Skagit Valley Wedding Photographer: Airport Wedding

Every where Steve and Hannah go they pick up life long friends along the way. Their wedding party alone traveled over 8500 miles to be part of their wedding! This doesn't include Steve's family who flew in from Texas. Hannah's friends from Pennsylvania, or her aunt from Massachusetts and many many more guests. 

Hannah was blessed to have friends willing to help her every step of the way, from her hair and makeup to her beautiful bouquets and cake. 

Steve is an avionics technician for the Navy and aspires to become a commercial pilot in the next few years. So naturally the choice to hold their wedding in a nostalgic hanger of the Heritage Flight Museum in Burlington WA was an easy one. 

It was important to the couple that they honored family members that sadly couldn't join them on their special day.

The couple flew away into the sunset to Frank Sinatra Come Fly with Me. 

Skagit Valley Newborn Photographer- Cooper

Just over 2 years ago I had the privilege of meeting this family's little girl for her newborn photos. So when Danielle contacted me about newborn photos for their newest addition I was so honored to be trusted again. 

I met Danielle many many years ago when our families went to the same church. We even spent a whole week together in Mexico. Our families have remained close since and now our kids are close in age. 

Congratulations Schols family, he is absolutely precious. 

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. 

Rubio Wedding

All it took was a photo on a desk for Fernando to fall in love with his bride to be. He patiently waited by her side for 10 years to make her his. Their life long friendship has created a one of a kind love.

As if they weren't blessed enough they had friends hand craft their flowers, Jennifer's cousin did her hair and Fernando's long time friend and family came out to be their witness. 

Jennifer and Fernando along with Jennifer’s 4 year old little girl were married at Wallace Falls in Gold Bar, WA. Their simple wedding was nothing short of magical. The wedding was officiated by Jennifer’s cousin, while they balance on river rocks along the rushing waters.

Sometimes life doesn't turn out the way we plan and sometime life ends up better then we ever could plan. Congratulations Fernando and Jennifer. I hope you hold onto the love you have this day. That God continues to bless your entire family as you trust in Him. 

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.   

Allie and Derrick's Woodland Wedding

Everyone knows the iconic words, “for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health”. It’s almost heard so often that we just say the words for nothing more then tradition’s sake. This couple has proven to be the exception. Being 18 when they got married they had enough against them. Shortly after getting married Allie got really sick. After years of pain and suffering she is stronger then ever and so is their marriage. 

Floral Crown by Flowers by Shamay

Despite meeting in the second grade Derrick and Allie didn’t officially know each other until she moved back into her home town in the 5th grade. Derrick knew Allie had to be part of his life after she invited him to her birthday, in fact he asked her out the very next day.

Within a few years they were already talking marriage. Despite being young they knew there was no point in waiting when you have already found the one you were going to spend your life with. Though Derrick never officially proposed, it was always known they would get married. Their wedding was held two weeks after graduation.

When you spend pretty much your entire lives together you know things about each other that no one else does. Though Allie is anything but serious she jokes that Derrick can be just as funny but only for her. Their laughter is contagious and weeks after their session their smiles still make me laugh. You can clearly see their love for each other shine through with every photo.

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/

The "J" in S&J Photography LLC

Aviation has been part of my life as long as I can remember. Some of my first memories are of me sitting in the front seat of my father’s 1949 Piper J3 cub. Which is pretty funny, because according to my father I only flew in it a few times.

When I was in the 5th grade my parents got me a gas powered remote control airplane for Christmas. By the time they got it for me I’m sure they were fed up with me because it’s all I would talk about. Over the next year my dad and I would spend many of our weekends at the local flying club in Lyman Learning to fly. I even got the chance to take my 6th grade class to the flying field, and show my newly acquired skills.

As I entered high school aviation was still on my mind. I remember the day I told my father that I wanted to get my pilots license. My dad is a very supportive man, but when I told him about my dream of flying airplanes his response was, that’s great get a job…  As luck would have it I had a few classes with some good friends who worked at the local airport. Before too long I had a job working for Corporate Air Center. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to fuel my passion for aviation, and to pay for flying lessons.

On September 22nd 2002 I logged my first flight in a Cessna 152 with Carl Hamlin a local flight instructor. I was hooked from the moment my wheels left the runway.  I continued my flight instruction logging my first solo on April 27th 2003. What an amazing feeling to be the sole occupant of an airplane flying thru the air. Eventually I earned my Private Pilot’s license at the age of 17 on September 7th 2004.

