Family Session at Bostic Lake Ranch

Nothing like the feeling of Fall just about to set in! The trees changing colors, the slightest bit of warmth still in the air and what better way to document the moment than with family photos!

Dear Daughter's on Mother's Day (For those with Mother's that have passed away)

Dear Alicia,  Amanda,  Sara C,  Sarah G, and Stephanie,

I can't even begin to explain what happen.  Devine intervention, The Universe, God, whatever you believe,  this story is from a higher power.

It was a few days before Mother's Day and I wasn't worried to much about it. I was scrolling Facebook and saw a post, "A Letter to Motherless daughters on Mother's Day." I didn't feel like crying, so I didn't read it.

However that moment, reading that title,  took my heart in a completely different direction for that week than I had planned. It was your Mothers. There is no other explanation.

I started making calls, sending messages to my closest friends, clients and anyone I knew that lost their mother. If you recall it sounded something like this, "Hey, do you want to come and do a fun photo shoot with me on Friday, it's suppose to be beautifully sunny out. It will be fun and low key."

My gift from the universe is pictures. I might not always have the right words, or best answers but if you're feeling blue, I can take your picture and watch you light up when you see how beautiful you are! I can do that!

That simple gesture turned into a life changing experience for me. Thank you for that.   

 I am close to all of you for different reasons, all from different walks of life and all at different stages of your mother's death.

 In two days I planned for you to be at my house, hair and make up artists lined up,  and I would do a session with you Edmond's beach at sunset.

Little did I know the magic that was about to play out in all our lives.

Venders jumped on board and everything we needed was taken care of.

It was so amazing to see a community come together for such a great cause. I decided to contact a few News Channels to see what they thought of covering the event and King 5 was the first to get back to me.

Thank you again to everyone that helped make this possible. The mission was for each girl to feel INSANELY LOVED! Mission accomplished!

AMAZING Flower Crowns & Flower Center Pieces: Lola Floral

Delicious Pie Shooters & Homemade Sugar Cookies: Snohomish Pie Company

Yummy Green Smoothies & Sweet Potato Chips: Alive Juice Bar

 Perfectly Handmade Cards: Goodey Studio

Stunning Glass Jewelry: Cheryl Parrot

Adorable Homemade Lipgloss: Craft Botanicals

Elegant Letterhead: Milly design Studio

NUMMY Cupcakes & other Sweet treats: Mandy Pierce

Perfect Make up & Stunning Hair: Make Up By Timmi & Michelle-Make Up Artistry & Taylor Wickman

 Fun Vintage Couch & other decor: Vintage Ambiance

Amazing Dinner: Sponsored by Demetris on Edmond's Waterfront

Documenting the event so we can cherish it forever: King 5 News

Spread the word, Ring My Belle: Rachel Belle

To make things even more amazing, Edward the guy that recruited our story from King 5,  started to tell me the day of the event was actually his Mother's birthday and that she had passed away years ago and he was really close to her! Crazy timing!

Right after I got off the phone with him I got a message from Sarah G, she had been reading her mom's diary and she read an entry about Edmond's beach and it's beauty just a few weeks off from our event date. (Picture above)

Heather Graf from King 5 and awesome camera man Dave!

Each of you bring your own gift to this world. Let me tell you how special you really are through my eyes.

First Stephanie walked through the door, she might as well of had a beaming light with angels behind her! Her smile lit up the house, she graced me with a huge hug and said she couldn't wait to see her sister! I had only met her one other time at her sister's wedding. I felt drawn to her instantly because of her courage and strength. When their Mother, Elaine passed away when the girls were young,  Stephanie often had to play the role of Mom and big sister.

Sarah G. followed soon after, her classic beauty and timeless effort was as if she glided through the door out of a classic black and white movie. Her beauty mirrors that one of Marilyn Monroe or Aubrey Hepburn. I've know her for years, actually a decade! We had recently reunited and picked up right where we left off.  You can see her wearing her Mom, Sandra's wedding dress!  I remember when Sarah and I had reunited and were chatting over drinks.  She mentioned her mom's passing and that it was one of the hardest things she had ever gone through. I hope this experience relieved some of that pressure, as I do feel strongly,  it was all their Mother's making this happen.

Sara C. followed next and gave me the biggest hug, with a her perfect laugh as we joked about something,  given our similar sense of humor!  Her piercing deep dark blue eyes put the blue skies to shame and her easy going nature makes you feel like you're family! I've know Sara for years and I have to give her credit for trusting me with her family pictures when I was first starting out!  Thank you Sara!  I was around when Odie, Sara's mom past away. I couldn't imagine what she was going through, I just remember noticing that she handled it with so much grace as she had to continue being a wife and mother to two adorable girls.

