Nice to Meet You, Dawson

"Babies are such a nice way to start people."

-Don Herrold

April 28th at 3:52 p.m., a miracle happened. A 6 pound, 9 ounce miracle. Brettany and Steve had a baby and met the little boy who they had only seen in ultrasound pictures and felt when he moved in her tummy. Dawson Attwood Stratton arrived after almost 9 months of anticipation. He is the most perfect thing I have ever seen.

Watching my best friend become a mama could not be a more beautiful sight. When I went to see her and Steve and baby, she looked radiant. She has dreamed about meeting Dawson, and now that she has, life is perfect. Holding him yesterday basically was the highlight of my year, maybe life. He is mellow and the smallest little guy. I could not get over how little his baby fingernails are. Perfect little fingernails. Seriously the most precious thing ever.

Steve and Brettany, you are going to be the best parents. I cannot wait to watch Dawson grow up and take pictures of him every step of the way.

For those of you who would like to meet Dawson, let me introduce you...

Life is perfect. 

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Bare Feet, Baby Bumps, & Chickens

"We tend to forget that happiness does not come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."

-Frederick Keonig

During the past week, I have been overwhelmed. With joy and smiles and the feeling that I am completely blessed. While editing, I have been realizing how much I love the people in the pictures.  Last week, I was so excited for a family baby bump shoot with the Hardebeck family. Baby Girl #3 is on the way and will be here around May 30th. 

The day started with a trip to visit another member of the family, Collecta, the chicken. We played in the yard with the chicken, some finger paint, and an abundance of laughter. With Eowyn and Hayley, life is a party. These girls are not afraid to run around barefoot and get their toes dirty. These girls are perfection, probably because they have fantastic parents. I cannot wait to meet Baby Girl #3 in a few short weeks! I'm sure she will be featured on the blog sometime after she is born! Galadriel is glowing, she cannot wait to meet the baby girl who has been

Life is better without shoes on. 

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Rainbow Sprinkles

"Rivers know this: There is no hurry. We shall get there someday."

-Winnie the Pooh

Sometimes life feels like plain vanilla ice cream. Work, sleep, clean, wash, rinse, repeat. But then, there are the people who take life and put rainbow sprinkles, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream on it. That is what happens whenever I am with the Garland Family. They are rainbow sprinkles. They make life exciting, and fun. When I am with Cara & Justin, it's obvious they want to make the most of each moment and laugh at the craziness of life. There is always a reason to laugh and play with them. These are not plain vanilla ice cream people. They are Birthday Cake Remix people.

Yesterday was full of sprinkles. Let me show you.

Life is fantastic. 

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Hello, Macro!

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble."

-Helen Keller

There are many things that make normal days monumental. Pasta for dinner, new toothbrushes, and having someone tell me I smell good are all things that make me jump up and down. But one thing is more monumental than all of those. Yes, hard to believe, I know. Recently, I bought a new lens. Holler at your mother. That was enough to make any day the best day of my life. A new lens is like Christmas. Except better because you get to pick out your present and know you will love it. 

Fact: I dislike surprises. 

Fact: I love new lenses. 

Fact: I just bought a fantastic new lens. 60mm 2.8 Macro. Yes, thank you Jesus. Perfect for details of rings, babies, and portraits. Crisp details but creamy backgrounds. Because the little things matter and they deserve to look fantastic. I tested it out on a few things around my house. My Mom's wedding ring and my favorite accessory, the Hair-Flower. And another from the Wedding last weekend, the cake topper. I'm in love and we're definitely going to be seen around town together. 

Life is full of small things that make big differences. 

More Than Yesterday: Zach + Amber

"For, you see, each day I love you more, 

Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow."

-Rosemonde Gerard

Saturday morning, there was nothing but anticipation for the coming hours. Hair and make-up were done and it was time for Zach to see the love of his life, Amber. Ever since Zach and Amber met, they knew they would be together forever. As they told me their love story, the other finished sentences and added in the details they would never forget. How after their first date, they didn't want to say goodbye and how they have spent the last 2 years waiting for this day to come.

During the ceremony, everyone looked on with hearts full of happiness. As Amber and Zach recited vows they had written to each other, the crowd laughed and teared up. This was what it means to be in love. During the toasts, family and friends told stories from the past and gave blessings for the future. More than once it was said how they make the other the better. I believe it. After the vows, toasts, and stories, it was time to dance. The reception was filled with laughter, dance-offs and '80's Music. As the night came to a close, it was obvious nobody wanted it to end. The day had been perfect.

Amber & Zach, congratulations on your new life together. I am so grateful I was able to be there for your wedding! I hope each day when you wake up you love each other more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.

Life is full of perfect moments.

Check out my WEBSITE, Send me an E-MAIL, or Call Me 253.569.7600.

Matthew, The Rockstar

"Surround yourself with people who believe in you"

-Brian Koslow

This past week has been full of my favorite thing. Taking pictures. There will be pictures up later this week of the wedding on Saturday, so stay tuned. However, last Thursday I had the privilege to spend the afternoon taking some senior pictures of Matthew. Let me tell you about it. 

Matthew is a Rock Star. For real. Not only did he bring his best model faces, but he brought 2 guitars to switch things up a bit. While I was getting everything ready, he was just playing his guitar. YES PLEASE! I might make it a requirement for people to bring instruments to serenade me while I take pictures, it was the best.

We headed to Issaquah where the weather and the scenery could not be more perfect. We laughed almost the whole time. I still am trying to decide if Matt and his mom, Staci, were laughing with me or at me. Jury is still deciding. Anyways, we talked about his plans for the future and what he wants to do next year. Matt, I'm sure you will make the right decision. So don't stress. And surround yourself with people who believe in you, because that is the key to loving what you are doing. Thanks for letting me take your pictures, I had an absolute blast! 

Life is better with a guitar. 

Check out my WEBSITE, Send me an E-MAIL, Call Me 253.569.7600!!