Arlington Wedding Photographer: Caitlyn and Tyler

Caitlyn and Tyler had just spent every day for the past 2.5 years planning their perfect wedding. Though one thing no one expect in those two years...rain in June, and lots of it. But as the rest of us watched the never ending clouds all Caitlyn and Tyler saw was each other. 

Though it would appear that Caitlyn and Tyler's wedding party was bursting at the seams it just didn't feel complete since one of Tyler's dear friends couldn't make leave for the special occasion. The whole place was brought to tears when he walked through the door. 

The rain might not have stopped but neither did the party. No one seemed to mind either. I'm pretty sure everyone would agree that the day in the end was just perfect for this amazing couple. 

Venue: Marionfield Farm
Dress: Justin Alexander from Alicia's bridal
Bridesmaid dress: Azazie
Hair: Three little birds
Make Up: Ashley Metcalf
Videographer: KMZ Videography
DJ: Kim Hargrove

Skagit Valley Engagement photographer: Caitlyn and Tyler

What would a co-worker know about finding her perfect match? According to Caitlyn there was no way she could be right and she didn't have time to waste on blind dates. Despite her hesitation Caitlyn's coworker insisted that Tyler was perfect for her and secretly sent her number to him anyways.

Tyler was bound and determined to win her over for the chance for at least one date. Wasting no time he sent her a text that night, and another the next and the next night. Until he finally worked up the nerve to surprise her at work with lunch.

Who would have guessed that their friend was right all along, Caitlyn was instantly swept off her feet by his charm.

After almost 4 years of dating Tyler took Caitlyn to a local pumpkin patch where they spent the day enjoy the fall activities. Caitlyn was enjoying herself so much she just about missed the pumpkin carving display against the wall with the words "Will you Marry me" illuminated.

Caitlyn saw an engagement session we did this Fall where the couple bravely waded through the chilly Pacific Northwest waters for some amazing photos. She quickly responded that she wanted those photos.

You never know how a groom is going to react when you ask him to go up to his knees in mucky waters, all while fully dressed. But Tyler was not one to complain, knowing it was important to his bride. That is nothing short of true love.

Caitlyn and Tyler I hope you believe it was worth the few minutes of cold for these amazing photos. Congratulations you guys we can't wait for your Snohomish wedding in June.

Skagit Valley Wedding: Heather and Kenny Lafayette Gardens

"Distance means so little when someone means so much" (Unknown) With Kenny's job separating him from his beautify bride for months at a time the couple wasn't about to waste a minute apart on their wedding day. After breakfast surrounded by their close knit wedding party the two only went seperate ways long enough to get changed.

Heather's mermaid fitted dress with detailed emboridery and beading from David's bridal fit her to a tee.

Heather was not about to say her vows without all four of her sisters standing beside her.

Despite early morning grey skies with sprinkles by the time came to walk down the isle the clouds had rolled away and the sun was shining bright.

From the minute we met Heather we knew we wanted to be a part of her special day. She is just one of those people who you want to go above and beyond for. It was clear that everyone surrounding these two feel the same way from the vendors to their family and firends. Thank you Heather and Kenny for trusting us with capturing your specail day we couldn't be more thrilled for you both.

Venue: Lafayette Gardens
Photographer: S&J Photography
Hair: Once upon a time hair design
Makeup: Angela Pearson MUA
Dress: David's Bridal
Florist: Lafayette Gardens
Coordinator: Events with Kendra
 

Skagit Valley Newborn Photographer: Kinsey 7 days

I had the privilege of being one of the first to know this little one was on her way, the first to know that she was a girl and one of the first to get to meet her. I am honored to be invited into this family during this special time. She was well worth the wait, everything about her is so perfect and she was a photographers dream client. 

Skagit Valley Maternity Photography: Kera and Micheal

Maplehurst Wedding- Erin and Jack Walker

Erin and Jack were married in front of their closest family members at Maplehurst Farms in Mount Vernon Wa. Their intimate ceremony was held just before the sunset behind the trees. 

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What is more fitting then walking down the aisle together. I'm still in love with this idea. I mean what a beautiful moment between the two of them. 

Jack and Erin the smiles on your faces, the look in your eyes when you look at each other are just a few examples that show the forever love you have for each other. Congratulations. 

Natures Connection Wedding- Rodney and Baylee's Wedding

Rodney and Baylee's white wedding glowed under the radiant sun. They were married in Arlington at the beautiful Nature's Connection Wedding Venue.  

Whenever Baylee talked about her wedding she would use one word, "elegant", and she sure delivered on that promise. From the floor length lace bridesmaid's dresses to the perfectly placed white rose petaled aisle their wedding was stunning. 

