Surrounded by their closest friends and family, Glenn and Madeline took the vow to love one another in this life and beyond. Their intimate ceremony said it all, the focus was between the two of them, and the love they share. It’s not difficult to see the adoration between them, they laugh easily, sharing a sense of humor that is unmatched. They’re silly, affectionate, and downright appreciative of what each person brings to the relationship.

I absolutely love the location they chose to say their “I do’s”. Salish Lodge is 100% Northwest. Overlooking Snoqualmie Falls, the hotel, spa, and restaurant are unmatched. They day was winterish, a frigid temperature of 20 when I pulled into the hotel, but Glenn and Madeline didn’t bat an eyelash, they headed out and braved the cold with me.

Glenn and Madeline,

Thank you for including me in your day. I am incredibly honored to have been there among the few to witness your devotion and commitment to each other. It was a blast tromping around the grounds with you!

Wishing you both the best,
Laura

I think this image says it all. It’s Glenn seeing his bride Madeline in her wedding dress for the first time as she walks toward him. One of my favorite moments hands down.

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No better way to kick off the new year of blogging with this sweet Seattle couple. They recently relocated to the Northwest, and decided there should be no other place for their nuptials than the gorgeous Salish Lodge. They planned this gorgeous elopement just before winter set in and we started the day with a short “engagement” session. Here are some of my favorites! Tomorrow we’ll share their elopement story.

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It’s not uncommon to find me in a coffee shop in Seattle as soon as it opens in the morning, like this one. Truthfully, I’m a morning person, and get the most out of my day between the hours of 6am and 11am. Sometimes Billy doesn’t believe me because he leaves for work at 5 in the morning, but I’m usually up and starting my day not too shortly after him. I like to keep on (somewhat) of the same schedule, that way I’ve put in a full day by the time he strolls in the door at 3:15 and I don’t have to feel guilty about turning work off for a few hours to just hang out with him and live LIFE.

Life, what’s that? Oh yeah, it’s the stuff we’re doing when we aren’t taking phone calls, answering emails, having meetings, attending events, or running work related errands. It’s the stuff in between, the stuff we actually work so hard to enjoy. The “life” part of my life is about to get more complicated with the addition of the Bean come February, so I’ve been spending some time researching work/life balance.

How many of you struggle with work / life balance? I would wager than anyone who has the kind of profession they feel a slight twinge of passion for takes part of it home with them, finds their mind wandering during down time… to what has to be done at the office, or genuinely would rather work than do most things. That’s where I’m at. I would rather do “work”  than do most things.

According to most of the things I’ve Googled on the subject, including Wikipedia (our most trusted source) and the Mayo Clinic… that’s pretty unhealthy.

Some of my favorite tidbits on how to manage a freelance, self employed life have come from the genius mind of local Seattle writer Michelle Goodman. She’s the author of the Anti 9-to-5 Guide, and My So-Called Freelance Life. Good friend and fellow freelancer, Liz Andrade turned me on to her books right after I took the freelance plunge in 2008, and while I’m completely guilty of not following a single word of her advice on most occasions, I think she’s got it right. I use Liz as my shining example of what to live up to when it comes to work/ life balance. She has a fabulous blog on what it takes to be a freelancer, and you can check it out here.

Things to consider when the Bean comes in February to maintain both a healthy thriving business, and a healthy thriving life:

- Taking actual maternity leave. Setting all autoresponders and voicemails to reflect that I’m taking legit time away from work. Every new mom is entitled to that.

- Working hours will likely change, and a lot will have to give.

- Learning to say no. I’m fully aware that I have a problem saying no. Anything and everything that isn’t directly contributing to the happiness of my life or the success of my business is going to have to get the axe. I’m only one woman. I’m going to have to practice this one over and over. “NO I’m too busy to help you” “NO I’m sorry, you’ll have to either hire me or find someone else to do that project for free”, “NO” “no” no” “no”. Next time you see me, ask me to practice on you. Trust me, I need the practice.

- Rearranging my priorities; Family first, then business/clients, then every other distraction.

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It’s going to take some work, as there are a lot of changes to come. Changes I’m sure I’m not even aware of, but in the end it will be worth it. Having a family, for us, is what life is all about.

