As promised, more photos of this super newlywed couple! The images from this entire session just make my heart happy. While the first round had a fair amount of steaminess, we did take things beyond the bed and had some other fun, too… Jeremy, you found yourself one gorgeous bride. Which makes for one very good looking couple! I love this; all I was after was the bottom, left hand image…the rest was all Lori and the top right is my fav! These two can turn on the fun just as well as they can turn on the heat… Jeremy’s mom happened to be out for an evening bike ride and pedaled over to say hi. Jeremy took the chance to take it for a spin and Lori perched herself upon it and now you have these photos. And I know where to get a good deal on a cruiser bicycle :) Swoon…a vintage book with the title ‘Modern Women In Love’? Perfect. Thank you, Jeremy and Lori for allowing your fun-loving selves and love for each other to radiate in these photographs. It’s been so great getting to know you better and I wish you all the best and every blessing as you begin your life as husband and wife! Much love xo PS…it’s never too late to do a Day After session! Be a beautiful bride once again, get some more use out of that fabulous wedding gown, and have some more photos taken of you and your husband. If you’re interested, let me know :) mikaelaruthphoto@gmail.com.
Read MoreThings I Love Thursday
Some (most?) cover up their walls with color. I craved white walls. I was asked, ‘are you sure you want to go all white?’ Why yes…yes, I’d like a blank canvas, a breath of fresh air, a clean space to work and think and dream and be creative. And so, with my handy-man Dad, that’s what we did; washed my green walls in a glorious cloud white. Yup, this week, I’m loving white walls. Okay, and hopefully for quite a few weeks to come, because I really don’t feel like doing this again anytime soon! My next step is to finally sort through, print and frame some of my photos. That one has been on my to-do list for awhile…but a recent post by my friend, Emily, has helped with the push to get it done. I love the ideas and images she gathered here on Liberty Tree Photography’s blog. Another GREAT blog with lots of fresh design ideas, one that I recently and happily discovered, is paper n stitch – ‘a daily dose of handmade, design, and style inspiration.’ If you’re the creative type, check them out! And if not…still do! That’s all l’ve got for today…happy Thursday!
Read MoreLori + Jeremy: Day After, Part 1
Lori, remember what you said about making a girl feel pretty? What I should have said is: this is just how we see you. For as pretty as you are, it’s as plain as that. It’s how your husband sees you, it’s how the world sees you. I don’t think I’ve been to a more emotionally charged wedding than the ceremony of these two. Emotional and uniquely them. Lori and Jeremy got married under the hot summer sun on his parents’ farm. We sat in our chairs in the warm grass, looking on as the ‘balloon girl’ released helium filled balloons, one at a time, floating down the aisle before disappearing up into the sky. Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’ played as the bridesmaids made their entrance, and then…as the music built up…Lori made her way to the head of the aisle, hidden by umbrellas held strategically so by a couple girlfriends. They paused and let the music keep building, along with the anticipation. Just as the song climaxed…voila, the bride was revealed. And time stood still. My eyes scanned back and forth between Jeremy and Lori, tears in both of their eyes. They had even done a ‘first look’ and their photos before the ceremony, but like Jeremy predicted beforehand, there was no taking away that moment. Just before Lori began her walk down the aisle, she let out a quiet, excited whisper “it’s my wedding day!” Fastforward the personally written vows, celebratory dance down the aisle, festive reception, and honeymoon in Jamaica. Fastforward to the teaser I put up on Facebook, and what might very well be my favorite shoot this far! Awhile back I asked Lori and Jeremy if they’d like to do a ‘Day After’ shoot. It’s a chance to get all done up and wear your dress again, for more, fun photos with your man without the stress and pressure that can come with a wedding day. When you invest so much in such a stunning gown, do you even need an excuse to wear it again?! They were pumped and so was I :) I totally adore how our Day After session came together. I brainstormed ideas, filled my car with vintage, thrifted props from my home, and met the newlyweds at their chosen location. Afterall, location is everything, and this was perfection. Special thanks to my aunt, Robin, for lending us the BED! But what really made the session? Lori and Jeremy and their enthusiasm, their love, and how they…
Read MoreThings of summer
Somewhere in between editing photos, getting my room painted and whatever else that was on my weekend’s to-do list, I managed to escape this weekend. Escape and retreat without much traveling, either. Sometimes taking a break is hard work! But God calls us to rest, to take a Sabbath and reflect and recharge. And when I do that, I remember why and I am grateful. Taking time to enjoy things of summer left me at the start of the week with a pretty good disposition. Maybe it was all the vitamin D :) But there quickly developed a pattern consisting of good company, good, alfresco dining, and visits to the lake. Summer, I adore you.
