Scott and Christina--Engaged!

I love color. Color, color, color. But with this session it was different. Black and white beckoned, and I went crazy with it. When it comes to love, I often think black and white images speak to the essence of romance and commitment and forever even better than color can. Plus it's so darn classy, timeless and elegant.

The bride is my ever so lovely and beautiful and smart and funny sister in law, Christina. Can you tell that I love her so much? And her handsome man, Scott, is so sweet and calm and good. I love them together. This last year has been so eventful with weddings and pregnancies (my two little sisters who got married last August are pregnant and due in December!) Finally, we have brothers in law and cousins on the way.

Yippy!

But without further ado, what is love if this ain't love?

Handsome, Handsome

We go to church with these guys. They are so wonderful! I remember camping with them a few summers back and every time I spotted the sweet momma of this crew, she was playing with all the kids, helping them play Candyland together or singing some fun song with her gorgeous voice. You couldn't meet a nicer family. Really.

Maggie goes to preschool with the oldest boy pictured above. She loves him! She thinks he is so silly and funny. I love it. It's such a gift to watch my kids grow up with such wonderful friends.

What a Ride

If I remember correctly, I got my first DSLR in November of 2008. I will never forget that rainy day. I remember looking at Magnet as I pulled it out of the box, kind of scared to touch it. But touch it I did, and I've been a passionate, crazy, obsessed person about this art ever since. I love discovering who I am as a photographer, and one thing I've noticed is that old and rusty, colorful and classic cars make me want to click my heels. Lately I haven't even had to go scouting them out. They just seem to arrive at my sessions. At this photoshoot, I started with Claire and her cute fam standing against the shingled wall below. And then Claire said, "Marie, look at that car. It looks just like you."

Of course, I stopped everything and switched gears. Photography has brought out the car lover in me, and so naturally, I made them sit in front of it while I took way too many pictures. I was just waiting for the owner to approach me and say, "Uh-hmmm, can I help you?"

Thanks for a million happy memories, Claire. Here's to a million more to come! (Heart.)

How do I make the heart emoticon on a Mac? Anybody?

Sunday Snaps: Claire!

If you read my blog, you know my beautiful friend, Claire. We met in college about ten years ago (my, that makes me feel old) and have remained so close. It was a dream come true for me when her family came and visited us for five days. While they were here I kept looking at our husbands and our kids in amazement because Claire and I used to dream about who we'd marry and what our kids would be like and poof! Here we all were, loving every minute together.

We spent one of the days with them in Seattle. On the left is Claire and her little girl on the ferry ride over. People kept thinking my little Magnolia was Claire's baby. Looking into all of their beautiful blue-ish eyes, I can definitely see a resemblance.

We also spent a day out at the lake house. I got such a kick out of how much fun all the kids were having in the pool. Claire's kids are water babies (her super cute son is in the picture above) and I was so happy about that. My kids (who love water but are more reserved) were suddenly jumping off the edge of the pool and dock. It was awesome!

The daddies took kids out on the jet ski! And while I don't have time to post a photo, Grandpa pulled the kids behind the boat on the intertube--that was another first for my kids. I was all smiles watching!

Random: Magson loves watermelon. Even the rind. Ew.

Maggie and Claire's sweet daughter hit it off! We've somehow managed to get them together nearly every year, and it seems like the older they get the better friends they become. Claire and I are hoping they room together at college someday. :)

Oh, just a cute baby on a beach towel. Love her!

Magson conked out in Seattle. I couldn't believe he would sleep like this! I took like 15 pictures, I was so impressed.

Anyway, these few (and extremely random) pictures don't do justice to the fabulous, one-of-a-kind time I had with Claire and her beautiful family. Their visit was everything I hoped it would be, plus some. I couldn't help but cry when they left. I was planning on getting up to see them off, as well as get a photo of Claire and I together, but we had stayed up so late talking the night before and they left even earlier in the morning than planned (5am), that I didn't wake up. I frantically peeked out my bedroom window when I did wake up, and sure enough, they were gone. All I have to say about that is, please come again! We miss and love you guys so much!

Coming soon: a photoshoot featuring their adorable family!

To Grandmother's House We Go

If you know Carla Palmer, then you love her! And I bet many of you know her because she's kind of famous around these parts for her incredible watercolor paintings (check out her website: carlapalmer.com), and for being so darn sweet!

She and Stan certainly have a beautiful and wonderful family. I was in heaven taking pictures at their house--cool bikes and cars at my fingertips. Thanks for such a fun night, you guys! Your outfits were perfect and all of your kiddos are so well behaved. Here's a little sample of my favorites!

We had a lot of different pictures to capture and the sun was quickly setting, so we only had time for the oldest girls to have about 30 seconds with the car. It was kind of fun to watch them run up next to it while I fired away. I was impressed with how quickly they could get their modeling on. Such pretty girls. :)

This is the fun playhouse that Carla and Stan have for all their grandkids! CUTE.

And last but not least, here's everyone!