Michael & Jayna Engagement at Snoqualmie Falls

There's my story of Michael and Jayna and there is Jayna's story.

My story is a picture of a couple that has grown up together. Become best friends, family & each are a part of the other. There's a natural comfort and calmness in the presence of them as they know exactly who they are and what they are as a couple. Powerful is the first word that comes to mind.

Now here is Jayna's words to Michael as they embark on their journey together as an engaged couple.

My Precious Love

 As assuredly as the leaves will fall in autumn

My love will remain for you

Refreshing as the dew resting on a blade of grass,

Is the sound of your

I love you

Your warm embrace heats me up;

Like rosy cheeks on a hot summer day

As common as raindrops rolling down

Seattle streets are moments of

Happiness spent with you

Like a tender kiss on the forehead

Are the sweet something’s you

Whisper, gently in my ear

As a baby is consoled in its mother’s arms

Fear is alleviated when I’m around you

Like a child anxiously waiting

On Christmas Eve;

So I waited for the day you would

Get on one knee

To seal the deal and

Propose to me

Love,

Jayna Smith

Burk Family Maternity Session on Fox Island

One word to describe what it feels like to meet a couple and watch their love story play out. Magical. First you're behind the camera capturing their innocence as a newly engaged couple and the emotional day of their wedding is soon to follow. You hear through the grape vine they have begun to create a home and life glides forward. Then you get the call it's time to get behind the camera again and capture the new chapter in their love story. His name is Lincoln.

Pedro & Melissa Married at Laurel Creek Manor

As seen in South Sound Wedding & Event Magazine

Every once in a while couple comes along that shines, they don't realize how bright they're shining when they're together but anyone in their presence recognizes this. Pedro & Melissa are that couple. As individuals they're amazing people, together they're stellar. From the moment I met them as a couple I saw how they complimented, loved, accepted and adored one another. Pedro is goofy, sweet and always ready for a good time. Melissa is a planner, sensitive & always looking out for everyone.

Together they're the perfect combination. This was evident during their vows when Melissa spoke. "You always have my back." Pedro followed with a cute sign that read "I <3 U."

Their wedding was filled with love, laughter & the joining of two families. It was clear to everyone that nothing would ever be the same as Melissa & Pedro's love is now shining brighter than ever.

Kaitlin & Jamie's Engagement at Golden Gardens

I knew Jamie & Kaitlin were a perfect couple for Raney Day at the consultation however my suspecian of our perfection for each other was solidified on the way to the engagement shoot.We were heading to Golden Gardens in Seattle,  one of my prime spots I used to shoot at when I lived here. I was stoked, this shoot was in the bag. Until the smog...Dun DUN DUNNNNNNNAs we headed towards the horizon Kaitlin and I brushed up on wedding details and before I could hear what she was saying about flowers, I saw it. I swear I black out for 5 seconds. Every photographer knows prime shooting times. I gave myself 45 minutes before sunset to get all the shots I wanted at GG, checked weather patterns all day and was reassured by the weather man the sun was here until it set.My plans were derailed when I saw the dark cloud hovering over the mountains and the sun just touching it. In those 5 seconds I realized I had only 10 minutes before that smog was going to take over the sun. I quickly filled Jamie and Kaitlin in on the drama, ready for them to be let down that we had NO TIME.My mouth was running a hundred miles a minute talking about weather patterns, why mother nature is against me and other drama filled days I have had with the weather. Seriously the weather and I are like highschool girls bickering, gossiping, then we love each other and then she steals my boyfriend.As I was about the cry.. Jamie yelled out in a horror story voice..."Theeeee SmmmmmoooggGOGGGGG!" Kaitlin and I burst into laughter and we all starting saying "Theee SmoGGGggggG!"Kaitlin's positivity reigned in and she said we will do what we can! Her positive attitude pushed my heart to get it into gear! Let's do this! I got into photographer mode. I threw my old plan out the window, encouraged them not to park at GG but by the docks, we jumped out got to work and ended up having a great time. We got all the shots we needed in under 20 minutes and even got to watch the sunset.Kaitlin and Jamie are truly amazing and proof some humor and positive reinforcement is sometimes all you need.*For those that are curious I put some smog images up a few scrolls down. Don't be fooled by it's beauty!The SMOG…of course it knew I had a camera pointed at it and gave me it's best angle.

