EDGEWATER HOTEL WEDDING: ZOE + KOLISI | Seattle, WA

The morning began with typical Seattle summer weather - a little overcast, a tiny bit chilly with a slight breeze. The sun burned through the clouds slowly, making its way through to warm up the day. The Seattle waterfront was buzzing as usual on a Sunday without rain. More often than not, the course of the day in these parts is dictated by temperamental Northwest weather. On this day, both the weather and the imminent events to take place dictated that the course of the day would be perfect.

The Edgewater Hotel overlooks the Puget Sound, and sits right on the water. When you step inside, the feel is elegant and sophisticated - something about it just steps any event up a few notches. The exquisite venue was the ideal location to celebrate Zoe and Kolisi's wedding day.

"Rare as is true love, true friendship is rarer." A close friend casually mentioned that she didn't know a couple who was more considerate of each other than Zoe and Kolisi. And in the midst of the commotion of their wedding day, nothing was more evident.

Zoe and Kolisi, thank you for allowing me to capture moments of your special day. Here's wishing you a lifetime of happiness and love!

THE LITTLE HEARTBREAKER...BABY "L" | Fife, WA

2010 has been a special year for my family - we were not only blessed with the birth of my son, but my nephew Lawrence as well, who is 7 weeks older than Israel, and who is as special and precious to me as my own babies :).

Earlier this year, I took photos of his mama Rose, who was anxiously awaiting Baby L's arrival. We took photos in Fife, and just a little more than 6 months later, we were taking photos again in the same spot to celebrate L's recent 6-month birthday. Babies definitely seem to make time go by quicker than we'd like sometimes, and I can hardly believe our little L is already half way to his first birthday. We love this little Handsome to no end - my daughters proudly call him their baby brother (and there is no telling Taimane otherwise!), and we relish all the time we get to spend with him!


Looking at his mama, all smiles!


He was so fascinated by the sky...

Big boy on a park bench!



If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby... -- Vincent van Gogh

SENIORS : KENTLAKE HS C/O '11 : MERCEDES | Kent, WA

A quick shot from the weekend; meet Mercedes of Kentlake High School's Class of 2011.

JUST BECAUSE : LEILANI | Tacoma, WA

4 MONTHS OF BLISS

My little Handsome, you're 4 months old today!
(I know, right - ALREADY?!? That's what Mommy thinks at every birthday, and will probably always think when it comes to you and your sisters).

It has been 4 months of pure bliss, my sweet boy, and I have loved every moment so far.
(I can't wait for more!)

Your little smiles and giggles light up my day like you'll never know.

You are our constant reminder to notice and appreciate all the seemingly little things in life...the things that seem to fascinate your little mind so. I can watch you for hours and be completely content. I love the way you stare at your hands as you learn to grasp things, the way your whole face breaks into a smile when someone smiles at you, the way you look at all the things around you when you're outside, staying very silent, as if taking it all in and enjoying it little by little.

And more than anything, I love the way you recognize me, and start kicking with excitement, cooing away when I walk into the room, or just within your gaze. I get just as anxious :) - and inside, I'm kicking with excitement too ;).

You are WITHOUT A DOUBT a Mama's Boy, and frankly, I hope you always will be.
(without the silly, negative connotations people tend to associate with that, of course)

You bring us HAPPINESS in ways we could never explain.

Thank you for being (one of) my little piece(s) of Heaven on Earth.

Do you know how blessed I am to be your mama?
SO blessed, I thank Heavenly Father every chance I get for it, and for you.



I love you SO very much, Son!
~Mommy
xoxo