HEY YA'LL! I flew in to Houston today to meet my parents! Its killer humid in Houston. There's no life without A/C. From Houston we flew together to SC. Why? My sister, the baby of the family, is graduating from basic training in the US Army. We're supporting her decision to achieve her goals of being a disciplined soldier and "helicopter mechanic."

This is the girl who put a metal pan in the microwave to cook Ramen noodles. Needless to say, she's wisened up and wants to hit the road and make something of herself. She was never one for beauty school.

Its the first time in weeks that I had the chance to empty my mind of leechy issues. You know, the issues that suck up your energy and leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. I dumped those issues at the baggage check in the airport. I'm taking the week off. After reading David Jay's blog for Sunday Oct. 29th, my mind started to wonder about the "why's" in wedding photography.

2007 will be my first full year of self-employment. 2005 and 2006 were incredibly busy, beyond what I thought I could handle! It involved building a portfolio, developing tough skin for the business, purchasing equipment, and training under other photogs.Between 05 & 06 even with a late start in advertising, I spent several months corresponding with my customers, treating them better than they felt they deserved and not only did it yield incredible friendships, it resulted in an overwhelming number of referrals for 2007. Why? I do it because I'm passionate about capturing a moment in life and sharing it with others. Seems like the end of the year brings us to identify personal goals and how we measure up or fall short.

Browsing the WPJA website (hoping to get accepted soon...) I discovered this photo and fell MADLY in love with it. I laughed OUT LOUD (we all do this occasionally and unexpectedly) when I clicked in succession and this photo popped up. Kudos to Di Bazi in Pennsylvania, Di Bazi was awarded 4th place for the contest on Details. The photo deserved higher ranking in my opinion, but again, who knows the number of submissions across the country? At any rate, I just LOVE that a fabulous, expensive, masterpiece of a cake is wedged in between the OJ and eggs. Like on the top shelf there's even stacks of groceries piled up to make room for the cake. I think weddings mix fantasy (the princess) with reality (the pea-sized budget) and are solely supported by improvisation! HA!!! Had to share this photo, thanks for visiting!

Going back through the summer's weddings I rediscovered some of my favorite wedding photos. The bride and groom featured in this wedding live in Cali. They flew up here to host their wedding near family members in Snohomish at the Belle Chapel. The groom is a pro sports photographer, Phil shoots for ESPN, the poker tournaments in Vegas, Upper Deck, Sports Illustrated, and learned the trade under the remarkable VJ Lovero. The bride, Talitha, is a patient and beautifully freckled (or sun-kissed as some poets call it) nutritionalist. Her smile feels like warm sunshine in the springtime. Wedding coverage was the least of their worries when it came to wedding planning. All of their friends are photographers. And so are their friends. And so are their friends' friends....even the groom said he couldn't go a day without picking up a camera. In one of these photos I'm shooting a photo of them, and the bride and groom are on the seemingly wrong side of the camera. These photos give me the giggles! Literally 7 photographers shooting the cake cutting at one time... should be at least ONE good shot... if not a million! :-)

Kiddies! Love those adorable smiles..look at the world through the eyes of a child. Its a whole different ballpark...

SHE FOUND IT.
THE GOWN OF HER DREAMS.

Garment by Ines di Santo

Visit La Belle Elaine's in Seattle!
AMAZING shop, lovely ladies and great customer service!!!

so you're thinking, WHEN SHOULD WE BOOK OUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

The best answer is yesterday. Please remember that if you are shopping around and interviewing various photographers, everyone else is doing the same thing! I am not the pushy type, seriously, but my best advice is: don't delay in booking. If you know, you just know! You're going to be with the photographer more often and for longer periods of time probably more than any other wedding vendor. It breaks my heart to experience the problem that while one bride was shopping around another bride comes along and books the date in question without hesitation. I hate having to make that phone call, the date is no longer available call, it is the worst part of this industry. Absolute worst part by far.

Through the web people can purchase cars, refill medications, and book wedding photographers. Personally, I advertise in Denver, Portland, LA, Seattle, Europe and San Diego....only 52 Saturdays available throughout the year. We would love to work with everyone but please let it be you!