In 2009 I married my best friend. Lucky for me she was extremely talented, and as it turns out, a halfway decent photographer. In 2014 after several years of Shae taking pictures for friends and family S&J Photography LLC. was born.  Not to be out done, and because I was the "J" in S&J Photography LLC, I began working towards figuring out what my contributions would be.

In 2015 I started the process of combining my hobby of remote control aircraft and my wife’s growing photographybusiness. Little did I know it would be over a six month process to complete the necessary paperwork to be able to fly drones for hire. Shae and I have been incredibly blessed with the growth of our business over the last year. I am extremely excited to see where we go in 2016.

Thank you to all of our friends, family, and wonderful clients for your continued support.

Congratulations Kristy!

As a child I spent every day that I can remember at my grandparent's house. I had the rare opportunity to live right next door. I'll never forget pancakes every morning, playing tic tac toe at the end of the driveway as we waited for the bus, and her gum drop cookies (which I hated, but I loved her too much to not eat them). What isn't so clear is when we were first told Grandma had breast cancer, or when it came back, by the time it had spread I was old enough to know what that meant. It seemed like she fought forever. One thing I know is that no one fights cancer on their own, it becomes part of each member in the family, they might not have to do the hard part but, they each have their own little fight against cancer. 

For years I have had the idea of offering free sessions for families affected by breast cancer. I knew I wanted it to be in the month of October for breast cancer awareness month.

Thanks to a mutual friend Kristy and her family took me up on my offer. I loved this session. The kids were full of energy and ideas and each shot shows that.

A couple of weeks ago I got the most exciting email from Kristy saying she had completed her treatment and the whole family was getting together to celebrate. She asked if I was willing to come document the celebration. I had already booked two sessions for the day of the ceremony but I knew I wouldn't miss it. Not long after my morning session rescheduled and it was meant to be. 

Kristy you already know it but seeing all the people who came out to celebrate with you it's obvious you have an amazing support system. So many people who love you and your family. Congratulations on becoming a survivor, you are blessed beyond words! I can't wait to see what the rest of your story has in store.   

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. 

Frost

When winter comes we all know the routine. Dark mornings, dark nights, grey days and wet grounds. We tuck ourselves away under our blankets on our couches and count the days until it is light (though still rainy) again.

But some times we are given a surprise. We wake up in the morning to crisp blue skies and white covered grounds... No it's not snow, though maybe we can start calling it western Washington snow, sort of like how we call it liquid sunshine. It's probably the closest we're going to get to the real stuff.

Either way it was beautiful and we couldn't pass up the chance to be out and enjoy it. So glad we did seeing as it was gone just as fast as it came.

Little man dressed himself, all ready for the cold.

Did you get a chance to enjoy the frost? Could you see the beauty despite the road conditions? 

 

"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost."       -J.R.R. Tolkien

First blog post

I have actually wanted a blog for awhile but this post right here is what has stopped me. The first blog post...How do you start a blog? What do I have to say that you will take time out of your day to read? Honestly not a whole lot. And to get it out of the way I can't spell, so I apologize in advance! 

I may not have the perfect words but with each session there is a story that needs to be shared. As your photographer I get the rare privilege into your lives. I get to know your kids, I'm trusted with some of your biggest secrets and attend some of the most important life changing moments. I take pride in getting to know each of my clients on a more personal level. By the end of each session many of us become life long friends. 

Snuggles with Papa

Since I get to know you guys how about you get to know me.
I grew up here in the valley but have never failed to notice the beauty that surrounds us each and every day. I met my husband when I was in middle school at church, we started dating in high school and were married right out of college. He has been my biggest supporter. Despite going to college for early childhood education I have never used my degree. I stepped away from a career in education to take care of my family. My husband has stood behind me as I made the leap from hobbyist to professional photographer. 

Together we have an almost 3 year old son. He is a huge reason behind my push to improve my photography, while pregnant I realized he deserved to have tangible lasting memories when he's older. I vowed to make a weekly attempt to document him once a week for a year. 
Though important many of us can't afford yearly photos of our little ones. For this reason I have always strived to provide affordable high quality sessions in hopes that everyone who wants photos can have them. This has always been my main goal in my business. 

Snuggles with grandma