It's in the way he looks at her. It pours from every move that he makes, every word that he says, and every glance from across the room to make sure that she is okay. Jeff has a love for Rhonda that melts all previous concepts of love. The story begins at a shipyard on the banks of the Puget Sound where they work together as riggers on the giant naval ships. I see them so tender together and it makes me curious to understand how a love so gentle can be sparked from an environment that is filled with sweat, greasy coveralls, cranes, and everything else that is too manly for me to imagine. The irony of it all makes the story that much beautiful.
Their story was sealed with a kiss at the Yang's Botanical Garden in Port Orchard Washington. Surrounded by brilliant bursts of tropical flowers and gorgeous landscape made for a breathtaking affair.
Jeff & Rhonda thank you so much for allowing us to capture your wedding. After the engagement shoot we both walked away saying, "ahh, I liked them so much." Then we photographed your wedding and we both walked away saying, "ahh, THAT is the way love should be." Enjoy the gorgeous weather in San Diego!









I am not normally a fan of doing the formals during the cocktail hour, but this time it worked out just perfect. Rhonda didn't want to do a million family photos and decided to spend most of the shoot time with just the two of them. The location was gorgeous so we didn't have to travel far which made things even better. For me, the perfect wedding is filled with lots and lots of pictures of the the couple...after all the day IS about them.





I love the way he kisses her as though we aren't even there. So precious.

Eddie comes from a small town in Southern Illinois. When I first met Eddie I told him that I too came from a very small town in California. About 15,000 people in the foothills of Sacramento. To me small meant there was nothing to do. I quickly realized that I wasn't as "country" as I had thought. Mulkeytown, where Eddie is from, doesn't officially exist. At any given time Eddie will claim to be from Sesser, Valier, or any other location that actually "exists" to whoever he is talking to...it seems to be easier that way. With no more than a couple thousand people this truly is the place of nothing to do.
This Thanksgiving traveled past the millions of acres of corn fields and wide open roads to visit home. A place where when there is nothing to do there is always family. I am so thankful for Eddie's family. Once you fall in love with your spouse you don't have a choice but inherit their family...which can be tough. I am so lucky to have the best 2nd family in the world. They are truly amazing people. If you are reading this...I love you!
Thanksgiving was filled with great food, flexing plates, and lots of laughs. But, the highlight every year is the Turkey Bowl. A colorful tough football game between cousins which brings, trash talking and the funniest banter I have ever heard. Eddie is teamed up with his youngest cousin which means that they never get a chance to win. Both of them are fairly smaller than the other 2. But, this year they were victorious. I love watching my hubby play sports.

Eddie and his brother chasing him down. My first shot at trying to take sports photos.


Eddie's brother Ben loves photos too and tends to be a bit of a camera hog. Luckily I love to take pictures so we are a good match.






After it was all over the boys decided to do a small photo shoot.





Fist time victory.

I always have something that I completely love about the people that I shoot. Maybe it's their smile, hair, an adorable laugh, a funky hat, something. These little details help spark my creativity and make the shoot so fun to capture. I always think to myself how can I capture this image to show that thing that I love so much. For Sierra it was her eyes. Hands down her eyes. Large gorgeous blue eyes. She is a gracefully timid gal who has eyes that are so inviting. I love the irony of that. I found myself thinking of poses and scenarios where I could light up her eyes as much as possible which was hard in the dark hotel where we shot these images. Luckily the rain cleared for a few brief moments so we could go outside and explore the grounds at McMenamin's Edgefield.
Thank you Sierra for being so incredibly patient. It was sooo cold, uh and rainy and you handled it like a champ. Good luck this year!

Respect is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of those in the armed forces that sacrifice their lives so we don't have to sacrifice all the things we love and the life that we get to live here in the United States. So when our friend Chris got to come home from Fort. Campbell, TN for a couple of days his mother asked for some portraits and it was our privilege to capture a few shots for her. We are very thankful for Chris, his family and all the others who serve in the armed forces to make this country what it is. Thank you all so much!

Everyday after school I would get off the bus in the warm Orange County heat and walk to my aunts house. A small bungalow shoved tight with 3 awnry boys, my bother, myself and 3 or more foster children under the age of 3. I would stay with them until my mom got off work and help out with the little ones. Most of these children were drug babies which meant that from the very start these children were already going to have a tougher life than everyone else. Nightmares, drug withdrawals and brain damage...it was all right there for me...that question of why them? Ever since I was a little girl I have had a heart for foster children. I have heard the statistics a million times and the thoughts on the failure rate of those children who are forced from one home to the next and never thought it was fair. I always had a hard time understanding how I got such a great life. Why do I have fantastic parents who love and care for me and some children can't even find a person to care for them? It has always been a tough questions for me. Always.
So about a year ago I decided that I would try and make a change in the lives of foster children. I started to pray about how I can help and after a while a very bright light bulb lit up in my head or maybe it was my head...I can never tell. Why couldn't there be a community where every family that lives there is a foster family. Parents who choose to live within a community with the sole purpose of being a foster parent with hopes of perminent adoption. A place that guarantees that the children in their care will no longer be exposed to bad environments and will be instilled with new hope and a fresh start. The community could live as one large family and care for each other and fit the needs of one another as brothers and sisters of the community. After months of praying about this concept I found a charity that is already doing that exact same thing. I guess the idea wasn't so dumb after all. In the heart of downtown there is a village that is currently being built. As soon as I found this charity Bridge Meadows I wanted to do whatever I could do to help. We found out that they were having an auction to raise money and so we volunteered the one thing that seem to fit. Our photography services. I plan to continue to look into building a second village at some point if that is where God leads me, until then I just want to get the word out about this amazing charity. It's incredible what people are doing to make a difference in children's lives.

