Being a parent is tough work. I’m not one, but I’m remembering what I put my mother through in middle school…. AND I watched a friends baby the other day while she ran to the grocery store for 30 minutes. By the time she came back, I was ready for a massage and a NAP. Someday I’ll be a parent, but holding Kaia the other day made me realize how incredibly selfless you have to be when you become a parent. I’m not quite there yet… As a parent, you develop these intense feelings of love for your child. A sense of unconditional love, love that would make you deny your own senses to protect theirs. (I sort of have that for Ladybug, weird I know). It’s a powerful thing, and I don’t think you ever really grow out of that as a parent. Your children grow up, begin their own lives, start their own families, but you’re still the rock. The one who supports in those tough moments, the same way your parents did for you.

Back in January, I shared with all of you that one of my major goals for this year was to give back to you!  I challenged readers to nominate someone here on the blog, who you thought deserved to be recognized for their giving spirit! I received so many great nominations and absolutely couldn’t decide who should win the free session. So Billy and I kinda cheated. We chose three…. here is the nomination for one of the winners we chose!

“Dearest Laura,
I’d like to nominate my mom. She is nothing short of amazing, and is completely selfless. Aside from being an amazing and strong figure in mine and my sister’s lives, she is a fun, inspiring, and adventurous spirit. She doesn’t take no for an answer and doesn’t back down from a challenge. (All qualities I hope I’ve picked up from her!) Despite several difficult years, she made sure both my sister and I went to college, and were taken care of. This past year was a difficult one for me. Anything and everything that could have gone wrong or fallen apart did. At points I wasn’t sure how to keep moving forward, but no matter what came up, she was always there to support and love me. I hope everyone out there is as lucky as I am to have such a wonderful mom.

This year is her 50th birthday, and I can’t think of anything better than some family photos. I hope she wins!

xoxo,

Justine”

As  a photographer, I’m all about celebrating milestones, and as a daughter I can really relate to that feeling of support and wanting to say thank you.

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It was definitely not your typical Monday this week at Laura Marchbanks Photography. Two very unusual things happened. One, we had a wedding! YAY! Two, we had a wedding of a wedding photographer! Wow! Tiffany and Matt decided 30 days ago to get themselves hitched. In those 30 short days they managed to plan a very thought-out and meaningful ceremony for the two of them, their families, and their little one to come. The ceremony was held at the bride’s grandparent’s house, a place held close to the heart of Tiffany. She has so many childhood memories from this place. Walking through the hallways and standing in the rooms, I was brought right back to the sights and smells of my own grandparents home. The creaky floor boards, the warm light. The symbol of a family at it’s roots.

Tiffany and Matt are a very talented duo of photographers based out of Napa, we both went to Brooks, so when she called to inquire about her wedding we immediately hit it off. Borrowed from her own words, “it felt like talking to an old friend…” so true. I’m not going to lie though, the thought of shooting for another photographer is crazy intimidating. Tiffany’s natural glow and easy demeanor immediately put fear out of my mind, and it actually made posing and shooting a cinch.

The uber talented Jenny Bowker hard at work.

yummy light….

Stunning…. simply stunning…. gasp.

Tiffany and Matt had a webcam set up so their friends and family that couldn’t make it could watch the whole thing on livestream… SMART!

mmmm cake. i heart Trophy Cupcakes.

These vintage cameras were borrowed from Tiffany’s grandfathers personal equipment collection. Much loved, and the perfect accessory.

Their intimate dinner reception was held at Purple Cafe, in the new downtown Bellevue location. One of my favorite restaurants, and perfect for their wine loving taste. If only Tiffany could drink…. ;-)

I’d like to consider myself a Gnocchi connoisseur of sorts. This was pretty tasty if I do say so myself.

Congrats Tiffany and Matt on so many levels! I can’t wait to see adventures in your future!

Best Mexican food I’ve ever had…. no joke.

WAHOOOO!

Jay and Nicole’s Venue from Laura Marchbanks on Vimeo.

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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There is nothing in this world that can compare to the relationships we women have with each other. Yes at times, women are competitive and catty. Our friendships take constant work and dedication and care. But what you give of yourself to the women in your life can build you up, sustain you in hard times, and bring you joy in a connection that goes beyond words. It’s why sororities work, it’s a sisterhood. Women just get each other, we are from Venus, we speak a common language.

I’m lucky enough to be marrying into a family full of incredible women. Every year these women gather for a girls weekend. For 3 full days we  fill each other up with hugging, pee-your-pants-laughter, long walks on the beach, cooking amazing food (OH THE FOOD!), American Idol worthy singing, and lots of other activities that are so sacred – if I told you I’d have to off you. This year we had a couple of special projects in the works, and I want to share with you a few quick  portraits I took of some of the incredible women in my life, and a few words that come to mind about them.

Mama Mel. Generosity and wisdom.

Auntie Amy. Light.

Auntie Jo. Strength.

Aunt Lolly. Humor and laughter.

Aunt Aleta. Fearlessness.

My Sisters. Rachel and Leah.

Radiant Rachel.

Amy Lynn. Talent and Laughter.

Heidi. Beauty and Grace.

Leah. Warmth.

Hayley. Passion.

Brooke. Ease.

Olivia. Inspiration.

I’m incredibly blessed. I think you’ll agree!

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