Icebergs, Happiness, + Beverages for Daaaaays.

"Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things." 

-Chaim Potok 

The last week has been a full one. Wes + Ashley got married on Saturday and had one of my favorite weddings that I have ever been to. I was a bridesmaid and got to spend the day alongside one of the most gorgeous brides ever. Seriously, she looked STUNNING. It was a week full of laughter, hairspray, high heels, and caffeine.


In the beginning of August, I made a list of things that I would not purchase until September. On the list were clothes, shoes, make-up, books, and the most difficult....BEVERAGES. Let me tell you, I have not purchased anything off the list! Except for a few beverages. Oh goodness, have I missed Starbucks.


Let me just clarify. I think that life is better with a Tea Lemonade in my hand. I'll drink coffee when I am EXHAUSTED. **Right now, I'm sipping an Americano to stay awake...** But there is something about tea that is just YUMMY. Especially with extra ice. Everything is better when it is the temperature of an iceberg. So this past month, juice from home and water has been my friend. And of course the drinks that my friends have bought me because they all are fully aware of my addiction. Thanks, lovely friends!!!


So, while I have not 100% succeeded, I have been very good about not buying things I don't need. I even spent money on an oil change today. Oh goodness, the Green Chariot is a happy camper.


All that to say, I will be blogging a few sessions in the next couple of weeks that are sure to make you smile. I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have such wonderful clients. Really, they are beautiful and so much fun to be around and photograph. Until then, I'll be sipping on my Americano and trying to cross things off of my to-do list.

Here is one of my favorite pictures of Wes + Ashley.

Life is better with beverages.


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.

Once Upon a Time : Wes + Ashley

"Once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question that he wanted to spend his whole life answering."

-Nicole Krauss (The History of Love)

In March, I went to her house to pack up her room so she could move to Ohio. Deep down, she knew she was moving across the country to be closer to the man she would marry. Each Wednesday night, Ashley and I would drive to Chipotle and talk about Wes. He is kind and patient, generous and caring. She is full of life and spontaneity, sequins and love for the people around her. Together they are the couple everyone wants to be around.

Ashley and Wes had been together for about 2 years and had never lived in the same city. He is in the Air Force and was living in Hawaii for the first year of their relationship. But when he moved to Ohio for school, she knew she needed to find out if this would last forever. Her family approved and knew that Wes would someday be a part of their family. In June, he flew Ashley home to propose to her and to make sure this girl would be the one that he spent forever with.

On Friday night, we drove together to Enumclaw for their engagement session. They were beaming the whole time. Wes had been at field training for 6 weeks and just the week prior had gotten home. She was glad to finally have her fiance back. Only 5 more days until they never have to say goodbye. Until they will live in the same house, in the same city. Forever.

Ashley and Wes, I cannot wait to be there when you promise to spend the rest of your lives in love. You are two of my best friends and I am so glad to know you. Every time I am with you, I know that you are the perfect match. Wes, keep good care of Ashley. She means so much to me. Ashley, Wes is such a good guy. I trust him to keep you safe and happy always.

This is what love looks like.

Life is full of Fairy Tales.

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.

Decisions, Support, and My New Camera

"Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision."

-Peter F. Drucker

I like to have the people in my life very involved in it. I like to share things with them...Like chapstick, toothpaste, shoes, dresses, food, Starbucks, anything. So when it comes to my business and big decisions, I love to share my ideas or goals with my friends and family.

For about 8 months, I have been wanting to buy another camera. I have done lots of research, asked a lot of questions to the employees of the camera stores, and debated on which camera to buy. With some advice from a few of my favorite photographers, and lots of conversations with my dad about making this investment, I decided on the Nikon D700 and a date to purchase.

One year ago, in August, I decided to pursue a dream of being a photographer. It was a little scary at times and I wondered if anyone would like the way I see the world. But I could not be happier with the way this last year has unfolded. I can look back and see that I have improved and know so much more now than I did. I have practiced and set goals to push myself to become better. So as a birthday present to my photography business, I thought that August would be the perfect month to buy the camera.

Last night my fam bam took a trip to Seattle to Glazer's Camera to make the purchase because we all know I needed a little support. Plus, I love sharing my life with the people I love. We ended the night at Paseo for some Cuban food. DELISH! GO GO GO there!!!

Thank you Mom and Dad for believing that my dream can become my career and for also pushing me to dream bigger. Thank you Michelle Jensen and Josiah Reimers for helping me decide which camera to buy and for encouraging me when I doubted myself. Thanks Tara, Brettany, Liz, Jessica, and all of my other friends for being the best support system ever!!!

Meet my new camera. I'm getting to know it better. But let me just tell you. BEST.DECISION.EVER. 

And here is a picture of Baby Oscar taken with the new camera. Oh I love his little face!!!

