Hey friends. There has been a long pause on the blog, and if you’ve been wondering where I disappeared to, I have been soaking up my sweet little children, making fun memories, and quietly serving clients here and there when I have time to squeeze in a session. This year, the off-season has brought me many joys, introspection about where I’m at and where I’m headed as a mother and photographer, and I keep coming back to this thought that I want every single day to be full of intention, meaning, and celebration of blessings big and small. How will I do that? I’m still figuring it out, but I do know that I long to create images and share stories of people who inspire me personally and I want to do my part to spread a message hope in the world by capturing courage and sharing it with you. I feel so aware of the weight of sorrow and hardship on the human soul, and yet, so desperate to be near to those who are hurting…to lend a hand, a hug, a heart for them to lean on.

I’ve been privileged to photograph some truly amazing individuals these past few months, and perhaps most poignantly, the Magnotti’s. Nick and Alyssa are a daily shot of inspiration to me even as they face the most terrifying season of their lives. If you’re not familiar with their story, you can read about it in detail on their website, but the short version is: Nick and Alyssa fall in love and get married. Nick is diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Nick and Alyssa fight that cancer with all they’ve got and win. Alyssa becomes pregnant (due at the end of March 2013) and Nick’s cancer comes back with a vengeance. He is currently in treatment, and enduring ongoing chemotherapy. They pray and hope for miraculous healing, and with the uncertainty of tomorrow always hanging overhead, they cling to each other with courageous joy. They laugh often and thank God for the time they have. For the love they have. For the days they have. And they remind me every single day that no matter what I’m going through, I have a choice to sow loveliness into the world in my own special way. I am so blessed to have met them, and ask that you’ll join me in prayer for 1) healing for Nick and comfort on the way to that healing, and 2) the coming of their sweet baby girl and for Alyssa to be strengthened and encouraged through her birth.

And here is a tiny glimpse into a valentine story…into a love that never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. A love that never fails. (1 Cor. 13:7)

I’m so thankful the sun has stayed with us through most of October. What an unexpected treat! I spent some time with the Cooper family recently, capturing them with their newest addition. Isn’t she cute?! Corban & Laura are the team behind Lorbaniah Cameography Cinema, and they film events for corporate and wedding clients throughout the northwest. They are a marvelous pair with compassionate hearts and a delightful posse of little girls that multiply their joy! I’ve been so grateful for their support of my business in the past few years! Congratulations on your new little one, Laura & Corban.

This couple is an absolute delight and their chemistry is obvious on camera and off! I enjoyed their engagement session so very much. I usually ask a couple if they have any specific ideas or sentimental details we could incorporate into their session to make it unique, and bride-to-be Katie had a clear vision for what she was looking for. We spent some time at the arboretum in a row boat, playing scrabble in the grass on a special quilt Katie’s mom made for her, and then we did some dusk photos at Gasworks Park, topping off the day with a chinese lantern send-off. Katie & Jared will be tying the knot next summer at the very lovely Jardin del Sol in Snohomish. Congratulations Katie & Jared!

     

What could be better than a totally cute baby? How about two totally cute babies?! I love these twins and their awesome parents! We spent some time together in Kirkland a few weeks ago capturing the whole family. I have such respect for parents of twins who have double duty 24 hours a day and still have a smile on their faces. When you become a parent, I think you discover that you are capable of so much more than you ever thought before! Even though babies require a lot of physical care and attention, the joy they bring is immeasurable. It was such a treat to see these proud parents so enamored with their little boy and girl. Love it!

Every couple I photograph is special to me…each for their own reasons. Katina and Panos committed their lives to each other before family and friends at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle, and I left their reception with a full heart. I am fascinated by the beautiful craftsmanship and imagery inside the church where they wed, and their meaningful traditional ceremony touched me deeply. I feel like I understand so little about the Orthodox tradition, but I truly appreciated the reverence with which this couple made their vows to each other before God, believing that what they promise to each other really means something. The gorgeous details inside the church provided an amazing backdrop, and I found myself drawn to the beautiful mosaics and stained glass. Their friends and family were a fun bunch, and the highlight of my night was watching Panos’ father tearing up the dance floor throughout the reception. He couldn’t be stopped! It was wonderful to see him dance so exuberantly with the others cheering on. Many thanks to my great friend Sofia for capturing the day with me. Katina and Panos – Thank you so much for giving me a glimpse inside your wonderful family, and for sharing this special day with Sofia and I. May this coming year be full of joy and blessings!

Katina & Panos’ engagement photos can be found here.