What are some of your helpful work/life balance tips? Anyone have advice on managing self-employment with kids?

And because everything is better with a photo, here is a belly update! This crew photo is from a recent commercial shoot I did with Bella Signature Design for Event Solutions Magazine! We used the new space next to Sodo Park, The Oasis. So excited to share the details and rest of the images of the shoot, but it’s pretty top secret, so I even blurred the props out. You might recognize me  [Sidenote - I'd like to point out that this dress was a flawed purchasing decision and has since made it's way to the bottom of my closet, never to return. I think I look HUGE! It's either the dress, or I need to put down the bagel chips. I'm going with the dress (probably in denial)], the rest of these amazing people are Daniela and her Bella Signature crew. A team of very talented Seattle Designers.

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His confidence even surprised him a little. They strode off the elevator once they reached the top of the tower and he knew exactly where to go. Leading her gently, he held her hand and walked through the doors to the observation deck. The chilled fall air blew off the sound, but it didn’t seem to phase either of them. It’s the kind of air that soaks into your lungs and refreshes you, and from this height you can almost taste the sweetness of the clouds. He wrapped his arms around her as they looked out over the railing at the city below, soon to be their city. They’re planning to settle here, and who can blame them?

He whispered in her ear and grabbed her close, all while reaching in his pocket, hand slightly trembling, for the box… THE box. As his hand slid out, his knee dropped down and he said the most important words he’ll say until their wedding day. Would she be his wife? Would she say yes to forever with him?

Her hands flew to her mouth and she cried out YES!! As the crowd around them erupted in applause and cheering. Wind, tears, salt air in her face, she said yes to marry this man. Smart girl.

Congratulations Mike and Bri!

I was so honored to be a fly on this wall, tears streaming down my face, I’ll never forget this beautiful moment either.

Warmly,
Laura

I’m not sure what I said here… but these two think I’m REAL funny.

View a slideshow of the rest of the moments we captured from the day Mike proposed to Bri by clicking here.

Contact us about photographing your special moments, including proposals!

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Not a nerve, only calm confidence. She slipped on her Jim Hjelm gown, and her attendants slaved over the perfect bow tying and retying until it hung exactly right. She steadied herself and slid her feet into her adorable Kate Spade heels. They sparkled as much as her smile. Jenny touched up her makeup and Kristal put the final pins in her hair… Kelsey just laughed easily and talked about her excitement for the evening. Ready and waiting almost an hour early for her time to see Justin, Kelsey was the vision of perfection.

Justin and Kelsey…. so sweet, so endearing, so in love. Where one of them lets go, the other picks up. Kelsey would describe her husband as shy. He’s more of the strong silent type, where Kelsey couldn’t be more opposite. Her bubbly little personality warms you to the core from the moment you meet. They are each others’ perfect compliment. We broke into what makes them tick at their springtime engagement session. It had me anxious for more!

Justin carried his father’s pocket watch. A charming heartfelt memento of a father I’m sure would be so proud of his son on his wedding day.

We headed to the roof of Hotel 1000 for their first look, and some stunning Seattle views. If you’ve been a long time reader of my blog you know how much I love the first look. From my own experience, to watching other couples share this intimate moment… I just think they’re amazing.

Kelsey’s favorite flower… and I can see why… made for a STUNNING bouquet. Flown in from some rare South American location and then artfully assembled by Maureen at Posh.

These girls call themselves Alvin and the chipmunks. So allow me to introduce you to Simon, Alvin and Theodore. :-)

So sweet…

I must say… Herban Feast really outdoes themselves everytime. I absolutely adore them.

Justin and Kelsey’s all star lineup:

Venue: Sodo Park by Herban Feast

Coordinator: Bobbi Roth Wedding Design

Floral: Posh Wedding Flowers

DJ: Adam Tiegs, Adam’s DJ Service

Lighting: Adam Tiegs, Adam’s DJ Service

Dress: Jim Hjelm,  La Belle Elaines

Hair: Kristal Locke, Lockes on Location

Makeup: Jenny Bowker Makeup

Getting Ready location: Hotel 1000

Cake: Ashleigh Stebner

Officiant: Rev. Ray Van Winkle

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