This recipe is so simple and unbelievably delish! From Nigella Lawson’s “How to be a Domestic Goddess”
3 1/2 cups white bread flour, plus more for kneading
1 pkg yeast or 1 T. rapid rise yeast
1 T. salt
1 1/3 warm tap water (approximately)
1 T. melted unsalted butter
Mix flour, salt, yeast and 3/4 c water, mix with wooden spoon. Add remaining water and butter, mix to a “shaggy mess” (her term, haha) and either turn out and knead by hand for 10 minutes or strap on the dough hook and knead until elastic and smooth. Allow to rise in a buttered bowl in a warm spot for 1-2 hours. Punch down, form into a round loaf on a pizza stone and allow to rise for another 30 – 45 minutes. Bake at 425 degrees for 35 minutes. Slice and eat immediately.

College sweethearts Charly and Justin were all smiles during their maternity portrait session.  These two darlings have the shiniest hair I’ve seen–I’m certain their lil bambino will follow suit! Lucky…  Though Charly was entering the “uncomfortable” phase of her pregnancy, she was still able to rally and smile away–who needs to take a deep breath or sit easily, right?

Justin is an amazing soccer player and I have no doubt we will be watching him in the MLS someday soon.  Cheers to a beautiful couple with a future as shiny as their hair!

Who doesn’t love a well crafted bevvie?  I adore  the garnishments, the classic stemware, the tinkling ice and then savoring how every little detail comes together in that first sip…  On Monday evening people gathered at the historic Capitol Theater to celebrate the repeal of prohibition.  It was a step back into the yesteryears–with attendees dressed to the nines, bartenders worked quickly to keep the crowd happily imbibing as a silent film played in the back.  The Greta Jane quartet kept the swooning mood alive and Tush Burlesque performers scandalously entertained the rowdy patrons as the entertainment drew to a close.  It was the most fun I’ve had on a Monday night in ages!  Here are a few images from the evening.  The full collection of photo booth images will be posted on the Olympia Film Society’s Facebook page, so make sure to stop by and “Like” both Cortney Kelley Photography and Olympia Film Society on Facebook.  In fact, maybe you should pour yourself a cocktail first…  Cheers!  Cortney

Oh the beauty and vitality of youth… Last weekend I photographed the birthday party of Maddy and her friends–a crazy group of 13 year olds, girls who have been friends since elementary school–what a darling group of girls.  Full of sass and giggles, crushes and loud music, glitter and attitude.  The party was so  fun!  I’m still finding glitter in the dressing room…  Happy birthday Maddy!! Thanks for coming into the studio girls : )

What is it about grafitti art?  What compels artists to create temporary installations?  I have always loved the vibrant and rebellious street art pieces.  So much that I decided to bring them indoors!  I am a board member for POSSCA http://www.possca.org/ and we are looking to raise awareness as well a scholarship funds, so the canvases will be auctioned off!! Hooray!  Your very own grafitti canvas.  Come on downtown this evening (October 7th) to join in on the silent auction.

Hope to see you…

I had been checking the weather forecast all week, yes, rain was predicted for Saturday.  When I woke up that morning to the sound of water filling the bird bath outside my window (althought I LOVE this sound) I sighed.  But wouldn’t you know, the rain was brief and did a thorough job of cleaning the late summer dust, just in time for the wedding of Alicia and Marlon.  We had a rain shower during their engagement session, so I was beyond relieved for the rainy reprieve on their wedding day.  St. Michael’s Parish http://www.saintmichaelparish.org/ on the Westside of Olympia has the most stunning view–vibrant greenery framed the ceremony site.  Alicia and Marlon exited the church in a flurry of bubbles and found minimal refuge in their sparkling convertible…  Marlon always has had a thing for cars, so it was only fitting his groomsmen received gearshift diagram cuff links.  The newly married couple hit the road, with the wedding party in close pursuit.  We kept one step ahead of the rain, photographing the wedding party around downtown Olympia, as the guests made their way to cocktail hour at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club http://indiansummergolf.com/

The evening was filled with heartfelt toasts and as the sun deepened in the sky, the dance floor was illuminated and guests celebrated late into the night.  The photobooth was a hit–people stopped by again and again and again… Amazing what a box of props and a camera can unleash : )

Congratulations Alicia and Marlon!  Thank you for such a perfect day!

xo

Mitch and Laura chose the date 9.10.11 for their wedding, a playful date for a darling couple.  I love fall weddings–the colors are so rich and vibrant, who would have thought the day would reach temperatures in the mid 90’s!  We began the day at the Monaco Hotel www.monaco-portland.com/ in downtown Portland.  The lobby is a visual feast of color–funky, fun and fresh.  It was a perfect place for photos–apparently two other wedding parties agreed, good thing we were the first ones down there and didn’t need to wait.  Each party was so different–it was interesting to see how each couple’s personalities shown through in the choice of flowers and bridal attire–every single one was beautiful.

