Mark is the light of my life, and my other half. He is the most special person to me in the entire world, and without him, I would be lost in this journey called life.
That being said, I really wanted to get him something special for our 5 year anniversary this past July. If you know Mark, than you know he is nearly impossible to buy presents for. I go through this at least 3 times a year (Birthday, Christmas, & Anniversary). After 5 years I have learned not to buy him clothes- as they probably won’t fit correctly, and so he won’t wear them. [6' 4" and thin is far from the "normal" cut on most clothes, and about as far from "big & tall". God forbid anything be too baggy, we just won't have that 
] I guess growing up with a personal seamstress (his grandmother) has left him spoiled- so clothes are generally out.
He is also a minimalist- which you would know if you ever come over to our apartment. He doesn’t like “things” or “knick-nacks” (with the very rare exception of a few collectibles he keeps), so nice little things that I would, and could, spend a fortune on gathering for him will just stress him out. He likes things simple, clean, and un-cluttered (boy did he know what he was getting into 5 years ago wanting to be with me!!!!).
Over the past 5 years I’ve gotten him a speaker system for his computer, a new monitor, cologne, lots and lots of clothes (some which he hasn’t worn once, and others he just wore so my feelings wouldn’t be hurt), a nice messenger bag for when he bikes, lots of little snacks I know he loves, and an assortment of other things I can’t think of at the moment. My feelings aren’t hurt by any of this, it’s just part of who he is, and to be honest- I love that about him. His clean, simple and un-cluttered gives balance to my organized chaos.
So when our anniversary came up this year, I was at a loss of what to get him. He usually just tells me what he wants these days, and I give him the money for it because I have no idea where to get it, or what to get (Usually some part for his computer or something… I wouldn’t dare try to surprise him with the right whatever-it-is in that realm… too many chances to get it wrong). But this ruins the fun for me of gift giving. I want him to be surprised. I love that anticipation, knowing I got him something he’s going to absolutely LOVE, and seeing his face when he figures out what it is. He says it’s no big deal to him, but it is to me, so the plotting and planning must continue!!!
I was talking to my good friend Tonja, and she suggested we “go do” something together. A wonderful idea! We don’t get out of the house together much to go on explorations or do fun activities. Our schedules just recently (and FINALLY) adjusted so that we have the same days off, allowing such fun things to be planned. I thought this was the perfect idea. If you know Mark, you know that his favorite food in the entire world is Sushi. I’ve never seen him more excited to eat than when we go out for Sushi- Infact for his last birthday, all he wanted, and my gift to him, was to eat sushi for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. By the end of the day, he was a very happy birthday boy, and I had spent more money on Sushi than I dreamed possible for one person.
*Note- I don’t like sushi. I know, horrible. I want to like it, I really do!! It’s so beautiful and when I see it it looks so delicious, but for some reason I cannot stand the taste. I don’t like the kelp, or seaweed or whatever it is. People tell me they can’t taste it, but it’s ALL i taste. I also don’t like crab, or raw fish… or most anything else. But I do like other Japanese dishes (preferably the cooked ones) so I get those when we go out. 
So I decided that it would be fun, and a great gift to him, to take Sushi making lessons together!!! I was so very excited about it, and very excited to give it to him. He acted happy when he received the gift certificates, but the class was scheduled almost a month away. I knew though, that once we actually went, he would love it. So I took the “acted happy” for then, and just waited.
We went to Miso Magic, and our instructor was Noriko. She is just a doll!! So sweet and fun, she made our time at class extremely educational, and enjoyable. I give her the highest of all recommendations, and if anyone is looking to learn how to make delicious Japanese or Thai food, she has a wealth of knowledge and lots of good secrets!
It turned out that we were the only ones who’d signed up for our class (usually she allows up to 8 people), so we ended up getting our own private session! The lesson was held at her beautiful house in SE Portland, in her gorgeous kitchen. To my delight, we got to sit right next to a huge window! (mmmmm natural light!!!).
We started off making the sticky rice. Mark had to microwave the vinegar mixture, and then we poured it into the rice and mixed it in.
Once that was done, we let it set. Noriko then, pulled out something…….. well…. let’s just say I took a deep breath, smiled, and dug in….
Yes. Those are dead, dried, very large sardines.
We had to crack them open and take out their bones and guts. (This was for the home made Miso Soup)
Then, into the pot they went.
To say the least, Mark was VERY proud of me. 
Next we had to prepare the mushrooms.
These were dried mushrooms that needed to soak a bit, but once they did, they bloomed like beautiful delicious flowers
And a little pic of Mark that I thought was cute
Onto cooking the eggs! I always wondered how this style of eggs were made… and I’ve come to find out that it take a lot of talent to make them look pretty! This is a pic of the “egg station” I worked at.
SO basically you make very thin layers of egg, wait for it to cook, and then fold it in 3′s. You do this 3 times to get a nice fluffy “egg roll”. (Sorry, i don’t know what else to call it!) But we were given the challenge of having to fold the egg using chopsticks, which, unless used with the most grace, will easily tear your thin egg layer. Needless to say, we tried our best, and they were still delicious!
I love that photo of Mark & Noriko! She’s soooo cute!! And has a great smile
Then we set up to make our rolls!
mmmmm can you resist that beautiful Avocado?! I can’t!!!
Our first rolls! (Mark on top, mine on the bottom.)
I do have to say, they looked QUITE delicious!
More fun sushi making…
And our finished rolls, all lined up, ready to be eaten!!!
Noriko cut the remaining ingredients up and mixed everything in the rice. It was a great leftover dish (A few lunches for Mark), and it made me feel good that we weren’t wasting anything!
Then we cut our rolls…
And plated them. This was my favorite part. Probably because I love making art, and this was like one big art project for me!!!
Once everything was ready, we sat down and had a nice lunch in her beautiful living room! I didn’t get any final shots of the Miso soup, but it was really good (If only I didn’t know about the sardines! That was in my head the entire time, lol)
We even had TONS of leftovers!
All-in-all, it was an afternoon very well spent! Mark told me (during, and after) that it was “seriously such a cool gift”. I knew (and hoped) that he would enjoy it as much as he did. He is an artist just like me, and his appreciation for Japanese culture, and Sushi, and Food in itself is very very deep. He LOVES to learn things, especially things that end with a yummy reward!
So in the end, my gift was a winner.
Now what to get him for his birthday…… and the journey continues….
<3
What a FANTASTIC shoot. I’m very proud of your skill and talent.
PS The building in the background is the MU.
These are so beautiful and amazing! Where were you when I was engaged?! Great job!
Perfect Match! (cutest couple + fantasticest photographer)
Aaaaaaaaaaw!! I love it!!!!! I wish you lived here in Madrid, I’d love you to teach me how to take such beautiful pictures like these. Plus, I think we have tons of things in common! Greetings and kisses from Spain!
Amazing work Courtney. I love the one with the tree trunks in a “V” in front of them kissing. Beautiful composition and use of depth! Hey, on the last picture where they are wearing the first outfit (with blurry horizontal edges) – is that post, or do you have a Lens Baby?
Beautiful!! I love every single one Courtney, such a gorgeous setting and with two very beautiful people – how wonderful your job must be! I think the tire one is my absolute favorite but seriously – she wore yellow shoes with her black tights – how ADORABLE is she!?! Love it!
You are amazing, keep sharing your beautiful craft with us!
xoxo
Woah! Thats really amazing, full of love, full of happiness, full of emotions and colors.. I LOVE THE COUPLE, THE BACKGROUND and also the PHOTOGRAPHER.. Nice, fantastic..
They are sooo cute!!!!! Love these photo’s! Well done!