Essential Stuff

Rachel and Thomas had to plan their wedding around Thomas’ schedule, which involves being out at sea for months at a time.  It made planning difficult, and there wasn’t absolute certainty he’d even be able to attend his own wedding.  Fortunately, it worked out and all was smooth sailing.

As part of their unity candle, Rachel and Thomas included the children, to show the combining of individuals into a single family, which I thought was a really nice touch.  Really good kids, too.  Photographs from the wedding day can be seen here.

I’ve posted a video of the highlights from the weddings from 2009 on facebook.  Click here to access the video.

When I look at the pictures, I feel great fondness for these people. Some of my friends tease me when I talk about “my brides and grooms.”

But I really appreciate the people who invite me to share in their wedding day. I am grateful to be able to witness these moments, to visit these locations, to watch these couples celebrate with family and friends, and above all, to get to know these people, if only for a day.

I aim to capture moments that people will want to remember, but I am enriched in the process as well: I create memories of my own, and I am privileged to share in the joy and generosity of the people in these images. To them, I am truly thankful.

Every year, the Wedding Photojournalists Association, together with Brides Magazine, holds an international contest.  I discovered, rather by accident, that one of the photos I submitted came in third place in the Ceremony Category.  The WPJA is a fabulous organization of elite photographers, and I’m truly honored to receive recognition for the image.  Of course, credit also goes to Rachel and Paul, who found such a beautiful location for their wedding and chose me to photograph their day.  And, of course, some thanks to the cat.

Sometimes, when I tell my friends I am doing some “senior portraits”, and they imagine people in their 60′s.  No, no, not those kind of seniors.  High school seniors.  And this is the time of year they are getting their pictures done for the yearbook.  I don’t like to do too many senior sessions, or they start feeling the same.  But a handful a year can be a lot of fun, and this year I was lucky to work several really remarkable (and photogenic!) individuals.  Here are some collages of the latest:

I have apparently been nominated for KREM’s Z Best of Spokane for “Best Wedding Photographer.” I’m honored! If you are so inclined, click on the image below and cast a vote.

I just found out that of 2700 images submitted for a Wedding Photography Directory contest, 2 of my pictures made the 80 Finalists!  A picture from the Fox Theater and one from a Trash the Dress shoot.  The main page is here, and there are lots of gorgeous images.  Feel free to vote!