Solid Rock Ranch

A brilliant red barn, friendly horses, miles of fencing, gigantic tractor tires, huge round bales of hay and a country home all sit on what this family knows as Solid Rock Ranch. Where one family lives training horses and farming the land, others begin arriving one by one to celebrate what they are thankful for most - family. Thanksgiving Day is the perfect opportunity for family pictures. What makes it even better is when it is part of your own. My sister and her husband's family asked me to come take photographs when I was home in Kansas. Here are some of my favorites from the day.



How most of us remember our childhood - either laughing or fighting with our best friends - our sisters.



Coming all the way from Nebraska, its so nice to be where you will always know as home.


It is not often the whole family is together in one place.


My sister and her family.


I love my nephew's style. He's totally working the shot.


Grandma made poodle skirts for all the girls. They made perfect "pink ladies".


Thanksgiving was not all they celebrated, but also cousin Julia's birthday. Holidays are often the only time people can get together. Grandma made her special birthday treats.


Thank you for letting me come out to the ranch. It's always nice to get out of the city and be reminded why I love coming home!

Crystal and Jon

Crystal and Jon were married in the chapel at City Bible Church, Portland, Oregon. They, like Liam and Ashley, also met at Portland Bible College. Crystal graduated last year and Jon is finishing up his senior year.

This Starbucks cup was sitting on the dresser where Crystal was getting ready. Read "The Way I See It"... it is ironic,but perfect!


Crystal's dress was beautiful. I had never seen a stand like this before.


Crystal and her bridesmaids got ready at her sister Shannon's house who is also a newlywed.


Here is Crystal's sister, Shannon just minutes before they left for the church. She stayed up all night making adjustments on all of the bridesmaids dresses after she threw a bachelorette party. You may see her in a few years on 23rd street. It is her dream someday to open up her own boutique of wedding gowns she has designed and made herself. She is very gifted.


A few shots my assistant Lance took that I love...



I caught the flower girls at the reception taking a quick break from their long, hard day! How could they resist? I was tempted to join them.



After the reception, we snuck away to take pictures at the Pittock Mansion. The bridesmaids formed a receiving line in honor of Crystal, but her dad made it through before her!


Pictures of the bride and groom...




"Don't mind me!!!"... I find this picture quite comical. What a contrast.


The rings...


May you always be madly in love...


And live happily ever after!!


Thank you Crystal and Jon for allowing me to be a part of your storybook wedding. It was truly amazing!

Ashley and Liam

Ashley and Liam are engaged to be married March 25th, in the Thornewood Castle in Lakewood Washington. They met at Portland Bible College where they studied theology, became best friends, and fell madly in love. Liam suprised Ashley with a romantic candlelit dinner he made himself. Surrounded by luscious green grass and tall shadowing trees, they were the only two in the park. I couldn't think of a better place to hold the engagement session than where Liam asked Ashley to be his wife - Washington Park. It had rained all day, but the wet and cold didn't seem to bother this happy couple. Here are some of my favorites:









Congratulations Ashley and Liam on your engagement. Way to brave the weather. You made it so much fun. Thank you for allowing me be a part of your wedding story.

A Day in the Park

Twenty six acres of green grass, tall Oregon trees, a beautiful lake, a walking path, and lots of space to escape from the busyness of life = a day in the park on 39th & Stark. Laurelhurst Park was the perfect place to photograph Jesse and Chelsea and their two sons, Justice and Aiden, who in my opinion, are the perfect family - very beautiful, down to earth, honest, and genuine. Jesse is a full-time student and a professional hair stylist and colorist. (He cuts my hair and is very good!) Chelsea is a wonderful mother, a great cook, and teaches private piano lessons. They are by far the happiest, most sincere people you will ever meet. Here are some of my favorites from the shoot...








Thank you Jesse and Chelsea for choosing me to photograph your family. It is an honor and privilege. I hope to have a family like yours some day!