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!

Miguel & Matt's Wedding in San Francisco & Seattle

There are two parts to this story and let me start by telling you the sunny San Francisco version. Grab your tissues, a glass of wine and be ready for a love story with heart ache, perseverance, and history. This is one for the books!

It’s hard to not want to write about how amazing Matt & Miguel are as individuals. Anyone that knows them knows this is true. They both have so much to offer the world and being together for 10 years you can feel that they always handled life's up and downs with grace and patience. Never showing signs of stress of frustration but only love and commitment to each other and those they love.

They’ve been together for 10 years and married on their 10th anniversary in beautiful San Francisco.

The day started out perfect. The sun rose, cascading its light through alleys separated by buildings climbing to the blue sky! Matt and Miguel's long time friend's Marissa & Joni stood by helping with ties, pouring champagne, laughing, celebrating not just this day but what the last decade has been like to get to this day. They knew the emotions and the more difficult moments that lead to this better than anyone else.

I wasn’t a part of their lives 10 years ago but as I watch childhood friends break down in tears, I can only imagine what their thoughts were, what they went through. Emotions stuffed down for years, finally coming to the surface, ready to be seen and heard. It’s happening, it’s beautiful and there’s no stopping it.

From Joni’s perspective (Matt’s longest childhood friend)

"I am so proud and in awe of the way both Matt and Miguel have done the hard work of establishing authenticity in their lives. They believe in living in the truth and facing life head on with all its messy reality. They are continually strengthening their relationships with the people they love and with each other."

"It was an honor to be in SF for the wedding. I kept thinking about all the brave LGBT community there that has never stopped fighting for equality. It was such a quintessential San Francisco experience with the ceremony at the beautiful courthouse, the reception in an incredible Victorian mansion, and dancing till dawn in the Castro! It was a weekend of LOVE that I’ll never forget and Jessica captured it all beautifully in her wonderful photos!"

Before we all left Matt & Miguel gave Joni & Marissa the most elegant Tiffany necklaces as a symbol of their gratitude for their unconditional support, love & devotion to their friendships.

Marissa, one of Miguel's childhood friends came all the way from Spain to be with the couple. When Miguel told her they were flying to San Fransisco to get married, Marissa didn't even hesitate to make sure she would be there.

Moments like these get me thinking as we get older and the true nature of real friendship. Even when you're not together all the time, or live in different time zones, the fact that your friend would fly across the world to be with you on your special day shows the amount of love and respect this friendship has built over the last two decades.

As this day is playing out, Marissa's happiness for her best friend,  shines through as hugs and smiles are exchange.

It's almost 2pm and time to meet at the San Francisco City Hall. Everyone finds their way there and as everyone meets by the front steps as wave of excitement hits. Smiles, laughter, hugs and this intense feeling of happiness floods us all.

My face is hidden behind the lens, but as I watch the most genuine people in the world all hug each other, truly excited for Matt & Miguel, tears role down my face. This is what love is all about. We talk about loving one another but to show it through your actions is a completely different aspect. Don't just tell people you love them, show it.

Everyone heads into San Francisco City Hall, if you have never been there. Put it on your bucket list of places to see. The only word that came to mind when we walked in, was grand! It's very grand! The high ceiling, flowing stair case, beautiful architecture and cascading columns. It was the perfect place for Matt and Miguel to say their I Do's!

Everyone waits patiently for Miguel's and Matt's turn. Vows are practiced, friends relax and wait. It's a calm moment and one to savor.

As the vows were read, 10 years of memories washed through the room. The energy was intense as Matt and Miguel both gave very moving speeches. There wasn't a dry eye when they reference their fur babies, Bella & Frank. The way they both take care of them and love them.

The adventure didn't stop here! Everyone headed to a Victorian Mansion that has been restored to it's original state for dinner.

As we all strolled in and climbed the stairs, their friends were waiting at the top of the balcony ready to give beautifully written toasts.

I think everyone could agree when Marissa said, "When Miguel first told me about Matt, I knew Matt was the one for him,  because I have never seen Miguel as happy as he was when he was with Matt."

Their happiness is evidence that they were meant to be together. They are better together and have created this circle of trust and happiness with those they love.

As we headed downstairs, you could smell the amazing dinner being prepared and couldn't help but appreciate the stunning table scape created by their friends.

The evening followed with lots of laughter and amazing food and wine. It was one of those nights you don't want to end because it feels almost magical. Matt and Miguel have created this feeling by just being themselves and inviting us all to join in.

The night ended with dancing and LOTS of laughter.

It was perfect.

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!

