Another rainy spring afternoon in the Northwest…one of those days you’re grateful to be inside. Aaron and Lauren brought freshie, week old Noelle, in for her first portraits bundled in a sea of pink sweetness.  She had more hair than my boys had at age three!  Dark, lustrous hair that almost shone as brightly as her parents beaming faces.  Parents who, I marveled, looked remarkably well rested : )

I miss those days where you would lose yourselves for hours, just watching a yawn, a nose wriggle or listening to the funny newborn grunts.  The miracle that becomes the center of your world. As I watched and photographed Lauren and Aaron with Noelle, I saw a place of such love. And I knew that no matter how much rain fell in our verdant city, she would always have a place of shelter. A loving, cherished shelter.  Congratulations to you! xoxo

Well, I never imagined I would outgrow my adorable studio, but the time has come.  I am BEYOND THRILLED to be moving into the Harmony Market Building along with Nathan Peppin of Peppin Photography.  We’ve been sharing space for a couple of months and though it’s great, we need a larger space where we can both be shooting at the same time.  The new space is GINORMOUS (not a real word, I know…) and the natural light makes the angels sing. I’ve been in love with the space for ages, and often dreamt of having a photo shoot in the glorious loft.  How dreams manifest is truly a miracle. I had been talking with a one of my wedding clients about our favorite buildings downtown and the next time I ran into the groom, he mentioned having lunch with the building owner.  Two days later I received an email from her and after many emails and a meeting, we signed the lease today! Thank you Michael!  And thanks Jennie for referring Michael and Sarah! What an awesome town Olympia is…

When Nathan and I walked through the space with the building owner, I literally felt like and 8 year old on Christmas Eve standing at the gates of Disneyland with glittery shoes on and a bag full of candy loaded on the back of my unicorn.  Yes, THAT excited!  Butterflies start fluttering in my stomach every time I think about it : )

For those of you who know this building, you will likely share my excitement.  We have grand plans for utilizing the space as a photography studio and we can’t wait to share our ideas for events we plan on hosting.  So many things to look forward to!

I can’t wait, but I will have to.  The current tenants will be moving out in June/July.  Our goal is to be in there and ready to roll in early August.  So it’ll be a few months left on Washington Street… and then moving four blocks down and into a whole new vibe.

I will miss this darling space:

 But I can’t WAIT for THIS:

Phase One has begun…

I love photographing teens–they are so full of sass, fresh perspectives and enthusiasm–and that’s so very contagious! Thankfully the weather cooperated with my first round of Studio Rep photo shoots.  We are gearing up for the promo posters for a fashion show in Westfield Capital Mall this May.  I can’t wait!

This recipe is so simple and unbelievably delish! From Nigella Lawson’s “How to be a Domestic Goddess”
3 1/2 cups white bread flour, plus more for kneading
1 pkg yeast or 1 T. rapid rise yeast
1 T. salt
1 1/3 warm tap water (approximately)
1 T. melted unsalted butter
Mix flour, salt, yeast and 3/4 c water, mix with wooden spoon. Add remaining water and butter, mix to a “shaggy mess” (her term, haha) and either turn out and knead by hand for 10 minutes or strap on the dough hook and knead until elastic and smooth. Allow to rise in a buttered bowl in a warm spot for 1-2 hours. Punch down, form into a round loaf on a pizza stone and allow to rise for another 30 – 45 minutes. Bake at 425 degrees for 35 minutes. Slice and eat immediately.

College sweethearts Charly and Justin were all smiles during their maternity portrait session.  These two darlings have the shiniest hair I’ve seen–I’m certain their lil bambino will follow suit! Lucky…  Though Charly was entering the “uncomfortable” phase of her pregnancy, she was still able to rally and smile away–who needs to take a deep breath or sit easily, right?

Justin is an amazing soccer player and I have no doubt we will be watching him in the MLS someday soon.  Cheers to a beautiful couple with a future as shiny as their hair!