The community had to raise over $11 million to begin building. They have since raised the full amount thanks to the 1,000s who donated.



Large local charity organizations donations like the Amy Roloff Foundation were present to give their greatest support for the cause.





I loved this. This couple had been planning on getting married and just hadn't set a date yet. They threw up their hands with gusto to win that trip to Sicily thinking that they would just get married there...if they won. And they did.



To find out more about Bridge Meadows please visit their SITE. They are always looking for volunteers, donations, and words of encouragement.

Getting your picture taken by a professional isn't a natural process for most considering that every other picture of them has their mouth wide open and eyes all a squint. As I have said before there is a reason that Eddie and I take the pictures. As much as I like to pretend that we are models we just don't photograph well. If I was being really honest I would change that last statement to I am not photogenic. Eddie is a dream...gorgeous skin, killer smile the list goes on and on. I know my downfalls so I resort to the very best distraction there is. Crazy scarfs, hats, jackets, socks...whatever might take the focus off me. Eddie loves it when I get all dorked out and finds that it's the perfect time to capture an image. Oi, if only you can see some of these shots.

Yes, I will admit that I love my dog. I use her as my model and the shots always turn out hilarious. I know I am a dork! But, the scarf really does make the picture that much better, right?

I have a secret. Luckily it's one that I want to share with everyone I know. It's actually a book recommendation. Because of the nature of our business we are blessed with an opportunity to hear about our couples relationships and how they kindled into an engagement and inevitably a wedding. I get attached so attached to the couples that we work with and I always want them to have the best. I get so excited for their next adventures, their trials, and I worry for them when there is nothing to worry about. I know I am lame right? So, I guess I am putting on my mothering hat when I recommend this book.
Eddie and I read it last year just after we got married and couldn't believe the wealth of information it offered on marriage. In a very small nutshell not worthy of the book... it's about Love and Respect. That's it. Love and respect is the exact ingredients needed to have a happy marriage. The concept is so simple, but you will find that the insight in the book goes beyond our everyday understandings. The book is amazing! Eddie and I vowed to read it once a year to keep a clear perspective on our relationship. It's one of those things you can do to immune your relationship from crazy fights. If I had my wish I would go ahead and book all our couples for their 10th, 25th and 50th year anniversary photo shoots. So I hope this book will help set a strong foundation for you marriage too!

Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

I think every bride desperately wants to create a celebration that is so beautifully unique that it can grace the pages of Weddings Magazine. Am I right? And why wouldn't you. Your love is unique so why should it be celebrated with everyone you love as though it's an everyday affair.
I recently came across this blog that focuses on finding the best ideas from across the nation to help brides find their own unique style. What a resource. I love checking the blog to see what amazing ideas have popped up next. Things I wish I had seen while planning our own wedding. Ladies check it out, enjoy it, and have a blast planning your special wedding.

GreenWeddingShoes

Ahhh, lunch was sooo good! We just spent an afternoon photographing our clients...now friends...and decided to end the day by filling our bellies with the yummiest Mexican food. If you ever need a cheap place to catch a meal you should check out Cha Cha Cha off Glisan. The best part is we finally got a chance to spend some time with our clients (now friends.) We photographed Andrea + Nicholas this afternoon and had an absolute blast. They were the typical shy couple that come with lots of warnings about how unphotogetic they are. By the way, we don't believe it anymore. We really don't. We always hear how much people hate to take pictures, but to be honest I don't believe it. Those warnings just tell us that you will laugh more than normal, crack more jokes, and shyly canoodle with the love of your life. Sounds good to me!
These 2 love birds were exactly that story. Pretending to be shy, but surprise with creative ideas, pranks, and enthusiasm. We went to several locations to get the shots we wanted and we were so thankful for their openness to explore. We love to spend time with the couples we work with, but more often than not...there is just no time. We finally got that chance. Not as subject and photographer, but as friends. Once we have that cozy relationship with each other it makes the wedding day so much more fun...plus we just love hearing other couples stories.
We can't wait to photograph their wedding next summer. It's out in the sticks...which equals AH-mazing photos.

Nicolas was such a prankster. He was constantly pretending to push Andrea into the water which made the shoot so loose and fun. I love it when couples feel free to relax.




We went to several locations this day. One of our favorite spots is a dock that overlooks downtown. There are so many possibilities there. If I can suggest one thing allow a lot of time and pick a few locations to we can really explore the surroundings.