April

Weddy or Knot....
The new mini series....April chronicles the in's and out's of your wedding, starting at the very beginning! Photos taken at Pearls & Lace in Burien, WA.

Picking out the styles & lacing them up, one by one...

a little information from the professional source love the athletic socks
several dozen dresses, colors, and styles to choose from

Hillary is getting the inside scoop on fabrics and veils....36-24-36

Swipe it, shake on it, let's get going! Time's ticking....

This little lady was our comic relief, she seemed to pop up and into everything! What a cutie....

Ta-dah!!! Introducing a NEW PACKAGE!
Stay tuned for more details!!!

Starr & Lamb
Sounds like a law firm! Its just the last name of Jeff & Hillary...Soon to be Mr. & Mrs. Lamb.
Their engagement shoot was like macaroni. Cheezy and full of tender 'ronis! Ha, I crack myself up. No seriously, it wasn't cheezy at all, it was fun, funky, and beautiful. Hillary warms up to the camera like a fireplace. About 10 minutes into the shoot I realized photographing them would be a piece of cake. They felt very cozy and didn't mind a few 'april specials'......they were twirling, whirling, and smooching all over Tacoma downtown in their own romantic bubble...there's no need to talk about the weather, by looking at the photos you'll see the spectacular Seattle sunsets...living in the northwest has its perks!!! A great couple with beautiful smiles, fancy features, and fun-loving personalities! Stay posted for more details on their big wedding on : 08.04.07.

Girls just wanna have fun! A few Red Bulls & champagne got us over the anxiety hump to get this wonderful group picture...and if you scroll down there are more fun ones to follow. Bill (my assistant)kept them entertained and light-hearted while I snapped away behind the camera. Such a fun group without any reservations! This couple really let me have the freedom to do what I love, fun & spontaneous wedding photography! And in some instances, really taking a dive off the deep end. The client trusts me to make the right decisions for photos and I trust them to be themselves in front of the camera. It works great this way, no one needs to "fake it" or smile on the count of 1-2-3!

Megan & Travis Oct. 7, 2006 Thornewood Castle (ceremony)& the Heritage Room (reception) Megan & Travis celebrated a very heartfelt, tightly-knit family-oriented, and romantically doused wedding ...with the delicate & experienced touch and creative combination of Nina Kral & Kim (MOB) it was quite the fancy event! A wonderful, wonderful afternoon of warm family hugs, celebration of love, and guests congratulating the newlyweds! I have to admit, when the groom shed tears during his vows, pausing again and again, trying to make the best of what was left of his composure, squeezing his bride's hands, it was clear that expressing his love and commitment to Megan in front of his closest friends and family was the biggest day of his life. Megan was no different, she reportedly sprang out of the hotel bed at the crack of dawn with " I'm GETTING MARRIED!!" She was anxious, figety, EXCITED all morning, more than any bride I've ever witnessed, she just couldn't WAIT to get to the castle and GET MARRIED! Even I couldn't wait because she couldn't wait. It was SO exciting and fun!!! The highlight of the ceremony was the duet, honestly people, there was not a dry eye in the castle while they harmonized and belted out beautiful notes. So let me just get this out, no shame in my game as a photographer...I was teary-eyed (hiding it like a pro behind the camera) several yesterday and even today while reflecting on the beautiful ceremony. I'm a romantic weenie, I know!!! I felt such a close bond with the family and of course with the bride and groom. I love you guys!

Spa session: the stacked rocks image is my ultimate favorite from the spa session. Using a 45mm tilt-shift and Indonesian purses as the foreground and backrops, it was a blend of busy patterns and simplicity.

"S" is for SPA
Today's schedule was totally crazy. Honestly, it was 3 o'clock in the afternoon and I couldn't remember the last time I had taken a deep breath. Do you ever find the need for a few extra hours in the day to get ahead of the crowd? Today was definately one of those days where it would've come in handy...

The shots were a bit on the conceptual side, these photos will be used to promote overall well-being at a spa in Tacoma, WA. The client asked for a mix of clean, artistic, colorful, and peaceful. Enjoy!