Much like their engagement post, these two have left me at a loss for words.  To be around them is to be in the presence of love that is deeply desired and freely given.  The kind of love that takes the gale force winds and pounding rain of that day and still makes you feel warm and snug.

When Kerry's brother, Noah, gave the best-man toast he read from the poem The Country of Marriage by Wendell Berry.  I think it describes them best:

to set you free of me, and me from myself

into the dark and the new light. Like the water

of a deep stream, love is always too much. We

did not make it. Though we drink till we burst

we cannot have it all, or want it all.

In its abundance it survives our thirst.

In the evening we come down to the shore

to drink our fill, and sleep, while it

flows through the regions of the dark.

It does not hold us, except we keep returning

to its rich waters thirsty. We enter,

willing to die, into the commonwealth of its joy.

And with their first kiss, the rain went away and the blue skies opened up!

Sometimes it just takes one guy, usually the groom's pastor, dancing by himself to Billie Jean to get the party going!

Congratulations Kerry and Lizzy, I was so honored to be part of your day and even more honored to be part of your family!  Enjoy California!

In the past six months I have had the opportunity to second shoot weddings with two remarkable photographers.  Both days I was excited, nervous, doubtful, a little lost (both figuratively and literally, turns out there are two Hyatt hotels within a block of each other in Seattle) and totally in it to win it.   I was pumped to learn, to be inspired and to undoubtedly come away a better photographer.

But when I arrived at my destinations one overwhelming emotion crept in, jealousy.

I realized I hadn't been a second shooter since the very beginnings of my photography career and that was always with my husband as the primary.  When we realized soon into us shooting together that I was better with poses, timing and the herding of the proverbial cats and Noah was better (truthfully remarkable) at the candid shots when people weren't looking, we switched roles and for the first time n my life, I was first.  I say that with a little sarcasm but a little sadness as well.  As outgoing and talkative and smart-alecky as I was, I was rarely in first place and the title felt good.

I could get couples laughing and talking and being themselves with a flick of my pun-laden lips.  I told jokes, self-deprecated just enough and still commanded a room.  I had found my element and I sincerely love my job.

But being second meant my jokes weren't front and center, my ingenious system for family photos wasn't employed and my uncanny skill to remember people's names was irrelevant.  There were moments where the light was perfect and I wanted to scream "look here!" but that was not my place, I was second, and I was jealous.  I watched Erica Rose, who is amazing, shoot the majority of a wedding with one lens and get out-of-this-world perfect photos.  I watched Danielle Barnum take the skills she has learned on stage and apply it to perfect portraiture.  Yeah, I was jealous.

Then, like I should've in the first place, I listened to my very wise husband.  He has always been a great second and could totally rub it in my face that he taught me what I know and I should give him more credit, but he doesn't.  He has simply been there to capture what I couldn't and after I would calm down, I would renew my mission.

Taking second fiddle is an art form, one I sorely need more practice in.  It is a great skill to stand away from the action and still capture love, glances, smiles, laughter, hand-holding, goofiness, tears and joy.  I am so grateful to Erica Rose and Danielle Barnum for bringing me along on those days.  Shooting with each of them was delightful because we have been friends a long time and despite the fact that they are truly better than I am, they trusted me, taught me and they are still my friends.

I hope this summer brings me more opportunities to come in second place, to build up another photographer, to stow most of my jokes (not all of them, you will hear jokes) and to soak up the light, no matter where I get to stand.

Here are a few of the images from those weddings, congratulations to Ben & Elise and Anne & Jeff, thank you for letting me be part of your day.


Anne & Jeff - January 1, 2014, Downtown Seattle, Primary Photographer - Danielle Barnum










Ben & Elise - August 23, 2013 - Mercer Island.  Primary Photographer - Erica Rose




I love this picture, it's like the evolution of man, but with Tebowing.

Ann is one of those friends that I don't remember meeting, I remember jumping in piles of leaves in her backyard, I remember ice cream birthday cakes with soccer balls, I remember her at high school graduation, college graduation, my wedding, her reception and a chance encounter in a Minneapolis airport that left me jumping up and down when she said "twins."

I do remember however, the first time I met Kris not because it was a big to do but the look on Ann's face when she told me about this boy was priceless and truly unforgettable.  What is amazing is that one of my best friends from elementary school in my tiny Minnesota town married a man from Gig Harbor so when they come to visit his family, I get to take up some of their time as well.

This fall the five of us got together so that I could capture a few moments of Ann looking at Kris with the same look she's been giving him for 8 years.  I am beyond excited to share these photos of my two friends and their new baby-boys-to-be.










Congratulations on your expanding family, friends!  I can't wait to meet your little boys, I know they will be well loved!

Thanksgiving weekend I spent a morning at a familiar home with familiar people and got to do something a little different.  During the week I get to take care of a darling little girl named Linnea but that weekend I got to bring my camera and capture a few moments of family togetherness.











Merry Christmas Petersons!  Thanks for letting me be part of your holidays!