Galina and Max - White River Falls Engagement Session - Madras, Oregon

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Sometimes in order to get the best photographs you have to work for it, and that’s what this couple did during their engagement session at the breathtaking White River Falls in Madras, OR.

Galina and Max joined me in hiking all the way up to this gorgeous waterfall and Galina even trailblazed it through the rocky terrain all while wearing her heels! We had a blast playing in the cold water and laughing and talking all about their love of corgis. Galina’s adorable backless light blue dress and black strappy maxi dress made for some incredibly picturesque photographs.

Beyond being incredibly photogenic, Galina and Max are the most vibrant and smiley couple ever, and with hearts of gold! They went out of their way to make me feel comforted and loved after learning that my kitten had recently been put down. At our shoot they brought me a framed picture in special memory of my kitty; because that’s the kind of amazing people they are! I could not have asked for a better couple to do this shoot with and I cannot wait to be able to be a part of capturing their wedding next year!

Tatiana and Nate - Colorful Carnival Engagement Session - Portland, Oregon

Getting to have a session at a carnival in downtown Portland was a dream for me. The colors, the lights, and the energy of the whole evening was perfect! It was right down my alley of what I want in a shoot.

Tatiana showed up in a show-stopping two piece gown from Nordstrom and Nate was in a topshop blazer complete with a hat he custom made himself. They lit up the place with their bright and fun personalities as well as the love that is very evident between them.

The night was spent meandering the carnival, viewing the beautiful romantic cityscape from the high top of the ferris wheel, and having a blast on the big swing.

It was a magical shoot, Tatiana truly looked like a princess, so much so that one cute little girl thought she was Ariel.

I could not have asked for a better night and session with these two lovebirds. The images truly got to capture the whole night and share the magic!

Emily and Kasey - Oregon Coast Elopement - Pacific City, Oregon

As a photographer, I am constantly trying to make a footprint on this world through photographs, and I wanted especially to give Emily and Kasey something they could remember forever.

Emily and Kasey are an amazing couple who have experienced years worth of tough times within one; From hardships in their careers to health and life in general.  Recently Emily received a diagnosis that is now affecting her everyday decisions. She assures me that she does not want people to see her diagnosis and experiences as a sad story. She is one of the most bubbly, fun and charismatic people I have ever met. She grabs life by the horns and chooses to spend her time as CVICU nurse taking care of others and saving lives. She is BRAVE and full of life, and wants to use her story to spread awareness.

When I learned that I was already booked for her wedding day we were crushed, but I immediately knew that I wanted to do something special for her and Kasey and quickly put together a secret romantic trip for the both them. They deserved a stress free and beautiful experience after everything they have gone through this year. We told Emily and Kasey we would do a “fake wedding” and secretly pulled together a team of incredible Portland vendors to make the day spectacular.

We trekked the 2 hours to Pacific City, down a rocky private road to the ocean and the sand dunes. We hung out on top of the sand dunes, playing with their dogs and watching para gliders fly all around us. After spending time in the wind we came down onto the beachfront where we were greeted with a gorgeous bouquet and boutonniere. We snagged a few more breathtaking shots then packed and went over to haystack rock for a romantic picnic put together by our amazing team. Emily and Kasey got to have an incredible evening picnicking, relaxing with the dogs, and watching the sunset, all while having a camera capture it all. The day was full of laughter, wind, and love.

I have learned more valuable lessons from Emily than I have learned from anyone else. Spend every single day living it like it is your last. Whatever you do, love freely. If you are questioning something that gives you anxiety...say “screw it” and do it! Go against the rules of life, every single day. 

Thank you to Emily and Kasey for being so damn incredible and bringing us into your lives.

And a huge thank you to the entire team behind this magical set up -

Photography / Makeup / Hair : Sarah Willey of Sarah Lynn Photography
Floral & Spatial Styling : Rosemary Stafford 
Amazing kick ass assistant : www.instagram.com/antiqueashley
Comedy & Entertainment ( ha ha ) : Alex Simpson
Rentals : Something Borrowed Portland
Bridal Gowns: Brides for a Cause
Cake : www.christine-power.com
Catering : www.instagram.com/heartofcelebration
Wine : Ken Wright Cellars Winery