Read Morei carry your heart
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)i am never without it(anywhere i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing,my darling) i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true) and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart) E.E. Cummings This poem is a favorite of mine and it was recited at the wedding ceremony of this lovely couple here: A hot summer day had turned into a welcomed, warm summer evening. I took photo booth pictures of the guests during the reception, but grabbed a few photos as Lori and Jeremy took the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Under an open sky and surrounded by their families linked together by holding hands, the newly married Mr and Mrs Swaan soaked in the love. Lori and Jeremy, I hope you two are having a most fabulous honeymoon in Jamaica! Can’t wait to see you next week for our ‘Day After’ shoot :)
Read MoreThings I Love Thursday
This one’s for the ladies! Okay, who doesn’t love Forever 21?? And all of its pretty, flirty, super-affordable goodness? I know many of my girlfriends love to hit it up, as do I…but I must say, I have a love/hate relationship with it. I have to mentally prepare myself for a trip to Forever 21, and realize that I will probably leave the store with a stress induced headache. Absurd, I know, but it is what it is. That’s just what happens when I get overwhelmed by all the choices (kinda like when I went grocery shopping yesterday…who needs 60+ varieties of stir fry sauce? hairspray? seriously!) and my wallet shrinks back in fear. But I’m getting off track. This is a post about things I love afterall. On with the goods. While down in Orange County, my sister and I paid a visit to Fashion Island where I picked up a couple things..and left many things behind. Here is one of those finds, as well as a few on my wish list: 1. My dress! One of my favorite, recent purchases (just look at the price!) – Capsleeve Floral Dress, $13.50 2. I’ve been looking for heels like this for forever – Satin Knot Platform Pumps, $22.80 3. The thing I love about hair accessories? Throw one on and it’s instant pretty hair. No time or fuss needed! – Sequin Applique Headwrap, $4.80 4. LOVE this color – Exposed Foliage Silk Dress $32.80 5. “Jeggings” = shudder. Though I hate the name, I think I’d like these. More comfortable than jeans, yet classier than leggings – 5 Pocket Denim Jeggings, $19.80 6. I’ve been converting from a silver accessory girl, to a gold – Sweet Floral Ring, $4.80 7. So fun! And one can never have too many little black dresses…right? – Silk Blended Puff Dress, $24.80 Okay, what are your recent fabulous finds? And GUYS (if any of you happen to be here and have read this)! Here’s your chance to tell us girls which trends you hate…and, if so inclined, which you like.
Read MoreChilliwack Wedding: Jodi + Josh
Lately I’ve been itching to have the opportunity to gain more wedding experience. Especially after The Workshop. Wedding photography is the direction I want to go and when my friend Brendan Robinson asked if I’d like to shoot a wedding with him, I jumped at the chance. Didn’t matter that the wedding was only two days away. I made it work and left that day not just with more experience under my belt, but with a sense of energy and excitement. You can ask Brendan, I think the term I used was jazzed up. While doing a little dance in the car. Yeah. We had fun :) I met bride and groom Jodi and Josh the day of the wedding. What a day it was – the sun shone brightly and (very) warmly as friends and family gathered around this couple to celebrate their love and celebrate their commitment to one another. Much time had been allowed for photos following the ceremony (awesome!) and despite the heat and humidity, the bridal party kept their cool and rocked it out. I do, I do! Introducing the new Mr + Mrs McGinnis! Such a classy looking group of people Jumping in heels and yet no sprained ankles – now that’s impressive! I’m always one for pictures of shoes. Naturals? I think so. And now for my favorite part: we snuck away for a few of just the bride and groom… You guys are far too cute! I think he loves her :) Jodi, these are two of my favorites of you. And they lived happily ever after…the end! Congratulations you two :)
Read MoreA clean white page
I had planned to blog something else today. But today, other things are on my mind. There are some things we don’t photograph. We don’t document the days or situations that bring us down and make us ask why. Except maybe in our journals…I’m terrible at keeping journals. I always think a new book, with clean white pages and a shiny new pen will motivate me to record my life. A couple entries in and I’ve forgotten about the book and the pen. Somewhere down the road I buy a new one. And so it goes. But I think it’s so important to remember these days or times that maybe we’d rather forget. It’s not just the picture-worthy moments that define our lives. I think our character is shaped more by how we cope with challenges and what we take from them. They give us the opportunity to dig deeper in our faith as we put full reliance on God. So, I say this hoping one day I can look back at this time and see his purpose. As it says in Romans, “for those who love God all things work together for good…” I trust he’s doing something…but when it comes to some things, for now I still ask why, or what.
