The possibility of ending up at this exact spot in this exact moment didn’t quite dawn on Jay and Nicole when they first met. Jay the small town boy and Nicole the city girl, met their freshman year of college at WSU while living in the dorms. As Nicole puts it, she was way too busy being a freshman in college to notice silly boys. But Jay noticed Nicole. Her infectious laughter, her stunning beauty, and her outgoing personality. It’s no surprise, that when an opportunity came up for Jay to move in with Nicole and 6 other girls their sophomore year, he jumped at the chance. Although, now that I think about it, I’m not sure there would be a guy out there that wouldn’t jump at that chance.

One thing lead to another, and Nicole found herself falling for his chivalry, dashing good looks and charm.

Saturday, as they stood there in THAT spot, they started into each others eyes reflecting on exactly how they had come to this point. Together, in Dayton, surrounded by their friends and family, standing at an altar together, holding hands. An entire lifetime of craziness ahead of them. You could see it. Happiness. Contentment. Adventure. Future.

Jay and Nicole,

You are my kind of couple. Totally in love, down to Earth, and CRAZY! I knew from the moment Nicole sent me that 3 page email inquiry we were meant for each other!  I had a blast shooting your wedding, and wish I could have stayed to party the night away right along with you. Congrats, and hope to see you again soon.

xoxo,

Laura

EPIC. Seriously, I could live in Dayton except I would need a Target within 15 minutes. It’s that beautiful.

Part 2 coming soon!

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Warren and Samantha had their first date on Valentine’s Day, by accident. Wrap your head around that one! FIRST DATE. When I heard that story I couldn’t stop laughing. Warren asked her out, she said yes, and neither of them put together that Friday, that day they were going out…. for the very first time…. was a lover’s holiday. No pressure there! They were also engaged on Valentine’s Day and now, what seems like a lifetime later, made their marriage vows at Semiahmoo Resort. On Valentine’s Day.

Warren and Samantha are two of the most genuine people I know. I feel so lucky to call them friends. I talked in depth last week on the blog about how important it is for you to have clear goals with your wedding photographer, and while I wasn’t their “official” photographer, I wanted to share with you some of the highlights I captured when I took over toward the end of the night.

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It’s completely mind-boggling to me that here it is almost February and I haven’t sat down yet to blog. It’s funny how that happens, I took time off during the holidays to enjoy friends and family time. Getting back into the swing of my routine was harder than I thought. I think I also majorly underestimated just how busy I would be over the holidays… they just ZOOMED by!

So here it is, already almost an entire month into the new decade, and I have yet to sit down and hash out my resolutions and goals for my life, love, and business. I try to do this every year. Being self employed is hard, so it’s good to have something to hold over yourself, to be accountable for.

I’ve been completely innundated with work for my new position with Andersen Ross. Just before my holiday hiatus, I was honored with the position and title of Creative Director for a new start up company (not yet released…. very hush hush). What I can tell you is that it is the latest and greatest idea to hit the stock photography market! As much as I like to always think of myself as an integral part of everything, I’m touched that they agree! I’m also challenged by the prospect of wearing yet another hat. [Random Tangent: In my old 9-5, wearing multiple hats infuriated me. My mentality was, let me do the job you hired me for. I remember sitting down at my desk one very busy day and taking the time to write all the hats I was being forced to wear. When janitor, dishwasher, receptionist, and courier topped the list I almost cried.... now here I am, working for myself I am all of those things AND MORE! ah geez]

Now when I think about wearing all these hats: photographer, producer, office manager, creative director, stylist, casting director, recruiter, marketing specialist, blogger, fiance, courier, janitor, chef, gardener…. I’m inspired, and challenged. All of them deserve equal attention, all of them are amazing positions I am so incredibly thankful to have. I think of a recent mentor I’ve aquired. Her name is Lara Casey, and if you have never heard of her you simply MUST follow her blog. She’s amazing. All of the hats she wears, the things she accomplishes in her daily life, the people she reaches and touches. She inspires me every day not to give up, push forward, be great. She’s holding workshops all over the nation right now. I’m utterly devestated I missed her Seattle stop, but if she comes to an area near you, GO and be ready to make things happen in your life… then please tell me everything that happened. And if you could do the voices of everyone that would be great. Thanks.