Nicole + Riley's Winter Wedding at Lord Hill Farms in Snohomish, Wa

It's winter and we're all praying for sunshine. It's been a gray and rainy winter in Washington and we are all used to that. Except this morning February 20th a hint of blue sky was making its appearance like a paint brush briefly swept across the sky with baby blue paint. Everyone could feel the heat of the sunshine through the rooms and we all knew this was a magical day.

The Wedding Day of Nicole & Riley

Nicole comes from a chinese culture. The dragon symbolizes the male strength, power and protection and the phoenix symbolizes the female and has been know to be a supernatural bird. It's known for it's benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and sincerity.

You can see her culture sprinkled throughout their wedding, in the qi pao (flower girl tops) her bridesmaid's are wearing kimono robes &  the ring bearer outfit and the wedding cake.As everyone shares stories of the history of Nicole and Riley it becomes apparent this day is filled with a lot of anticipation and eagerness. They've been together a decade, they have seen the best of times and the worst of times together. You can feel the energy in the room that Nicole has the biggest impact on Riley, more than anyone else in the world.

His sister quotes, "Riley is really shy, the only person he really opens up to it Nicole. My mom always says, I don't know who Riley would talk to if it wasn't for Nicole. We're so grateful for her."

When you think about it, it's actually really beautiful. How often in our lives do we meet or have that one person that makes us melt, time stops, they're perfectly imperfect in every way and in no way can we get enough of them. We always want more.

You can see the pride on Nicole's face. It's true, she does something to him. There's a trust, a natural instinct in which he is drawn to her. Everyone in the room can feel it too because we all feel calm, at peace while we're in Nicole's presence. She's very easy to be around. This must be a glimpse into Riley's world.

Their first look is calm like they are. There are small laughs and big smiles. They don't seem nervous but rather ready to be married. As their friends join them, the same calmness floats across the sky. There is a trust and great friendship with this group. They're easy to be around and take their roles in Riley & Nicole's celebration seriously while also finding the perfect cometic timing. 

As the night wrapped up and happy tears turned to smiles & dancing everyone could feel the sense of togetherness these two have brought. Two amazing families flooding the dance floor, smiling and laughing together. This is one celebration for the ages and will always be one to remember.

My Story of HOW I FOLLOWED MY DREAMS

Let me start off by saying growing up I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. This happens often with artists because we often have many things we love doing! I wanted to be a dancer, if possible for Mariah Carey, a writer, maybe someone who drew pretty things for holiday cards, a basketball player, a pianist, the list goes on.

People often commented that I was great with children and that I should go into teaching.

 I remember being 18 and driving to my barista job, that I LOVED.  I was thinking, why is there so much pressure to know what you want to do? What if I figure it out,  but not until I'm older? Which is exactly what happen.

Fast forward 6 years later and 100's of lattes later.

I had been teaching for 2 years. It was late, around 11pm and I couldn't sleep. My husband was fast asleep next to me and my brain was going 100 mph. I wasn't happy with where my career was going. I had gotten home that night around 7pm. We had Open House that night. Of course all of us teacher's swore we wouldn't talk late to parents so we could be home at a decent hour to be with our own families but we never follow through. We are all talk, of course we will stay late. We care about our students as if they're our own children.

We all should have been done by 6pm,  but parents have questions so we stay. We smile, we glance at the clock when they're not looking at us, and keep a smile. Anwsering every question. We know they work too and face to face conversations are always more effective. So we stay.  The next parent comes, same questions, same answers, same smiles. Glance at the clock. They thank us repeatedly for our time, I smile and say you're welcome. Okay maybe Open House wasn't so bad.

My daughter's bed time is in an hour and I haven't seen her all day.  Another question, another smile, glance at the clock. I want to go home.

Mykenzie at 3 Years old! Our neighbor Andrea and my college roommate used to watch her for me and gifted me with these adorable pictures!

I ran to my car, literally full out sprint. It's 7:15pm and I live 3.5 miles away. I do the math and figure I can get home by 7:25 if the red light at Market Street isn't heavy with traffic. It's pouring outside and the rain feels great on my head, except my feet are soaked. I blast the heat on my feet and take off. I zoom past Taco Bell resisting the urge to feed my stress with a delicious Crunch Wrap Supreme. I hesitate and almost turn around for that Crunch Wrap but than I remember my daughter.

DANG IT! Fender bender at Market Street, this light is cursed!! I should have stopped at Taco Bell.

Holding Mykenzie when she was just a few months old and I was 18.

I'm home by 7:45pm  and my daughter is in her pajamas, playing with her toys.  She runs up and hugs me, my husband hands me a glass of wine and says dinner is in the fridge. I tell him about Open House, my daughter tells me about her day before she brushes her teeth and I tuck her in.

My husband and I snuggle up on the couch and watch whatever is on channel 4, 5, or 7.  We can't afford cable so we watch whatever is on and mostly talk about our day.  A rerun of Big Bang Theory plays in the background, my husband says we have already seen this one so we decide to move to our nightly routine.

