I love alleys.  There is something a bit clandestine, maybe secretive, and very  private.  The alleys of downtown Olympia have their own personalities–some are urban and edgy, others have an old world feel,  but all of them make for perfect photo scenarios.    Emily and Austin were perfectly happy to wind through the alleys, tucking in and out, and stealing a kiss or two along the way.  Soon, they will be heading to the sunny land of Cali as Austin pursues his dream of flight.  These two smarties–one an engineer the other a psyche major have the world opening up to them.  So sweet to see lovely couples in love forging new lives together.  Good luck you two!

My clients have such great style–who else can pull off Chuck Taylors, rockabilly hair and a suit?  Ale looked like Maria from the Westside story with her adorable summer dress and cardigan.  Blue and Ale came ready for a playful engagement session at the carnivale.  We opted to head there early, before the gates opened to avoid crowds.  What an eerie feeling–the carnivale was totally deserted.  I kept half expecting zombies to emerge from the haunted house…  We then made our way to another deserted locale, a cool old lumberyard and  warehouse.  Great images! Thanks for being adventurous you two!  Congrats and can’t wait for the wedding : )

Yay for a sunny, Fourth of July weekend!! — Especially since Ashlee and Wes ventured all the way down from Bellingham for their engagement session.  I love the low angled summertime sun… I probably should have been carting around my ladder though–I think collectively they were close to 13 feet tall!  We wandered along a deserted field, just as the sun was peeking out.  Now if it will just hold through tomorrow evening and Lana and David’s wedding, we’ll be golden, literally.

Guess what teachers do while on spring break? They wander the rainy streets of Olympia, smiling at one another… At least, that’s what Yonkela and Cassandra did for ONE of their days off. I first met Yonk when I was photographing a wedding at Alderbrook Resort last spring. He was a fellow teacher friend of the bride. I soon met his lovely bride-to-be, Cass, not long after as they began planning their own wedding. Cass and Yonk are warm and open, with both their smiles and their spirits. I can only imagine what incredible teachers they must be. And what lucky students are sparked by their love of learning. As we wandered the rainy streets, we talked of places travelled and of future destinations on our lists. Travel has to be one of the most relevant educational experiences, and one of my absolute favorite things. To immerse oneself in a place–the food, the people, the feeling of the place–the overall experience, love, love, LOVE it! I know they’ll enjoy their honeymoon in Mexico. Hmmm, I wonder if they need photo coverage of that…? ha!