Ali Hormann Photography: November 2013

Max & Britney - Aberdeen, WA Wedding

Max & Britney met in high school, but it wasn't until a few years after graduation that a quick interaction in a lunchtime drive thru changed their fates. It's funny how life works that way, and yet neither of them have ever doubted that it was anything short of a miracle they reconnected that day.

From the West Coast where they grew up to the East Coast where Max was in Virginia for the Army their love grew more strong, more unyielding, more determined to not let anything stop them from being together forever. So when Max got down on one knee this summer and in his anxious hopefulness, he didn't realize the ring box was upside down. And truthfully, Britney had turned his life upside down in the best way possible so it was only fitting.

In less than two weeks Max is getting stationed in Germany so the wedding planning had to be sped up to match that date. It's not often that you can have a 50 degree sunny day at the end of November but as a glorious gift the sun shone through, warmed the air and stayed to share in their love. The morning began with orcas and seals in bay and ended with one of the more remarkable sunsets I've ever photographed. And from sun-up to sparkler exits the day was brimming with faith, hope and love.

Britney said this was the exact moment she knew everything was going to be OK, not just the wedding day but the move to Germany, the uncertainty of when she could join him overseas and everything entangled in those plans were set to right, because right here, she saw her husband waiting for her.

I don't often add family photos into the blog entries but this was an incredibly special moment between Britney and her great-grandmother. It was just a glance, a knowing kindness and I had to take a moment after this photo to compose myself. It was family at its best.

Congratulations Max & Britney! I hope in these next days you are able to drink each other in until you see each other again on the other side of the Atlantic. Gott segne!

November 27, 2013
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My Favorite Trifecta

When we moved to Redmond, WA in 2010 I met a great couple at church, JD and Becky and their twin boys and 3 month old little girl. Those kids were immediately the kind of kids you just wanted to make smile. Then, ten months later after hundreds of job applications, JD asked if I'd ever be interested in regularly watching the kids during the day.

Two and a half years later, those kids have grown into my family. Soren adores them and I feel like they have taught me more about both being silly and having fun and being patient and loving well. However, times change and with the kids in school, Soren and I are moving on. Now, I will spend my days with an absolutely adorable newborn little girl. But I will always love these smiles, silly faces and loving hugs.

Thank you Watson family for letting me into your life and for loving us! Now, for the cuteness...

We love you all, see you Sunday!

November 08, 2013
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Jones Family - Fall Family Session, Redmond WA

As a photographer it is amazing to have friends who when you say "I want to try something, can I take your picture?" their response is "What should I wear?" No questions, just action. Those are my friends Kiersten and Ryan and their son Silas. They make a point to have fun as a family, so we went and played in the leaves on what might have been the last sunny day the Pacific Northwest will see until... um... June, maybe.

There are so many times when photographing weddings that you get the "look of love" from the groom. The way he will stare at his bride like there is nothing else in the world. The great thing about the Jones' is that Ryan still looks at Kiersten that way, and he taught Silas to do the same. They are a family of big smiles and big love and we had a lot of loving smiles that day.

The great thing is, there was no special occasion for these pictures, no birthday, anniversary, holiday, or monumental change that many people feel warrants having their photos taken. This was a Monday afternoon at a local park and that day won't be remembered by the traffic or the mundane but by the smiles Silas gave the camera while he was looking for the "butterfly flapping its wings" inside my lens. These are good memories and treasured times, even though it was an ordinary Monday in October.