All in the Family {Pendleton Wedding Photographer}

It must have been pushing 85 degrees on the day of the wedding. That didn't stop me, however, from getting goosebumps as I watched her make her way down the aisle. They were the good kind of goosebumps, you see, like when you hear someone proudly sing our national anthem, or when your favorite team scores the winning goal to take the game. Or when a gorgeous bride is lovingly escorted to her waiting husband.

Rewind to a few weeks prior to her wedding. Upon meeting for the first time, I asked her, "Will you have lots of family there?" "ONLY family!" she gushed, with a huge smile on her face. I had the pleasure of meeting a few of these family members before her wedding, and so I knew her reasoning behind this.

Or so I thought.

It wasn't until I arrived back in Pendleton did I realize just what that had meant. The backyard that I had seen weeks before was even more perfect...carefully tended by her grandparents for this day. The details were so well planned, and carried out by siblings, parents and grandparents. Throughout the day, the home bursted at the seams with family that arrived by the carload, each of them excited to be there and ready to take part in this next chapter in their lives.

As I watched her walk down the aisle, I knew just then, why they had chosen to spend the day with those that they cared about the most. Being the photographer, I not only get to see them, but I get to see everyone in attendance as well. And I can tell ya, there is nothing that can compare to a family like this one. Amazing.

We stepped back in time for their reception at the Slickfork Saloon, one of the neatest and oldest places in town. They danced the night away with their entire family, and I got to watch once again, as they enjoyed the company of those who cared about them the most.

Sweet Baby {Portland Newborn Photographer}

I was excited to hear about this sweet baby's arrival. After doing Bridget's maternity pictures a month or so prior, I was thrilled to hear that this sweet peanut has made her debut. And what a debut she made...perfect in every way, and with the most kissable cheeks.

Call me giddy, but I was ecstatic to arrive to their home and find that Bridget had an array of headbands, bows and the cutest knit hat I've ever seen to use for the pictures. Silly reason to get excited? Maybe. But you see, baby girls are a rare commodity in my world. I've photographed many a newborn boy this year, with a handful more still in the oven. So, its a treat when I actually come across a baby girl!

She did great...sleeping soundly through most of our time together. Ah...seeing a sweet baby girl like this almost makes me want another. (Just jokin, honey.)

Playing Tag {Portland Family Photographer}

"You'll really like them," our neighbor mused. "I think you'll definitely hit it off."

Sure, I thought, as I talked to the neighbor that had connected me with this family, whats not to like? After all, I consider myself a lucky gal. I get to photograph some of the most amazing families out there, and haven't come across one that I didn't completely enjoy.

I met these guys for a very special session on a warm summer evening. We spent the next few hours playing tag, relearning how to play rock-paper-scissors, and laughing as we tried tirelessly to outsmart a three year old that was clearly too clever for us. Oh, and we got some fun family pictures in the midst of it all.

Now you'll say that this a beautiful family, and I'll have to agree that you are correct. But perhaps what is more beautiful is what lies behind all these pictures, something that I got a glimpse of watching them all that summer evening.

So my neighbor was right. And I think I've only just scratched the surface.

Chasing Gazelles {Portland Family Photographer}

I absolutely adore this family. I seriously do. And whats not to adore? Their kids are beautiful....and a ton of fun to be around. We've been fortunate to be able to get together with them outside of these sessions, and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have gotten to photograph them 4 times over the last year, so you'd think by now the kids would be used to me.

Think again.

Their parents lovingly compare it to "chasing gazelles," because as soon as I hold the camera up to take a picture, the kids are out of sight. Gone. Adios. Quicker than a gazelle, I think. SO, you can imagine what it might look like to have their pictures taken. Its a good thing these little guys are so cute, after a few tries of this, it may just have sent ME running in the other direction!

I am not sure who laughs harder....me, at my attempt to get some good pictures of these two kiddos, or their folks, who must enjoy the show that I put on trying to get their attention. They've figured out my antics and are a step ahead of my shenanigans....One can only hope though, that their third kiddo gives me a break!

Sunny Skies {Portland Wedding Photographer}

I have heard the saying, "It never rains on a bride," but since moving to Oregon from Southern California, I am convinced that the person who coined that phrase must not have lived here in the Northwest.

It had been one of the wettest Springs in Portland's history. We'd been plastered with rain and cool weather for a record number of days, so you can imagine our apprehension as Samantha's wedding day approached. What a great surprise to wake up that June morning to clear skies and perfect wedding weather! With a huge sigh of relief, we quickly ditched our black umbrella idea and embraced the sunny skies. It was a wonderful day, topped off with friends, family, and some of the most heartfelt speeches I have ever heard.

Maybe what they say is true?

Seeing Double {Portland Newborn Twin Photographer}

After a Spring chock full of newborn baby boys, you can imagine my delight to be able to photograph not one, but two beautiful baby girls. Whereas ONE baby is typically enough to make this mama exhausted by the end of a shoot, these gals were fabulous. They were easy as pie, sleeping soundly through most of our session. I offered to move in to help, but these parents had things all under control.

I ask that houses be a toasty 78-80 degrees upon my arrival, so we sweated away the morning with these two beauties. Worth it? Absolutely.