Amanda and Ryan

Today it was hot. Now for some of you reading this you might think, well, yeah--she's from Oregon, anything over 85 is hot to her. While this may be true ('cause I am a heat wuss) the Willamette Valley (according to my car thermometer) reached a scorching 108 degrees!!! Unheard of for us raining weather folk!

And it is on this day at 12:30 pm at Bush Park in Salem that Ryan and Amanda committed to do life with one another. I am sooo impressed with this couple. They are so obviously in love and although it was hotter than the underside of boiling tea kettle they continued to hug and kiss and love up on each other. Bravo you two.

Add to that... Ryan gave one the most thoughtful and gracious toasts I have ever heard. He thanked his Mom for teaching him how to treat a girl, he thanked his family for supporting them through planning a wedding in 3 weeks and he told a story of a wish he made years ago over a wishbone. He had never told anyone what he wished for until today. He shard today because his wish came true. He wished to commit his life to Amanda.Amanda held Ryan's gaze so deeply during the vows it was palpable. She meant every word that came from her mouth. (I do have a picture of this and you will see what I am saying, but no time to edit yet.)

Even though I have only spent a few hours with you two it was such an honor to shoot your wedding and have a chance to be a part of your day. Thank you!

I don't have many pictures to share yet, but here are few. Congratulations Ryan and Amanda I hope you enjoy some cooler weather in the next few days.

Kauffman Family

The Greene's

You have to look carefully at this first picture. This photo was taken at OSU (Go Beavs!) and if you look in this eye you can see the MU!!! It is crazy and cool at the same time. GO BEAVS! (Oh, did I already say that?) I have titled this, "Eye On The Future" (GO BEAVERS!!)

This handsome couple is the Greene's. I have known them since college, which was way too long ago and it was a total joy to take their portraits the other day. They now have three beautiful and feminine little girls who fill their days with both glory and trial (as all children do.)
I have to give mad props and kudos and atta-boys to Sean for being the easiest man I have EVER photographed. Thank you for enjoying your time, being easy going and generally having a good time.
The Greene's are great because they know how to have fun! Leiah was sassing it up photos and the interaction between the two (Sean and Leiah) was almost stand-up worthy! The girls were great, I mean, how could you go wrong photographing all of those eyes!!??? My dear Lord you guys are going to have your hands full! Thanks you guys.

Hot Dogs and Sass!

We open with the "dream portrait." That's right the hot dog. When Reagan found out she would be getting her picture taken she very quickly decided she needed a portrait with the ever-famous hot dog in downtown Albany. So, here it is world, the hot dog picture. Reagan, I hope you love it. We went out today and had a great time walking around and finding all kinds of places to snap away. Reagan was soooo thrilled to be in front of the camera. Tyra would have been very happy with her "fierce" moves. And... man... this girl has got some sass! You will see in the pictures below. Owen, you were a trooper. You tired on cool shoes and I even managed to capture a few images with you smiling!! Leann, thank you for wanting to capture who your kids truly are right now. I am sure you will treasure the hot dog photo for a life time. (Just make sure it shows up in her wedding slide show some day!) Thanks for a great morning you guys!

Mike and Eva

This is Mike and Eva. I met Eva several years ago when I was a way too regular customer at a local coffee shop. (She worked there.) We would chat on a daily basis and before you know it we had become great friends. Eva is amazing. She is generous and kind and funny. She has very much become a little sister to me. I feel protective of her, I trust her and I know we will know each other for the rest of our lives (despite where we may live.)
Although I don't know Mike as well as I know Eva, what I do know of him is awesome! He treats Eva soo well. He respects her. He is kind to her. He watches out for her. So, Mike, as Eva's sort of big sister... I approve! You impress me more each time I meet you. I am so excited you two will be married soon, I know you will learn and grow and be better people because of your marriage. Congratulations!
And oh, thanks for letting me take your pics. You both are "ridiculoulsly-good-looking."
Love you guys!

Sass it up Mike!

The Greenes

OK, I couldn't wait. I think I fell in love with this picture the instant I took it. This would look great over a fireplace, don't you think???

Chase The Rock Star

This is Chase. Despite the fact that Chase is only 5 he is a TOTAL Rock Star! These pictures actually run in the opposite order they are posted. Unfortunately for Chase it was a cold morning and he was not thrilled about getting his picture taken. But, we worked through that and ended up with some great images! Enjoy.

Walking the streets of Albany with his guitar. Love it!

I swear I did not ask him to pose this way. He was stretching. Doesn't this look like it could be the cover to an album?

This was the first picture. I have already titled it, "I've got the blues."

Thanks Chase! It was so much fun to take your picture!