While my goals for my business in this new decade do deserve a post of their own, I do want to mention one that I know 100% to be true. I plan to use my business to give back to those in need. Love deserves recognition. So every month I am plan to give BACK, to you, to the world. SO now comes the formal announcement (and thank you for reading this far) This month I’m giving away a TOTALLY FREE a lifestyle portrait session. Simply leave a comment below with your nomination of someone who loves deeply and why they deserve this gift. It can be you, your grandmother, a set of new parents, etc.

Lifestyle portrait sessions are a value of $500.00!!!! and could be used for:

Engagement, family, newborn, boudior, bridal, you name it we’ll make it up.

NOW, go forth and nominate someone you know in need. We’ll be chosing the BEST and most creative entry…. Here we go!

The winner will be chosen ONE week from today, the deadline is Friday January 29th, at 12:01pm.

(***One catch this session must be scheduled in 2010 and be in the Seattle/Portland/San Francisco area)

A couple of weeks ago I had an opportunity to second shoot for the ever fabulous Jamie Delaine in Vancouver, Canada. I love Vancouver. No really, it’s awesome! I can’t believe my first time there was only this last summer. It’s such an amazingly beautiful city, and the city in the fall…. OH my.

This was the sweetest couple, I met Jennifer for the first time on Saturday morning. She was glowing. Warmth and excitement oozed from her pores. She was the most excited bride I have witness yet.  Her sweet voice shook ever so slightly with the nervous anticipation of seeing her groom. As her mother laced her dress, her sisters and bridesmaids gathered around her and said what both Jamie and I were thinking. Stunning Jennifer, Mike is going to lose his breath.

And I think he did. Between the dynamic music, and the hushed oooo’s and ah’s, the time in the room seemed to stand still when she walked in the door. I really could go on and on about how captivating this ceremony was. I of course was in tears, and so happy for the love that they found in each other. More than anything though, it was the understanding of the commitment that really was apparent at this wedding. Jen’s father gave her away, and led the ceremony. He’s the pastor at Coastal Church in Vancouver, where Mike and Jennifer married. It was truly unique and extremely personal.

Following the ceremony, we headed to Jennifer’s parents penthouse downtown. We couldn’t help but take advantage of the gorgeous 360 degree views of the city from their rooftop. Mike and Jen did an awesome job of looking warm didn’t they?

J’aime les feuilles de chute.

After leaving the high rise, we headed to Stanley Park for a quick portrait session before the sun went down.

The reception was held at the Stanley Park Pavilion. Such an amazing venue!

Thank you Jamie for allowing me to join you again. You’re awesome!

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Of all of the line items in your budget for your wedding, which of those are tangible heirlooms? As I’m prioritizing my own budget, I’m asking myself these questions. The dress you will likely never wear again, and the past time of handing dresses down is long gone (which I’m actually QUITE thankful for because my mother was married in the seventies). Food, flowers, favors, and decor all disappear after the big day. While you’ll cherish those memories forever, having a wedding album, brings the images to the forefront of your memory forever!

I believe that albums should be free of trend, full of classic simplicity and beautiful. They should tell the story of your day, but mostly of your love.

I’d like to welcome Queensberry Albums to my arsenal. They are the best of the best of the best of wedding album craftsmen, and I am so pleased to be able to offer them to my brides to hand down for generations to come. They’re handmade from the finest leathers, and come all the way to my porch from New Zealand. This little package arrived in the post yesterday, and I had to snap some pictures because I just adored the attention they took in packaging everything.

They offer the unique option of  ”wing” or “flip” pages!!!! So amazing!

GORGEOUS!!! Can’t wait to design one for you!

visit my wedding photography website to enquire about rates and availability.