Lydia & James Engagement Session in Snohomish, Wa

This girl!

I don't even know how to begin telling this story, I've always been really private about personal things I went through growing up but sometimes a light comes in that you never forget.

It was my Senior year and Homecoming was coming up. At this point I had worked 2 jobs and paid for most of my stuff. I hadn't seen my mom in a few years and she had suddenly came back into my life, she needed help with rent, so I gave my savings to her. It didn't bother me one bit, however that meant I didn't have money for a homecoming dress. I didn't tell anyone and just said I couldn't find the right dress and just nodded and listened as all my friends talked about their dresses. Lydia over heard me talking about not having a dress and she quickly invited me over to her house to try on her dresses from previous dances! There was no hesitation, nothing in it for her and not one ounce of meanness in her heart about it! She wanted to help a sister out and even though the dress didn't fit, I will always remember the gesture!

With that story in mind, being able to photograph her & James' engagement session was just 10x more special for me. Especially because she had no idea that I was thinking about that!

Thank you Lyd and I'm over the moon for you and James!

XOXO-Jess

Dennis & Julie's Seattle Engagement Session at Sculpture Park & Pioneer Square

I love a good love story and I love even more when you see the genuine love and affection behind the lens. The soft touches, the glances, the smiles, the feeling of just being whole heartedly your best self when you're with this person. Dennis & Julie have an energy about them as a couple that makes you want to run home and hug the love of your life and tell them how grateful you are for them.

Beyonce XO was on repeat as I edited their photos, I kept smiling as it just explained them as a couple perfectly...

Your love is bright as ever (ever, ever, ever)Even in the shadows (shadows, shadows, shadows)Baby kiss me (kiss me, kiss me, kiss me)Before they turn the lights out (lights out, lights out, lights out)Your heart is glowing (glowing, glowing, glowing)And I'm crashing into you (into you, into you, into you)Baby kiss me (kiss me, kiss me, kiss me)Before they turn the lights out (the lights out)Before they turn the lights out (the lights out)Baby love me lights out

In the darkest night hour (In the darkest night hour)I'll search through the crowd (I'll search through the crowd)Your face is all that I seeI'll give you everythingBaby love me lights outBaby love me lights outYou can turn my lights out

Listen here

Taleah and David Engagement at Edmond's Beach

If I were to say Edmond's beach for Taleah, David and I was kind of important,  that would be an understatement. Edmond's beach is the shore that we can touch with our hands and feet that connects us with home. The sand and water surrounding our toes is a reminder were almost there. Watching as the white and green ferry sets off to Kingston,  we know we are one step closer to home. Being from Forks is always an interesting tale to tell. Proir to Twilight Forks was a sleepy logging town that not many people knew about. If you did know about it,  you are probably very protective of it. I was forunate enough to spend my weekends, summers and holidays in Forks. Running around in the woods with my friends, going to the ocean was a normal daily routine just like dinner, and the river just a 5 minute walk away.

Being able to do all these things also included, getting the honor at 11 years old of being Taleah's babysitter. It's an honor because her family is very protective of her and not just anyone was allowed to babysit. This means I took my job very seriously!! We had an entire resort/campground her family owned to run around on, have bon fires, smores, tree swings and endless hours outside. I remember heading back home when I was 21 and seeing her in the 4th of July parade. She was all grown up and stunning!! My thoughts raced to when she was young. Taleah was shy, sweet and happy. I never remember her being upset but I do remember her smile and the adorable bob hair cut she had.

Taleah is the type of girl that gets along with everyone and when I met David for the first time I could understand instantly why they chose to be together. It wasn't just the way he looked at her, but the way he complimented her, he saw the same bright shining star she is, that we all see in her.

"You're just so great Taleah, you're not mean to anyone and when new people come into town, you're so excited to meet them, I love it!" I smiled, knowing exactly what he meant.

Being in a small town can be hard for new comers,  but Taleah will be the first one to embrace you with open arms.

As we set out to Edmonds I saw it again, the way he looked at her, the comfort and the way she smiled back. She always looked him in the eye with trust and admiration. This time I am not her babysitter but her wedding photographer and I had the same desire to take my job very seriously as I am trusted once again with Taleah & the love her life, David!

