Family: Svetleachni

If there's any set of pictures to convince you to book a fall mini session, this is the one. Granted, we were given absolutely PERFECT Seattle fall weather that day - crisp air, crunchy leaves, golden sunshine... but weather aside, I think this shows just how fabulous fall can be in our gorgeous city. We spent our time wandering about Volunteer Park's giant trees and soaking up the last sun rays of the afternoon, while Emmy giggled as she shuffled through the large orange leaves.

Yelena is also a total superstar at planning the most beautiful outfits for her family. I need to take tips from her when I plan outfits for my own family photos! I might have to do a roundup of all their mini sessions over the years at some point - they're all seriously so gorgeous, and they show off Yelena's fashion skills!

Enjoy these perfectly golden family pictures!

Family: Westcott

This golden fall afternoon was the perfect backdrop for a quick mini-shoot with some of our dearest friends! It was also just warm enough to merit skirts and rolled up sleeves, as opposed to puffy vests and boots. Sometimes all you need to capture the essence of a family is ten minutes, soft, lazy sunshine and a path scattered with crispy leaves and fading summer grasses. The kids were in silly, smiley moods that kept us all giggling and brought such life to my camera!

I'm so thankful for these five wonderful people and the joy and love they've brought to each member of my family!

Engaged: John & Sydney

I love any couple who is up for new adventures! These two met me at the UW Waterfront Activities Center for an exciting evening of canoeing, pizza and a leisurely stroll in the evening sunshine.

It was so fun watching John and Sydney navigate the balance and momentum of the canoe - a task all engaged couples should achieve before tying the knot! We also may have bent the rules a little and removed their life jackets for a portion of the boating excursion, since they aren't exactly the most fashionable accessory!

They also brought along a vegan pizza to share while drifting among the lily pads, which made for a fun set of photos, and we were all quite pleased with the amount of flavor a vegan pizza could hold!

We finished off our evening in a more relaxed setting - walking around the water's edge in the warm evening air. John and Sydney are so comfortable with one another and share such a genuine sweetness that I know they will make an amazing married team. It is so special to me to capture love like this!