Baylee's first love of her life, Baker,  was not about to be left out of the celebration.

Though Rodney's father couldn't be there in body the made sure to honor him in spirit. Baylee along with the help of other family members was able to incorporate Rodney's late father's duck tags into his boutonniere. It's reveal was an emotional one for everyone. 

Congratulations Fox family. It may have been your trucks that brought you together but it was your humor, kindness and love for adventure that kept you together. Your love for each other is one that will last a life time, of that we have no doubt. 

Venue: Nature's Connection

Dress: David's Bridal

Washington State Park Engagement-Hannah and Steve

Hannah a country wide traveler life style fits in well with the military lifestyle. However after one blind date she wasn't convinced Steve was the man for her. Thankfully she didn't let a small misunderstanding keep her from going on another date. Good thing because by date number 2 she was smitten. So much so she was willing to follow him all the way to the Pacific Northwest. 

Steve surprised Hannah with a ring late one night close to Christmas. She had no idea that when she walked into the sanctuary of their church that he would be there waiting on one knee. 

Bridal Portraits- Allie

Allie is a photographer's dream. She easy going, can pull off pretty much any look and of course is gorgeous. 

My family's property is surrounded by plum tress and as soon as I saw them in full bloom I knew I had to get a bride out there and shoot. 

Thank you Allie for being so willing to drive all the way to LaConner on your Saturday. I love our mini sessions together and look forward to your your vow renewals in the next few years! 

Happy Mother's Day

It's Mother's Day and I want to get on here and write some Hallmark worth quote about how amazing all the women in our lives are. How they make us who we are or are going to become. How they sacrifice day after day and time after time. How one day isn't enough. I want to say that without them we would be lost and so many of us are lost after loosing our mothers no matter our age. I want to say that today mothers deserve so much more then we can buy, or give or do for them. And the truth is all of that is so very true. But it feels like such a lie coming from my mouth.

You see even though I love my mom, my grandma's, my aunts, even my best friend's mom, and I want them to know how much they mean to me on mother's day I feel blocked. Because even though they are amazing I forget that I too am a mother. But today isn't for me because I don't fit in the same category as all those amazing moms. I don't deserve to be celebrated on a day like today because I am constantly failing at being the perfect mom, I'm constantly tired, short tempered, and so far from what I feel like I should be. My laundry is forever in a basket, clean or dirty, my child eats corn dogs for lunch because it's not worth the fight, and I don't know what I would do if pony tails didn't exist so my dirty hair couldn't fit into a bun every day. But if I was truly honest with myself I bet every single one of those women in my life would probably say the same thing, that at times they too failed. 

So for every type of mom out there, perfect or far from it, Happy Mother's Day. You deserve it.

Despite everything I love my son. And I have to believe that if we love them, truly love them that no matter what happens that's what they will remember. And my wish for all of you moms is that you feel loved today as well. 

Howson Family

When you're a photographer work is always on your mind. You tend to create the perfect session for different people you meet, or as you drive around day after day you're always figuring out how to turn it into a client's dream location. 
I first met Robin's girls when I was volunteering in our church's nursery. I fell in love with them both. They have this sweet soft voice that demands your respect, not to mention I'm pretty sure their 4 year old has a higher vocabulary as me. Robin always makes sure the entire family has the cutest clothes and their hair done perfectly.

I couldn't help but think they were be an amazing family to do a session for. So when they contacted me about family/maternity and eventually newborn photos I was ecstatic.

And of course they didn't disappoint! Loved their playful manner and hope you can feel that in each and every shot. 

Skagit Valley Spring

We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place.

Like most of you I found myself avoiding the tulip fields so much this time of year that I have not actually been to the tulip festival, which is crazy because it has literally been in my backyard my entire life. However when you become a photographer it's almost expected of you to take at least one shot of the beautiful colors. Though I am NOT a landscape photographer, and have never wanted to become one I was requested by another photographer to take a few field shots. 
When I look at these photos I can't help but laugh at the experience. We showed up, I walked as far away from the tourists as I could, set up my tripod, took maybe 10 quick photos, packed up a left. The older gentleman next to me asked if I was done already, I blamed it on my 3 year old's patiences but really I was thinking "their just flowers and I really only need one photo". And I have to say I am proud of the one (well two) photos I was able to get. So glad so many of you enjoy it as well. 

Consider this my gift to all the locals who would love to enjoy the beauty of the valley but from a distance.   

Crista and Ari Eaglemont Wedding

Crista and I were destined to be friends since the first time we met at five years old on the bus. We planned every aspect of our lives together, our dream jobs, our dream house, our dream weddings. We have always had it figured out and we have always done it together so it's only fitting that we both were involved in each others wedding.

