Marisa + Neil's Arctic Valley Wedding
Marisa and Neil married at Arctic Valley on one of the sunniest days we've had so far this gray summer, and it was the most Alaskan wedding I've seen yet. Don't believe me? Marisa and Neil married at a ski resort, mentioned hiking during their standing-room only ceremony, and walked down the aisle straight to a chairlift. (Yep, their receiving line for their guests was on the top of a freaking mountain!)
Another uniquely Alaskan part of their wedding was how laid back Marisa and Neil were. I had to laugh when Neil just casually sauntered in to where Marisa was getting ready. He was still putting on his pants and she was tying a ribbon around her bouquet. This was their "first look", but it was completely no frills and was such a great depiction of their relationship because Neil gave Marisa a huge kiss, finished putting on his belt, and then produced a pocket knife to help her cut through the ribbon. Have I mentioned I love Alaskan couples?! It was so clear to me how well they work together, and I know they will have many amazing adventures together.
Vendors:
Bride's Dress: Fabulous Frocks Anchorage
Venue: Arctic Valley
Cupcakes: Lindsey Middendorf
Catering: Homemade by Family + Friends
Moms, Babies, and an Awesome Honor!
Moms are amazing. Whether you became a Mom biologically or adopted or became a stepmom, raising little humans is a wild and emotional ride, and I think you are amazing. We can function on no sleep and don't even balk at getting puke on yet another outfit. We can nourish a tiny human and provide all-healing snuggles. And I never realized these superpowers until becoming a Mom myself. I love Moms.
Which is why being named one of Anchorage's Best Maternity Photographers by Expertise.com is a huge honor. I love capturing the miracle of maternity sessions (because holy smokes the human body is amazing and women don't get enough credit for all that your body goes through!) I love photos of wrinkly baby hands, and have woken my son up more times than I'd care to admit with the sound of a camera shutter. I am so honored to be included with 11 other talented photographers, and am so humbled that people continue to ask me to capture these important milestones in their lives.
And just because it's an honor to be nominated (and I got the baby to sleep so I have this blissful window of time!) I want to take a quick walk down memory lane and share some of my favorite maternity, baby, and family shots.
When I heard that Poorva was going to have henna on her hands, I instantly envisioned this shot. Hands cupping your belly is such a sweet part of being pregnant, and the designs just added so much.
I also love getting to talk to the parents-to-be during our session. Poorva and Rishi had scheduled me for newborn photos to, and this was the look that I got when I said, "You guys! The next time I see you, you will be parents!"
Danae's session was another one that I loved. It wasn't particularly pretty out-- thanks to being break-up in Alaska-- but we found these gorgeous woods and some brilliant light, and she just became this amazing goddess during her session.
And it isn't just the Mamas that are so wonderful to work with. It's all of these cute babies too! ... I'm a little biased with this one though, since this sweet babe is mine. :)
Thank you so much for including me in all of these amazing parts of your life. Your referrals mean so much to me, and I'd love hearing from anyone looking for maternity photos, labor pictures, and newborn lifestyle sessions.
Hatcher Pass, Blinding Sun, and Love!
Ask any photographer and they will most likely tell you to avoid direct sunlight for portraits. What is their advice when you say you can't? Find shade. So, what do you do when you are shooting on a blindingly bright day with not a tree in sight for cover? Thank the lord that you have such wonderful subjects like Liz and Jacob, and start clicking away!
Liz and I have had this session on the books for months, because she was the winner of a Photo Contest I ran at Thanksgiving time. So, fast forward half a year, and we found ourselves meeting for the first time through squinted eyes at the Hatcher Pass Lodge. You'd think if we'd waited that long, a few more hours wouldn't hurt, but the scheduling snaffu was totally my fault. I scoped out Hatcher Pass the week before during a very gloomy overcast day, and did my best to try to figure out where I thought the sun would be in the afternoon or evening. I decided it would definitely be behind some mountain peaks. Nope. (For future reference, anyone wanting to shoot in April at Hatcher Pass at 3PM-- the sun will be directly overhead.)
