villas173-blog

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THE CHURCHES | SEATTLE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

Oh this family has my heart. Seattle Photographers photographed Julia + Paul's wedding a couple years ago and it has been delightful to document their little family's growth. Baby Aubrey turns one year soon (a huge accomplishment, go you Aubrey!) and we thought it'd be fun to give her, her first cupcake in the studio. Yes, the expression on her face is her first taste of legit sugar. If I got emotional during any moment, it was that one. The dessert gods are looking out for you little Aubrey! But in all seriousness, I'm so grateful the Churches have continually invited me to capture their lives. You guys are just the best.

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Becca & Wes’s Emotional Wedding at The Orlo in Tampa, Florida

I’m always so honored when a couple flies me all the way across the country to photograph their wedding day. In a world where it’s easy to bring yourself down, couples like this build me up. They believe in you and also in your art which is so refreshing in such a competitive field. Becca told me at our first meeting that I was the one and when that happens the couple becomes my “one” too.

Becca and Wes were high school sweethearts that went separate ways in their early twenties. Becca pursued a career in nursing and moved to Seattle. Wes stayed on the east coast. They reconnected through texting but just “as friends”. Her family mentioned to me that they all knew what was really going on. Shortly after reconnecting, Wes went to visit Becca in Seattle and things quickly progressed. The spark was back. A year later, they were engaged and planning a wedding.

The best part about traveling to photograph a wedding is you immediately become a part of the festivities. Most of the time you’re invited to all events and in my case, I was staying in the house right next door to Becca’s parents. Even though I was only shooting one day, I was able to get to know everyone over the course of three. Beeca’s parents loved showing me old photos of Becca & Wes in high school and it gave me all feels knowing that they were simply meant to be.

I hope you all enjoy looking through their images as much as I loved photographing them. I aim to tell a story with my work and am constantly looking for moments. This family was well versed in showing affection for one another so it made my job pretty spectacular. Thank you Becca & Wes for trusting me 1000% with your wedding day. It was a honor :)

If you are in need of a Seattle Photographers or videographer for your wedding day, don’t hesitate to reach out! Here are more examples of my photography and videography work.

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OREGON COAST WEDDING AT MCMENAMINS

This was my first Oregon Coast wedding and I hope I’m able to do many more. The atmosphere is provided in just the landscape so having a wedding here is an added bonus. The seagrass, soft sand, and funky greenery had me so inspired. Maybe it’s because I didn’t spend much time at the ocean as a kid but I will forever be enamored by this place.

Andy & Ellie planned their intimate ceremony at a private residence on the beach in Gearhart, Oregon and then moved to McMenamins for a lively reception.  They put so much thought into the vibe of their day and I’m so grateful to have been invited to photograph.

McMenamins was a wonderful spot with craft beer, mountain views, and a boutique hotel for guests. I’ve always loved staying at McMenamins properties for their creative style. Every room and hallway is different like from another time. If you’re wanting to add a bit of history to your PNW wedding I highly recommend.

Here’s some words from the couple…

Why did you choose the venue?

The Oregon coast is a special place for both of us. Ellie's family has been spending summers in Gearhart for fifty years and counting, and some of Andy's earliest memories are of digging in the sand at Cannon Beach. We love taking weekend getaways down to Ellie’s family’s vacation home, and wanted to share that experience with all our family and friends on our big day. Now every time we go back, there’ll be another special memory tied to an already magical place.

What aesthetic were you going for with the design? Any elements that you were particularly happy with?

We wanted everything to feel natural, fun and comfortable—high quality without being too formal. We were selective about taking on DIY projects, and were really happy with the ones we focused on. For the table numbers, Ellie pressed flowers from our back yard and our parent’s, put them in picture frames, and our good friend Tessa (@pinelettering) wrote the table numbers on the glass. We ordered custom coasters, which Andy stamped guest names and table numbers on the backs of to use as escort cards—he built two library card style boxes to hold them at the reception. For the ceremony arbor, we gathered drift wood which Andy and his dad Greg assembled together and our florist Josef (@botanicafloraldesigh) decorated with greenery—it was a perfect backdrop our the ceremony. Perhaps not everyone noticed all the little details, but we enjoyed working on them together and we were happy to see them come together on the big day.

What was your favorite memory of the day?

It’s impossible to pick just one, it was so incredible to bring so many of our favorite people together, share the day with them, and wind up married at the end! The most talked about moment is certainly our flower boy’s performance coming down the aisle. He did well at first, tossing flower petals on his way down the aisle until he got to the front. Then he got very excited when people clapped for him, spiked the basket on the ground, and started running victory laps around the attendees until his parents managed to coral him. Couldn’t have planned a cuter moment… you just never know what a three year old will do next, and we’re thrilled Lynnsey captured the memory so perfectly.

Any advice for future couples?

Do what makes you happy, even if that means bucking tradition (it’s your day!). You don’t have to follow the wedding planning playbook to a T. Serve ice cream for dessert if you don’t like cake that much. Switch up the typical order of events so you can spend more time enjoying whatever you’re most excited for.

Looking for a Seattle Photographers or videographer for your Oregon Coast wedding? I absolutely loved shooting out there and would love to continue. See more of my work and send me a note!

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ADMIRAL'S HOUSE WEDDING FILM | JESS & JUSTIN

WEDDING AT THE ADMIRAL’S HOUSE Wow. The Admiral’s House is one incredible venue. There’s really nothing else like it in the Seattle area. I was in total awe of the stunning views of Mt. Rainier and the Seattle skyline. C’est incroyable as the French would say.

Jessica & Justin originally wanted to wed in Italy. That’s where Justin proposed so the connection is only natural. However, plans changed when they thought of all the people who wouldn’t be able to attend. it was heartbreaking but also helped them identify what was most important to them. Which for them, was their people.

So they brought Italy to Seattle. Classic Italian music played during cocktail hour and dinner, and they served the traditional courses of Neapolitan fare. By joining two worlds they didn’t feel like they missed out on anything.

For their film, we kept on theme and used retro Italian music mixed with a more upbeat mix for the reception portion. Their love story is also super cute so I included sound bites of it from their ceremony. I had so much fun putting this film together! Congrats again dears <3

Looking for a Seattle Photographers for your Admiral’s House wedding? See more of my work and send me a note!

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SAYULITA WEDDING FILM | KATE & TORREY

SAYULITA, MEXICO WEDDING This Sayulita wedding video is one I’m super excited to blog. I love destination weddings because it allows me to create on a larger scale. I’m tasked with not only documenting the wedding day but the atmosphere of the location they’ve chosen.

Sayulita is known in Mexico as a Pueblo Mágico or “magic village”. I was enchanted by the surf, cobbled streets, and colorful buildings. This place does have a magic about it and I wanted to convey that in the film. I spent a lot of time outside the wedding day documenting life around Sayulita including a cute little kitty at the beginning.

Kate & Torrey just wanted a party for their wedding. And man, it was a party. Her family owns property right in town and has for over 20 years. With local and non-local guests invited, it was raucous and I’m honored to have been a part of it.

They chose the private wedding venue Villa del Oso, a beautiful hillside home with an incredible view of Sayulita beach town. I loved flying the drone over this incredible landscape. Thank you again Kate & Torrey for the opportunity to be your videographer.

Looking for a Seattle Photographers for your Sayulita wedding? View more of my work and send me a note! I love shooting there and am always down to travel!