A Charming Backyard Wedding

Alrighty, the holiday rush is over, and we are now looking forward to all of our 2014 weddings. I think it's about time we show you all some of the fantastic weddings that I shot the past summer. I really lucked out with getting incredible couples. No horror stories makes for one happy photographer.

The first wedding to share was a lovely, countryesque backyard wedding. Meredith and Andrew tied the knot on her mom's property in northern Vancouver (Washington). This place was incredible! A straight shot view of Mt. St. Helen's and all the yummy, summer light that you could ever want. Plus, did I mention the horses?! There aren't too many weddings where you can convene, get ready, pre-funk in a functioning barn. Since the M&A's nuptuals, the site is now open for other weddings. I encourage you all to check out their site.

Not only that, but Meredith and Andrew are a delight (does that sound too old-ladyish to say?). Really though, these two have the kind of love that you dream of having on your wedding day. They are infatuated with one another so it didn't take much to get some great lovey, dovey couple shots. Everyone always loves a good wedding, but it makes family/friends more invested in the day and in the couple's future when their love is so evident. It was a day that everyone was just excited to be there and celebrate these two as a couple.

photog cameo!!

Meredith and Andrew, I had such and amazing time capturing you big day. What a fantastic family and party. I wish you both nothing but the best!

Until next time...

10 on 10 - January

A new year, a new outlook. Every January, everyone (including myself) comes up with this year's resolutions on how to make this coming year even better than the last. After a glutinous holiday season, it's probably good timing. That's why this month we decided to do a theme for our 10 on 10. This month's theme is "resolutions and reflections". Every year I come up with about three or four solid resolutions. About mid- February, half of these well-intentioned resolutions start to fizzle out and eventually become part of the next year's resolutions, while the other half stand the test of time (anywhere from 6-12 months). This year was no different; however, I wanted to take this opportunity to share something a little more gratifying. Brace yourselves because it's about to get all sorts of sappy up in here.

This year I accomplished or at least made a valiant effort towards (most of) last year's resolutions. ...sorry family after March who didn't get a birthday card. Maybe in 2014.

In thinking about all the things that I wanted to accomplish this coming year, I found myself being increasingly thankful for everything that I have had so far. There will always be new goals, but sometimes it's nice to take a minute to reflect.

One of the things that I am the most thankful for is my family and being able to spend time together. We live in such a gorgeous part of the world, and it's nice to have the time to enjoy all that it has to offer, but how much fun would it be without this guy?! Answer: not that fun

Nabil and I have been together since high school. That's right people, it can work. This past NYE will actually be 11 years as a couple! It's funny that as I think of resolutions and where I want to be this time next year, in five years, ten years, etc., I can't imagine doing any of it without him. Every time I think about any goals, I'm so thankful that I have him next to me. What a rock he has been throughout this adventure of starting my own business, of being in a "real job" that I have been less than thrilled about, and wandering through this great adventure we call life.

When stepping back I'm a little in awe that we made it all work. When we were in college we used to talk about the "when we are married" future, and now that it's actually here, I find myself having to pinch my own arm to make sure we're not still those starry eyed college love birds. That's not to say that life is a blissful fairytale that we all thought it would be when we were kidos. Being a grownup isn't quite everything it was cracked up to be. Both Nabil and I still have a ways to go to finish both of our  life goals, but it's nice to step back and see that we are well on our way. Or, maybe it's just the sappy, romantic in me. Either way, I am thankful for what we have right now.

As always, thanks again for stopping by and supporting our project. I love seeing what everyone in our group has been up to each month. Make sure you finish the rounds and stop by the other 10 on 10ers. There are a few people missing from the group this month because they are traveling and are having technical problems or because they just had a baby and are having sleep problems. We should be back in full swing next month, but in the mean time check out Anya, Jessica and Casey. They are sure to have some good "resolustions/reflections" up their sleeve.

Anya Elise Photography

Grace Photography

CLB Creative

Until next time...

10 on 10 - December

I say it every month, and I'll say it again, this month FLEW by. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and we always host for lots of friends and family. This year was no exception. We had friends from the area and family from Oregon and Washington. My sister even came out from the 303 for two whole weeks. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.

Normally, our "Black Friday" tradition is to avoid all the crazy crowds and meander on up to tMt. Hood for some family snowshoeing. It's a good way to burn off all those extra carbs that I stuffed in my face the day before, and we usually end up with a pretty spectacular x-mas card photo. This year however, the mountain hasn't had much snow. It's been crazy cold, but not enough moisture, so we sadly had to forgo that option. Instead, we decided to get a jump on Christmas and go hunt down our tree.

I thought "tree hunting" would be a fun thing to post for my 10 on 10 this month because since many of you are visiting from around the country, I thought you'd like to see where some of your Christmas trees come from! One of the awesome things about Oregon is all the greenery. There are many farms all over the area growing grapes, veggies, nuts, and TREES! We chose to head over to the Helvetia Christmas Tree Farm just outside of the city to find the perfect tree, and of course since we were in the area, we ended the day with some wine at Helvetia Winery. Nabil's cousin Connor was in town from Seattle and had never cut down his own Christmas tree, so we decided to forgo the "modern conveniences" aka chainsaws and take this thing down the old fashioned way.

Of course, it always takes a little longer than expected, so Syd and I decided to wander around with the camera while the boys finished up...

And there you have it, a Christmas tree adventure at it's finest. Now that you have soaked up your monthly dose of Oregon, head on over to all the other 10 on 10ers to check out their monthly post. They promise to be fantastic, as always, so get excited.

Anya Elise Photography

CLB Creative

Twinty Photography
Jamilah Photography - Jamilah just had a baby boy (and by just, I really mean JUST; it was less than a week ago), so I doubt she's found the time to edit and post some photos. I left her link up there just incase. If not, I bet she'll have something good for you all next month :) Congrats again Jamilah!!