Life is best when shared.

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.

A Man in Uniform.

"If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again."

-Excerpt from The Marines Prayer

On Saturday, August 6th, Christopher Howe became a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He was surrounded by family and friends who believe in him and think he is capable of anything he puts his mind to. This ceremony was not the end, but the beginning. Chris' father swore him in by reading the Oath of Office. His mom and sister pinned on his Butterbars. The ceremony was full of decorum. Everything had a meaning and a reason. 

Chris and I have known each other since high school and have stayed good friends since. I did the happy dance when he asked me to take pictures at this ceremony. 

Chris, I am so proud of you. No really, you are one of the most diligent people I have ever known. You will have great stories from your life to tell your kids and grandkids. You will be their hero. I just know it. Also, when you write a book about your life, I would like a signed copy. Thanks. 

Take a look and wish you had a sweet uniform. And a sword.

Life is better in a uniform.

S'mores + Sisters

"You're killing me Smalls! These are s'more's stuff! Alrite now pay attention. First you take the graham, you stick the chocolate on the graham. Then you roast the 'mallow. When the 'mallows flaming... you stick it on the chocolate. Then cover with the other end. Then you scarf. Kind of messy, but good!" 

-The Sandlot

Summertime is full of my favorite things. Trips to Lake Roosevelt, campfires, summer dresses, no shoes, freckles because we all know I don't tan, and S'mores. Yummmmm. There is something about s'mores that makes any night the best night. 

Liz, Tara, and I have been having a great week full of random dinners, movie nights, and sugar. Since it is summer, S'mores Rice Krispie Treats seemed like a great addition to our Friday Night. We were so right. They were perfect. I'd never made any kind of Rice Krispie treats before, but nobody told me that it was as easy as boiling water! Seriously, SO SIMPLE! New favorite thing to make! Except for banana bread. That will always be my favorite. 

You can find the recipe HERE. It was super simple and only a little messy. But the end result was SO WORTH IT! We cut some in half which were perfect for breakfast...Yes, I just said breakfast. Don't act like you wouldn't do it too...

Ready for your mouth to water??

Life is better with chocolate on your face.

Visit my new and improved WEBSITE or Give me a call 253.569.7600!!!

Animal Noises, Sunshine, & Curiosity

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."

-Unknown

The Martin family are the people you want to invite over for a BBQ. They are easy going, love to laugh, and people who make life fun. When Corianne called to set up her family photo session for summer, I couldn't wait. We decided on Gene Coulon Park and I could not have been more happy with the location, the light, or the people. It was the perfect summer evening.

Ethan, Elijah, and Lily are the cutest children. Goodness, we had the best conversations. Ethan thought I was 32, then I politely told him that I definitely wasn't. Lily was taking notes on my favorite color (Grey and Purple) and what color car I drive (Green). Elijah was showing me all of the crazy animal noises he can make. My favorite, the monkey. And when I kept saying we had to take a few more pictures, all three made sure I knew that a few means only 2.

Corrianne & Derek, Thank you so much for allowing me to take pictures of your beautiful family! I had the best time with you and your entertaining children. Let's do this again. I love your curious children and their questions, and their beautiful blue eyes.

Take a look at this beautiful family. Yes, they are celebrities. Don't they look famous?

Life is full of sunshine. 

Also!! September 3rd, clear your calendars for mini-sessions!!! Check out the details HERE!!! Reserve your spot soon and go buy yourself a new outfit to wear! 

Visit my new and improved WEBSITE or Give me a call 253.569.7600!!!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!!

"Very early, I knew that the only object in life was to grow."

-Margaret Fuller

If you have been reading my blog at all over the past year, you have seen Baby Gabriella grow. 3 months she was in my favorite yellow sweater. 6 months I took one of my favorite pictures ever of her mama playing with her on the bed. 9 months she was sitting and crawling and having a blast eating my camera strap. Every time I get to see her she has grown so much, and has more personality.

When Theresa asked me to come and take pictures of Baby G's 1st Birthday Party, I knew I wanted to be there! I love summer, parties, and baby G. Aaron and Theresa's friends and family are wonderful. I loved being there to meet everyone and be able to let mom and dad enjoy the party without worrying about taking pictures of everything.

Here are some pictures from her party. Birthday's are the best. Be grateful you get to have an excuse each year to eat cake, have all your friends over, and get a gift card or maybe two! **Hint: I LOVE GIFTCARDS.** Anyways, look at these and smiiiiiile!

Life is lovely.

Also!! September 3rd, clear your calendars for mini-sessions!!! Check out the details HERE!!! Reserve your spot soon and go buy yourself a new outfit to wear! 

Visit my new and improved WEBSITE or Give me a call 253.569.7600!!!