Kindra & Austin Engagement at A Country Location

Anytime I see a woman fall into the comforting arms of her man because she's upset shows trust, unconditional love and support. I watched Kindra get emotional over a few personal things and Austin took her in his arms with grace and love. She truly felt safe and he held no judgement. It was the look of unconditional love and I am glad I got to witness it.  Watching these two get married in beautifully Fall October is going to be amazing and lovely!

Sarah & Rylee by the Seashore

I was so happy to hear from Sarah and Rylee. A year ago I did a mother/daughter shoot for Rylee's 1st birthday. Now she is 2 and had me smiling the entire shoot. Rylee is playful, goofy, lovable and very adventurous  Watch out boys she's going to be a heart breaker. She loved digging her toes in the sand, looking for bugs and finding sea shells by the sea shore.

A lovely home visit with Sharea...

When Sharea was born her mother Shari and I determined a home visit would be best since they live in Snoqualmie. As I drove through the mountains and parked in their driveway, I was immediately drawn to the view from their home. The mountains were soaring high and the sun beaming down on their snow cap glory. This is going to be a beautiful shoot.

As I entered their home I was able to meet Sharea's Grandmother who was visiting for a few months. What a lucky baby to have her first days spent with someone so special. The shoot was as simple as looking at the mountains. Sharea made everyone laugh, made us cooooo and cahhh over her puffy lips and smiling face as she slept. Sharea is a state of grace.

Happy Father's Day

I am honored that a Raney Day image was featured as an Honorable Mention in the Colorvale Dad Theme contest. I can't lie I am the worst about submitting photos to publications, I love the way Colorvale just asks you to post an image on their Facebook page for members to vote on. Either you win or you don't. Then just wait until the next week and if you feel like entering again, go ahead! I received this beautiful badge of honor that made me feel pretty darn good today! Thank you Colorvale!

This photo was actually taken a few years ago with a now good friend and fellow photographer Piper Moore and her family. Like me she rarely does family photos of her family because it's kind of scary to hire another photographer to do your job! I love the way Piper put it, I just needed to spoil myself!

It was a chance moment when Piper suggested getting a picture of all the men, I followed her idea with what about oldest to youngest, then that had family members chiming in about wisest to youngest and cutest to ugliest. They thought they were all pretty funny,  but I can't lie I think all the men in this family are handsome! They were also full of love and life, there was lots of laughter and I never felt like hired help but just as a friend hanging out.

Shari & Harry Maternity Shoot at the Botanical Gardens in Bellevue

Seriously! How do I end up with the most amazing, fun, adorable and creative clients?! I am so grateful to have met Shari & Harry!  We talked over the phone about some ideas on what she had in mind for her shoot. Pinterest gave her a lot of inspiration, but she wanted to make it her own. Since she wore a crown on her wedding day, having a crown over her belly for her little princess was a must.

When I met her at the Botanical Gardens I couldn't believe how drop dead gorgous she was! She had been telling me how she didn't feel like herself and being a former dancer her body changes were tough on her. Well in my opinion pregnancy agrees with her!

Justine & Kenneth Port of Everett Engagement Session

Justine is the sweetest girl if I ever met one. That's coming from a former Kindergarten teacher, who taught some of the sweetest little ones of all time. Justine has a grace and elligance about her presence. She makes you feel calm and collected. I can see why Kenneth fell in love with her. Her family, Kenny, and anyone in her circle is cared for more than she cares for herself.

There wedding is fast approaching and I know it's going to be amazing!

Welcome to the Raney Day Family Justine and Kenny!!