Star Students, Soup, + The Cles Family

"I took some time out for life."

-James L. Brooks

I walked into the house, and everyone was sitting in the living room with iced tea and yummy homemade chicken soup. I was immediately greeted with hugs and "hello's", then handed a cup of soup with some bread. Talk about star students. I felt like they just handed me a unicorn and a rainbow. Apparently Soup = the way to my heart. Who knew!? (*Note to future husband : I LOVE soup.*)

The Cles family is lovely. Hilarious. Warm. All things good. They are the kindest people and made me feel like part of their family. We waited for baby Mira to wake up from her nap, then we cruised around Enumclaw for some family photos.

They took some time out to capture pictures of their whole family together. They took time to have memories of family, of each other, of life. I'm oh so glad they did. I hope they are too.

Here are the lovlies, in all their glory...Yes, I did just say that.

Life is best when treated like family. 

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Old Friends, Manners, + America's Next Top Model

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."

-William James

Facebook is one of the coolest things in the world. But really, especially for a photographer. It gives the opportunity for people who I don't get to see everyday to see recent blogs, pictures, and updates. After posting a few pictures of two of my best friends, Ashley + Wes, I got a message from Davina.

Davina and I went to middle school together and part of high school. She was always bright, bubbly, and extremely fun to be around. She wrote me saying that she loved the pictures she had seen and wanted to take some pictures in the fall. I love when life does that, brings people back into now that you haven't seen in a while. It really is the best.

When I knocked on the door, we hugged and I got to meet Lilly, her daughter. Let's get one thing straight. Lilly has the BEST manners of any little girl. Seriously, I brought gummy bears because I realized they are like magic picture dust that makes all people (not just kids) smile. She asked each time she wanted one with a "Please and Thank You." Apparently I have a soft spot for manners, because I just handed the whole bag over when I was walking out the door.

Davina's boyfriend Johnny arrived a few minutes after I did with his parents. Johnny builds airplanes at Boeing, and used to be in the Army. We got to snap some family shots and then it was time for Davina, Johnny, and Lilly to audition for America's Next Top Model. Pretty sure Tyra would put them through to the next round, because they rocked it out.

Here are some of my favorites. And Lilly, let's go have a tea party. You have the best manners in the world and probably drink everything with your pinky out already.

Life is better with manners.

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Gummy Bears, Outside Freezers, + The Arends Family

"Do all things with love."

-Og Mandino

My phone rang with an unknown number on the caller I.D. I had a feeling it was about photography, so I immediately answered. Little did I know that it would be the sweetest lady on the other line. Saree had seen some of my pictures floating around on Facebook and wanted some family pictures taken. She wanted to take them at Deep Lake, and I could have been more happy! I love when clients have a place in mind for their pictures, because then I am totally sure that they will love the locations! Also, the leaves and colors and light could not have been more perfect on this lovely Saturday morning.

Saree and Tully have two boys, Carson and Trevor. They are the nicest and assured me that they were very excited for pictures as soon as they got out of the car. These boys are troopers, let me just tell you that it might have been clear skies, but it was about as cold as freezer outside and they just smiled and put their winter coats on between shots. I think that the gummy bears helped keep them warm. I brought some just in case anyone needed some sugar. So glad I did, I forgot how much I love gummy bears while sneaking some with the kids. :)

Saree + Tully, you really are the nicest people. From the first moment on the phone, I knew it was going to be a wonderful morning with you. So glad to have met you! Your boys are adorable. Give them a high five for being such rockstars.

A whole bag of gummy bears later, these are the pictures that I can't get enough of. 

This last picture is PERFECTION. Are we kidding about the golden tones!?

Life is spectacular. 

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

The Prettiest Thing.

"The real test of friendship is: can you literally do nothing with the other person? Can you enjoy those moments of life that are utterly simple?"

-Eugene Kennedy

Living with your best friend is something everyone should experience. For at least 3 months. Tara Mae has lived at my home since January. We shared a room until July. It really has been wonderful. She is seriously the MOST caring person I have ever known.

As I am typing this, she is bringing home a sweater that I fell in love with but didn't buy. She remembered, and went and picked it up for me on her way home from work. I mean really. How can I even get so lucky.

Tara and I met 3 years ago when I worked at Generational Leadership. She was a student and I was her staff member. I don't think either of us realized at the time that we would soon become best friends and sisters. It is crazy that we have only known each other for 3 years, because there are times when I feel like I have known her forever. We know about each others pasts, and what dreams we have for the future.  We talk about everything, laugh about most things, and are there when the other one needs to cry, yell, or get some ice cream. She proofs my blogs, and tells me that she likes pictures when I feel like having a meltdown. She even lets me take pictures of her when I don't give her a reason. Tara Mae, this was the reason.

Tara Mae, you are so wonderful. Really, I am not sure how I got so blessed to have you in my life. You are just gentle and kind and caring and giving. I hope you know that I am so happy you live at my home. I love baking with you, talking with you, sitting in my room doing nothing with you. You are a lovely one. You find the prettiest things, because you are the prettiest thing.

Look at her cute face. She's the sweetest.

Life is prettier with a best friend. 

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Inspiration, Heart Sizes, + The Crock Family

"Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present."

-Albert Camus

Terra and Jesse are two wonderful people who have just the biggest hearts in the world. Terra e-mailed a few months ago, and wanted to have a family photo session and get some updated pictures of their son Kaden. I was overjoyed. I have gone to church with them for a few years, but have never had the opportunity to spend time with them. After a few times of re-scheduling and re-arranging, we picked a day and time. I have been waiting for these pictures for months. Which means the night before, I barely slept. I love anticipation. Even when it means staying awake all night.

Jesse and Terra lived in Africa for a while and gave their time, their love, their lives to show people the love of God. These people are radical. Their hearts are full of love. While walking around, Jesse was telling us about some of their experiences. He lit up when talking about it. Knowing Jesse + Terra makes me feel inspired. Inspired not only to dream big, but to live out my dreams.

Terra and Jesse, I had a great time getting to know you a little better. You are wonderful people. Kaden is a blessed boy to have you as parents. You will push him to dream big and he will love that you are his biggest fans. Hoping to see you more in the future!

Here are a few of the session, I am a blessed girl.

Life is wonderful.

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Magazine Covers, Full Hands, + The Brazier Family

"All you need in the world is love and laughter. That's all anybody needs. To have love in one hand and laughter in the other."

-August Wilson

If I had a magazine, this family would be on the cover. They are GORGEOUS. Not only that, but they could give great advice on how to have the best times in the woods with your kids. They have one hand full of love, and the other full of laughter. Their kids are free to run and play and kiss their parents for days. They are so in love with life.

When Sara e-mailed me and said that Galadriel had referred her to me, I called Galadriel to sing her a "Thank You" song. We set the session up for later that week, because sunny day forecasts are something we take advantage of in this state...I had never met the Brazier family before, but as soon as I got out of my car, we talked and I met the kiddos. Riah is turning 5, today actually! And Doren is 2. Joe and Sarah have been married for 7 years, and are still very much in love. It is obvious when they make each other laugh that they are the perfect match

Brazier Family, thank you so much! This photo session is one I will never forget. EVER. Your kids are precious. Seriously, model babies. And you two are GORGEOUS and two of the kindest people I have ever met. I loved walking in the woods with you. So glad to know you!

Here are a few that would be featured in my magazine...

 These two are tied for the magazine cover...

Life is best with two full hands.

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.