I first met Danielle when she was starting her senior year of high school at Tumwater High School.  We wandered along Tumwater Falls Park snapping photos and talked of her future, of college plans and wanting to attend the University of Washington. She was a sweet, bright and excited young woman.  I knew that she would find success in her college years with that combination.  And she did, as well as find an adorable young man with the same sweet spirit and exuberance for life.  

Jamie waited patiently to see his gorgeous bride.

She was worth the wait…The had some of the funniest touches during their wedding.  Guests were entertained before the ceremony with a multi-media show–a slideshow and mini movie that had people laughing one minute and tearing up the next.  Well done!There was a break in the sprinkling rain and we dashed outside to capture some autumn afternoon photos.  The perfect amount of sun popped through to help make parasol magic.
And the fall colors soaked up every ray of sun and sent the glorious honey filled tones right back to me.Jamie shared one of his favorite passages.  Lovely to see such deeply spiritual people.And one last moment with her Dad before heading down the aisle.  Nothing but smiles…Heading into the reception, we had to stop for a quick twirl : )And the last shot of the night reveals the silly side.  Danielle and Jamie kept the stoic expression despite the frivolity around them. Way to pull that shot off!  Loved LOVED capturing your day.  Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you two… xoxo Cortney

Autumn in the northwest can be as close to perfect as it gets…when the weather cooperates.  For Missy and Matt’s wedding in early October, Alderbrook Resort in Union, Washington was utterly glorious.  Something the die hard Northwesterners don’t eagerly share with out of towners– needless to say, their California guests were loving every second of it–with group hikes and golfing excursions planned, along with lots of leisure time.  The pace of the day was unhurried, just how I like it. Plenty of time to capture the many details of their day.Matt’s childhood baby bonnet was tucked into Missy’s bouquet.  And the Rock of Gilbrater, a family heirloom, found it’s place around Missy’s neck after spending some time with Moet & Chandon…Missy’s Dad quickly teared up seeing her in the gown.
And family members were lovingly adorned with bursts of fall color.Everyone needed just a smidge of lips…And the nervous bride took a moment before heading out to the dock to see her groom.Just a tiny bit happy…And a tiny bit nervous…And then a LOT happier…Her God-daughter was the picture perfect flower girl.  Those curls could possibly be illegally adorable.And the groomsmen, well, they were ready with their “Fire Powah”A dash of Charlie’s Angels.
And how often do you have Secret Service men as your groom attendants?These tackle ball fans paid tribute with their cake.  USC and WSU colors fit perfectly with the fall theme.
And  an adorable harpist set the tone for cocktail hour by the water.The night wore on and true colors began to emerge…a sense of humor is an absolute necessity when entering marriage.  Can I get a HOLLA?  Congrats Missy and Matt–enjoy California but you’ll be back… : ) xox Cortney

When planning an outdoor wedding in the Northwest, there is one gamble that looms large…the weather. Jeff and Kelly had a wonderful, intimate September wedding with close friends in their secluded slice of heaven, nestled in the forrest.  Just one little tweak to their plan, rain.  But as true Northwesterners, the rain was simply a well moisturizing addition to the fun of their celebration. Kelly walked shyly down the aisle as raindrops softly fell around her.As she took her place next to her teary eyed groom, it was as if they were the only two people in the world.  They did more than smile one another, they radiated love.  It was such a sweet ceremony, with a quick retreat down the aisle guests made their way to the shelter of the tents, decorated in perfect fall fashion.I was so glad we had the barn to setup the photo booth area.  As the evening drew to a close, Jeff serenaded his lovely bride, all as the rain continued to softly fall. Congratulations Kelly and Jeff! Thanks for allowing me to capture the sweetness… xoxo

I know I’ve said it a million times…I love the fall. Those crisp mornings that gradually warm into glorious days, followed by the cooling evenings. Nature bursts with one last triumph of color, before heading into winter hibernation. It’s one of the most beautiful times of the year in Washington state. So who wouldn’t EVERYONE want to have their wedding in the fall?
Tim and Victoria had one of those perfect autumn days–clear, crisp and vibrant– with the wind was telling its dramatic story, which added such energy of their day. Though I’m not sure they noticed much more than one other that day… ahhhh, love.

While on my walk through the woods this morning, I found myself unexpectedly crying– no weeping, actually. Good thing I didn’t stumble upon anyone else—what a weirdo, walking through the woods, crying. Ruby kept turning around to check on me and I would need to assure her I was alright—how I love my canine companion. She is truly the most intuitive, lovely creature I’ve ever known.

Looking at the fall leaves, the withering plants, the change of season — I was thinking about how time is continually moving forward, uncompromisingly and unapologetically, moving forward. Tomorrow, my son Austin will turn twenty. Twenty. Even as I write this, I find myself emotional again. I remember every single detail about the day he was born. The absolute, transforming exhilaration of holding him in my arms the first time. His ginormous (I know that’s not a real word, but it fits) eyes–brown orbs, quietly, knowingly, gazing up into my face. I loved him instantly and fiercely. There was no measure or limit to what I would (or wouldn’t) do to keep him safe. And now he is twenty, and though I still feel the same way, I’m not sure how to keep him safe. Safe in life, in love, in all things. How do we extend our protective shield over our adult children? He called me a few weeks ago, late one evening, looking for advice. My heart soared and I was absolutely slayed. I’m not sure I can adequately express how much that meant to me. He wanted to talk to me… he valued my opinion and in a lost moment, I was the one he turned to. I was/am so incredibly grateful.

There is still a lingering feeling as though I am losing a tiny bit of SOMEthing with every passing day — that I have one less day… one less day with the people I care about, one less day doing the things I love, just one less day. The reality is we need to be here, really be here. I am reminded just how impossibly important it is to be present. To inhale and feel it all—the joy, the pain, and everything in between. There’s no rewind but maybe there is a “pause” button. Maybe that’s why I take photos—a small moment, captured. I just know that I NEED to take photos.

This fall is literally blazing by—in both color and speed. And so in the midst of this busy season, I recommit myself to being truly present. I promise to treasure the little moments: the first cup of coffee in the morning, the way it feels to kiss Emmett’s cheek when he is still warm from sleep, the way my feet slip into place with Philip’s, the musky, woodsy smell of Ruby’s fur, and the beautiful brown eyes of my patient, knowing son Austin—except instead of gazing up at me, I am the one gazing up at him. The love is still fierce and protective…just in case he needs it even at Twenty…