Alicia of our course came through the door looking like a Pop Star somewhere in-between Katy Perry and Britney. Bubbly, happy, gorgeous and makes you want to start dancing! I've know her since high school and the Summer before had the honor of photographing her beautiful wedding. Alicia has a beautiful tattoo along with her sister, of their mom's hand writing, saying "I love you."

 Amanda was last and beamed with a smile and her beautiful graceful face, soft eyes, and motherly nature put us all at ease. Her calming voice had us all relax! Amanda and I met at dinner party and became instant friends. We will always be in each other's lives, even if we don't see each other often! Amanda & her sister lost her Mother not long ago and her story of her Mother Linda hit close to home for all of us as it was very recent.

Each girl had never met each other before, but as our paths were crossing, it felt in that moment we were all where we were meant to be.

Amanda and Sarah below,  also came with their Mother's Wedding Dresses. You'll see them as you keep scrolling, and they wear them beautifully.

 I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

 

Thank you to Cindy Thompson for making sure we were able to send off Chinese lanterns in each Mother's honor including Edward's Mom. My favorite part was watching  you huddle together describing how each lantern did it's own thing and that's so…"My mom would go off in her own direction." or "There she goes float off into the water." or "She keeps soaring higher."

Amanda took the moment a step further with each girl by offering up an opportunity to tell their story. Thank you for that Amanda, it was beautiful to watch.

Happy Mother's Day you 5 beautiful souls!

Love,

Jessica

The Wolverton Family at Magnuson Park, Seattle, Wa

I have to do a post on The Wolverton Family!

They're just such great people!

Have you ever shot a family with 4 boys of all ages and they're all polite, sweet and incredibly respectful!

Each time I photograph this family, if it's a styled shoot, a huge family affair or an intimate family session, it's always fun, easy going and a great time!

Sarah always gets out the car with a huge smile on her face and follows her husband Rob who also has a huge welcoming smile and 4 boys waving, asking how I have been and excited to get their picture taken. Even if something happens, such as the youngest, Hayes, getting a bunch of bad bee stings, everyone jumps in to help and keep the show going! Each brother helps in their own way, Sarah is sensitive and sweet while Rob runs to the car to see if there is anything that will help. They're a team, a family built together and staying together no matter what.

Ohana means family, and that means no one gets left behind!

The Riemenschneider Family of 6 {Lifestyle Photoshoot in Lake Stevens, Wa}

I was searching Pinterest one day for marriage quotes, you know something about the beauty in real life and real life moments. I only found how to guides on how to bring the spark back or how to appreciate your husband. I was a little disappointed. No one has made quotes decked out in flowers and pretty letters about the joy of marriage and being a team as you raise your children together. As my daugther has grown I find beauty in all the small things she does, as my husband and I grow together emerging more and more into a friendship and love only we understand, I always take mental photographs of these moments.

They're not the moments you see hung on our walls or shelves but they're the real life moments that turn into what we call life. When Mykenzie's last fine baby hairs finally grew out, when Chris laid next to me on the couch and gave me a haunting loving look because he wanted so bad to propose to me in that moment, I had no idea but I will never forget the look. The moment I catch Mykenzie being sneaky but it's too funny to be mad about or when Chris and I laugh at an inside joke only we understand, that's real life. I wanted a cute Pinterest quote for it!

Instead I got something better. Way better.

To walk into a families home and document their real life is nothing short of amazing. As I knocked at the door I could hear tiny footsteps running as fast as they could to get to the door. Then waiting...obviously they were taught not to open the door for strangers. I smiled to myself, thinking about the same rule I have for my kids. Ben, their dad greeted me with a warm welcome and Allyce (mom) reassured me they were almost ready. Eleanor, the oldest greeted me with dancing and a huge smile that showed all her teeth! Caroline the newly middle child, brushed her fine blonde hairs out of her eyes and brought her shoulders up and gave me a huge smile as well. The house smelled of Christmas and cinnamon and tree lights twinkled in background. Two small baby bottles rested on the counter, for their newly born twins Amelia and Margaret. This home was filled with love, laughter, tears, joy, marker stains, laundry baskets and real life. I loved being here.

Welcome to the Riemenschneider House!

P.S. I made my own Pinterest Marriage Quotes based off how I felt during this session! (Scroll to the bottom!)

Feel Free to pin them if you like!

 

Sarah & Rylee Mother/ Daughter shoot in Magnuson Park

Magnuson Park is a great place to spend an evening. Puget Sound is always glimmering and a place for baby ducks to practice swimming, close to their moms. The sun always rest along the old buildings and creates a golden glow along the fields. Every time I see Rylee she has grown a few inches, laughs a little harder, shouts out a few more sentences and begs her mama to dance with her! Sarah is so patient with her and embraces these toddler years, as they go by so fast. I couldn't help but reflect on when my 10 year old was this age. Everything is shiny, bright and all right in the world.

