Tag Archives: friends

Wedding ~ Brooke & Derek ~ Top of the Market ~ Part Two

So after their lovely ceremony, the reception got rocking almost immediately.  Brooke and Derek thought of so many great details - fish bowls as centerpieces, a fair-style photobooth, mini frames at every place setting and super cool wine cork place cards.  During dinner, DJ ‘DK’ started the song “that’s amore” - everyone rose to their feet and began to swing their napkins in the air while belting out the song.  The toasts were touching and totally funny when one groomsman recited the lyrics to the “Golden Girls” theme song.  The cupcakes from Cupcake Royale were yummy and the music was great!  The couple and I stole away to take some night shots out in Post Alley but returned quickly so they could rock out with all of their friends.  The after party was at Kells in Post Alley and I hear some folks closed the place down!  The party didn’t stop there - Derek and Brooke organized the first “Beals Bowl-o-rama” in West Seattle Saturday morning and they asked me to come along.  What an amazing group of people they have in their lives - I was honored to be a part of their events and really hope to have this couple in my life for a long time to come!

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Children ~ Big fun with Brayden!

Brayden’s mom, Mel & I met in the pediatrician’s office when he was one month old.  I came over to their house not long after to take newborn photos and since have met with their family for six month and one year photos.  So for Bray’s 18 month photo, my Lily (who is in love with Brayden by the way) got in on the fun.  I am so blessed to have met this little dude and to have become such great and fast friends with his mommy.  I love this kid - doesn’t he have the most amazing eyes!?!

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[caption id="attachment_1476" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="I love how Lily gets the kick to the face, but Brayden gets the kiss."]I love how Lily gets the kick to the face, but Brayden gets the kiss.[/caption]

All you need is love….and a little vacation time

I just wanted to share a few of the faces of my trip back ‘home’ a couple weeks ago.  San Diego was hot, except for the one day that we ventured to the beach!  Even through the fog, my Lily had a wonderful time walking with Grandpa and throwing rocks into the surf.

My childhood friend Joy (Lily’s middle namesake) brought her two girls up to visit with my Grandma - such sweet girls and my G’ma loved every minute of it…

My ‘bff’ Janelle’s daughter is almost one year old - Marly has the most amazing eyes…

and I also got to meet a long time Flickr friend for the first time - Kristen and her Lilly met Janelle, Marly, Lily and I at The Wild Animal Park - we had a great time together and got to feed the lorikeets…

Lily got to pet a deer (she is still telling everyone about that one)!  It was a fast, but very fun week in San Diego - I hope to go back again soon.

Small & very sweet…

It was such a pleasure to photograph Rina and Don’s wedding in Everett yesterday. The event took place at the Van Valey House, a beautiful home that is perfect for cozy occasions with lots of little nooks and great furniture throughout. Guests and family flew in from a variety of places - as far away as Japan. The ceremony was officiated by Tiffani Mondares-Riggs - she was so kind and friendly! The sun came out for a moment after their vows, giving us some time to take a group photo, some formal portraits (where Don’s brother gave him a not so formal ‘wet willy’) and some additional photos of the bride and groom on the lawn. Everyone enjoyed a nice lunch and cakes (homemade by the groom himself) after and some wonderful socializing. Sadly, the bride’s mother has recently passed - Rina wore her mother’s ring on her necklace and her father had a photo of her tucked in his lapel.  She was mentioned many times throughout the day and was very missed.  This was a very sweet day enjoyed by all - thank you Rina and Don for including me in your day. Here are just some of my favorite moments from the day…

(click on any image to enlarge)