Back in the Groove | Washington Wedding Photographer

As wedding season is slowly coming to an end, I am finally taking some deep breaths... I mean DEEP breaths. While I absolutely love the thrill I get from the constant attention to detail and unending flow of creativity during this time of year, it is also welcoming to have some time to catch up with "life" at home. Despite having a few shoots this past week, I've been able to decompress a little and have even treated myself to a few hours of experimenting with my newest addition to my photography arsenal... Lightroom 3. 


So here I am, bundled up in an electric blanket (yes I know, I'm crazy and it isn't that cold, but for some reason working on my computer for hours at a time makes me chilly) adjusting on some of my latest images, and of course, building wedding albums. Nights like this are always a joy, as I merrily work away while listening to my daughter laugh and play, and of course, her constant interrupting with "mommy, watch this!"


Autumn is officially here... or did you not hear?? MEMO TO SELF: THE Seasonal Mastermind has informed us all that the fall crisp air is head our way. Wonder who the mastermind might be? Some of you might have guessed it.... it is the Starbucks debut of their infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte. Some of us look for the leaves to turn, the weather to change, etc. But for me and many others I've encountered, fall arrives when Starbucks eloquently re-introduces their "autumn in a cup" goodness. 


Fall is my favorite time of year. Like weddings, I am also addicted to pumpkins, maple leaves, and everything that quintessentially says "autumn". Countless trips to apple orchards in the fall months growing up has undoubtedly secured my love for autumn forever. As crisp autumn air slowly heads our way, I'm giddy thinking of cool morning sunrises, cuddly wool sweaters, and the natural fall beauty that comes with leaves changing before our very eyes in the fabulous Pacific Northwest.


Fall is a time to treasure, and for many reasons to say the least. I love taking weekly photo walks through Vancouver and Portland, capturing autumns true essence in the midst of hustle and bustle, as busy shoppers eagerly get an early start on holiday shopping. This crisp weather marks a time for self reflection, scarves, hats, and mittens, and personal projects that only the off-season can bring. 


SIDE NOTE: any Fall/Winter brides still needing a photographer for 2010, all packages are $300!! 


My goals for this fall/winter season is to expand on a few ongoing personal projects. Since loosing our son Leo (to read an excerpt from a journal entry CLICK HERE) , I have been writing countless pages about my experience and my walk of faith. I hope to keep pursuing my goals of telling Leo's story as well as my own through writing and photography with the hopes of publishing a book somewhere down the line (some where very far down the line). It will be a long journey, but one that I am being called to pursue, and I am ready and willing for the challenge. 


This October, I have been blessed with photographing a very dear friends wedding in the Dallas area. Our paths crossed in the blogging world, and from the moment we found each other, we knew our friendship was meant to be. She too has struggled as I have, and our bond is one who know the loss of children first hand. Through our journeys and constant communication, she has chosen me as her wedding photographer for her FABULOUS 10-10-10 wedding! Not only will I be working with someone I love dearly and showcasing their FABULOUS love story, but I will also exploring Dallas for the first time. In addition to some many incredible aspects of this endeavor, my dear sister is headed to Texas with me, to share in the couples wedding celebration of love and of course, for the SHOPPING! Can we say cowboy boots are in my future?? Y.E.S. PLEASE!  Move over Pioneer Woman, I am out to share my obsession for fabulous boots too!! (if you aren't familiar with The Pioneer Woman, you MUST check her out... she ROCKS. MY. WORLD.)

For now, as I eagerly count down the days to Dallas, I am content cuddled up in my newest obsession... my electric throw blanket, courtesy of Costco. Just sitting here makes me want to kneed some bread dough, buy school supplies (remember that line from "You've Got Mail" .. What is it about the fall that always makes me want to buy school supplies. If you could send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils I would.." and start a huge pot of homemade chicken noodle soup! Autumn is coming and I CANNOT WAIT!

Until next time, blessings and love my dear friends... 

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UPCOMING EVENTS AND SPECIALS!!

I've expanded my family/seasonal portrait sessions due to the overwhelming response to my River Session deals. Stay on the look out for holiday portrait specials coming soon!!


Have you ever wanted to host a Portrait Party? Well, here is your chance! I am taking a limited number of bookings for photo parties this fall. What does this entail you wonder? Well, here are the details!!


1) you choose to host a Portrait Party in your home or location of choice (location depends on style of images you are looking for and having enough space to set up my equipment) (media rooms, bonus rooms, and large living spaces are perfect for these sessions)
2) you invite 4-6 families who are interested in having holiday/studio pictures
3) each family you invite pays a flat $35 for their "mini session" at your home or location of choice (your fees are waived, since you are hosting!)
4) Within a week, the families are each presented with their images in an online gallery for print and holiday card ordering of their choosing.
5) For every $50 spent by your invited guests, the host earns a $10 credit towards their own photograph order


This is a super fun party,and is a relaxed, casual atmosphere that everyone feels comfortable in. It is a great way to host an open house, and get some awesome pictures taken before the holiday season is upon us. If you are interested in hosting a Portrait Party, please email me for more details.