All good things are truly effortless between these two.

I simply adore my clients. I am forever thankful that they open up to me and reveal their true and honest selves.  This gives me a deeper purpose–to portray this side of them accurately.  It also continually drives me to want to be a better person and photographer…a never-ending cycle driven by their kindness and love.

This is a select edit taken from some weddings I’ve photographed this past year, as well as images captured while working with the talented Alante Photography and Barbie Hull.

This past weekend I was invited to take part in Weddings in Woodinville, a wedding show combined with wine tasting at seven different wineries. Kelli Bielema, owner of Shindig Events, put our outstanding team of vendors together and I could not be more grateful to have been surrounded by such talent.

Just before the show started, I had about 20 minutes to photograph models showcasing wedding gowns from The Dress Theory.

Photographing these models was a nice reminder of how complimentary the light is here in the PNW and why I chose to relocate here. It’s the most fun I’ve had with my camera in 2013.

Our Team: Matthews Estate, Shindig Events, Lola Event Floral & Design, The Dress Theory, Foodz Catering, 321 FOTO | photo booth rentals, Lady Yum, OffWhite Makeup and Beauty, Paper Fling, Seattle Parties, Trillium Custom Tailoring & Design, Creative Coverings, ABC Special Events and Bonnet by Blanca!

Stephanie and Matt were married high above the California coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This seemed fitting, as their love for Southern California is influential in their life.

Stealing small looks from one another all day long, these two had a wonderful way about them. It seemed nearly impossible for Matt to stop smiling during the ceremony; he was simply giddy. I remember how nice the light lingered that night, as guests gathered under the clear sky for an outdoor reception.

Special thanks to my talented assistant Stacie McChesney and everyone over at Casa Romantica.

From Ravenna Park (my favorite park in Seattle) to downtown Seattle this session was a blast.

When I met with Ashley the first time, she was accompanied by her mom & dad, Cliff’s mom & stepdad. Cliff was, of course, out hunting  .  I was thrilled with the extra company and felt it was fair to assume if Ashley had that much backing at our meeting, her wedding would be quite the display of loving support.

With 15 of their closest friends and family, Ashley and Cliff were married under a light sprinkle at Cordillera Lodge. The ceremony was sentimental and intimate. The speeches were sincere and their first dance was the only dance of the night.  I can’t thank both families enough for their gracious hospitality. After finding our seats at the head table, we felt like one of the family.

Special thanks to my main man Preston Utley for helping me out on this one.

It’s been twelve short years since my father went for a run and ran straight to heaven. That’s the way my sister tells the story and I like that version best. He was 52, an amazing man, artist, and my very best friend.

This is the last photograph ever taken of my father and a constant reminder of why I do what I do. I took the photo on a short hike in the hills of upstate NY just a few days before he died. It was my goal to get a great photograph of my father that day. Maybe some kind of portrait showing how well he was aging and all the characteristics of his face. I wanted to “see” him more since I lived far from home in Colorado.

But it never happened…..I just didn’t want to disturb our hike together, it was perfect just the way it was. I guess this is the documentarian in me. There was beauty in our hike I wanted to capture it. So, as my father seemed to steady in his pace (he had quite the pace–always leaving my mother in the dust by mistake), I took a knee and made this image. He never even knew I took this frame and now when I think of him this is the image I see. Taking a peaceful walk in the woods, with our good friend Chase, embracing its beauty.

Words could never describe how wonderful a man my father was. The way he chose to carry himself and the way he made people feel. From time to time he would wear a smiley face sticker on his shirt just to inspire a positive reaction from others. Always striving to be a better man himself, I often wonder if he had any idea what a success he really was.

Love ya Dad. : )

Andi and Dagan had one of the more emotional wedding ceremonies I have witnessed. I love that. I love a strong sense of family on a wedding day–the feeling that family and friends are not just attending a wedding, but celebrating with great respect the commitment about to take place.  Andi’s mom was her maid-of-honor and Dagan’s groomsmen seemed to have a limitless past with him. The relationships all ran deep.

A quick thanks to the outstanding Sonnenalp staff and my new friend and second shooter, Josh Tilton.