Our routine is one of my favorite times of the day.

I had been working on my Master's Program after teaching all day. Yes, that's a cat taking advantage of my tired state.

We grunt and helped each other up and head to the kitchen. It's time to prep for tomorrow. Taylor Swift's album, Fearless has become our cleaning album. When you have a young child, you learn quickly that your Eminem, Rage Against the Machine, and other music you love just can't be blasted in house anymore. Anytime I hear White Horse, I have an urge to do the dishes!

I turn the iHome on, scroll to T-swift and we move around our 7 x 7 feet kitchen space getting coffee ready,  lunches,  dishes,  wiping counters,  joking around,  kissing,  prepping smoothies,  putting leftovers away, deciding on which mugs to use and setting out travel mugs,  feed the cat,  kiss again, hold the cat for a second,  fill water bottles,  whip off the stove,  sweep,  kiss,  mop,  set lunch boxes out, prep breakfast,  hold the cat again,  dream of having a bigger kitchen,  kiss,  take garbage out, and turn off iHome. We got through 5 Taylor Swift songs and lights out. Head to bed.

We read for a little while, joked around and lights out. Chris normally works night shift so he is asleep fast within minutes.

Mom brain happens.

I start reflecting on Open House, what I promised families, what do I need to bring tomorrow, who do I need to email, who forgot which form…..this goes on for what feels like forever. I glance at the clock. I've been laying here for 2 hours thinking about my to do list for tomorrow.

I determine it's a waste of time,  because I'm now messing with my sleep and I can't accomplish any of it right now.  I saw my own family for maybe an hour, my daughter for 15 mins! I'm losing sleep over things that won't get done if I'm half asleep tomorrow!

Now I'M REALLY MAD!! I realize something needs to change and NOW!!!

I calm down, and think to myself the first thought that changed it all.

I don't want to do this anymore.

That is when everything changes.

I pray.

I can see the street lamp letting in a yellow ambiance through our 1950's curtains that came with the apartment, and I stare at it. Like it has some power, street lamp, help me.

I think if my life has to be like this for the next 30 years, I will throw up.  I'm ready to let go, whatever I am MEANT to do, I'm giving it to you, God, universe, street lamp, whatever is out there. I'm yours. I'm done being in control, this isn't what I want. I want more time with my family, I want to watch my daughter grow up, not only spend quality time with my husband when we are doing our nightly routine,  TIME I want more TIME!

 I'm ready, I am letting go. I did the single most hardest thing I think any human being has a hard time with.

Letting go.

I fell asleep and truly let go. If the universe felt I need to work fast food, I would have done it. That's how much I truly let go! As long as it was Taco Bell.

The change happened instantly.

2 Weeks later.

I had taken some photographs of my daughter at sunset.  I had a history with Photography but didn't really take it seriously or ever believe I could make a living with it.

First Lesson: When you don't believe in yourself,  you're your own worst enemy.

The lighting was addicting.  It was beautiful and I had wondered if other photographers had caught on to this beautiful light.  Now I know it's called the "Golden Hour." Silly me!

A friend saw the images on Facebook, she asked if I could take images of her kids. I laughed, not realizing this would be my start.

I took her images for free, she bought me dinner. I delivered the images that night via Facebook. She shared them, people commented…tons of comments. I sat at my kitchen table with my laptop refreshing the screen to read new comments. It was addicting, it was a high. What the hell, they're just pictures, why are people loving these?

Literally dozens and dozens of comments. By the end of the night I had 4 shoots lined up for the weekend.

I completed all the shoots, for free. I realize how much time I was using up, my weekends are my time with family but it felt right. I wasn't sure how to express it but yes I was working full time as a teacher then using my weekends to shoot. How is this helping me spend more time with my family, I'm actually spending less but for some reason it feels RIGHT.

The next weekend I had booked 2 more shoots and decided to charge $20 for my time.

The next weekend I had my first engagement session at Pike Place. They asked me to shoot their wedding. I was excited and nervous so I offered to do it for free.

The engagement sessions got me a couple other weddings. Weird.

My first wedding came. I LOVED IT! LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT!!

Instead of coming home tired, mad, exhausted, I was dancing through the door. Excited to load photos, share stories with my husband.

I started booking up months in advance. I started a business page on Facebook and was THRILLED when I got 31 likes in a day. It felt like a million.

I hosted my first contest and got over 1000 likes. Those led to more bookings. Thanks Facebook.

I posted sneak peeks almost daily, more likes, more comments.

I reached 2000.

I was booking weddings. I had 3 lined up for the Summer.

I had a few companies reach out to me,  to be in wedding shows. However I didn't have a website so I wasn't creditable.