Ari and Crista met in high school. Their friendship quickly became a relationship. And after years of being together Ari finally asked Crista to marry him with a day full of adventures. They are both anything but serious and made capturing true smiles incredibly easy.

Despite a dreary forecast of thundershowers the weather only sprinkled as the bride and groom arrived. Within minutes of being out on the greens the "rain" let up and they enjoyed the rest of their photos umbrella free.

Flowers by Petals By Linda

Flowers by Petals by Linda

Linen and table settings by Skagit Valley Wedding Rentals

Flowers by Petals by Linda

Table cloth Champagne Sequins: Ivory table runner: Blush napkins: Gold Chargers
From Skagit Valley Wedding Rentals

Crista I am overjoyed for you both. I have had the amazing privilege of watching, and being part of a day you have dreamed of your entire lives. You have dreamed forever about what it would be like to be husband and wife and start a family, you are now living that dream and I have never seen either of you as happy as I have this past year. Congratulations.

Venders:

Venue: Eaglemont Golf Course http://www.eaglemontevents.com/

Flowers: Petals By Linda https://www.facebook.com/petalsbylinda/?rf=646488848823116

Table Settings: Skagit Valley Wedding Rentals http://skagitvalleyweddingrentals.com/

Madison and Jamall Maternity

One thing that every small town folk know is everyone knows everyone. And it's true. That being said I know both sides of this amazing couple's families. In high school Jamall's mom was my cheer coach, now I have the privilege of working with both her and his dad. I use to work with Maddie's grandma before she retired who introduced me to her mom. Who hired me for one of her daughter's weddings wear I met pretty much the entire family. Now years later I consider them all close friends. 

Maddie and Jamall are high school sweethearts, they have always been that couple you can look at and just know they are going to make it. Maddie is also a photographer which makes my job so easy. Of course it helps that both of them are extremely photogenic but she already knows how to pose, look, smile and all I have to do it click away. When it came to booking their session Maddie was willing to do just about anything to get the photos she wanted, torrential downpour wasn't going to stop her. I wasn't as easily convinced but, luckily for us the clouds broke the sun peaked through and all we had to deal with was ankle deep puddles. 

Congratulations you two I couldn't be happier for the entire family. Theo is one blessed baby, with amazing parents, aunts, uncles, and of course grandparents who love him dearly. 

Destiny and Colby

I met this adorable couple three years ago. They had just out they were expecting their first little boy. I was delighted when they wanted to book maternity photos. As life happens we never got to take those photos. We did however make it up with lots and lots of family photos in those years. 

Last year they devastated us when they first moved to Everett and then to Portland. So when they mentioned a few months ago that they wanted to drive all the way up here and get maternity photos done, I was going to go through just about anything to get them done. Especially since the last session we were suppose to have, in September, was when that huge wind storm hit and left most of us without power for days. I thought for sure we would be in the same fate this time. I was pleasantly wrong and it was a sunny day.

I am so excited to meet baby Landon. He is already so loved by so many people. I know he's going to be strong like his daddy and beautiful like his mom, after all he has already shown he is a fighter. 

Congratulations Destiny and Colby you are nothing short then blessed.

Baby Bernstein

Do you guys remember this maternity session? How could you not I mean it's only our Facebook cover photo and stands to be in the top five favorite sessions of all time!

Well it's no surprise that this beautiful couple made an adorable little man and I had the honor of capturing his first photoshoot. 

I met Chelsea at church just about a year ago. She has an amazing voice and sings in the worship group. Even though we see each other every Sunday our conversations weren't more then just a simple "hello" in passing. I was so excited to be able to get to know both her and Adam on our four hour round trip adventure to find snow. In that time I got to know we actually have a lot in common. Besides our crazy curly hair, we both have a undying love for black and white and simplicity. However she has a whole lot more talent then I do in hair care and home decorating. 

Baby J was 7lbs 4oz of pure perfection at just 5 days old. He was a perfect gentleman up until the very end. In fact he was the first newborn to NOT pee on me during a session. He even tolerated his mom's one request of an antler photo that will hang perfectly in his "brave little man" themed nursery. 

You would never have guessed that Chelsea and Adam had only been parents for 5 short days. Watching them comfort baby J in between shots it would appear as if he had always been part of their family. It was touching to see how their love for him came so naturally, as if they were always destined to be parents. 

Adam and Chelsea I can't thank you enough for welcoming me into your home. I loved every second of both of our sessions. Congratulations on your perfect little blessing and I can't wait to hold him again.