Blog
The Leave No Trace Principles of Adventure Photography
With the super bloom happening in California now, we’ve all seen the photos of people trampling the flowers to get their iconic Instagram shots. What they don’t know, or simply ignore, is that their actions have major effects on the landscape.
North Bend Styled Elopement
Zoe and I arrived at the trailhead to a dusting of snow while it was still dark outside. The one thing that was visible was the cloud cover. There was a heavy fog everywhere. Our plan was to hike two miles to an overlook and take photos at sunrise, but I was beginning to wonder if it would be worth the time, considering we could get the same foggy images where we were.
7 Tips for a Successful Engagement Session
My couples have always done a great job choosing outfits and letting their partners know what to expect during an engagement shoot with me. However, for those of you still nervous about getting your photo taken or wanting to know more about how to prepare for your shoot, this blog is for you.
Backpacking to Havasupai Falls, Arizona
My husband, Zach, and I backpacked to Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon in April of 2018. It felt unbelievably surreal while we were there, and it still doesn’t feel like it really happened.
Havasupai and Mooney Falls are two of the most famous waterfalls in the world, and rightly so. Their turquoise waters, surrounded by red rocks, are stunning. The trip there is quite the trek though — 10 miles each way, to be specific.
Top 17 Best Locations for a Pacific Northwest Engagement
We are spoiled with gorgeous landscapes in Washington — including mountains, beaches, rainforests, and deserts. So many incredible places make deciding where to take your engagement difficult, but that’s the best kind of problem to have.
7 Tips to Plan a Wedding in Mount Rainier National Park
There are few places in the U.S. as beautiful as America’s National Parks, and Mount Rainier is one that is close to my heart. Living in its shadow and adventuring there often, I am familiar with the challenges that come with planning a wedding at Rainier.
Here are my best tips to make your Rainier National Park wedding come to life.
LGBTQ Wedding at the Historic 1625 Tacoma Place
When I met Annie and Erica for the first time, they told me they had the best team supporting them. Of course, I thought that sounded nice and figured they meant that they’d have family and friends lending a hand on the wedding day.
Same Sex Backyard Wedding in Buckley, Washington
Backyard weddings are always special. Not only are they outdoors, which I love, but they always feel so personal! Brittany and Jen’s wedding was held at a friend’s home in Buckley, Washington, and the yard looked like it was made with weddings in mind.
A Vantage, Washington Desert Engagement
When I found out that Samantha and Gabe were dating, I squealed with delight. Delighted that my best friend had found a great guy, but also because I had already met him!
One Week In Yellowstone National Park
Driving to Yellowstone with my husband and in laws last August was my first ever road trip! The trip was incredible and now I understand why Yellowstone is the most visited national park in the U.S. It shocks you with geysers and hot springs, then awes you with rolling hills, valleys of bison and beautiful lakes.
How to Get the Most Value From Your Wedding Photographer
You've just signed your wedding photography contract, put your trust in someone you possibly just met, and are spending thousands of dollars on a product you seemingly have little control over. That is a lot of commitment, so how do you know you're getting the most value out of your hired photographer?
Spokane Riverside Engagement
Last week you heard my perspective of Jordan's proposal to Shae. This week you get the treat of hearing it from the bride-to-be, herself, followed by their riverside engagement photos in Spokane.
Whitworth University Surprise Proposal
Jordan knew that my younger sister, Shae, really wanted their proposal photographed. When he contacted me shortly after Christmas, I was thrilled to be included in such a special moment.
What No One Tells You to Do the Week of Your Wedding
You’ve probably seen so many to-do lists as you prepare for your wedding. As your wedding day gets closer, the last thing you want is to be told you’re forgetting something. However, I’m sharing my own experiences (both the good and bad) to prevent the week leading up to your wedding from being full of stress.
Washington Beach Wedding Venues (Updated for 2025)
For those of you who want to say "I do" with toes in the sand, here is a list of Washington beach wedding venues. I've mentioned my favorite venues and state parks, but keep in mind many city parks along the Puget Sound have beautiful beaches as well.
What Is A Wedding Day Detail Box?
First and foremost, what is a detail box?
It’s a box with all of your treasured wedding day items in it, ready for me to photograph on the big day. Usually, it includes wedding and engagement rings, any jewelry you plan on wearing, family heirlooms, veils, shoes, bouquets, invitations, etc.
Washington Mountain Wedding Venues (Updated for 2025)
I know how difficult it is to find unique, outdoorsy venues, which is why I’ve started compiling venue lists. Whether you want to get married on a mountain or look at your favorite mountain from afar when you wed, this list of Washington wedding venues has you covered.
Washington Forest Wedding Venues (Updated for 2025)
I've heard the complaints of how hard it is to find unique, outdoorsy, and wooded wedding venues. Thats why I've compiled a list of forested wedding venues all over Washington. The venues listed vary in size and ruggedness so you're bound to find a location that fits your vision.
What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
Maybe it spawns from my dread of shopping, but I find choosing what to wear for photos is the most difficult step in getting my own photos taken. I know I can’t be alone in that! Thankfully, I’ve learned some tips and tricks after being a photographer for so long.
Washington Wedding Venues on the Water (Updated for 2025)
When I was a bride searching for venues, I found it to be the most frustrating thing. We wanted to have a water view, and finding that within our price range was challenging. Since then, I've entered the wedding industry as a photographer and learned about so many more venue options that I never knew of as a bride! I'm going to save you the trouble I had and compile a list of outdoorsy, unique, and hard to find venues with water views.