Engaged: Ilya & Natalie

in

There is nothing more fun to photograph than a couple completely comfortable with each other. Ilya and Natalie exude that comfort and ease, which gave a quiet joy to our time together. Their love for each other glows - not in a flashy, attention-seeking way - but in a gentle care for each other.

Not only that, but they have so much fun together! They could hardly stop laughing while we walked around downtown Tacoma and spent some time swing dancing to a distant violin serenading us in the city.

Can you believe that they thought they were awkward in front of the camera?! If this is the definition of awkward, they put the rest of us to shame! I can't wait to capture more of their joy and love on their wedding day in September!

Married: Chris and Samm

in

This elementary school teacher and jazz singer are a perfect match! They tied the knot on a crisp February day in Tacoma. Their day was full of love, laughter and tearful joy.

The weather started out drizzly and cold that morning but as soon as Chris and Samm were ready for their first look at Union Station, the sun peeked through the clouds and shooed the rain away! We had bright angled sunlight for their portraits, which made for some striking contrast.

The festivities were held at Historic 1625 in downtown Tacoma and the brick went well with the grey and deep purple color palette they chose. All the details were picture-perfect, thanks to Samm's meticulous attention to detail and fun DIY decorations. They even opted for a doughnut table for dessert, which I thoroughly enjoyed sampling ;).

One of my favorite moments of this beautiful day was Samm's first look with her father - they had the whole wedding party sniffling on the sidelines! There was so much love surrounding this couple that I know they will be well supported as they make this transition into married life.

Congratulations again, Chris and Samm! It was an honor being a part of your wedding day and I wish you many even happier days going forward!

Venue: Historic 1625 Tacoma Place // Design & Coordination: Bride & Groom // Dress: I Do Bridal // Hair: Heather Logan & Ashley Olinger // Makeup: Aajenee McLeod // Flowers: J9bing Floral // Officiant: John Bratholm // Catering: Mama Stortini's // Cake: Legendary Doughnuts & Fred Meyer // DJ: Zeke Tauvela // Videography: Dara Ek

Love: Jason & Candyce

in

I met these two lovebirds in downtown Tacoma for a "just because I love you" photo shoot! We first took photos together last fall when they had their daughters with them, but this time they had me all to themselves! We had a great time walking around the city searching for photogenic walls and doorways. Candyce's amazing white dress led several passerby to believe they were taking their wedding pictures and by the end of the shoot, we gave up correcting the congratulatory wishes. These two make marriage look pretty darn great, don't they?