I don't really advertise this thought... nor do I warn my couples of it beforehand... but, I actually demand quite a bit of my clients. I do this for their own good, of course, and with them in mind. In my opinion, the best photos are ones that show off a smile not meant for me and my lens but perhaps instead a twinkle in the eye where only a loved one knows just what that spark, or just that smirk, truly means. For it is him and for her that this snapshot is truly for.

Whether my clients are comfortable having their photo taken really doesn't matter. All that matters is that they bring every ounce of love for each other and a bit of an open mind to their shoot. Yes, obviously, we'll be around as well, shooting, talking, laughing, but we have a knack for doing our thing best so that they can do their thing best and enjoy each others company while we take care lighting, aperture, ISO, yadda, yadda, yadda.

We had so much fun with Emilee and Dan a few weeks back. Weather a bit cool didn't bother them one bit, it just gave them a good opportunity to hold each other a bit closer while we strolled the waterfront and the city. And when Emilee confessed their love of scrabble, I just had to have them bring it along. We started off with a drink (or two) at Trellis, and then continued around town. The owner of the local Slip even caught them dancing in his patio space and invited us all in for a beer on the house. Talk about some good karma :) Beautiful couple, beautiful light... what more could we have asked for?

Emilee and Dan... thank you for giving in to our demands. You seriously brought IT to the shoot, and Jake and I are so excited for your wedding this Fall. If you're family and friends are just half the sweetness of you both it's going to be one fabulous wedding. We can't wait!

{ooh, and I must mention that Emilee's gorgeous hair & make up were done at Salon Gem in Kirkland - ladies, your engagement shoot is a perfect time to get your trials done!}

These two are a force to be reckoned with, in the best way :)

I would describe their love for each other as nothing less than explosive... full of passion, excitement, and fireworks. They laugh together, tease each other, and love, love, love each other so much.

Amy and Michael, we had so much fun roaming Belltown with you at your engagement shoot. You guys are so fun, and we can only imagine how great your wedding next year is going to be!

Back in our days at UW, living at the sorority, I probably wouldn't have believed you if you told me that one day I would be shooting Rachel's wedding. I just hadn't tapped into my creative side quite yet at that point in my life. I had more important things on my mind like chapter meetings... midterms... boys... But, I am so happy that our lives have come together in this way, at this time. Rachel and Ben going to have a beautiful wedding this Fall with lots of personal touches, and we are so looking forward to it!

The engagement shoot is so important on so many levels, one being that it really helps us get to know the personalities of not just the Bride and the Groom, but of them as a couple, their chemistry... what makes that tick. All of this adds up to great photos.

While I hadn't seen Rachel in quite awhile, she was just as I'd remembered her, a total sweetheart, all smiles, and gorgeous. Never having met Ben before, he presented as her perfect match. There's a certain feeling that these two emanate when they're together, and it's one of a deep love. They can sit quietly and contently, get talk without speaking, and even break out in dance. When there's no music :) From smiling, to posing, to laughing, and kissing, we had so much fun wandering Belltown with them.

Like a summer's breeze, these two swept into our lives and we just haven't been the same since. Perhaps if you, too, had the chance to wander Seattle in the presence of their love, you might be affected the same. Their passion for each other, complimented by sweet laughter and a fabulous sense of style made this shoot so much fun for Jake and I.

I might sound like a broken record by now, but oh wow, how we just adore our couples...

Susie & Casey, thank you so very much for entrusting us to do our thing the way we do it best. I love these images dearly, and it just makes us all the more excited for your wedding this summer. You are going to be one stunning pair as Bride and Groom :)

Until then... a few of my favorites for the world to enjoy...

Whomever says email is cold has obviously never received an email from Jayme. From the moment I read her first email, I knew I liked her. Words over Internet were bubbly... excited... eager... everything a new bride should be. She had me hooked. And when Jake and I met her and her fiance Jordan together, we knew it was a perfect match all around.

For their engagement shoot, we shot mainly around Pike Place Market. I never, ever get tired of shooting here. We got really lucky this January day with beautiful weather, which also brought about a pretty big crowd for Pike Place. We had fun with it, and toured around our own city like tourists. I felt like a Paparazzi trying to track them in the sea of driving cars and bustling shoppers.

Check out a few of my favorites below :)