Ray & Danielle Engagement at Family Thomas Farm

I've been in contact with Danielle for a while now, she's one of those people you just feel instantly comfortable with. I feel like she could be my younger sister that I look after if anyone is mean to her and I would beat them up! I've grown to really adore her! I love getting her texts and adorable selfies she took with my cats! (Girl after my own heart!) Ray has a very busy schedule with the military so I didn't get a chance to meet him until the engagement session! I could see instantly why they were perfect for one another and if Nicholas Sparks could write a new Notebook this would be the couple!!

You know those couples that almost have a love song that plays around them when they're together. You might not actually hear any music but it's the way they look at each other, the way they laugh, touch, smile, and they seem very calm in each other presence. That's Ray and Danielle. They were a love song all on their own. I kept smiling to myself as they giggled when they hugged or looked at each other. Their genuine love and admiration for one another gave me warm feelings and felt as if their light was so bright for one another it made those around them feel good too. Relationship goals at it's finest!

The best part was how they seem to communicate and look out for one another. Ray snuggled in close, with no worries at all if anyone saw as long as Danielle felt loved and adored. Danielle making sure he had what he needed, if she could help at all. On top of being in love they seem to also be best friends. Two parts that make each other whole. It was refreshing and calming to see such a couple that had balance, love and mutual respect for one another. I've said it over and over, but how lucky am I to meet such amazing people and get to be a part of their lives for the next year!

Jon & Regan's surprise proposal shoot in Lake Stevens, Wa

The Love Story of Jon & Regan

Jon and Regan live in the most romantic beach house on Lake Stevens, it's not too big or too small, but just perfect enough for the two of them and their 3 dogs. Every night Mount Pilchuck displays it's glory as a glimmering sunset encompasses the lake.

The colors are that of a water color painting, gentle brush strokes across the sky. This night was like most nights on the lake. Calm, quiet, the faint sound of teenagers hanging out, listening to music on boats without a care in the world. Other boaters pass by waving, as they dig their toes in the sand and wave back, on the small beach that the lake has created for just them, the sun begins to rest against the trees.

It kind of seemed like any other night,  except their local photographer was there capturing images of their lives together.

Before this moment Jon had called Jessica a local photographer, they had already known each other so Jessica felt comfortable enough to say, "You're proposing aren't you!?!" Before he could tell her what he was calling about. He laughed and said with a big goofy smile on his face "Yeah, is it that obvious!?"

He decided to buy Regan a photo-shoot for her birthday,  she had wanted to do a family shoot, especially since her dog, Reese was getting older. Getting photographs of Reese was really important to her. Along with the perfect cowboy boots and a surprise proposal, Jon had planned the perfect birthday present.

When Regan got the gift card, of course her friends mentioned the idea that he might be proposing but Regan put the idea behind her as they both agreed it just wasn't the right time. It didn't mean they weren't ready to marry one another, they were actually more than ready. However moving back and forth to Germany for Jon's job was making the idea of wedding planning difficult.

Regan wasn't too worried, she didn't need a piece of paper to prove she loved Jon. Married or not she was sticking by his side. He was made for her, she knew it even before they started dating.

 

Her mind drifted to the past. Regan had made it clear to Jon that she wasn't ready to date when he asked her out. They could be friends and take their dogs to the park but that was it. Until Jon pulled up in his 1988 Malibu with a dirty baseball hat on and blasting country music, she knew she lost that war. She was falling for him.

Jon picked up the ring, the gift card and the perfect cowgirl boots. He hid everything where he knew Regan would never go, the basement by the water heater where the darkness and idea of spiders scared her.

He laughed to himself as he placed the ring there and thought to himself how perfect she was for him. It didn't take much to make Regan smile, her free flowing blonde hair always messy with beachy waves draping behind her back, she knew how to make him laugh, kept him calm in times of stress and when she agreed to go to France with him, he knew she was the one. Flashes of them in Paris with Eiffel Tower in front of them and the smiles they shared at Disney Paris.  She was made for him.

He waited anxiously all week for the photo shoot, thinking about how much he loved her and there were moments when she was sitting with Reese or even just looking at her phone, that he thought, "I could propose right now, she's so perfect for me.