It was great though. Liz and Jacob were such great sports and have such wonderful chemistry! Plus, I do love sessions like this one that break the rules, because they make you work and grow as a photographer and force you to get creative. And the other brilliant thing is: it was so warm, we were able to enjoy the winter setting without freezing our butts off!
Thanks to Liz and Jacob for being such great sports, and I'm happy to say this will most likely be the last session with snow I will post for a few months! Hurray- we made it through another winter!
Photographic Reminders of Why We Live in Alaska
Just a few days after Daylight Saving Time this year, my Husband and I turned to each other and said, "We made it through another winter!" Sure, there is still snow on the ground and Xtra-tufs are the only footwear choice that makes sense, but the daylight has returned and the sun has some warmth to it again.
It's amazing what this small shift can do for the psyche. I've come to terms with the fact that I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder pretty badly. I chug my Vitamin D drops and slather on copious amounts of moisturizer like so many Alaskans, and just when I think I can't take the darkness and duck-walking anymore, Mother Nature provides.
Last night, thanks to amazing and doting Grandparents, my Husband and I got to have an impromptu date night. With the return of light, flying in the evenings is once again an option for us, which seemed like the perfect way to enjoy this beautiful new season and each other post-baby. Soaring above the snow-capped mountains with rich, golden sunlight on the horizon was exactly what I needed to remind me why I live here and that Alaska is worth it.
I'm not saying I won't break down into tears in the Fred Meyer parking lot anymore, but I am feeling a lot more like the townsfolk in "Carousel" when they start singing "June is Busting Out" than not. (Who's still with me? Am I losing people with the showtune references?) I guess what I'm saying-- mainly because I need the reminder sometimes-- is, life is beautiful and there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. That, and thank goodness for sunlight and Grandparents.
Kerry & Patrick's Wedding
The wedding industry, Pinterest, and your nosy great-aunt can put a lot of pressure on wedding planning. There’s such crazy pressure to have everything just right. So often, that isn’t reality. Things will go in a different direction than you planned, but why does that have to be a bad thing? Some of my favorite weddings (as a guest and a photographer) are when plans have to be tossed out and couples start to improvise. You can tell so much from a bride and groom based on how they handle the stress of a runaway wedding day. And that’s exactly what Kerry & Patrick had to do.
Kerry & Patrick planned a beautiful, low-key Alaskan wedding surrounded by their children and friends. Kerry told me they only planned it a few weeks in advance, because that’s another thing wedding magazines don’t tell you: life happens all around you when you’re supposed to be planning some grandiose affair. We were to meet at the bottom of the Alyeska Tram at 6 o’clock on a lovely warm March evening. We had scores of Tram Tickets and the kids had their Xtra-Tufs. What more could anyone want for an Alaskan wedding?
Well, as it turns out, a tram that didn’t close half an hour earlier.
But this is what I loved about Kerry & Patrick’s wedding! There were a few moments of “what are we going to do?” looks exchanged, but then the problem solving started. Everyone was dressed for an outdoor Alaskan wedding, so we made use of the stunning Winner Creek Trail nearby. It was a short walk into the woods before we came to a bridge over a little creek, and everyone realized this was more perfect for the beginning of Kerry & Patrick’s marriage than the original plan.
Life isn’t always what you plan for, but as long as you find a partner who is willing to roll with the changes with you, it’s almost always better than what you were originally hoping for. Congratulations Kerry, Patrick, and company!
Rachel & Nick's Wedding
It was an overcast Tuesday in February. Not the most common day for a wedding; yet, the perfect wedding day for Rachel & Nick. Nine years before standing in front of all their loved ones to say, “I do”, they met for their first date.
As Rachel gets ready she tells me about when they first met. “Nick was eating dinner with his parents at Las Margaritas.” She laughs as she describes the fact that her Father’s love for the local Mexican restaurant is what really brought Nick into her life, and that she’d had too much tequila while making her first impression. Later, Nick adds to this story and tells me she left out about the part where she was mainly speaking in a Scottish accent that night. It's clear they share many years of memories, jokes, and love.