Who doesn’t love a well crafted bevvie?  I adore  the garnishments, the classic stemware, the tinkling ice and then savoring how every little detail comes together in that first sip…  On Monday evening people gathered at the historic Capitol Theater to celebrate the repeal of prohibition.  It was a step back into the yesteryears–with attendees dressed to the nines, bartenders worked quickly to keep the crowd happily imbibing as a silent film played in the back.  The Greta Jane quartet kept the swooning mood alive and Tush Burlesque performers scandalously entertained the rowdy patrons as the entertainment drew to a close.  It was the most fun I’ve had on a Monday night in ages!  Here are a few images from the evening.  The full collection of photo booth images will be posted on the Olympia Film Society’s Facebook page, so make sure to stop by and “Like” both Cortney Kelley Photography and Olympia Film Society on Facebook.  In fact, maybe you should pour yourself a cocktail first…  Cheers!  Cortney

Oh the beauty and vitality of youth… Last weekend I photographed the birthday party of Maddy and her friends–a crazy group of 13 year olds, girls who have been friends since elementary school–what a darling group of girls.  Full of sass and giggles, crushes and loud music, glitter and attitude.  The party was so  fun!  I’m still finding glitter in the dressing room…  Happy birthday Maddy!! Thanks for coming into the studio girls : )

What is it about grafitti art?  What compels artists to create temporary installations?  I have always loved the vibrant and rebellious street art pieces.  So much that I decided to bring them indoors!  I am a board member for POSSCA http://www.possca.org/ and we are looking to raise awareness as well a scholarship funds, so the canvases will be auctioned off!! Hooray!  Your very own grafitti canvas.  Come on downtown this evening (October 7th) to join in on the silent auction.

Hope to see you…

I had been checking the weather forecast all week, yes, rain was predicted for Saturday.  When I woke up that morning to the sound of water filling the bird bath outside my window (althought I LOVE this sound) I sighed.  But wouldn’t you know, the rain was brief and did a thorough job of cleaning the late summer dust, just in time for the wedding of Alicia and Marlon.  We had a rain shower during their engagement session, so I was beyond relieved for the rainy reprieve on their wedding day.  St. Michael’s Parish http://www.saintmichaelparish.org/ on the Westside of Olympia has the most stunning view–vibrant greenery framed the ceremony site.  Alicia and Marlon exited the church in a flurry of bubbles and found minimal refuge in their sparkling convertible…  Marlon always has had a thing for cars, so it was only fitting his groomsmen received gearshift diagram cuff links.  The newly married couple hit the road, with the wedding party in close pursuit.  We kept one step ahead of the rain, photographing the wedding party around downtown Olympia, as the guests made their way to cocktail hour at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club http://indiansummergolf.com/

The evening was filled with heartfelt toasts and as the sun deepened in the sky, the dance floor was illuminated and guests celebrated late into the night.  The photobooth was a hit–people stopped by again and again and again… Amazing what a box of props and a camera can unleash : )

Congratulations Alicia and Marlon!  Thank you for such a perfect day!

xo

Mitch and Laura chose the date 9.10.11 for their wedding, a playful date for a darling couple.  I love fall weddings–the colors are so rich and vibrant, who would have thought the day would reach temperatures in the mid 90′s!  We began the day at the Monaco Hotel www.monaco-portland.com/ in downtown Portland.  The lobby is a visual feast of color–funky, fun and fresh.  It was a perfect place for photos–apparently two other wedding parties agreed, good thing we were the first ones down there and didn’t need to wait.  Each party was so different–it was interesting to see how each couple’s personalities shown through in the choice of flowers and bridal attire–every single one was beautiful.

After dashing about downtown for urban photos, the limo delivered each side of the bridal party to the stunning venue on Sauvie Island sauvieisland.org/,  the home of the Groom’s aunt and uncle.  I had never heard of Sauvie Island before Laura contacted me.  It is this magical little nugget of agricultural goodness just outside of Portland.  Fields of lavendar, berries and farms roll along, the wind acting as a composer.  It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been.  Laura and Mitch honored their families by wearing the Groom’s mother’s veil and the Brides grandmother’s necklace.  Laura carried a handkerchief tucked into her bouquet that had been in Mitch’s family wedding for four generations.  So very sweet!

Laura’s attention to detail was impeccable. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour which then gave way to dinner.  Guests were seated in long rows of tables, and the meal was served family style in the middle of a fruit orchard by the deliciously talented Portland Catering Company staff http://www.portlandcateringcompany.com/.  White lights strung the perimeter and tea lights daintily hung in the trees–it was breathtaking.  We were able to spend the golden hour during sunset, capturing portraits of the bride and groom. It was difficult not to get carried away.  Every where I turned was another incredible panorama!  I loved every minute spent out there–thank you for allowing me to be a part of your celebration!