It's no surprise that spring takes it's sweet time coming to the PNW. Every year I like to act indignant and shocked that it's still raining in March (and now into April) because that's my duty about living here. One thing I've learned lately is that progress is not linear. Relationships aren't linear.

I have to stop myself from getting caught up in the latest algorithms and trends..and don't get me wrong, I LOVE watching what's newest and what's popular, but I realize for myself that if I get too swept away in that, I miss opportunities.

Not every day ends in a beautiful sunset (but can it tho, cause really PNW, c'mon). Every relationship evolves over time. It grows, it changes, it molds and it sacrifices. These two have known each other since middle school, all the way back to student counsel days where asking for a piece of tape was a pick up line. I was busy rocking sweater vests and braces, and they were already cultivating a life long love.

No, it wasn't sunny. It was cold, rainy, windy and everything we've grown to know about early "spring" here, but it was perfect.

I wasn't sure how it would go asking a couple to come pose, pantless, in my home studio, with my 23 pound cat watching...but I think we can all agree this is fire (that's a cool thing to say, right?)

Heidi and Jake have quickly become two of my favorite people--not just because they're ridiculously cute together, but their vibe and attitude totally fills a room with happy. I'm not even kidding. I love every session I get to do, but there is something really special about letting your guard down not only with each other in your relationship, but in front of the camera. A whole new level of vulnerability comes with a sweet shoot like this. I cannot wait to continue to expand on the couples side because love is love is love is love, and it doesn't have to be celebrated only when you're getting married or remembering an anniversary. I'll bring you breakfast in bed any day of the week if you're willing to trust me with your hearts.

Yes, there's a lot of super love here, it's apparent...there's a also a lot of fart noises. If you only knew how many.

Better titled "y'all better just stop it because I can't handle it". Taylor and her beau (I'm 34 I can use that word) Kaleb came and bumped their rumps on various sharp cacti with me in the middle of snowstorm to get these magical images. I think we all know living in the PNW is a true adventure, and that sometimes when it's cold, you have to get creative in order to warm up. I'm pretty sure at some point I saw literal steam heat coming off these two. Super sweet on each other, incredibly down to earth and other-worldly beautiful inside and out, I am really excited to follow the sweet couple on their journey into man and wife later this year. I also can't wait to work with them again.

Until the rain finally stops, enjoy some of this sunshine in your life.

Taylor is a local model who is currently slaaayyyying the game and then some. You'd be missing out if you didn't check out some of her other work.

If you want romance, catch a PNW sunset. Even better, make sure it's freezing cold and that your photographer has the flu. I mean, but...really. I can't express my love enough for these two who have been together forever, but never had the chance to really capture their adoration for each other on camera. With an amazing team (shared below), we danced, we swayed, we laughed, and we (almost) completely forgot that it wasn't 70. Or summer. And that people weren't watching us. Titanic soundtrack all the way.

I loved the warmness of it all--the photos and our couple. When you're this cute and cozied up, you don't even care if there are rocks up your butt. True Life.

Special thanks to: Sue Hines Floral and Samie Jean Beardall for makeup.

Fire. Excitement. Ladders. Dried flowers. Lace dresses. Live tigers.

Kidding. About the tigers. This time (who knows what the rest of 2018 will hold).

This styled bridal shoot was a dream to shoot--talk about a team that came together flawlessly to put together a vision of warm and moody, classic and modern twists and little bit of sexy. I loved the idea of taking a very small, unassuming space, and filling it with simple things to create a bold wedding look for the adventurous bride. A lace dress coupled with this insanely beautiful and unique bouquet  and a little window light made everything glow (and I don't just mean the candles). I had never thought of using dried flowers, but I adored this take on a typical arrangement custom-made for a winter bride. I had a lot of fun playing with limited light, seeing as we changed angles, the shadows created a slightly different feeling each time (evidence that you don't need a lot of space or light for magic to happen).

Proof that bridal can be beautifully muted, moody and wickedly gorgeous all at once.

You read it right--get strange. Wear the dress. Climb a mountain in freezing temperatures with someone you've never met. Do a little witchy dance. Let it all go.

That's what we did, Jazmine and I (featured in this post). PS she's a super rad artist and uh, Harry Potter aficionado like myself so, score.

2017 was full of amazing women, and I took it on as a personal project to meet and photograph as many of them as I could (if only I hadn't started so late in the year.....thank goodness for 2018, amirite?). There's something really empowering and really special about being completely vulnerable in front of the camera. Seeing yourself through an artistic heart is therapeutic. so I've been told. Truth is, it's equally rewarding for me because I've produced some of my best work with these sessions, and made some really fantastic friends.

So get weird, in the best possible way. Make sure to invite me along.

I'm always a big fan of people who trust me enough to get up early, hike up into the woods in formal clothes and still leave laughing. Heidi and Jake helped bring this creative vision to light, with a little alternative-dress help from Affordable Elegance Bridal in CDA. If you're planning your 2018 or beyond wedding, count me in for your adventure. This just proves that you don't have to be a traditional bride and can rock your own personal style on your special day.

thanks to all involved, for getting fake married and for answering all the congratulations from fellow hikers with much enthusiasm
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PS: fun fact--I shot this session in my pjs. It happens.

I think we all sent up prayers to the sky that it wouldn't rain on this day...but it did anyway. It wasn't just rainy, it was downright blustery--cold, windy and foggy with leaves blowing everywhere. Umbrellas were a must. We all got soaked and it. Was. BEAUTIFUL. It was perfect. It was cozy despite the dampness. And after it all, these two shared a private mountain on the deck facing the mountains to read vows they had written for each other. I ugly cried into my sweater. This is what love does--over comes all obstacles and truly feels joy even when it's a little grey (or a lot grey, whatever).

I swore to myself (and all of you) that 2017 would be the year of the blog (not dog...well that's a lie, I just got a puppy, but let's discuss that later). I know it's November, but join me in reflecting back on a summer full of epic and awesome weddings. Stephen and Olivia surprised everyone by throwing an "engagement party" turned surprise wedding, and followed it with delicious treats, farm animals, a gorgeous sunset and some serious vineyard races. Check it out.