Before I knew it, I was knocked to the sand, much of which I would find in my pockets over the next week. It was 2003 and we were playing Frisbee on a California beach. It was one of those legendary road trips, with a van that broke down in the center lane of the freeway, driving a golf cart at midnight on top of a mountain, laying on beaches with my closest friends, and even an trip to the ER. Little did I know that two of those friends would start dating on the train ride home, then later get married, and now have the cutest baby boy. And how could I ever have imagined that after all these years, they would still be living less than a mile from me.
These photos are incredibly special to me because they are 14 years in the making. They represent years of their friendship, years of adventures, and years of them building a life together. I hope I’ve captured how much joy Joseph brings to my two dear friends, Mark and Erin. As the years go by, and more adventures are had, I hope you look back and remember this part of your journey. Love you both!
Every year during the holidays, the Volunteer Park Conservatory decorates with Poinsettias, a toy train, and a model town. It’s a fun place to take the family and especially the kids. Also during December, they will open the park and Seattle Asian Art Museum for a free event called, “Holiday in the Park.” The park is filled with Carolers singing songs, candles lighting the pathway, and a tent serving hot cocoa and cookies.
Yesterday, I spent the day with my family in Bellingham. a place where so many memories were created – in the open green fields and historic, rustic, brick buildings. On the windy drive home that evening, with heavy rain pattering against the window, I started to reminisce about growing up there. It was the people who made those memories come to life and who brought so much joy into my life – the gut-wrenching-laughter with friends, the adventures with my two brothers, and those late-night conversations with people from all walks. Being a wedding photographer, I see those same happy memories being created as friends and family come together to celebrate. love.
To compliment sound of the rain, I put on the album, Plans, by Death Cab for Cutie, and listened to it from top to bottom (incredible album), and started thinking about Nicole & Dave’s wedding.
The wedding ceremony took place on the countryside, at Kelley Farms, set atop a hill and surrounded by green fields, evergreen trees, and a cozy rustic barn. Their closest friends, some of whom they’ve known since grade school, surrounded them during the day, and every one shared such open and honest happiness with each other. There was so much love and support and it made the memories. meaningful.
Oh, and while driving home that evening, I thought it would be fun to take the first sentence of every song on the album, Plans, and arrange them into a paragraph:
“If I could open my arms, and span the length of the isle of Manhattan. I want to live where soul meets body, and let the sun wrap its arms around me. Squeaky swings and tall grass, the longest shadows ever cast. Alone on a train aimless in wonder, an outdated map crumbled in my pocket. No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white, just our hands clasped so tight. Burn it down till the embers smoke on the ground, and start new when your heart is an empty room. I once knew a girl, in the years of my youth. It was one hundred degrees, as we sat beneath a willow tree. And it came to me then that every plan is a tiny prayer to father time.”
Congratulations Nicole & Dave – I hope these photos always make you smile.
Well there’s nothing like a good ‘ole fashioned family photo session, especially when it’s for a dear friend. I’ve known Joe since we were kids in college and it’s a great feeling to watch his twin boys grow up. I’m glad we were able to meet in Snohomish to capture photos of the boys playing on this classic pickup truck. Thanks to his wife, Katie, for selecting some awesome Fall colors! Here are a few photos from their session:
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The traditions and rituals that take place during Hindu wedding always fascinate me. They are among the oldest wedding ceremonies we know of, deriving from sacred Holy texts known as the Vedas, which date to roughly 1700 – 1100 BCE. Although today’s Hindu weddings are significantly shortened, traditional ceremonies often lasted for days.
One of my favorite elements of this wedding is that of the fire god, Agni, who acts as the primary witness during the ceremony. Krishnan lights the fire to mark the beginning of a new household for him and Shilpa, and also announces his acceptance of responsibilities to four deities. After the fire is lit, Shilpa and Krishnan ask Agni to be a messenger for their prayers. They proceed to take seven steps in front of the fire, with each step representing a vow made to each other.
With the first step, we will provide for and support each other.
With the second step, we will develop mental, physical & spiritual strength.
With the third step, we will share the worldly possessions.
With the fourth step, we will acquire knowledge, happiness and peace.
With the fifth step, we will raise strong and virtuous children.
With the sixth step, we will enjoy the fruits of all seasons.
With the seventh step, we will always remain friends and cherish each other.
It was an honor to photograph Shilpa & Krishnan’s traditional Hindu wedding at the Westin Hotel, in Bellevue. Here are a few photos from the day:
Agni (अग्नि: Sanskrit, meaning “fire”) is one of the most ancient and important Gods in Vedic Hinduism that plays a central role in rituals. As the god of fire, Agni is the conduit and messenger between the human realm and the celestial realm.
