Meredith and Andrew's Engagement Session

A few weeks ago, I met up with Meredith and Andrew for a mini engagement photoshoot. I love working with these two. They are all giggles. I mean, I'm sure it was mostly the awkwardness of being in front of a camera, but I love it when couples start laughing instead of standing there staring like a deer in the headlights (maybe a bit of an dramatization). Laughing always makes for great, playful photos.

The more I shot with these two, the more excited I got for their wedding. It's so fun working with engaged couples because they are still in that, lovey-dovey, hands all over each other phase. Don't get me wrong, I love being married, but it's always fun to be around young love.

Seriously, I don't think you can get any cuter. I love that they just love to be around each and make each other laugh.

Andrew and Meredith, thanks so much for letting me shoot such an incredible and fun milestone in your life. I can not wait for the big day! Amazing, backyard, barn weddings are my fave.

Until next time...

Sister Sydney, All Grown Up

You may remember my very sweet sister Sydney from one of my posts about a year ago when she just got back from her study abroad trip to Tanzania. Well, believe it or not, this girl is about ready to graduate college. Yup, you heard read correctly. Sydney is all grown up and ready to face the big bad world. ...well not quite yet. She will graduate in a few short months, and then in August she will move onto grad school. Syd was smarter than I was (or maybe she just learned from my mistakes) and she is putting off the real world for another couple years. That's right children, learn vicariously from us older folk, and avoid the real world for as long as possible. It's a deep, dark hole.

But back to my sister. I can't even express how excited and proud I am for her. This may have happened to me too, maybe it happens to every college student, but it's amazing to see how much she has blossomed in college. She went into college as a fun, charismatic young lady that was ready for a new adventure and the get out of Wyoming. She has come out as an incredibly intelligent, active woman that is ready to take on the world. I mean that literally. Syd is going on to get her master's degree in social change. She is going to be one of those people that helps form the programs that make a dramatic impact on the entire world. Her specific interest lies in working with refugees and victims of trafficking. Pretty intense stuff, but she is so good at it. I'm not sure how someone could manage to still be sweet and funny while taking on the world's problems, but Syd has managed to do it. In other words, she is pretty damn cool.

A few weeks ago, Syd came to town for her spring break. We did a lot of fun things around town, but I also got a chance to shove her in front of my lens and take some photos. Our mom really wanted some photos for Syd's graduation announcements, and I really wanted to bust out my brand new camera.

We took an afternoon to visit Cannon Beach. After practicing our Truffle Shuffle for a bit (a little Goonies movie reference for ya), and scarfing down a bread bowl of clam chowder at Mo's, we hit haystack rock for our second photo-op.

Since I was with my sister, and not a paying client, I forced her to get her feet in the water. Bahaha! What are sisters for if not to get photos like this?

But, I like to think I then made up for it, by getting some "better" ones too.

So, that's all she wrote. In just about a month and a half, I will have some actual graduation photos to share with you all. Now, please excuse me while I go cry in the corner because my cute, obnoxious, embarrassing  and weird, little sister is all grown up and is now only a few of those things.

Until next time...

Welcome to the World Arlo Erickson!

Remember about a month ago when I showed you all my BFF's super cute pregnant belly photos? Well, as most pregnant ladies tend to do, Brooke had her sweet little son just a little over three weeks ago. I'd like to introduce you all to the very handsome Arlo Erickson!

Isn't he just the cutest?! Brooke and Luke are our first really close friends (that we live near) to have a baby. It's so much fun to see him and be around him during the first couple weeks of his life. Ten years from now, I'll be able to be that annoying aunt/friend that can say "I was there on the day you were born!" while he just rolls his eyes and thinks "She says this all the time! Can I just have my birthday present?" Now I know why all my parents friends would always say "I remember when you were this big..." My how the tables have turned.

I need to start honing in my trailing off... Back to little Arlo. These photos were taken when he was only a week old. Look at all that hair!

I love this photo of Brooke and Arlo (below). I like to call Brooke "Martha" because she is just so good at everything. Her food is always the best. Her house and yard are incredible, and have you seen her nursery (if not, you can check it out here)? Being a new mom fits her so well too. He may not know it yet, but this guy is one lucky kid because he has an incredible mom.

I love this photo too ( I mean I love them all, but especially this one). You can see where he gets all that hair.

And the best part of a newborn are all the little details ...and yawns ...and squirms ...and the smell (most of the time).

We were only able to get a few pictures of Olive and Arlo. Olive was a little nervous around Arlo, which is probably a good thing. It was funny though because she wanted to be in the room, but would keep a wary eye on what he was doing.

What a perfect little face and a perfect little addition to the Erickson family. Thanks Brooke and Luke for letting me in to capture this amazing moment in your life. And also for letting me hold him and snuggle him up, but then give him back when he starts crying. :)

I'm sure I will have some follow-up for you guys from month to month and year to year. I can't help but photograph such a handsome face.

Until next time...