After dashing about downtown for urban photos, the limo delivered each side of the bridal party to the stunning venue on Sauvie Island sauvieisland.org/,  the home of the Groom’s aunt and uncle.  I had never heard of Sauvie Island before Laura contacted me.  It is this magical little nugget of agricultural goodness just outside of Portland.  Fields of lavendar, berries and farms roll along, the wind acting as a composer.  It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been.  Laura and Mitch honored their families by wearing the Groom’s mother’s veil and the Brides grandmother’s necklace.  Laura carried a handkerchief tucked into her bouquet that had been in Mitch’s family wedding for four generations.  So very sweet!

Laura’s attention to detail was impeccable. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour which then gave way to dinner.  Guests were seated in long rows of tables, and the meal was served family style in the middle of a fruit orchard by the deliciously talented Portland Catering Company staff http://www.portlandcateringcompany.com/.  White lights strung the perimeter and tea lights daintily hung in the trees–it was breathtaking.  We were able to spend the golden hour during sunset, capturing portraits of the bride and groom. It was difficult not to get carried away.  Every where I turned was another incredible panorama!  I loved every minute spent out there–thank you for allowing me to be a part of your celebration!

Most little girls have visions of their wedding as a splendid day, where they look and feel like a princess.  Well, Chantell and Aaron had just that.  The setting was dramatically royal: the Thornewood Castle, simply incredible.  Chantell was completely dreamy in a voluptuous gown, with a little bit of hidden sass in her pink shoes.  The flowers, the cake, the candy buffet…all  hues of pink yumminess.  Every where I turned was another ridiculously beautiful scene.  The guests were treated to luscious fruits and appetizers, and a lighter luncheon buffet catered by Pellegrino’s.  All in all, perfection.  Congratulations you two!  Have a great time at Turtle Bay!! xoxo

Who doesn’t need more love?  Well, the wedding of Ashley and Thomas was bursting at the seams.  Ashley is seriously the most energetic, wonderful girl!  She seems to smile even when she’s not smiling.  It’s just a happiness that radiates from the core of who she is.  I was thrilled when she asked me to shoot her wedding : )  I always love meeting the bridal party–getting to see who is important to a couple.  Ashley and Thomas had a great group–they were game for anything!  We spent the scorching day bouncing around Olympia, getting to the most perfect locations.  Ashley also works part-time at the Grand Holiday Ballroom (in addition to working full time and going to school!) and was given the royal treatment by her coworkers.  She thought of so many sweet details.  The kids attending the wedding nearly lost their mind when they saw the candy bar!   I loved the energy and the lively guests!  They even ended the night with a hotdog buffet, an ode to their college days…  And as we all know, every great party ends with someone wearing a lampshade…  Congrats you two!! xo

Venue: Grand Holiday Ballroom, www.grandholidayballroom.com

Officiant: Joan Cathey

Floral:Newbury Bay, www.newburybay.com

Cake: Celebrity Cake Studio, www.celebritycakestudio.com

I feel like I’m in a hurry most of the time. Heading to a photo shoot, editing said images, organizing orders, planning a marketing campaign, figuring out what’s for dinner, making sure my family has clean underwear, do the chickens have enough water, kid chauffeur, walking my lovey dog Ruby… There’s a lot to take care of!  I have been making an effort to try and slow down and be more aware. Aware of where I am, who I’m with,  and to truly focus on the people and places I should. It’s not easy, but it’s a habit I hope to cultivate. Because things happen when you open your eyes a little wider…

I was driving home a few weeks ago, stopped at a red light preparing to turn from 4th Ave onto Capitol Boulevard, when I noticed a man struggling in the street. It appeared he had fallen off the sidewalk and into an empty parking space quite close to the road. He was loaded down with a backpack and may have been intoxicated, but he was struggling, and he was all alone. It was nearly 4:30 pm and there were lots of cars and pedestrians around. I was amazed that no one close by was offering help. I pulled my car over, dashed across four lanes of traffic and held out my hand to him. He looked up at me, smiled a smile almost full of teeth, and reached for my hand. I lifted him up, and though he winced as pain shot up his injured ankle, he was still smiling. As my hand slipped into his, I was struck by how soft and warm and clean and real his hand was. We talked for a few minutes, I made sure he was fine and on his way and smiled once more into his deep brown eyes. I dashed back across the street, blinking back tears, and slipped into my car. Here was a man, overlooked by so many, with warm, clean, hands. A man who, at one time, was someone’s loved child (I hoped). And a man who needed to remember how to be gentle with himself. To treat his warm, soft hands and his body, with tenderness and care. It broke my heart and I found myself sobbing on my drive home. And I made a promise to myself to be gentle. And as I cried, I also hoped for a future where others would remember to be gentle as well…