I blame it on the sugar. Just the smallest taste and my head starts to pound. I can feel every vein throbbing and my chest starts to tighten. I love sweets though. It's a sad story really.

That's why I struggled so much as I listened to Cheren talk about her wedding cake. "Oh, Amy you have got to try my cake! Its to die for. Trust me, it isn't a typical cake." She must have told me 4 times how great her cake was. So, as the party cooled down and guests started to exit through the large double doors I walked over to the cake table. I stared at the slices of cakes and weighed the options of headaches to one amazing piece of cake. Cheren gave me a look of wide eyed approval and excitement and I knew what I had to do. I took a bite and immediately looked at Cheren. It was out of this world! Buttery, not too sugary, lots of flavor, light and super moist. Ah, it was amazing. I sacrificed heart ache...literally...to have a slice and it was completely worth it. I spent the next few minutes gooshing over the cake with Cheren. LeCookie Monkey has a special flavor called "humingbird." It's a basically a crazy twist on a carrot cake, add pineapple, coconut and bunch of other yummy goodies. It was the flavor that everyone talked about and ran out in the first 10 minutes.

Eddie and I come across a lot of vendors who are all great at what they do. But, when we come across a company that does things this good then we just have to get involved. We want to share these companies with you! So, I want to tell you to check out LeCookie Monkey Cakes & Sweets. You will not only find the most amazing things in all categories sweet, but you will meet the goofiest, fun loving and wonderful person on the planet. If it wasn't for her amazing cakes, I would support her just because SHE is that great!!!

LeCookie Monkey
Amber Darrington
503-544-5041
Amber@LeCookieMonkey.com
www.LeCookieMonkey.com


Again....it's not just the best cake I have ever had or a great personality...look at the cake....it's gorgeous.



Their signature cookie.



Amber on the left and her lovely assistant Jaime.



Two great gals.



Portland Oregon Wedding Photographers

I was sitting on the track stretching out my hamstrings as I listened to the banter of the high school kids. I loved to hear what was important in their lives. I felt like I was being let into a secret world that every parent wished they could be a part of. As a track coach we weren't completely allowed in, but we definitely had a key.
The conversation started up about their favorite bands. Who's hot, who's not and who needs to just fall off the face of the earth. Then someone brought up Blues Traveler. My ears perked up since this was one band that I really knew. It was super hot in high school and maybe even into college, but I wasn't sure. I was shocked that they knew who they were and still liked them......so I listened in...."Do you like them?" Then I heard the worst thing ever....
"I don't listen to oldies." The conversation moved on from there. I heard nothing else after it. I lost the air in my lungs and I looked up at Eddie who was blocking the bright sunlight from striking my eyes and we just looked at each other. It was the very first time that I felt really old. Our music is now oldies to high schoolers. Are you kidding me!!!!

There is nothing that will make you feel older than being around high school students. So, lucky for us, our reality was checked as we photographed Faith Bible's Soccer & Volleyball team. Most of the kids were on our track team so it was really great to see them again. Their volleyball team will be going to state next week and they are expected to take it all. Go Falcons!













Sports Portraits Portland Oregon Photographers

I have driven by the Queen Anne Mansion a million times. It's 10,000 twinkle lights light up the night sky from miles around as if it's a beacon calling everyone to it. On this day it was a sign of celebration. Even as the rain poured heavy outside the lights twinkled brightly.
We celebrated our Halloween Eve with Amber and Sean. A couple as unique and beautiful as they come. They dawned glass earings, Scottish kilts, custom tattoos and smiles that wrapped around their faces. We has such a blast just spending the day with Amber and Sean and can't wait to see their photos finished.

Here is a sneak peek.













Portland Oregon Wedding Photographers

I think it's pretty safe to say that most men don't like their photos taken. Occasionally we come across a man who is the model of the perfect arm candy and will pose for any picture. Then there are the guys who completely come out of their shell when the camera is on them. But, in all my years of shooting weddings I have never come across someone quite like Kyle....

We pulled up to the french styled chateau and was in awe. DeLille Cellars is gorgeous and the perfect setting for Kyle and Natasha's wedding. She has this European vintage chic style that just needs a wedding that is classy and timeless. Ah, it was gorgeous.
As she tied her thick black bow on her strands of pearls I got ready to head out to take pictures. I immediately hit it off with Natasha, but it was now the big moment to meet Kyle. As we walked and gushed over the wedding, Natasha turned to me and looked dead in my eyes and said, "Kyle isn't very good with photos... No really." I had heard it a million times so I put her fears at ease and continued to gush. I met Kyle and he was kind, sweet, and just seemed to be perfect for her. As the shoot started I begun to realize that I had met my first "Kyle." It wasn't as though he wasn't very photogenic, but he just couldn't be serious. I would envision this gorgeous shot of him leaning into her and kissing her under the willow tree and I would get him doing a thumbs up with a huge grin. I would tell him to relax and be natural and he would do the typical GQ pose where he stares at his watch.
My first reaction is to look at the bride. If she isn't liking the situation I set in and start the work the scene. If she is laughing, then I'll check with her to see if she is ok with him being "Kyle" and I continue on. The point? When I looked at Natasha she was busting up laughing. She was absolutely dying and I thought to myself that she was his other half. I know a lot of women who wouldn't tolerate his goofiness, but he has found a gal who loves who he is, accepts it, and cherishes it. Turns out that the shoot was a lot of fun. I teased him, fought to get a few straight images and laughed with Natasha for the next hour. I think that 's what makes these stories so special. That everyone is different and it's is such a cause for celebration when a person finds their best friend that matches them perfectly.

















The grounds at DeLille Cellars was so amazing...especially the ponds.







Peeking on her guests.









As you can tell he was able to "cooperate" for a few of the images. As he got warmed up their was less cheese and just good romance.







Ahh, there he is!!! I love it.






















































Tom Douglas catering created the most amazing food. When I told my brother (a big time chef) about Tom Douglas he was so jealous. Apparently he is considered to be one of the top chefs in the world. So my pleasure!!!











A special thanks to...

DeLille Cellars, Redmond, WA
Tom Douglas Catering & Events, Seattle, WA
Salon Bella, Bellevue, WA
Michael Smith Promotions and Event Music, Seattle, WA

Seattle Washing Wedding Photographers