They met in Portland through mutual friends, and eventually fell head-over-really-cute-heels for one another.

I was really excited when they told me that they wanted me to take their engagement photos for them, and shoot their wedding (oh, just you WAIT!). If this is anything like a sample to the main course, rest assured that I am in for one heck of a beautiful event to capture!!! We messaged back and forth about location ideas, and fun props to incorporate. Ultimately they decided on downtown Portland, in the Pearl District. Kelsea, a fashion major, did not disappoint with their wardrobe! Complete with hand-sewn bow ties (for Jake, and Max!), suspenders, amazing heels, bright colors, and even some mustache accessories, this was one of the most fun shoots I have ever done!

Thank you Jake and Kelsea for making my job effortless, fun, and allowing me all of the creative freedom imaginable! It’s people like you who inspire me to keep doing what I do. I cannot wait for your wedding next year!!

I just adore the paper signs that Jake designed for them! How sweet!! And how cute is Max in his red bandana!?

I have been lucky enough to meet a two of such people in the past 9 months, and one of them is Deena.

Deena is the type of person who will do anything for the ones she loves. She always thinks of others before herself, she is kind, thoughtful, and sincere. She is one of the hardest working people I know, and is always willing to help others, even if it means personal sacrifice. She has an amazing sense of humor. She is strong, yet gentle in her nature, and extremely compassionate.

I had only known Deena but for just a couple of months, we had met up once for some happy hour, and chatted online about photography and such a number of times. I knew her well enough, but at this point she was still more my acquaintance-friend than a good friend. I ended up having to make some last minute travel plans for a family emergency, and Deena stepped in, offered all of the resources she had available to help, and literally bent over backwards for me. More than I would ever ask, or expect, of my dearest friends. When I told her how much I appreciated her help and gestures, this is what she wrote to me: “you know when you meet someone and just feel like they are all around good-hearted and well-deserving people? that’s what i felt when i met you, and while i don’t know you very well, i appreciate the person you are”

And that is exactly the same kind of person that she is.

We share the loves of food, photography, laughter, and dessert. Yes, dessert deserves it’s own category outside of food. We said so.

I was lucky enough to be able document something very special for Deena recently. She and her husband are celebrating their one year anniversary of marriage, however they never had any professional photos done. They ended up having just a small family ceremony, and no reception. It has been a very hectic first year for them both, Deena transitioning jobs and starting her own photography business, and her husband Sari completing his Masters degree. Amidst the chaos of everything, they haven’t had much time to celebrate and enjoy just being married, together.

I am happy to say that Sari completed his thesis and earned his Masters degree last month, and they are currently on a fabulous trip across the world in Amman, Jordan, and will be headed to Turkey next to celebrate the honeymoon they never got to take. While I have only known this couple for less than 7 months, I feel like they are some of my most dearest friends, and I am so happy that I was able to capture some memories for them to keep and cherish forever.

For their session, we shot downtown Portland. Their favorite “spot” is a lovely little coffee shop/cafe called Caffe Umbria, so we shot in and around the cafe. They spend a good amount of time here, and it is somewhere that is special to them both, so we figured it would be perfect!

Deena + Sari, I wish you nothing but love, happiness, health, and success. I feel so blessed to call you my friends, and I hope that these photos take a special place in your heart. Enjoy <3

Here are some adorable photos of Luketan + Matt!
They were recently engaged, and wanted some photos to remember the moment!
They are such a sweet couple, and I had a blast at our session. I can tell that they are a perfect match!

He and his friend Nate worked there, and we always had such a fun time. Here are a few pics of the place that I took forever ago…

Anyways, this post isn’t about Billy’s, it’s about Jared and Anna Kate!

Jared is intelligent, has a great sense of humor, and a heart of gold. He is just an all-around good guy. He can make anyone laugh, and he’s currently in his third year of medical school! (He’s come a long way from milkshakes).

Anna Kate is a perfect match for Jared. She is wise, beautiful, creative and super sweet!

I could go on and on about how awesome this couple is, and how much fun we had on their engagement shoot, but I’ll let the photos speak for themselves! Play the slideshow and see for yourself.

Here are a couple cute ones I quickly pulled from their session, enjoy!
More to come soon!

Kayla is beautiful, smart, optimistic and SO fun to be around.
When we first met, I complimented her on her adorable boots, and she took it off and let me try it on! Basically, she is totally RAD.

John is a ton of fun, sweet, and someone who could cheer anyone up on their worst day. He is so in love with Kayla, and it’s evident, even just in the way that he looks at her.

They met at summer camp years ago, and their summer romance just never ended.
They are fabulous, and they are even more fabulous together.
I can’t wait to shoot their wedding this summer! Kayla + John, enjoy your pics!

Their wood cookies So cute!

Major props to John for squeezing on this bench! I just adore this shot

Did I mention they are hardcore U of O fanatics?

Such a fun couple!!!

<3

MaryAnne and Karl met while attending college at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. They are two of the sweetest people I have met! I am so thrilled to be a part of their special day next year!

Due to horrible weather, we had to reschedule their engagement shoot, however it worked out for the best. The rain held out for us, and the trees and leaves were picture perfect. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions! What a more fitting place to shoot them, than the OSU campus!? There were so many amazingly beautiful spots to shoot, it was almost unbearable. If it were closer, I’d definitely shoot there a lot more often!

When Karl proposed to MaryAnne, he took her to Avery Park, just off campus. We hopped over there to get a few shots as well. I don’t know if any of you are Twilight fans out there, but the area we shot in is exactly what I imagined the “meadow” to be like. Insanely beautiful, and perfect in every way.

This has got to be in the top 5 of my all time favorite shoots.
The photos just turned out SO beautiful! Their session looks like a fairytale to me

Congratulations MaryAnne + Karl! Enjoy your photos

Many more to come soon… along with other shoots i’ve done lately

Thanks Melissa & Mark! Enjoy!