He couldn't decide how to organize the shoot, so it would be perfect. He confided in Regan's twin sister, Randi knowing full well, she would know what her sister would love.

Jon decided to propose at the place where they spent most of their time together, playing with the dogs, visiting with family & friends, their house which was nicknamed, The Lake House.  He would take her to the end of the dock, at the end of the shoot, just as the sun was going to set. That was it, it was perfect, so he waited.

The day finally came,  Regan got props together thinking it would be just a normal couples shoot, she picked out the perfect outfit and shoes. Then decided that she just wanted to be go barefoot like she does all day. She grabbed her favorite t-shirt and shorts, she felt good, excited. It was about time they got pictures together and the idea of getting some of her dog Reese made her smile.

Jessica showed up with her gear strapped to her back as they all embraced excitedly, they hadn't seen each other since Regan's sister's wedding the summer before. It was like old friends catching up and hanging out.

They discussed how the shoot would go and Jessica realized quickly she couldn't look Jon in the eye, without giving away any hint of emotion of what was going to happen. So she focused all her energy on Regan & the dogs.

 

The shoot started pretty smoothly with three dogs! They captured family photos, portraits and they all played with their toes & paws in the sand. The sun was setting perfectly behind the trees and the entire feeling was calm, as if it was any other day.

They ventured around the property with the dogs and talked about funny stories before Jon said he needed to run inside. Jessica knew he was grabbing the cowgirl boots and the ring so she lead Regan out to the dock.

When Jon walked out with just the boots, Regan was caught off guard but so happy. She hadn't been able to pick out the perfect pair for weeks and knowing cowgirl boots weren't cheap, she didn't want to waste money just buying any pair. They fit like a glove and she slide them on. A thought quickly crossed her mind, he is definitely NOT proposing, he just bought me cowgirl boots!

Jon tried to keep himself from turning around in front of Regan as huge box shape was very obvious in his back pocket. Jessica quickly mentioned they were losing daylight and needed to get the last photographs at the end of the dock.

 

As they walked towards the end of the dock the sun was beginning to create cascading colors across the sky and with no boats on the water, it was calm and quiet on the lake.  Jon kept reaching for his back pocket, while Regan kept grabbing his hand, not able to free up his hand,  Jessica quickly yelled at Regan to tighten her flannel shirt, it was perfectly fine but Jon had already attempted to grab the ring with no success and needed an opportunity.

 

Regan tightening her shirt,  shouted to Jessica it was triple knotted and at the same time Jon grabbed the ring. Regan very unsure of what was going on, then almost lost her balance as she realized what was happening. "Will you marry me?" He said, down on one knee. She forgot about the ring, said, "YES!!" and just hugged Jon, they embraced unable to let go of each other.

Time had stopped and she could feel her entire body smiling. She threw her head back, looking up at the sky thinking, "Did this just happen?!"

 

Jessica waited,  then quietly approached them as they all laughed and smiled that Regan had no idea.

As they hugged one more time, Regan said, "So when are we getting married babe!?"

Jon replied with, "Now!"

They all laughed as Jessica and Jon told Regan the entire story!

Regan replied with, "I'm so glad you waited until the end of the shoot or I would have had this goofy smile on my face the entire shoot!"

The night ended with an epic sunset and more beautiful memories created at The Lake House.

Jordan & Greg's Pike Place Market Engagement Session

The thing with Wedding Photographers is we see everything through our lens. Good, bad, sad, loving, comforts, discomforts and every emotion you can image. The end result is to always try and achieve the happy side of couples and use both posed & unposed images to create a story that reflects the couple. It's easy for a couple to smile in front of the lens and create a good picture, without the onlooker knowing what happen in the in-between moments. It's not always easy to write a genuine story when the in between moments don't reflect the posed or photography moments.

This is what makes Jordan & Greg a stellar couple. I adore all their "posed" photos- "Okay hold her like this, now move this way, okay good but let's try this!" They did all that with a smile and trust. However it was when my camera was off them that made my heart flutter.