Bright orange, red, pink, and black linens, chairs, pillows, and gifts. Linens sewn just perfectly to hold silverware, programs in the shape of fans, and a special place for everyone to gather during cocktail hour. Amber designed every little detail of this wedding and it turned out gorgeous. I was flabbergasted to find out that she had done it all her self. Well, actually her mom helped too. Seeing them work through the details like an effortless pair was so fun to watch. I love to see how families come together to show their love for each other on such an important day.





Amber and Dylan, you are such a gorgeous couple. I loved how you would coyly look at each other as if every moment was completely hilarious. It was as if you had a divine secret joke that no one else knew about. You were so fun to photograph.





Dylan isn't one for photographs. I love this next image simply because you can sense his enthusiasm. He joked with us constantly...which I translated to mean that he really enjoyed himself.



Especially when we asked him to do this next shot.





Have you ever seen this before? This was a first for us. HILARIOUS!!! They also had a tattoo that said "Hmm" on their pointer finger so that they could put it too their cheek as they pondered. So funny!



If you haven't noticed yet, the guests at this wedding were so much fun. I think this was suppose to be an act of amazing skill instead it fell a bit short. He was trying to pull the table cloth off in one swipe while jumping over it. Mmm Hmm.



We will be adding some of the great ideas for decorations to our ideas gallery on our website. Wait, wait, it isn't there yet, but we hope to have it up and running real soon!

Being a wedding photographer has to be one of the finest jobs on the planet. As you have heard it's the best day of the bride and groom's life. So it has to be a beautiful thing right? We think so. We get to spend an amazing day with a couple who are madly in love. We get to experience that love, document it, and are honored with the privilege of telling that specific story.
Here are some nitty gritty details that will help you plan your wedding day schedule which gives us the opportunities to really get creative with your story. The more you understand our role the more you will understand what we need from you. While any professional photographer should be able to handle almost any situation there are a lot of things that can that shape the photographers day. Most of them deal with the schedule so listen up.

When should we start taking pictures?
Gosh, how can I say this? I'll just be honest and say that choosing to take pictures prior to the ceremony is one of the best decisions you can make on your wedding day...besides saying I Do of course. We would love to have 1 hour or more with our bride & groom, 1/2 hour with bridal party and a 1/2 hour to hour for family photos. Just imagine trying to fit that all in during cocktail hour. Oh, that could be trouble. So, the answer to that questions really depends on how important your photos are to you.

Do you think it's a good idea to see each other prior to the wedding?
The first time you see each other is sure to be an gorgeous moment no matter when you do it. As a photographer we are always partial to taking pictures before hand so let us suggest a great solution. Imagine a private setting where you can walk up to your future husband and whirl him around to get a glance at you. You have time to be together without 100's of people watching. you can take time to talk privately, read a letter from each other, say a prayer...whatever fits the moment. Eddie and I did this and it was by far the best part of our wedding. Just the two of us, soaking up the environment, the magic, and just being together. If it works for you it's a great solution. It's also a beautiful way to document the moment. Both Eddie and I can find a spot to get both of your reactions without a lot of people in the background.

Our shot list...
If you want to be really efficient with your timing you can always use our shot list. If you don't have one...we can get you one. They are great. We know exactly what you want and we can get it done fast.

We want to ensure that we have lots of time for pictures of me and my fiance...what should we do?
We can suggest a few things. Plan your photo shoot for the hour or so before sunset. The lighting will be just perfect. If you can't do that give some time when it works best for you either before or after the ceremony and then plan to escape from the reception to take more photos during that magic hour before sunset. Also, think about your location and what it has to offer. If you really want to get the most out of our artistic talent think about trying a few different locations. This will take extra time, but you will get hundreds of shots instead of handful that will come with a 20 minute shoot.

That's all we can suggest. Time. Give abundantly and we will reward you for sure!

We meet the coolest people on our photo shoots. I don't know if it's just people in love in general or the fact that we have just been incredibly blessed with amazing people. Since I have always been a people watcher it has been a royal treat to watch how people handle being photographed. It isn't easy, believe me. There is a reason why Eddie and I are the ones that take the pictures instead of the ones being photographed. Cheryll & Josh had two very different experiences in front of the camera and their personalities bounced off each other like a fantastic ballet.
Cheryll is so gorgeous... it's the truth, but she is definitely shy in front of the camera. Like most who are timid they tend to retreat into the eyes of their fiance. Ignoring everyone else around them which makes for amazingly intimate photos. It's normal the shy ones that apologize for being poor posers, but they don't realize that they are actually creating beautiful images. I love these intimate moments. Then to make it even better Josh would pull her in as if he was almost protecting her from the camera. He would then say a joke to make things a bit more loose. I think their personalities burned into the camera beautifully and really displayed what an amazing couple they are.
We are so lucky to be photographing their wedding in a couple weeks. We can't wait!

This wasn't an easy shot for her. But, she was so gorgeous it was a shame to put her in the shadows.




There is an expression that everyone has with their lover. A face that they don't share with others. I love capturing that moment just after two lovers have looked at each other. It's a flirty look of calm and sweet peace. I think this photo shows that look that Cheryll has for Josh.







Thank you for being so brave on such a cold day! You guys are amazing!