After a romantic dinner at a well-known downtown steakhouse, she still had no ring. Not that she was expecting it that night, but maybe - just maybe, she had been hoping... there had been some talk about a ring, after all.

After dinner, he had to make a quick stop at the local library to return some overdue books. This was normal (not the overdue part, I don't think), but the library was a common spot for them. They had been studying at the same library when they were introduced by friends. And they continued to study there together, as friends, for some time more.

And their friendship grew into a perfect love. So it was only perfect that rather than retrieving due books from the car, Thomas appeared with a gorgeous ring and asked Stephanie to be his bride.

And she said yes.
And they popped champagne.
And they will live happily ever after :)

So for their engagement shoot, we thought it would only be fitting to include a library as a part of the shoot. We went out to UW on a brisk day and had a ton of fun. The happy couple knew it wouldn't be complete without their dog Stella, so she came along as well. Needless to say, this little family has stolen my heart.

She's so cute, I couldn't resist sharing her with you. Just a teaser from a fun engagement shoot last weekend - more to come! :)

Everyone, meet Stella!

And have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I am always amazed at how much I learn about a couple just by taking their photograph.

Yes, we all know the world communicates primarily through body language, which might make the former seem like such an obvious statement, but taking a couple's photo seems a step deeper than just plainly observing without a camera in hand. Perhaps it's because I am waiting for the right spark... that rare moment... when the hustle and bustle of the world around them disappears and they look into each other's eyes and there is either laughter, contentment, passion, admiration, or one of a thousand more emotions. Sometimes their faces show humor, anticipation, vulnerability, or simple happiness.

Every couple has a different chemistry when they are together, as unique as a snowflake. I have never met two couples with the same chemistry, and I truly believe that our ability to discover and capture this is what makes each of our shoots so diverse.

Katie and Joel were no exception. Playing with the wedding theme, she arrived in a gorgeous white dress, and he was looking oh-so-handsome in his suit. I gave them all of 10 seconds of pointers before I began firing. I think I said something along the lines of:

1. Stay near each other
2. Focus on each other rather than me or Jake (unless we ask it of you)
3. It's okay to talk
4. It's okay to touch
5. Have fun
6. Be in love

I know, I am SO demanding ;)

From the first shot, I knew it was going to be a fantastic shoot. They did such a great job concentrating on each other and just having fun. Katie's smile was completely radiant and Joel played his role perfectly of her dapper groom-to-be. It was romantic and delicious, and they way they allowed themselves to unwind and be themselves made for such a fantastic shoot. From Seattle's modern EMP to historic Pike Place Market, we nailed shot after shot after shot. And I'm posting a few here for your enjoyment.

Needless to say, I am so excited for their wedding on the 4th of July next year at the fabulous W Hotel.

Often when we shoot an engagement session, it has been quite awhile since either the Bride or the Groom has had their photo taken professionally.

When I ask about their last formal photo shoot, wide, fearful eyes depict a time back in high school when portraits were taken more traditionally and well, lacked FUN.

Oh my, how times have changed.

Engagement shoots are one of my favorite things to do for a couple. Besides getting comfortable in front of the camera, and allowing us to know the little things that make them laugh and unwind, they are also so fun just because they are, well, fun! They're more like a dressed-up date with paparazzi in tow. Although I do love to think that Jake and I are much more refined than the paparazzi :)

During each engagement shoot, I always aim to get a shot or two of the bride and groom by themselves. (Not to worry, there are always plenty of them together as well.) I just think this is important. I cannot really pinpoint why, but it just feels important, so I do it. I trust my instincts.

This post is dedicated to a few of those solo shots. Solid proof that traditional portraiture has changed, and we think the proof is in the pudding. See for yourself.

Part 2 coming tomorrow of the rest of Katie & Joel's engagement shoot :) The colors will simply blow your mind!

Joyce is beautiful... full of life and energy, and so much love for her children and her new husband, Mike. Mike is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve like a giant badge of honor. He puts it out there for the world to see, and I think that is the reason it comes back full-circle to him. Joyce and Mike are a modern-day Brady bunch, and this joining of their two families was so very special, a huge celebration enjoyed by all.

I could not believe the call when Joyce told me her wedding was taking place at Tam O'Shanter Golf and Country Club in Bellevue. This is the neighborhood where I grew up. Where my sister was on the swim team... where we both took tennis lessons... where I went trick-or-treating, and where my parents and neighbors still live. My friends and I actually used to take the wrong bus home from middle school so that we could stop off at the clubhouse and have snacks with our friends. And put it on dad's golf tab - thanks Dad :) Had I known then that some several years later I would be shooting a wedding at that very clubhouse, I would have never believed it.

So here I was, living the dream some 10+ years later. Joined by my husband Jake, and absorbing every ounce of love oozing from this wedding. And so much love was oozed. Joyce and Mike are truly loved separately and together by all their friends and family. Joyce danced with Mike's dad, kids with the grandparents, and I couldn't help but get all teary-eyed behind my camera. I literally had goosebumps watching everyone embrace this union. Joyce's son and daughter sang live during the wedding ceremony. They are both so talented, and sounded so beautiful. (Be sure to check out Austin's music here!) Toasts were toasted, and grown men cried. And then they partied, partied, partied until they could party no more.

Special thanks go out to Aria Style for their always beautiful and impeccable decor, and Austin Beaver for sailing through a flawless night and creating a vibrant energy with bass so loud I am sure TOS registered on the Richter scale. It was so fun, and I didn't want to leave!

Enjoy several images of their wedding here - no textures on these as I wanted to get them out before this weekend, but I will be sure to share some of the fun textures later with you :)