Today I photographed the ever so adorable Shelby.  She has these intensely green eyes and an exuberant smile with perfectly straight teeth.  Such a sweet kid!As we talked, we found out we shared lots of mutual friends, that they knew my older son through the soccer shop, my younger son and nephew through choir, it just went on and on.  It was one of those times where living in a smaller, connected community felt so right.  I asked Shelby how she heard about me and her response was a little shrug, a smile and “just everybody”–I must confess I had my own little Sally Fields moment of “They like me!  They really, really like me!”  hahaha!!  So thanks Shelby and Candice for making the start of my weekend so very smiley.  And you know, I like you all right back!

Last Saturday I headed a bit south to photograph Rachel, Diana and their three gorgeous dogs–two Min-Pins (Maddie & Hallie) and a Doberman (Maya).  As a child I always dreamed of having a Doberman.  I love the idea that as pet keepers, we share some sort of resemblance with those furry occupants of our house.  Both Rachel and Diana were like human Doberman’s–sporting healthy tans, they had the graceful elegance of athletes.

They make their home amidst a lovely cattle ranch south of Olympia, complete with barns fun of hay, roaming barn cats and content cows.  I adored the fuzzy faces of their curious cows, who lingered at a comfortable distance, a silent, cud chewing audience.  It was just a wonderfully relaxed session with some great subjects… a perfect start to the weekend : )

I have met some of the sweetest people in my career. Take the McCann family–not only are they all completely adorable, but they are mega smilers. I like smiling, in fact along with Buddy the Elf, it’s my favorite. You simply feel good when you smile, am I right or what?
It’s a very subtle, but powerful statement having your family photo on the wall. Something you see every single day…who you are connected to, who has your back and who will love you just because. It’s so important to reinforce that, every single day. Because frankly, our days here, together as a family, are limited. We need to treat them as treasured time. Starting right now. Sending hugs and hallahs out… Make this a year to count. Cortney

I first met Danielle when she was starting her senior year of high school at Tumwater High School.  We wandered along Tumwater Falls Park snapping photos and talked of her future, of college plans and wanting to attend the University of Washington. She was a sweet, bright and excited young woman.  I knew that she would find success in her college years with that combination.  And she did, as well as find an adorable young man with the same sweet spirit and exuberance for life.  

Jamie waited patiently to see his gorgeous bride.

She was worth the wait…The had some of the funniest touches during their wedding.  Guests were entertained before the ceremony with a multi-media show–a slideshow and mini movie that had people laughing one minute and tearing up the next.  Well done!There was a break in the sprinkling rain and we dashed outside to capture some autumn afternoon photos.  The perfect amount of sun popped through to help make parasol magic.
And the fall colors soaked up every ray of sun and sent the glorious honey filled tones right back to me.Jamie shared one of his favorite passages.  Lovely to see such deeply spiritual people.And one last moment with her Dad before heading down the aisle.  Nothing but smiles…Heading into the reception, we had to stop for a quick twirl : )And the last shot of the night reveals the silly side.  Danielle and Jamie kept the stoic expression despite the frivolity around them. Way to pull that shot off!  Loved LOVED capturing your day.  Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you two… xoxo Cortney

Autumn in the northwest can be as close to perfect as it gets…when the weather cooperates.  For Missy and Matt’s wedding in early October, Alderbrook Resort in Union, Washington was utterly glorious.  Something the die hard Northwesterners don’t eagerly share with out of towners– needless to say, their California guests were loving every second of it–with group hikes and golfing excursions planned, along with lots of leisure time.  The pace of the day was unhurried, just how I like it. Plenty of time to capture the many details of their day.Matt’s childhood baby bonnet was tucked into Missy’s bouquet.  And the Rock of Gilbrater, a family heirloom, found it’s place around Missy’s neck after spending some time with Moet & Chandon…Missy’s Dad quickly teared up seeing her in the gown.
And family members were lovingly adorned with bursts of fall color.Everyone needed just a smidge of lips…And the nervous bride took a moment before heading out to the dock to see her groom.Just a tiny bit happy…And a tiny bit nervous…And then a LOT happier…Her God-daughter was the picture perfect flower girl.  Those curls could possibly be illegally adorable.And the groomsmen, well, they were ready with their “Fire Powah”A dash of Charlie’s Angels.
And how often do you have Secret Service men as your groom attendants?These tackle ball fans paid tribute with their cake.  USC and WSU colors fit perfectly with the fall theme.
And  an adorable harpist set the tone for cocktail hour by the water.The night wore on and true colors began to emerge…a sense of humor is an absolute necessity when entering marriage.  Can I get a HOLLA?  Congrats Missy and Matt–enjoy California but you’ll be back… : ) xox Cortney

When planning an outdoor wedding in the Northwest, there is one gamble that looms large…the weather. Jeff and Kelly had a wonderful, intimate September wedding with close friends in their secluded slice of heaven, nestled in the forrest.  Just one little tweak to their plan, rain.  But as true Northwesterners, the rain was simply a well moisturizing addition to the fun of their celebration. Kelly walked shyly down the aisle as raindrops softly fell around her.As she took her place next to her teary eyed groom, it was as if they were the only two people in the world.  They did more than smile one another, they radiated love.  It was such a sweet ceremony, with a quick retreat down the aisle guests made their way to the shelter of the tents, decorated in perfect fall fashion.I was so glad we had the barn to setup the photo booth area.  As the evening drew to a close, Jeff serenaded his lovely bride, all as the rain continued to softly fall. Congratulations Kelly and Jeff! Thanks for allowing me to capture the sweetness… xoxo

I love alleys.  There is something a bit clandestine, maybe secretive, and very  private.  The alleys of downtown Olympia have their own personalities–some are urban and edgy, others have an old world feel,  but all of them make for perfect photo scenarios.    Emily and Austin were perfectly happy to wind through the alleys, tucking in and out, and stealing a kiss or two along the way.  Soon, they will be heading to the sunny land of Cali as Austin pursues his dream of flight.  These two smarties–one an engineer the other a psyche major have the world opening up to them.  So sweet to see lovely couples in love forging new lives together.  Good luck you two!

Yay for a sunny, Fourth of July weekend!! — Especially since Ashlee and Wes ventured all the way down from Bellingham for their engagement session.  I love the low angled summertime sun… I probably should have been carting around my ladder though–I think collectively they were close to 13 feet tall!  We wandered along a deserted field, just as the sun was peeking out.  Now if it will just hold through tomorrow evening and Lana and David’s wedding, we’ll be golden, literally.