympic Sculpture Park

Ahhhh...we are finally getting a bit of sunshine in the northwest.  I have had a busy week and blogging about this session is one more ray of sunshine to my day.  I titled it 'Baby Makes Four' because this Capitol Hill expecting couple represents many couples in the metro-Seattle area.  When I spoke to them on the phone, they said they would like maternity photos including their doggie.  Like many with furry children, I understood that their next baby will make it a household of four.  They all had a glow anticipating the new arrival and even the doggie would sniff at the baby belly every now and then to make sure everything was okay.  This baby (expected any day now) will be well loved by two amazing, funny people and have a furry big brother to play with and get lots of wet kisses.

 The doggie checks up on how the baby is doing....and then needs some chasing.

 You know its love when you see two people in a park dancing to no music.

How beautilful is this belly - look forward to seeing the baby pics!