Zack & Kaylie

To be honest, getting to blog engagement photos of this gorgeous couple has been a long time, years really, in the making. I took a minute to look back on the weddings I've photographed over the past few years and realized that Kaylie has been in or at five of my couples' weddings. Five!! It's part of the reason that finally being able to take pictures of these two is so special. For so long Zack and Kaylie have been celebrating the love of friends and family that now it's even more exciting to get to be supporting their own celebration.

Last month I hopped a quick flight to Seattle for an afternoon of engagement pictures in the city. True to form, Seattle thought it would be a prime time for rain showers and blustery winds. But the thing about a couple like Zack and Kaylie is that not even gloomy weather can dampen their smiles, or their love, toward one another. These two were so naturally beautiful in front of the camera that, if I didn't know better, I'd have thought they asked for the rain themselves.

Zack and Kaylie, I know you know I think the world of you both. It truly means so much to be part of this beautiful year of yours. I'm beyond happy for you and cannot wait to document your wedding this fall.

...and also to come visit you and your handsome puppy in Seattle again.

M.

The Hase Family

I'll be the first to admit that at times photographing families can be a little nerve-wracking. While I absolutely love kiddos, they can be a bit intimidating in that they are beautifully, and brutally, honest. Unlike their parents (who will graciously laugh at my entirely lame jokes), kids won't give me - nor should they - the courtesy of smiling upon request. Add to this the fact that it's really, really hard to fool a child, at the end of the day, if I'm being completely ridiculous, a kid's thorough lack of amusement will be a solid reinforcement of what I've always feared: I'm the most boring person in the universe.

So like every other afternoon of a portrait session, I was a little nervous to meet Marques and Jane for photos with their adorable little lady, Kiley. I've known Marques and Jane for years, and have even been able to snuggle Kiley more than a few times over the past twelve months, but capturing a season in someone's life is a whole different type of pressure. ...And also, I really didn't want Kiley to discover that I'm kind of an unexciting adult.

I'm not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that Kiley spoiled me beyond measure with her afternoon full of smiles and laughs. As one of the happiest kids I've had the joy of photographing, I left our shoot wishing I had the opportunity to capture more gorgeous families like the Hase family. I kept assuring Marques and Jane that this really wasn't the norm for one-year-old sessions, but I don't know that they really fully understood just how easy their daughter made the day for me. They set the bar for high for gorgeous family photos with beyond adorable kiddos!