Rachel & Nick’s wedding was the perfect winter wedding. I already love cold weather weddings because there is something so cozy about them, but this was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Their theme was “Elegant Alice”, and stepping through the door of Nick’s parents’ house was exactly like stepping into an elegant Wonderland. Soft twinkle lights hung from the walls, silver snowflakes adorned teacups and stacks of old books, and tiny tags with “eat me” and “drink me” instructed guests just like they did Alice. Their families and friends really went all out to help make this wedding happen!
Rachel's Grandmother was her Maid of Honor.
Congratulations to Rachel and Nick on a beautiful day and what will be a wonderful marriage!
Lindsay & Steve: Family Photos
I love winter photos-- even though they are never as easy as they look. Lindsay, Steve, and their adorable son, Lucas, were absolute pros though. And you couldn't ask for a happier, more photogenic baby than Lucas!
We even found time to squeeze in some extended family photos! Thanks to this group for being a great ending to 2015!
Samantha & Richard: Engagement
I love, love, love snowy photo sessions! I was so disappointed last winter because there just weren't any opportunities to capture a winter wonderland, so it was a real treat when Samantha & Richard's engagement session ended up on a perfect snowy day.
One of the things I love about engagement sessions is how I get to see love so clearly on display. Each couple has their own chemistry, and it's fun to see how they support each other when thrown into something (sometimes uncomfortable) like getting your photo taken. Richard told me up front he was not into this whole thing, but Sam had little methods to make him laugh and smile. (I also learned that my weird sounds that work for dogs and babies also had Richard in stitches!) As we were wrapping up, the snow began to fall softly and it was the perfect end to a cozy, romantic session with this Alaskan couple and their pups. Congratulation Sam & Richard!
The First Snow:: Michelle & Matteo
Toddler sessions never go as planned-- which is actually why I find them so fun. You can't go in with a plan and pinterest-visions dancing in your head, because toddlers have an amazing ability to throw all of it out the window; yet, what they come up with is usually much better anyway. Such was the case when I photographed Michelle and her son, Matteo.
It was the first snowfall of the season. Matteo was so intrigued by all the white fluffy stuff, that he couldn't stop bounding through it and then stopping to pick it up. Another challenge of this shoot was the fact that I had laryngitis at the time-- and my usual method for getting kids to smile at the camera involves making a ton of weird noises! Matteo was a pro though and would stop and flash a smile for me-- if I was quick enough to catch it. :)
We took a short break to warm up inside the Loussac Library. When doing sessions with kids, it's always helpful to have some sort of activity for them to do so they don't get bored. (As a teacher, I also LOVE the idea of the library shoot. Instilling a love for literature at a young age is something I can definitely get behind!) Michelle and I had to race around to keep up with Matteo-- he was so excited about all the books and electronic check-out machines!
I've known Michelle since High School, when we did theater together. I've seen her in many roles, but none as cool as her role as Matteo's Mom. There's something I'm in awe of in my friends who are raising tiny humans. There is so much love, and patience, and kindness. Every word and action carries so much meaning for these kids, and I see all of that beauty coming through the camera. And each shot restores my faith in humanity. (I know that sounds kind of cliche' and even extreme, but in light of world events lately, I think it's important to recognize these beautiful moments for their power.) It was an honor to spend the afternoon with these two and celebrate a powerful Mother-Son bond. Thank you for bringing so much love to the world!
Melanie & Matt's Cozy Girdwood Wedding
In true Girdwood fashion, it was a rainy fall day; however, the Raven Glacier Lodge was like an oasis of warmth in the lush green forest. Orange lights glowed throughout the house, accented by the occasional wafts of homemade food, and the bride and groom's families buzzing about. Melanie sat on a bed in an upstairs bedroom, seemingly calm, cool, and collected as her friend, Anda, sketched her. This would not be your cookie-cutter wedding.
As almost punctuation to that sentiment, Melanie hiked up her lacy gown and pulled on her Xtra-Tuffs.
