There is a lot to be said about choosing the right photographer. But, what you may not realize is that we also go through a process of making sure we are the right photographers for our clients.

From the beginning, we knew Liz and Jeff were going to be a great match for us and our work. Already excited about our photography style, at their Engagement Shoot they gave us their complete trust & confidence, which was exactly what we needed most. And because we had such a magical shoot that day, we then earned their trust for their wedding day. And, if I do say so myself, we completely rocked it once again :)

When a client gives us their trust it allows us total creative freedom. Rather than feeling like we are trying to match somebody else's vision, Jake and I get to read the couple and create a new vision entirely for them, and this is what creates our photographs. This is where the fun and the mystery is. I am always so excited to shoot a new couple. I always am confident that I will love the end result, but discovering what kind of shots we will get is so suspenseful. The adrenaline the hours before a shoot feels very much like Christmas Eve, wondering just what will come of the next few hours...

Liz and Jeff, what can I say? We love you guys for the couple that you are, for they way that you celebrate your love for each other, and for giving us such great inspiration for our work. Thank you for your vote of confidence in us time and time again.

Also, a huge thank you to all the vendors Liz & Jeff chose - your work together created an unforgettable wedding for us to photograph and we simply couldn't have done it without you.

Bridal Gown by La Belle Elaine's Bridal
Bridesmaid Gowns by Voletta Couture
Bridal Makeup by Shannon Mercil of Blush, Inc
Flowers by Flora Nova
Ceremony by Patricia of A Heavenly Ceremony
Live Ceremony Music by Daniel Kamas
Music by Sean Wheatley of Seattle Parties
Videography by Cory of Bogle Productions
Cake by Mike's Amazing Cakes
Getaway Car by British Motor Coach
Photography by yours truly

And a very special thank you to Holly and her staff at The Plateau Club in Sammamish. They did such an amazing job coordinating Liz & Jeff's wedding. Everything flowed seamless throughout the entire ceremony and reception, and everyone there was so friendly and helpful. Truly wonderful!

They've lived on the East Coast and the West Coast, but when it came time for their wedding they made plans to be married in Zandy's hometown of Bozeman, Montana. The perfect spot? The ski park where Jason proposed. While there was snow on the ground then, the Deer Park Chalet at Bridger Bowl made a perfect spot for an outdoor Summer ceremony.

Surrounded by bright green grass, and bathed in the warm afternoon sun, the Bride and Groom's first look was at the ceremony.

Jake had his lens on Jason as his bride walked down the aisle, and caught one of the most genuine and loving looks I have ever seen. A look that was meant just for her.

The night continued with a full Montana-style celebration with a live band and some of the fastest dancing I have ever seen. It was so entertaining, and we were so happy to be a part of it.

Zandy and Jason, we can't thank you enough for including us in your wedding. We are so happy you've moved back home and hope to see you lots and lots from now on!

Some families move around a lot, for military, job promotions, or whatever various reasons. Not us. I lived in the same home from the time I was born until I was 17. And then we moved. Across the street.

I consider myself really lucky. To live in the same town and grow up with the same neighbors and friends is comforting... is safe... is familiar. I have a certain bond and connection to these people that has never been matched by anyone I have met later in life. Whenever I see anyone from the neighborhood I feel instantly warm... happy... like no time has passed at all. These friends and neighbors truly are like family.

The Millers are part of my neighborhood family. For 17 years, I grew up right next door to them, and at age 17, we moved right across the street from them. Their two sons, Trevor and Todd are close to the same ages as my sister and I, so our parents are close as well. My sister, Shelley, even still has a mark on her face from a snowball fight with them when we were kids :) Ah, the memories! Though all of us have since married and moved out, my parents and Judy & Leroy (the joyful grandparents shown here) still live in those homes.

I was so honored when Judy said that the whole family would be together, and asked if I would take some family photos. Joined by 3 grandchildren now, I knew this would be an adventurous shoot. We only had a day to get this done, and after days and days of sun, a storm decided to roll right on in and threaten our sunset shoot. Luckily, we were able to move the shoot to earlier in the day, and everything worked out perfectly. I just love myself a little bit of stormy textured sky too :)
 

Annie and Jyun had one of the most intimate wedding ceremonies I have ever seen. Just the two of them, their two friends & witnesses, and enough love and excitement to warm a thousand person crowd, had there been one.

At a Japanese Shinto Shrine, these two declared their love, exchanged rings, and made secret promises to each other that no one else could hear. Annie, whose first language is French, even whispered hers in Japanese, Jyun's native language.

I felt so honored to be part of such a private ceremony. I knew these photos would travel the world reaching family and friends in Japan, Montreal, and everywhere in between so that everyone could enjoy Annie and Jyun's love story.


I loved this photos - out of nowhere, Annie grabbed Jyun's hand and exclaimed how excited she was to call him her husband. She was so excited, and it was so romantic. She was practically jumping up and down.


 

There are a LOT of photographers out there. And I mean A LOT.

Every day, I receive emails that simply want our pricing information. I am flattered, as that typically means you like our portfolio enough to consider hiring us. But frankly, I'm feeling a bit used. Like I'm just a body behind a lens. When really, Jake & I can offer so much more than just an end product. But you don't know that, and it's not your fault. You, dear client, are bombarded by internet ads, ad-filled wedding magazines, and recommendations from family and friends. And you are overwhelmed.

So while searching for your perfect photographer, be sure step away from the emails and indulge us with an in-person meeting. Find out who we are behind the lens... what motivates us, what drives our passion, and what just might make us your perfect wedding photographers. We will find out if we click and if we have that chemistry that will put you at ease and just make you feel good on your wedding day. We know that not everybody is our client, but when the shoe fits, it feels so good. And you just can't tell that from an email.

Today, I am posting a few images of myself to prove my point. I have never considered myself photogenic. I don't think I am the ugly duckling either, but I have just never been that comfortable in front of the lens. But I was in desperate need of some new images. My facebook profile pic, until now, was taken back in 2008. Eek!

So I called up on my husband Jake to indulge me with a few images. With him behind the lens I am comfortable, I can laugh, I can be my dorky self, and I can give him "lovey" eyes without even thinking. I don't feel like a sitting duck being taunted to perform. And you should never feel that way either. I love the way my new photos turned out. I chose the right photographer.

Please enjoy a few images of me by my favorite photographer, Mr. Jake Bowles (aka love of my life aka my big strong man) :)




I am officially the world's worst photography subject... partway through my shoot, I made Jake give me the camera so I could take some photos of him. Told him it would help me relax. I was getting itchy watching him with my D3 and not being able to take photos! And it worked. I got my fix. I relaxed. And I also got my favorite photo of Jake to date. I want this one blown up wall-size :)

Since we're on the subject of Jake, I also got this shot of him last night while testing the lighting for a family shoot out at the beach. Delicious.