Innocent flirtation, passing glances, and any excuse to make each other laugh. When Jenn first met Patrick, she was instantly attracted to him and a crush began to form. Patrick played it cool, he couldn’t deny that she was one hot tamale, but he was playing hard to get.

As Jenn puts it, she finally convinced him to ask her out, and the rest is history. These two are just about the most perfect compliment of each other I’ve ever seen in a pair.  Jenn’s nose crinkles up and her eyes dissappear when Patrick teases her, and you can see in Patrick’s eyes all the love and adoration in the world.

The day was filled with laughter as we romped around Seattle for their engagement session. I just love these two and can’t wait for their big day!

You can view more of their engagement photos by viewing their slideshow here. And check out their entire gallery to view and order prints by clicking here.

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He knew right away. She was gorgeous, put together, athletic and did I mention she was a Beaver fan? The first time they met, he knew.

Billy and Eric have been friends for years. They both grew up in the small town of Yoncalla, Oregon, population practically nothing. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it. The kind of place where everyone knows everyone, and if you didn’t move there recently you’re probably distantly related to the person you’re dating. Those who are smart, leave the stump to find their soul mate. We were all a little concerned about Eric until we met Jesse, if I’m being perfectly honest here. He was a little too nice and attracted all the wrong kinds of women, but I suppose to be fair… at least they weren’t related to him.

The minute Billy and I met Jesse, we started in on Eric to propose. Sorry Jesse! ;-) She was perfect for him… maybe a little too perfect. Sweeter than sugar, easy to talk to, and she was already dating him so he had a leg up! She fit in with his friends, was smart, interesting, and loved the same sports team… can you imagine a Duck dating a Beaver? Me neither.

Eric and Jesse held hands and vowed their love and commitment to each other on a gorgeous summer day at The Ranch on Beaver Creek in Lebanon, Oregon. Little touches of Beaver orange are here and there, and the most important element, their friends and family were abound. It was a wonderful celebration of these two and their perfect mix. So extremely happy to say that Eric and Jesse are now husband and wife!

One of my favorite things to do on dates I’m not booked with my own clients, is to photograph couples alongside my peers. A lot of photographers bring second professional photographers with them to weddings as additional coverage for the day. It’s always an awesome opportunity for me to get to know how other photographers work with their clients, and push myself to think more creatively! Last month I had the privilege of working alongside one of my favorite people in the world, Yasmin Khajavi. She’s a fantastic, cute as a button, larger than life photog from Portland, and any time she calls I jump at the chance to work alongside her. Here are some of my favorite images from the day, and you can see her post here, by visiting her blog. This lovely little wedding actually took place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in the teeny tiny town I grew up in. The bride and I went to high school together! Small world! Their lovely reception was held at Willamette Valley Vineyards in Salem, Oregon. A gorgeous reception venue with breathtaking views of the Valley.

Congrats Justin and Jen! Thanks for being so awesome to work with!

xo,
Laura

In honor of Mother’s day  recently, I wanted to share a memory I have of a really wonderful mother. She’s not my mother, but her daughter was one of my best friends growing up. I’m actually not sure how we became such great friends, other than our mutual love of her mother. We went to entirely different schools, lived in different towns, and grew up with different circles of friends.

Kaycie and I were virtually inseparable in our formative years. We spent our after school time choreographing dance routines to Roxette, pirating push-pops from her freezer, and giggling about boys. Our weekends were slumber parties, trips to the Salem Center mall, and more giggling about boys. Mrs. Keeton was more than just my best friends mom though… She was one of the best teacher’s I’ve ever had.

Patty was the music teacher at Sublimity Elementary and Middle. In her almost 40 years of teaching, she has instilled an appreciation of musical education in hundreds, probably THOUSANDS of children in my community. She personally taught me how to read music, to sing, to play the flute, piano, and oboe. An amazing woman, mother and educator I am also proud to call a friend is retiring this year. Last year when I offered up a free session to someone who loves deeply, Kaycie nominated her mom. I cannot think of someone who has loved  more deeply or broadly, someone who has given more to the most.

Here is Kaycie’s nomination:

Miss Laura,
I would like to nominate my mother, Patty Keeton. As you know, she is an incredible woman. She’s touched so many people and children in her life through the art of music. This year is her 35th year teaching Music and she will be retiring very soon. (Though she could have retired after 30 yrs, she wasn’t quite ready to bid adieu to her passion for teaching music and touching people’s lives) Her positive energy and indisputable selflessness is infectious to everyone she is around. TODAY is actually her 57th birthday!!! Don’t let her age fool you…each year that goes by she doesn’t miss a “beat”. :-) I am so grateful to have a mother as wonderful as her. I have never encountered a person that has so much unconditional love to give and share with the world, with no expectation of any type of payment in return. She is a beautiful person, inside and out. I believe that this would be the PERFECT gift for her (to tag her birthday/retirement)…and I believe that your uncanny creative ability to capture moments and love through photography would illustrate her beauty inside and out. Furthermore, I personally believe no one would appreciate this gift more than my mother. On behalf of the hundreds upon thousands of children she’s touched (including both you and I) – thank you for considering my mother for this awesome opportunity!
~Kaycie

And their most deserving session for their awesome and growing family…

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If I were to steal children… these would be them. My best friend and sister, Leah is the proud creator, and this is her family. I try to get myself down to San Francisco on a regular basis to spend time with them, meet with brides and photograph families. It’s never long enough honestly. I can see maybe someday taking up permanent residence in this fine city. Until then, I’ll have to watch my nephews grow between photo shoots.

Enjoy!

Seriously? Are you kidding me?

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