Second lesson. Get your stuff together if you're serious about starting your own business.

Other photographers started reaching out, we started liking each other's business pages,  giving support. I reached 3000!

I set up a styled shoot, held a giveaway and contacted my favorite venders. Jessica Drossin being my MOST favorite!!

I didn't think she would email me back but she DID!!!!!!  She may have not known it then but her reply gave me the confidence to keep going.

I bought a new camera. Third Lesson- have GREAT equipment!

I finished my 2nd year of teaching. I went into my 3rd year, it went by fast, I worked 2 full time jobs. My 4th year teaching, same thing but this time my energy was at an all time HIGH! My happiness from photography was transferring into my teaching. I started a dance club, I was smiling all the time, my IA commented that I'm seriously on a high right now, my classroom is literally filled with rainbows. She pointed out a HUGE rainbow I had the kids make, and rainbows that were hanging from the ceiling, and all the fruit and veggies lined on the table for the snacks.  My life was FULL of color.

I was fulling living and it was showing in all areas of my life.

I realized that year I could do Photography full time. I had gotten home from having 4 shoots over the weekend and made more in that weekend than I did 2 weeks teaching. The checks were sitting on my key table by the door. I kept staring at them, adding them up. I deducted the taxes I would owe and I still made enough to pay bills.

I looked over at Chris and explained to him what I noticed. He complimented me, "Great job, babe!"

I replied, "I think I can quit teaching."

He looked at me kind of shocked, did the math in his head and then said, "Yeah I think you can. It's up to you, just let me know what you want to do."

Then I told him what I had prayed about a couple years prior. What I really want, is more family time, I want to go to Kenz's first day of school, all her sports games, practices, ballet, eat breakfast together without being stressed, have her know I'm always available.

"I should do one more year and make it the best ever!" I replied, "Whatever you want to do babe, I trust you."  He replied.

Okay that was it.

Because of photography we could afford to buy a new car and move.  We bought a house with a yard close to our family.

Most important I spend MOST of my time with my family!!

Mykenzie with her brother Cash and cousins, Emmie & Bailey playing on our property!

Our chickens Lucky and Dusty eating radishes from our garden!

I was really sad to leave Seattle and my school! It was an amazing school and still is.  I had built strong connections with families and other teachers. However I wanted that connection with my own family.  I still miss the families, teachers and students!

I spent the entire Summer with Kenz and only worked on the weekends. School started and I played a different role this time, Mom, not teacher!!  I went to her first day of school and cried about 10 times! I was so excited to drop her off, linger around, and take a million pictures!

I went home, did some editing, blog posts, booked a few shoots, updated my website, cleaned the house, prepped dinner, and eagerly waited to pick her up!!

When Chris and I jumped in the car to pick her up, we couldn't stop smiling. This was our life now!

NO STRESS!

I gave her the biggest hug ever, we talked the entire way home, went through her new school packet, played Catan, ate dinner, she helped pack her lunch for the next day, we laid around talking and laughing. It was a freaking dream. I WAS FULLY ENJOYING MY DAUGHTER'S TIME! With no where to be or nothing to worry about,  it was perfect. It took 3 years to get to this place but all the hard work was worth it!

This became our regular, we were all spending so much time together, it felt weird when we weren't together. I coached Cross Country and Track, I went to all of her school activities, her grades were getting better and better because we had time to work on her homework together and figure out where she needed help. She got first place in Cross Country in her grade level because I had time to work with her, she started Gymnastics because we had time to commit to it. I was seeing more growth in my daughter than I had in years, our time together was invaluable and priceless. I prayed for other families and that they also would get this opportunity.

The next school year I had the option to go back to my classroom but if I chose to take another year off I would lose my classroom but still have the option of teaching in Seattle Schools. I was still unsure of what to do, the growth in my daughter made me want to take another year off,  but could we afford it.

We did the math, our budget was tight, really tight but we could do it. We just needed to make financially smart choices!

Thank you to all of you that support Raney Day and keep coming back. Your loyalty and support is what made my dream come true. My family will forever and always know what being a family is supposed to feel like because of you.

Thank you!

If you're ever questioning if you can accomplish your dreams, you can. However, don't be scared of the hard work, time, and dedication. It will pay off and NO IT WON'T HAPPEN OVER NIGHT. If you have a focus and know what you're working towards it will happen. I never expected anyone to help me, bail me out in hard times,  or hand me anything. I knew the benefits of starting at the bottom and working my way up on my own. It was a slow process but I was always gaining ground. I'm still gaining ground and working towards new goals. Some of these goals probably won't happen for 5-10 years but I'm still chipping away at them.

If you ever need support and a little push to follow your dreams, message me! I'll be your biggest supporter and number 1 fan!

Stay beautiful!

Love,Jessica

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!