Inspired Photo Blog

Thanksgiving is traditionally a time when families and friends gather together for lots of great food, laughter, football games and the inevitable loosening of the belt. Later in the evening, Round 2 begins with cold turkey sandwiches and desert. Anyone that knows me will tell you that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Why? Because somehow we haven’t lost sight of what it’s all about. With it’s big brother Christmas looming in the shadows, everyone has left Thanksgiving alone and that’s alright with me.

I have fond memories of Thanksgiving. Large family get-togethers with long tables, including one just for the kids. The laughter of my cousin, who’s loud and boisterous laugh would put a smile on anyone’s face. As the years passed and families drifted to the four corners of the world, I’ve even shared a Thanksgiving dinner alone with my best friend. Honestly, one of the best Thanksgivings I’ve ever had. This year is no different. My family and I will be sharing the day with strangers and a few friends. We’re calling it the “Misfit’s Thankgsiving”. And this is why I love Thanksgiving.

Giving thanks is a large part of the day for me. A quiet time to stop and reflect on the year and my life. For the first time in a long while, I can say that I love my life. I’ve been blessed with a woman who loves me and is passionate about her life and raising our children. She keeps me focused and never fails to put a smile on my face and warm my heart. My three girls, who are the greatest gift I’ve ever received. My health and the ability to pursue a successful career that is also my passion.

I’m especially thankful for every couple who have placed their trust in me to capture the story of their wedding day. I’m thankful for the same clients who love their pictures so much that they refer their friends. Artistically, this has been an incredible year. I feel that my style and point of view have really grown and developed this past year and I’ve been blessed with clients and friends who support and understand my vision. I’m thankful for Kristen, my assistant. She has been a Godsend, literally and has challenged me to do my best. I’m blessed with Sarah, my album designer and production assistant. Without her skills and help, I’d have a lot of couples still waiting for their photos and wedding albums. I’m thankful for my friends, who are also my competitors, for keeping it real and seeing that there’s more to life than work.

Wherever you are today, take the time to reflect on what you’re thankful for this year. Relax and embrace the warmth of family and friends. Don’t be afraid to reach out and hug those close to you and tell them how you feel. And most of all, don’t eat too much!

Now, what are you doing reading my blog on Thanksgiving? Pour yourself another glass of wine and get back to your family! Between you and me…thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and for your continued support. Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

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It’s been a long and busy summer. Everything seemingly pointed to the coming together of Jessica and Paul. The theme of three degrees of separation as everyone from this summer seemed to be at their wedding. It was a reunion and celebration.

Jessica and Paul were married at the beautiful The Governor Hotel on November 5th. Since there were no other events taking place that day, we had free reign of the event rooms including the Heritage Ballroom which is one of the most beautiful spaces in Portland. A wall of windows with natural light and the massive columns standing majestically at attention.

This image is very similar to one from Jennifer and Jason’s wedding earlier this summer. I really like this private location and it’s magic. Jessica and Paul, a very private couple, were lost together in this tender, romantic moment.

Portland in November is rainy. Probably why the majority of weddings take place in the months of July-October. The Governor is a beautiful location as it has so many large, massive open spaces. But even on a rainy day the front of the hotel is rich in beauty. Yes, I did get wet taking this photo in case you were wondering.

The Renaissance room is a beautiful backdrop for Jessica and her father as they walk down the aisle together.

I love the cinematic quality of this image of Paul’s mother taken during the ceremony.

The ceremony was short and sweet. So short in fact that I was caught off guard. I was off to one side angling for an intimate shot when the pastor announced them husband and wife. I like that it’s not the usual down the aisle shot of their first kiss, but you’ll notice Kristen is standing in the aisle getting that definitive kiss shot.

The making of this shot raised a few eyebrows. I was walking around the reception and came across a table of kids. One of the girls had a G.I. Joe doll and I thought it would make a whimsical image with their rings. As I was struggling to fix his arms (seems little girls like to contort them into very unnatural positions) I noticed I was being filmed by none other than the father of the bride I photographed two weeks ago. Shannon’s father seemed to find great humor in my efforts and I was caught on tape.

Isaiah, Shannon, Jessica and Paul. Need I say more? Three degrees of separation baby…three degrees!

What a great day. It truly felt like a family reunion. From Shannon and Isaiah to Stacy and Kasey and all their friends and family that I’ve been running into all summer, I felt like I was a part of the family that day. My feelings ran from happiness to sadness. Happy that Jessica and Paul’s day finally arrived and everyone was there to help celebrate and share in their joy. Sad that the summer was coming to an end and all these wonderful couples who’s weddings I’ve shared in were going their separate ways. It felt like going home after being at camp all summer. A mixed bag of feelings.

Congratulations to the family and friends of Jessica and Paul. Thank you to Stacy and Kasey, Shannon and Isaiah for your continued support. I know I’ll see you guys again next summer and Stacy and Kasey will be on the blog in a couple of weeks with their dogs. Thank you to all the families for your smiles, the warm embraces and for always making me feel welcomed and a part of your families.

Best wishes to Jessica and Paul and a lifetime of happiness. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your story.

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The forecast called for strong winds and heavy rain. For once they got it right. It didn’t put a damper on the day, but certainly changed our approach to the photography. Dixie and Brian were married on November 4th at Christ’s Church in Federal Way. Everyone arrived at the church at 6:45 AM to get ready and we started formals at the church at 8:00 AM, probably one of the earliest start times I’ve had in recent years.

Dixie made it very clear from the beginning of the day that the most important thing that could happen that day was her marriage to Brian and that everything else was secondary. There were smiles on everyone’s faces and little to no stress as their wedding day unfolded. Here are a few of my favorite images from their day.

Josie, the flower girl and Dixie’s niece, was nicknamed “Boo” and was absolutely priceless. It doesn’t take much to see the resemblance to Dixie in her face.

The music at the rehearsal (and wedding) was fantastic and the lighting at the church very theatrical and dramatic.

Dixie and Brian enjoying a private moment after their first look in the sanctuary.

Captured by Kristen, I really enjoyed the whimsical nature of this image. It captured the fun loving spirit of their family and friends.

Dixie’s mother was a beautiful woman with a quiet elegance about her. She reminded me of a movie star. She and Dixie are sharing a laugh moments before the ceremony.

I’ve said it all summer, being a flowergirl is one of the toughest jobs at a wedding. Boo is taking her job very seriously.

A beautiful moment as Dixie and Brian are pronounced husband and wife to their family and friends.

Dixie and Brian hosted their wedding reception across town at The Tacoma Club in downtown Tacoma (where else?). It was a beautiful dinner celebration with their family and friends. I used one of the favors to showcase their wedding rings.

Dixie and Brian making their getaway…

When I met Dixie and Brian for their engagement session a month ago, we drove to downtown Tacoma and scouted out a couple of beautiful locations near the train station for photographs between the ceremony and the reception. As the old saying goes, “The best made plans are laid to waste”. The gusting wind storm and torrential downpour made it impossible to realize our plan from a month ago. It was hard for me to let this part of the day go as it was my creative gift to Dixie and Brian, but in the end I realized that pushing my agenda was not important. But in my mind’s eye, it was beautiful.

It was great meeting all of Dixie and Brian’s family and friends. I’ve met Dixie’s brother and sister at a commercial event that we all work annually and you would be hard pressed to find a more loving and closely knit family. Brian, being an only child, was welcomed with open arms.

To say that I’ve been blessed in meeting and working with these families, just barely begins to scratch the surface. They are very unique and gracious and warm and loving and that extends to everyone around them. Best wishes to the newly married couple, I wish you a lifetime of happiness and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your story.

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