I can honestly say that this was the most fun I’ve had during a session. These seven cuties are cousins. Their moms are three sisters who are just absolutely wonderful. Their grandma is the baby whisperer (no joke). I met one of the moms, the middle sister, when our playgroup started 3.5yrs ago. Since then, she and I, as well of our kids of course, have become great friends. I think I’ve officially been adopted as the family photographer.

These gorgeous kids have the BEST personalities. So sweet and playful. They ranged in age from 8 to almost 1. I am such a fan of the wardrobe the moms put together for the kids (as well as for this previous session I did for them earlier in the year). I said that I should start using her as my consultant to advise people on portrait wardrobe choices. Didn’t they do a fabulous job?

We started off the session with some fun photos in the pearl district. Thanks to the parents for making sure I didn’t get run over by a car for some of those shots!

Brother and sister. These two were wonderful.

Three cuties. Love how her brothers have her acting just as goofy as them.

Sweet sisters. Just look at those blue eyes.

The girls and the boys.

The BIG race!

Fun!!! What kid doesn’t love to splash around in Jamison fountain on a hot July evening.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the BEST part of the entire evening. Each kid got one big cold creamy scoop of Cool Moon Ice Cream – only the best place in Portland to get ice cream. This is the best part: after the session I was treated to the most delicious scoop of ice cream (split between coffee chip on the bottom and butter pecan on the top – details are important, you know). I just may have to make that a requirement from now on if a session takes place within a 5 min walk of Cool Moon and the temp is greater than 75F. Just sayin’.

Oh, back to the photos. The kids seemed to enjoy their ice cream too. Maybe not as much as I did, but pretty darn close.

I love weddings. I love the excitement and the butterflies. I love the stress and anticipation. I love the details. I love goofy groomsmen. I love the adoring glances between the groom and his new bride that make you feel like nothing else matters. I love knowing that this is their beginning.

This was a beautiful wedding. Small, quaint, fun, playful, delicious, gorgeous. The bride – breathtaking. This couple is so amazing together. It doesn’t take more than 10 seconds of seeing them together to feel that they are completely in love and so comfortable with each other. I honestly adored every moment of their wedding, from start to finish.

Congratulations, Rachel and Brooks! May you have a lifetime of love and laughter together!

The dress was spectacular. There are very few woman who could wear this dress as well and it fit her beautifully.

The shoes! I almost died when her mom took these out of the box. I cannot describe how much I love them, and they matched the bridesmaids perfectly.

Just look at that expression on dad’s face.

The bride and groom didn’t see each other for the ceremony. This is the first time the groom laid eyes on his beautiful bride and she looked right back at him.

Sealed with a kiss.

Love this one. One of the groomsmen (see laughing goofball below) tried to get the groom to sign the marriage certificate, only he handed him an electric shock pen. Priceless.

So much thought and work goes into every little detail that makes a wedding spectacular.

The food was outstanding. If you know me, I think food is one of the most important aspects of any event.

Cutting the cake.

Celebrating the toasts with a little bubbly.

Ah, the first dance. I love it!

The father daughter dance. Again, Dad is beaming!

Now, on to some of my favorite shots of the evening…

Now, how about some really big news! In the coming weeks I’ll be announcing my BIG wedding giveaway! Here’s the deal: I will be booking 5 weddings at half off, and one of those five will win their wedding photography for free!!! If you are engaged to be married, or know anyone who is engaged, please email me and let me know if you are interested in learning the details of the Wedding Giveaway before I publish them to the world. This is going to be FUN!

(selected couples must meet and agree to qualifying terms and conditions)

I love living in Oregon so much. Yes, the winters are cold and wet and the days are short, but we pay the price for a reason. Summer. The days are long, the weather is warm, the produce is fantastic, and the flowers are amazing. My favorite of all – lavender. We were so lucky to be able to take these photos at the Helvetia Lavender Farm. It is just spectacular up there and the owners are fantastic.

I could gush on and on about this family – they are very near and dear to my heart – but I will just let the photos speak for themselves. I can’t wait to take their newborn photos in a couple months!

Sit back. Relax. Enjoy the endless beauty of an Oregon summer, the maternal glow of a pregnant mom, the pride and joy of a loving father, and one of the cutest little girls I know who will soon be a big sister.

Guess what? I’m going to start sending out occasional newsletters letting you know about upcoming specials, give-aways, mini sessions, casting calls, etc. I promise I won’t fill up your inbox with a ton of spam. I’ll only email out when I have something new and exciting to share that I think you’d be interested in. If you’re on my distribution list, you’ll be the first to hear about all the good stuff – waaay before everyone else will hear about it from my blog or facebook.

Just to give you a hint, because hints are fun… in the coming months I plan to do more casting calls for HS Seniors, an awesome deal for all inclusive wedding photography with very limited number of dates available (keep your eyes open for this one if you or someone you know will be getting married in the next year), holiday mini sessions (short sessions at a great price with digital files and holiday cards included), and the occasional free give away or discount just because I feel like it.

To sign up for my newsletter, click HERE and fill out your name, email, city and state. Don’t wait… there might be a goodie in store for the first people on the mailing list!!!