The Chanadiri Family at Edmonds Beach

There's a Youtube video of 2 mom's at a park. One drops a binky and both their hands touch as they try to pick it up. Time stops and they realize they have found each other. A mom friend!!

Someone who understands you might be running late and wearing two different flips when you walk out the door because your son put one of his shoes in the dishwasher. Or your daughter got a random fever and flu symptoms right as you're about to leave, so a night out turned into a night in. The money you were saving for a romantic trip, actually ends up going to the current activity your child NEEDS to do and you're left with about $13.00.

So when your new mom friend says lets do a happy hour it's not because it's trendy and fun to go, you both understand it's cheaper during happy hour and your $13.00 can go to good use! There is also the possibility when you get home your husband might go through the nightly routine with the kids and you get to come home to a quiet home, slip on some PJ's, crash on the couch, turn on the cable and smile knowing you made a new mom friend!

Since I've landed in Lynnwood, making new mom friends has not come easy! Lynnwood is a 9-5 town with everyone racing home to cook dinner, watch your favorite show and go to bed. I don't usually see families going for walks or everyone landing at a community park to watch the sunset. The town quiets down after 9pm and the mall closes.

When I met with Ashley we couldn't stop talking, her husband patiently waiting after the shoot as we compared life stories, laughed about Youtube videos and mom things. Our conversation flowed effortlessly from one topic to the next, it was like we just needed to binky to symbolize this new friendship was happening whither we asked for it or not! In other words it was meant to be and when we did meet for happy hour, her husband followed up with a text.."Engaged yet?!" Oh he knows us too well! Is it too soon to give us a name? Jessaley or Ashica...

The Velasquez Family at Edmonds Beach, Wa

There is nothing more fun than photographing a family that is ready for some laughs! The Velasquez family was ready for that! A day that was suppose to be rainy turned into a perfect day for a family session at the beach. The sun came out, the temperature was perfect & the ferry boats & water made for an amazing view! Both Grandma's from each side were able to make it out as well, Lola Trevino and Cristina Velasquez for a perfect family affair! As the photographer, it was amazing and such a treat to see the 3 generations gather together.

Eddie, the father, I could tell got his sense of humor from his mom, as a full grown adult sitting on her lap, giving her the biggest smile and laughs I had seen all day! Marcela got her beauty and charm from her mother also know as the "hat lady!"  We had a great time doing a mini session with her adorable pups too! Each son also brought their own charm to the shoot. EJ the oldest is just days away from high school graduation and will be attending Wazzu. He was a respectful young man and seemed eager for what the future holds, Nicolas the 2nd oldest was easy going, ready to follow instructions and also resembled his mother in a lot of ways. He had a softness and innocence about him and also seemed a little adventurous. The youngest, Sebastian,  was ready for fun the moment he stepped foot on the beach! He always lighten the mood and brought laughs through out the entire shoot!

Thank you Velasquez family for winning the Raney Day auction item at the St. Pius Auction! I had the best time getting to know all of you!

  

The Shoop Family at Discovery Park in Seattle

I met Miranda when I was teaching at Whittier in Seattle. She had a way about her that I always looked up to. She always spoke the truth, never lost her cool, which isn't easy in a school of almost 500 kids and no down time!

The best part of working with her was watching her life bloom in front of my eyes! First she got married and we all had to get used to the name change, then her family grew as she announced she was pregnant with her first, a little boy name Theo! It's been almost 2 years since I've seen her and little did I know her family grew again! Eliza is their new addition and she is adorable.

Both her children resemble her calm demeanor & have the best manners even for such young kiddos! They braved the cold and the chills from the wind with a smile. In the short amount of time I was with them I could completely see their personalities shine! Theo was adventurous and loves to explore. He would ask such engaging questions & had such a curiosity for life. Eliza already has a fondness for books, a real teacher's daughter! She is also very sweet & loved the leaves!

Thank you Shoop Family for such a wonderful experience & braving the cold weather!

Liam's Romping 1st Birthday

Sarah from Nouvelle Designs and I found one another in Instagram. I just love social media sometimes. I loved seeing her posts about her son Liam in my feed. His personality and adventures always put a smile on my face. I was pleasantly surprised when Sarah emailed about his first birthday. I jumped at the chance, even though I shoot primarily weddings.  If he is an cute in person as he on IG then I was in for an adorable shoot. Not only was Liam ADORABLE & more, the location was also a sight to see. Romp is a modern day play space with lots of pristine art work, toys & other eye candy!

Liam, his family & friends all enjoy playing, mingling and enjoying each other's company at Romp. The food smelt delish, while the cake was decorated by Sarah herself & had an simple organic feel. Liam rocked a bow tie and all the kids seemed delighted in the abundance of toys & friends that to play with.

Happy 1st Birthday Liam!

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…