I would be checking the light, waiting for people to walk by, making camera adjustments, the moments I didn't ask them to pose but to just wait while I did what I needed to do. I would snap a test shot here and there without them knowing. As the went threw the reel of images all the in-between moments reflected a truly happy couple that had nothing but mutual respect, admiration, a sense of humor and comfort with one another.

I felt a huge wave of appreciation that they were in my life & that I get the honor of photographing their wedding as well. I can't even begin to express my excitement for their wedding and the start of a lifelong friendship!

Sara & Nate's Romantic Engagement Session in Snohomish

Do you ever have those moments when you feel like you're back in time. There is 60's music is playing in the background from a refurbished 1966 Volkswagen bug, a couple that are soul mates and both old souls dancing in the grass. This could have been a scene out of a movie. Sara & Nate are living their love story in the present time but being in their presence feels like a Nicholas Sparks novel set in history, it's beautiful, romantic, true, real & even with ups and downs the love is there to stay. It will stand the test of time & survive through all the seasons because that's what love does.

Brandon & Katharine Engagement Session at Discovery Park in Seattle

A quick story from back in time. I was 21 and on a retreat with my church's youth group. We were driving back from the mountains stuck in the snow. One of the parent volunteers was driving, I asked him about how he met his wife and how he knew she was the one. After a sweet how they met story, he said.. "When I saw her I just knew, she was the one." My face got a scrunched confused look, like how puppies look when you're talking to them and they tilt their heads, like what are you talking about. How can you know when you see someone that they are the "ONE."

A few years later I got out of the car at the beach with my best friend, walked up to her family playing touch football and saw the "ONE." Dang it, he was right.

Fast forward 10 years later and that conversation still sits in a safe spot in my heart. I was reminded of it when I met Katharine & Brandon."How long have you been dating?" I asked.... Katharine and Brandon glance at one another and smile. I could tell she was not sure how I will react her response. "10 months." I smiled and reply with "When you know it's the right person you just know." Brandon enthusiastically smiled and nodded a HUGE YES and smiled at Katharine. She lovingly smiled back.

I truly thought they had been together for years, their chemistry and body language showed a great comfort and safe feeling. It was like they had known one another all their lives. Every couple has their own love story and you can be with someone for years and never take the leap of faith into marriage and meet someone and know in that minute that you could marry them right then and there.When you know, you just know.

  

Meet the Sweeney Family

I met beautiful Naomi & her son Hudson a while back during a Mother & Son shoot. It was so fun getting to know 4 year old Hudson. He was adventourus, wild & ready for a good time! Hudson is now turning into a little man, with a new big sister, Gisele, he adores, watching his family grow as his mom and Dallas join their families together.

Theses picture don't do justice the bond that is already there. Hudson was eager to get a one on one picture with Dallas and couldn't stop hugging Gisele. Hudson seemed calmer and ready to show off to me this new family of his. It was a beautiful sight to see.

Now the shoot wasn't all about Hudson, it was also an engagement shoot for Naomi & Dallas. Being in their presense is calming and easy. They're both very laid back and have a great sense of humor. Thank you both for giving me the honor of photographing this special family/engagement shoot. Family is everything.  Then there was 4…

Crystal & Deryk Four Big Ice Caves Engagement Session

There are those moments in life that change everything. Standing at the Four Big Ice Caves with Crystal and Deryk I knew that I could no longer just photograph couples in my comfortable locations but I needed to seek adventure with each and every couple. Back in December when we planned their engagement session, I suggested the Ice Caves. Assuming they would say no, as it's a long drive, a hike up a mountain and we would most likely be gone all day. They both instantly said YES! I could almost hear the exclaimation marks in their voices. I was very nervous up until the day of the shoot, not knowing what to expect.

It has been almost 3 months since we orginally planned this and I kept thinking I must be crazy. The moment we started our hike up the mountain, I could feel it. I need this type of adventure in my job. I have it in my personal life, however I never thought to combine the two. Deryk and Crystal seem to have the same feeling, exploring the mountain, quietly smiling at one another, inside jokes being said, they were in their element as well. With my camera in my hand, a loving newly engaged couple in front of me, the crisp air, the beautiful sight of the caves, I felt that all 3 of us were EXACTLY where we belonged in that moment.