Melanie and Matt share an almost unspoken language. I know that sounds cliché, but I’ve run that idea by people who know them well, and they all agree. Sometimes they can look at each other and you realize they’re having a whole conversation. They understand each other, and it seems they even make important decisions without speaking a word! I’ve noticed this many times seeing them together, but this became so apparent when they were getting ready apart from each other. I think that’s one reason I love first-looks so much. Every moment on your wedding day is building to the moment you get your support system back on, arguably, one of the busiest days of your life.
The First Look! Matt smiled at her and quickly asked for a hug.
It’s strange how sitting outside on a cold, damp day can still be warm… but there was so much love on Matt and Melanie's day, that it couldn’t help but feel cozy, feel like home. I love when two people have found each other, and in their partner have found their home. Congratulations you guys!
Ciara & Jacob: Big Lake Wedding
When Ciara originally contacted me, she asked about wedding venues. The couple was coming up from California, and she wanted some local insight for their big day. It wasn’t long though before she said they’d found the perfect spot for their wedding: a family home on Big Lake.
I'll admit I got a bit lost traversing the dirt road maze on the way to Ciara and Jacob's wedding, but Jacob's Grandfather's home could not have been a more beautiful backdrop for this lovely couple! Finally, I was sure I had the right place when I drove into the yard and saw four men in suits pacing around. Jacob instantly came over and greeted me, and told me where I might find his bride.
I love small weddings for many reasons, but one is that it feels extra-special as a photographer to be invited in to something so intimate among friends and family. Ciara and her bridesmaids were putting finishing touches on inside the house, including a few spritzes of Juicy Couture for the bride. Then, without seeing each other, the couple held hands on either side of the door and said a short prayer.
On the back porch of the home, the couple wed in front of glistening waters and under a perfect blue sky. Ciara's parents stood to the side, ensuring a small video camera was capturing every detail for those back home in California. Forest, the couples' friend, performed a beautiful wedding ceremony. I loved the small detail in the notebook where the ceremony was written; on the front cover it said "Start Something Wonderful".
The whole group! I just have to say, everyone was so fun and I love the genuine laughter in this photo. And thanks to Jonny for being such a good sport. :)
Congratulations Ciara and Jacob! It's true, you've definitely started something wonderful!
Dante:: Maternity & Family Portraits
I always try to be gentle when it comes to posing my mom-to-be clients. Not too much sitting, not too much schlepping through weeds... after-all, I want them to be as comfortable as possible. Many clients laugh when I tell them this and say something like, “Oh, nothing feels comfortable right now!” But not Dante. She laughs, but tells me that just last week she was climbing Flat Top. (I climbed that peak for the first time this summer, and know it is no small feat-- even when you’re not pregnant!) And just to drive home how absolutely hardcore this Mama is—she made the ascent with her two little girls in tow.
We make use of the beautiful golden light that is returning again to Alaska evenings. A few weeks ago at a different shoot, I stumbled on this amazing garden near the Kincaid Park Chalet. It just screamed for more portrait sessions.
Dante and I talk throughout her session and I can’t help but burst out laughing when she makes jokes about going to the Alaska State Fair may result in “giving birth in the 4-H exhibit”. She tells me this photo shoot makes her feel like Daenerys Targaryen from “Game of Thrones”—and I can’t help but later photo shop a dragon into one of the pics to make her a true Mother of Dragons. (Usually when I get to this stage of editing photos, I know I need to take a little break. Ha!)
After some solo time, we meet up with her husband, Talon, & daughters, Isolde & Freja. The girls look positively angelic in their floral crowns that their uber-talented mother made!
It became my biggest challenge to get Freja to smile. She was happiest running (and tripping) amongst the flowers.
I love the stage when kids think it is gross when their parents kiss-- a stage that Isolde is smack-dab in the middle of. :) When I asked Dante & Talon to kiss, she immediately turned and said "Noooo!" I love the look of shock on her face in these photos.
After spending an hour with this lovely family, it became clear there is no slowing down for them. From Isolde launching herself off rocks into her Daddy’s waiting arms to Freja using her Mom as her personal jungle gym—Talon & Dante have their hands full. But it’s clear they would have it no other way! They tackle everything together with knowing looks, shared inside jokes, and no desire to slow down the chaos. Their new daughter will be such a lucky addition to such a loving family. Congrats you two!