Read MoreOne last salty, sunny memory
We lazily pedaled along the beach, from Balboa Pier to Newport Pier. Warm, salty sun on our skin and the scent of sunscreen in the breeze. Pieces of conversation and laughter as we pass by, mixing with the crashing surf making its way onto the shore. That is how Whitney and I wrapped up our mini-vacation in OC, and that is what I miss now that we’re back home in the rainy Pacific Northwest. We rented bicycles and as we cruised around, I made notes of all the sights and sounds and smells so that I would remember. Because, let’s be honest, sometimes the memories beat the experience. Usually it’s when you get home that you realize how lucky you were because all the nuisances that come with traveling (or with any given day) fade away in comparison to the good times. But I wanted to enjoy it in the moment. I reminded myself that I should be sitting in my office at my desk at that moment, but I wasn’t. Instead, I was blessed to get to escape for a few days and soak in some sun, new sights, the refreshment that comes from being by the ocean, some sister time, and an incredible day of learning & connecting at the previous day’s workshop. Ahh but the thing with escapes is that they always end too soon and the high of the trip eases and gets replaced by reality. Which isn’t aaaalways so bad. I just hope it will bring about more inspiration and growth and…who knows what else?
Read MoreJasmine Star: The Workshop
The OC morning sun was warm and the wind rustled through the trees as Jasmine breezed toward us, welcoming us the The Workshop. Just inside was an array of fresh, organic fruits and pastries and a table of pretty, personalized packages for each of us 20 attendees. The room was buzzing as we said our good mornings and hellos and then Jasmine took the floor and The J* Workshop – the day we had all been anticipating – began. Us attendees had been connecting over (what else?) Facebook for the past while but it was sssoooo great to put real faces to the names. Jasmine intentionally limits the number of attendees to encourage community and relationships, and I think I speak for everyone when I say those connections were made. The night before, many of us met for a pre-workshop mixer at this great restaurant, The Winery. The food was amazing, the wine equally so, but the conversations topped it all..despite the laughter at my Canadian accent! I forgive you, Dani :) Even Jasmine made it out, despite battling a nasty cold. I think that’s what cleared it up just in time for The Workshop! Jasmine poured into us her knowledge, guidance and advice, in all her fabulousness. And JD was there too, of course, to support in any way….right down to lining up those water bottles in very orderly fashion ;) But seriously, it’s not every couple that works so well together as a team and it’s not every guy who works so hard alongside his wife, and does whatever he can to allow her to shine. We covered a ton of ground in one day. From branding, to shooting and post-processing, I don’t think there was a topic left untouched. After lunch we had the opportunity to watch Jasmine in action and learn how she approaches the elements of a session including lighting, camera settings, and directing. She is dang good. As if her images don’t speak for themselves! She would turn the reigns over after walking us through and we’d all eagerly climb over each other to get the shot. Haha no claws came out, of course. The most stunning couple was our model bride and groom – Joe & Jihan Cerda. Thank you for facing the onslaught of twenty photographers with such style and grace! The day was wrapped up over an incredible dinner of Italian and more great conversation and laughter. I’m so excited to have had…
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