I’ve always thought that it’s a terribly romantic idea to keep the sex of your baby a surprise. Information is so accessible these days, it’s refreshing to relish in on of life’s most rewarding mysteries. I’m so excited for them I can hardly stand it. I know you are too, so you’ll be glad to hear that as soon as this baby is born we’re doing a newborn session! We met in Redmond and headed to Marymoor Park. Such an awesome place for a Saturday in the sun!

Liz and Ryan are actually one of my all time FAVORITE romantic wedding memories, so I’ll share with you that little tid bit. They met at Oregon State (boooo…. go Ducks! Just kidding, kind of), and were married on a blustery fall day in Oregon 5 years ago. I remember watching in awe as Ryan and Liz swayed back and forth in the middle of the room during their first dance. Ryan is hearing impaired but didn’t miss a beat, and as they stared into each others eyes, Ryan asked Liz what the song was. She glanced up, mouthed “unforgettable” and then laid her head back on his shoulder. It truly was. I’ve never forgotten that moment, or how hot my tears were, or how full my heart was. Liz and Ryan define what a true partnership is.

I’m so excited to see their family grow, and can’t wait to meet this little one. I just love babies. Especially the part where other people have them. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to document this amazing time in your lives!

Ok I know I have a thing for flare, but I can’t help it… we’ve had the MOST amazing weather here in Seattle the last few weeks. Warm, and full of light.

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The Higgins Family, well… they’re like family to me. Amy is the cousin of my bestie Marie, and when I planned a trip tto visit Marie I knew I had to get them in front of my lens. Their adorable daughter Ella is one of the most unique captivating babies I’ve ever seen. I’ve taken a few snapshots of her over the years, from 3 weeks to now, and she remains one of my favorite subjects.

We headed to this beautiful little farm tucked in the hills of Portland, unsure of whether or not we’d be able to shoot there. The property owners weren’t home, but the sheep were! Funny thing about trespassing, somehow it always ends in lots of fun and beautiful images. My motto is “it’s always easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission”. Although I always attempt to ask permission before I kamikaze a location.

Amy and Brennan! Thanks for being outlaws with me, seriously…. ANYTIME!

No babies were actually hurt during the making of this photograph, just a little spill… and some of the most beautiful giant tears ever.

STUNNA! For reals.

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Thank you so much to everyone  who took the time to nominate someone for my free session giveaway. I feel very blessed to be able to pass the gift of photography on to someone who really deserves it. It was SO hard to decide! Your nominations were heartfelt, funny and very thoughtful. Every person you nominated certainly deserves to win.

I couldn’t decide on one, and Billy was no help either. SO I chose 3. Christiana, Kaycie, and Justine check your email. Details are coming your way! Congrats!

If you’re entry didn’t win, don’t worry I have something for you too so check your email.

Much love to you all!

XOXO,
Laura photo courtesty of the lovely Amy McMullen.

Many brides who want to remain true to tradition and wait to see their groom until the actual ceremony, can lose out on precious pictures with their new hubby on their day. There simply isn’t enough time to fit everything in. The pressure of waiting guest, capturing all of the bridal party and family photos can eat up that time you had set aside. Most of the breathtaking images you see of the bride and groom together are either possible because they chose to see themselves before the ceremony in a private session we call a “first look” OR because they opted to use their signature session for this:

A day after session!

Yes! You will get to wear your gown again, BONUS.

I always try to encourage a “first look” during the day of, because the emotions are so true to the day, and likely you’ve had great hair and makeup done. However I can respect the tradition, so this is a fantastic compromise!

Amanda decided to recreate her bouquet for her day after session as well, and I honestly couldn’t tell the difference. I guess I know who’ll I’ll be recruiting for my florals someday!

My FANTASTIC second shooter Tre captured this one below:

See what I mean about the bouquet? I think she should be a floral designer. FO SHO.

This is my favorite shot from the session. Doesn’t Walt look so GQ?

I can’t help it. I have this shameful obsession with reality television. Ok, All television. A couple of years ago, Billy and I had to turn it off. We shut off the cable most of the year because ALL we were doing with our time was catching up on the shows we love…. 12 of them. Yup, not an exaggeration. Now that college football season has started, we have cable again. Billy has the Oregon Ducks, and I have ABC, CBS, NBC, TLC, WeTV, FOX, and A&E. Oh sweet fall line up. I love you.

While shooting this amazingly adorable family a couple of weeks ago, we were of course chatting about one of my FAVORITE guilty pleasures…. Toddlers and Tiaras. It’s both compelling and appalling. Don’t judge me. Sweet Emma Rose worked it out just like Tootie for this shoot, and she made her mama proud. Of course it put us all in side stitches of laughter,  I love my job! Hilarity, and silly moments.

Here are just a few of my most favorites from the shoot. Enjoy!