Larsen Family | Horse Heaven Hills

Providence and Peonies.

My husband and I had just graduated from our undergrad, moved states, and had our first little baby tucked under our arms. Our first Sunday at church a cute couple asked if they could have us over for dinner and we graciously accepted. We pulled down a long, quaint driveway to a home my husband used to refer to as “the doll house.” We were welcomed inside by a cluster of children and eagarly ushered to our places at the table. Each plate was beautifully decorated with a delicately folded pink napkin and a name card gingerly labeled by tiny hands. In the center of the table was a vase full of luscious peonies as big as cabbages. The meal was delicious and the atmosphere was warm, clamorous and brimming with the purest of joys. This scene is forever etched in my heart and was the beginning of a friendship that quickly became entwined in my soul. We love these people with a fierceness of family. They have truly changed and blessed my life far more than I could ever begin to repay. They are a gift from God.

Mortensen Family || Kennewick, WA

“I am so excited to finally be taking these photos and feel like we’re actually moving forward in something.” This session was delayed a few times due to weather, but it couldn’t have ended up on a more perfect night. The wind was soft and forgiving and the light kissed the hillside with the warmest glow. Carly’s words stuck with me throughout the evening. This beautiful family is amid a few on-going projects and set backs and her phrase sunk deep into my heart as I realized how tender these moments are right now. Despite missed deadlines and heartache there is so much beauty in the seemingly mundane of the everyday. I felt such a responsibility to communicate through these images the intense admiration and adoration I felt between them. They are an incredible family.

Ilina Family | Columbia River Delta

There is something so honest, pure and soul-filling within the eyes of a child. And seeing the connection between a parent and a child is so beautiful. I often think how funny it is that my own children depend on me for everything— food, clothing, love, protection and comfort. Yet I am so incomplete, unlearned and imperfect. The truth is, I need THEM. I need each look, each touch, the trust, complete confidence and endless love regardless of my inability to provide everything I feel they deserve. My knowledge, experience, even my love is not enough to fill the expanse of their glorious souls yet they look into my eyes, wrap their tiny hands around my neck and tell me, “Mommy I need you.” No, no sweetheart you have been sent to me because it is you I cannot live without.

Jenna + Dallas | Snow Canyon Engagement Session | Utah

I am so honored to have this lovely session featured on the White Wren, a fabulous wedding blog. Take a look and read more here!

 

The story...

Jenna

"On a hot August night, I threw on my favorite yoga pants and a flannel and headed out to meet my friend's cousin that she had been dying to set me up with. If I would have known I would ACTUALLY meet him the man of my dreams that night, I would have at least thrown on some jeans!

The next day my cheeks were sore from smiling all night! It was an instant connection. I had never felt so understood by somebody. I was terrified and thrilled all at the same time. How could I ever like someone so much in so little time? He did the simplest of things. He leaned over and kissed me and it was as if the world had cracked open. I had fallen in love and everything seemed to be falling into place. By September I had packed my things and moved 300 plus miles away to be by that boy."

Dallas

"I honestly wasn’t expecting much, but I did really want to see the movie, so I thought, why not give it a try. That’s when I met her. JennaKaye. She was the light, laughter and beauty of the room. I was no longer nonchalant about this date; everything changed. I got nervous, anxious, and started second guessing everything I was saying. After the movie everyone started going their own way, when JennaKaye said 'you’re coming with me.'

The very next day, all I wanted to do was see her. When we met up that night the connection we had continued, but there was this knot in my stomach I couldn’t ignore. I was going home the next day, four hours away from one of the best weekends of my life.  I didn’t know if I was ever going to see her again. The drive home was awful. I spent the entire time trying to convince myself why this would never work out, and that I should put it out of my head. Except, that’s not what happened. 

Over time, our relationship grew and I knew that the girl I once was reluctant to see at the movie, would be my wife. I remember trying to plan the proposal, which was so hard for me, as there is not one creative bone in my body. One night it just came to me. The perfect place. It was one of our first dates together. An arboretum near her house in St. George. It was there where I grew to know the woman of my dreams. It was there, that I realized just how much I loved being around her.

My family, JennaKaye, and I drove down to St. George one weekend in February. I will never forget that day. I remember feeling so nervous and anxious. I probably checked to see if the ring was in my pocket over a hundred times. We frequently made this walk together through the arboretum so it didn’t come to her surprise when I suggested we go. I remember trying to take the time and enjoy our walk, not to ruin the moment. We turned a corner and I could see the lights, the candles, the pictures.

My heart was pounding as if it were going to burst out of my chest. We turned a corner so she could see everything and when I turned to look at her she was tearing up. I don’t remember what I said. I don’t remember getting down on one knee or putting the ring on her finger.  All I remember, is the look in her eyes and the feeling I felt. I chose her and will continue to do so every day."

Brittany + Jeff | White Bluffs Engagement | Washington Film Photographer