Back in September, I had the privilege of second shooting this wedding with Kristen Marie in Georgetown (where the airplanes live). This is just a small selection of images from that day… The full story was told beautifully by Kristen, which you can see here.

I want to mention that while I enjoy telling full wedding day stories, I don’t want the importance of a beautiful wedding portrait to get lost in the fray. Candid moments are essential to journalism and no doubt, they are a key aspect to how I document the wedding day. However, I draw a great deal of joy and fulfillment from the creative portrait time I get with the bride+groom together. And believe me, in ten years, you’ll be just as glad for the portraits you have from your wedding as all those quirky, candid moments. Be sure to allot a minimum of one hour for portraits on your wedding day—it may be the sweetest, most peaceful hour you have that day.

I’ll say it again and again… I’m not interested in a perfect portrait, perfect light, or the perfect pose. And neither are the couples I get to work with. I will always be looking for chemistry because for me, that’s what ultimately makes a beautiful image. When you can actually feel the people in the photo, like you know them.

Amanda+Gali are planning their wedding while thousands of miles apart from each other. So when Gali came to visit over the holidays in December, we scheduled their engagement session while he was in the area. This left little room for rescheduling for weather, so when I realized the rain wasn’t going to let up, we went to a nearby conservation area for some cover. Of course, we still managed to get wet, but it didn’t stop us from having a wonderful time. I say, embrace where you live! And that’s exactly what we did.

I’ll be photographing Amanda+Gali’s wedding at Swan’s Trail Farms this June.

Woodinville, WA.

Don’t you just love these two? Gosh, I know I do…

Venue – Columbia Winery | Makeup – Shyn Midili with Pacific Brides Makeup Artistry | Florals/Design/Coordination – Geneva Diane Designs  | Catering – Seastar Catering | Cupcakes & Cake – Bride’s Aunt Jane McMullen | Gown/Shoes – Justin Alexander/Badgley Mischka

When I met with Cailin+David, there was such a sense of comfort around them. The same feeling came over me when we we shot these engagement photos in November. Their love is so soft and sweet… They’re particularly special to me because they’ll share mine and George’s wedding anniversary as well. I can’t help feeling sentimental…

I’ve started to assess the lineup of weddings booked so far this year and I’m astounded at how great all my couples are… When couples hire me, we form a team of creative photo possibilities. We work together and I think that’s what I love most about my job. The relationships and friendships we develop mean the world to me.

Cailin+David will get married at Kiana Lodge on Poulsbo Island.

Issaquah, WA.

It seems that Winter is the new Fall. We photographed Krystal+Kevin’s gorgeous day last month and we had a ball. How we lucked out with such gorgeous weather, I’ll never know. What I do know is that Krystal+Kevin deserved all the good things and more that day, they are that sweet a couple. They serve our country as officers in the Airforce and I am grateful to them for who they are and what they do.

I also want to make a shout out to Emily, from Manette Gracie, who coordinating this amazing day. She always does such a wonderful job. If you haven’t considered a Day-Of Coordinator for your wedding, consider again… Emily will save you time, money, and most of all, stress. Hire her and you’ll thank me later.

Venue – Pickering Barn
Planning –  Manette Gracie Weddings & Events
Makeup/Hair – Shanelle from Pacific Artistry - We are also huge fans of Shanelle and her team! Check them out!
Catering –  Portage Bay Café - Omgaw, it was yummy.
Florals – Floret Flowers
Other Details - Homemade Brew inspired by the Bride and Groom; Homemade apple butter and salted caramel truffles by the families;  The game “Washers” was played; There was a hot cocoa bar and I had a cup with a bit of Bailey’s—it rocked my world.

Jason is an aspiring model and I was so excited when he contacted me about doing some updated headshots for his portfolio. Every once in a while, it’s nice to do something different, a change of pace. This was such a refreshing shoot for me, I really hope to do more things like this in 2012. Thanks, Jason, for a great afternoon! Your face is money.

I wanted my first blog post of 2012 to be significant and I think that Emily+Mike are the perfect example of significant love. We say we love things all the time… I love sleeping in. I love chocolate. Significant love comes by loving someone significantly. As mentioned in their teaser post, Emily+Mike told me they didn’t want a wedding—they wanted a marriage. That’s significant.

If I hope for anything in 2012, I hope that it is significant to me and for those I have the honor of sharing this year with…

Chaitra+Ryan are practically family. Chaitra is my sister-in-law’s sister, but I’ve come to see her as a real sister. And I’ve known Ryan since he was about eight years old. We were together with the rest of my family on a mini vacation we took to Leavenworth last week. On our last morning there, Chaitra, Ryan, and I did a quickie love shoot in the middle of a pear orchard. I thought it was a perfect post for Christmas Eve. Wintery and full of love.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. It’s been a special one for George and I and we’re both feeling pretty nostalgic for 2011… It felt like we crammed five years into one… So many blessings, accomplishments, and new relationships. We’re grateful to God for it all.

Happy Christmas and wishing everyone a fantastic new year.

xoxo,
carly+george.

Seattle, WA.

Nika+Mark are sweet… Truly sweet people. I want to be around them all the time. Hopefully, you feel that too… So, so sweet.

Hi-Fi Weddings featured Nika+Mark’s wedding on their blog today. Stop by and leave some love, will you?

Venue – Sole Repair Shop

“We didn’t want a wedding. We wanted a marriage.” – Emily.

Emily+Mike were engaged two Sundays ago and were married on the Saturday that followed. No year long engagement to plan a big event. Just a small gathering of those that love them in a friend’s home. Emily+Mike knew what was most important and without a single hesitation, started their marriage, their covenant…

More from this newlywed’s love shoot soon…