This was a kid I lugged around on my hip—I was 16 when Zach was born, so I thought of him as my baby too.  He was the cutest, cutest little boy, soft blond curls and a devilish smile.  At age 5 he’d perfected the Zackie Special–a rice cake with a slice of cheese, toasted to sheer perfection–and he was always happy to make one for you.  The first time he met Philip, (Zach was maybe four) his first comment was “Nice khaki shorts”  – I’m not sure Philip even knew khaki was a color, to him they were likely tan shorts… but hey, it felt good to be complimented : )

Well, little Zackie has grown up, WAAAAY up to nearly 6′3,  graduated from UW, and has perfected many more culinary masterpieces. He’s no longer that sweet little boy, now he’s a sweet young man. A sweet man who has met a very sweet woman.  And in June they will become a sweet family with her son Keevan.  That’s a lot of sweetness.  I am so proud of him.  I think I need to make a Zackie special for lunch…

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

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

OK, it’s nearly 2:30 in the morning and I have to leave for the airport in less than three hours…why even go to bed at this point, right?  Besides, I’m still riding the energy high from Josh & Sarah’s beautiful wedding today.  This couple is completely adorable.  They’ve been together for 10 years–since their mid teens, and were high school and college sweethearts.  They now run a cool startup: www.GreenCupboards.com for everything you could need to run a green household!  I LOVE my clients! How does this happen? How is it that I seem to work with only the sweetest, most wonderful people?  I don’t know, but I do feel grateful for each and every one : )  Here are a few images from their day… More later, but I should probably finish packing.