Jasmine Star may hold a lot of big titles such as one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world, but to me, she’s more than that.  She’s an inspiration, not just as a photographer, but also as a person.  She’s so real and so authentic on the inter-webs.  Though growing up poor, she graduated top of her class to go to UCLA law school, and decided to pursue her passion of photography because of life’s changes.  I cannot even remember how I first knew of her work but I immediately became her blog stalker.  I love her work, it’s modern, fun and as she describes it fabulous®  :)  This is also a reflection of her personality.  So when she announced that she had spots open for her workshop, I signed up immediately without hesitation – even without knowing what the workshop was going to be about.

The workshop certainly did not disappoint, I was ecstatic to meet both Jasmine and her husband JD.  And they are both as real and fabulous as they are on the internet.  Here are some images that I captured during the group shoot that Jasmine led.  It was awesome to see how she interacts with the models and how she finds the most creamy mcDreamy light even on a harsh brightly lit day.   Oh, the models are the gorgeous Carlie and Gabriel.  They were one of Jasmine’s first couples and photographers themselves.

Jasmine, JD, and Jasmine’s mom, thank you for such a great day!  Jasmine, thank you for being an open book and sharing everything and caring for everybody’s success!  JD, thank you for all the snacks and organizing the workshop, oh, and for holding and adjusting all 21 of our cameras so that we can pose with Jasmine!   Jasmine’s mom, thank you for the warm hug at the start of the workshop and I’m sure Jasmine’s fabulousness must have come from you! I love you guys!  

Gabriel playing air guitar to its full glory!

Laura and Mike had their beautiful wedding last weekend at Hidden Meadows in Snohomish, WA.  I had so much fun photographing their wedding.  You know, Laura planned a wedding that shared so many elements that I had envisioned for my own wedding, the difference is that she actually made her vision come true!  She has put in so much planning and so many personal touches to the wedding, it made it very special for her and Mike.  This is a long post, I hope you are here to read their whole story.

Laura getting ready:

Mike is getting ready on the side of the venue.

Laura planned for a first look with Mike and has allocated plenty of time before the ceremony for pictures for just the two of them.  I really love it when couples do that.  The first look is as emotional as the ceremony.  In fact, it made my eyes all teary when I shot the first look.

Mike is anxiously waiting for Laura’s approach.  He could hear her greet some of the family on the way here, and the wait is almost over.

They are so happy to see each other.

 I think this is the part that got to me …  They are such a sweet and loving couple. 

This picture is taken by my very talented second shooter John from a second angle. 

Laura and Mike planned an outdoor wedding at this gorgeous venue, but Seattle weather was extremely unpredictable.  The rain came and went and came back.  Lucikly, Laura had a backup plan!  The indoor space was ready within minutes of notice.

Laura’s emotional walking down the aisle accompanied by her dad. 

Here’s the bridal party!

Laura and Mike got married at Hidden Meadows in Snohomish, WA this past weekend.  Please stay tuned for more pictures from their beautiful wedding.

Penelope is a 6 months old Jack Russell mix puppy.  I was welcome to her home by her overwhelming affection. I can tell you that we are instant friends, her happy wagging tail and wet smooches told me she agrees. She’s a 13 pound bundle of cutie pie, so full of energy and so full of love.

Who wouldn’t love a sweet face like this?

Little mischievous.  Poor giraffe will be missing some body parts soon.

Janie, Penelope’s mom, is certain that Pe must be also part goat.  She grazes her lawn.

Yummy grass?

Aww look at these beautiful eyes.

Freckled mouth.

Penelope – the top dog!

Mom and Pe.

Doggie ears!

I can never be tired of a seeing a cute face like this.

See the love in these eyes?  — Or is that mommy standing in front with treats in her hands?

Finally spring/summer has arrived in Seattle. We had a streak of pouring rain, hail, wind and cold last week that seemed to be never ending. Today is such a beautiful day! It was warm and sunny, perfect for taking some portraits for these two lovely greyhounds that Wendy rescued. I spent an hour near the Kirkland marina getting to know Maylie and Stella. They are such sweet and beautiful girls.

Here they are! Maylie, 2, is on the left, and Stella, 4, is on the right.  I love how they can do so many things with their ears including independently tucking each one.

Stella looks content here, and Maylie ever so curious.

Beautiful Maylie …

Wendy really wanted portraits of them together and they certainly did not disappoint, look at how good they are!

Stella with beautiful light behind her.  She’s gorgeous, isn’t she?

Stella starting a run, her speed is impressive.  Both she and Maylie used to be racing dogs.  Wendy is certainly glad they no longer are!

Sweet Stella getting tired after a few rounds of run.

Awww…

Maylee is the younger and newer one in the family.  She’s such a beautiful dog and so sweet.  By the way, the sky was at least this blue today, none of the pictures had sky edited to be made bluer.

Look at how awesome the ears are.

I love love the coloring of her fur.

Bye Stella and Maylie! It was such a pleasure to meet you two, oh and your mom Wendy too!