I definitely got some new favorite photos with this little guy. In fact, I couldn’t stop scrolling through my camera during the session because I couldn’t believe the expressions this little guy was giving me. He was absolutely FANTASTIC. So happy and expressive. We was so good – I got so many good photos that I’m only showing a handful in this blog post. I got to hold the little guy and didn’t want to give him back. I shouldn’t at all be surprised that he has such a wonderful personality – his parents are truly two of the nicest people I’ve met. They own and run Mark’s NW Fresh Produce Click HERE to be his FB fan to receive all the latest announcements. They are so nice that you think “there’s no way someone could be that nice. I’m not that nice. No way is it possible.” Yet, I have never seen Mark be anything but social and friendly to everyone that comes to the stand. He also knows name of every customer, kids included. How does he do this? I have no idea. I can’t remember a name for the life of me. Ask any of my clients – I study their names before the session and still can’t get them right! Anyway, if you’re local, the stand is on the corner of NW 185th and West Union in the Mad Greek parking lot. Its the only place I get my produce, but I’ll have to stop bringing my kids because they steal eat berries faster than I can buy them.

Anyway, back to the cutest 4 month old ever… would it be weird if I hung photos of him in my house? That’s how cute I think they are.

Hope you enjoy them!

My kids never enjoyed tummy time this much.

He’s making sure mom’s got his goods all covered up.

HOORAY!!!

I just love this one. I would have loved to have had a shot like this of myself and my babies when they were that little. Sniff. Now I can barely lift the pudges.

The smile with the tongue – love it!

Isn’t it amazing how much joy a little human can bring to a family?

I couldn’t decide whether I should post this pic or the one of him eating his foot. Equally cute.

And here’s my secret weapon – big brother was behind the camera getting me all those super cute baby smiles. Baby adores his big brother!

I couldn’t choose which 10×20 I liked best so I posted all four. I love how quickly his expressions change.

Want photos like this of your own family? The weather is warm, the days are long. Send me an email and let me know when you want to book your session! Email Krissy

This is one of the sweetest, kindest families you’ll come across. Dad is super smart and always willing to help. Mom is so sweet and genuine. Both kids have the most gentle natured personalities, and its so easy to see that they just adore mom and dad. Plus, they did an outstanding job coordinating their outfits – gotta love it! Hope you guys enjoy your sneak peek!

This was my favorite family photo from the session:

Both kids are roughly the same age as mine, yet I was totally shocked how well they listened and followed instructions. Hmmm…

Nope – no photoshop magic here. She really did fly that high in the air!

I had the best time photographing Christopher. There aren’t too many people out there who are so completely comfortable in front of the camera, but he totally made my job easy. This guy has the best personality and I loved his laugh. Either there weren’t guys like him around when I was in High School, or there were and I just didn’t appreciate them. I love how his personality really shines through in the photos. He plays quite a few instruments and he brought his Euphonium along for some of the shots. If you watch the Rose Parade this weekend, keep your eyes out for this guy and cheer him on!

He was such a goof! Thanks for such a fun photo session, Christopher!

Oh Miss Kayla, I’m so glad that you love to sit in a tutu and eat chocolate cake! You were so easy to photograph. I loved that the only thing that upset you was when we were all done and we took the cake away. You are such a sweet little princess! I look forward to photographing that sweet gorgeous face in the years to come.

Happy first birthday, Baby Kayla!

And one of Miss Kalya from exactly one year, to the date, from the cake smash pics.

My best friend from college, Malynda, and her husband, Ian, came up to visit us this past weekend. Malynda and I have been buds since college and neither of us can believe its been over 10 years since we graduated. Sheesh, that makes me feel old. They usually make a visit up here at least once a year. They love Oregon as well as the outdoors, and I wonder if they ever tire of me begging them to move up here.

Anyway, we were looking for something to do on Saturday and someone happened to email us the link to the Tree to Tree Aerial Adventure Course. Our eyes lit up when we saw the website. They said they just opened Memorial Day weekend. We thought that meant seasonally, but it turns out they just opened for business. We had so much fun! For their first week open to business, we were so impressed with their business and can’t wait to go back. Luckily we took two cars. The kids allowed me to do a couple (beginner level) courses before I took them home for a little quiet time while Malynda, Ian and the husband stayed behind for a few more hours to play. If I had stayed, I don’t know if I would have had the guts to do the black diamond course, but I plan on going back to try real soon. Anyway, here are a few snaps from our aerial adventure day.

I’m the one with the scared-out-of-my-mind-but-having-oh-so-much-fun look on my face.

And what’s a trip to P-Town without a visit to Multnomah Falls.

This cute little baby is so sweet and mellow. He’s just a “go with the flow kind of guy” (complete opposite from my little ones, but I love them). He’s quite the ladies man too. Yeah, he’s got a thing for the ladies and the ladies have a thing for him. Poor little man wasn’t feeling too well when we took the photos, but he’s normally a smiley, flirtatious little dude. He may be sweet and mellow now, but I’m guessing his parents are going to have to keep a close eye on him when he’s older.

His parents just totally adore him. As they should.

Here’s just a quick sneak peak…

I love this one. He’s not even 10 months yet and can’t stand on his own, but with a little help from the wall, his arms out for balance, and some concentration and sheer determination, he was glowing with accomplishment. Too cute.