Engagment Shoot: Manuel and Shannon

Shannon and Manuel are ALL about nature, yet we decided to take them out of their element for their engagement session... mix things up a bit.


I tried to incorporate the greenery that defines Portland and came out with a nice blend of the urban and nature.

New Hardware

I am sooo in love with the understated rockstar look. I like the idea of wearing your hair unwashed, layering up the t's and leather, and adding bits of hardware to the over all look. This is why I was SO excited to piece my awesome Sahlia Michelle necklace with several different looks. Today I'll be wearing it with a little jumper- with hardware of it's own ( :

Photoshop: Before and After

This is a good example of the skin retouching process, as well as many other photoshop techniques.

You can see the changes in skin texture, where I've removed any blemishes.



Here you can see post work contouring and hair retouching. In the last 2 shots you'll see the differences in angles and the subject's arm size.



Again, here is the first "before" and the final "after".

Family Get Away

Some friends of ours stopped by yesterday afternoon with the news that, hey, it's sunny at the beach today. Next thing you know, I've convinced Jelani to take a mini-vacation in the middle of our work week and off we go!

So, once we were all packed and on the road we began discussing which beach we should visit. I mentioned Cannon Beach, because it's closest and then went on to list Seaside and Manzanita since both are nearby. Jelani immediately fastened to the idea of Manzanita. "I've been to Seaside too many times. I'm tired of the Seaside beach." Unfortunately, due to an incredibly long drive through traffic, we had to cut our losses and drove into Cannon Beach instead. (We wanted to take advantage of the rare, warm evening.)
We were lucky to find a little cove that only a few other people knew about. With Ella packed up in the baby bjorn, we followed the trail down to the beach and strolled along until we found a beautiful drift wood to rest on. Ella even took a turn sitting up on it!

















The seagulls and pink skies were such a beautiful backdrop, we just had to take some family photos!







I remember our trip to Hawaii, Ella screaming when we put her feet to the sand. But the beach yesterday was much cooler on her little toes. She really enjoyed crawling around and playing in the sand!









The following day, we made a trip to the Carousal Mall. Ella got to ride her very first Giraffe! We also visited the Seaside beach, which Jelani found out he'd never even been to! (So much for being tired of it, haha).



And what else filled up our mini-vacation, but lots and lots of FOOD!!! We visited a couple of good restaurants, but oddly enough, the service was equally TERRIBLE almost everywhere we went! You can see Jelani was very impressed with it! Obviously, Ella will have fun no matter where she goes!

Wedding Sneak Peak: Aaron and Sitawan

Sitawan and Aaron had a beautiful wedding this last weekend. We took pictures at the Laurelhurst Park, just around the corner from the beautiful Lauralhurst Church, where the ceremony took place.



It was an honor to be a part of their special day. Sitiwan's family actually made their first trip EVER to America for the wedding. They took part in a Thai traditional tea ceremony, which seemed to set the mood of intimacy.
I'm excited to finish up their photos and create their wedding album.

Congrats Aaron and Sitawan!

My New Jewelry

I am so excited to show off my brand new, torched necklace by Sahlia Michelle For those of you who enjoy having something unique that will make a smooth transition from Day to Night, welcome to all things Sahlia!!!

I'll be wearing my edgy selection to a wedding today, with a black T and dress shorts.

Peackock Perfection

The first image that popped into my head upond seeing this gorgeous Clair La Faye gown was Peackock! This obviously, bird-inspired dress was the dreamiest fit on Kayleen, who was modeling Sahlia Michelle's new bridal jewelry line. All one of a kind pieces- made per order- are a worthwhile investment for your big day.



This sneak peak is just a couple of shots I wanted to edit before she makes her final selections.

Sara Pine in B&W

These are the lost few shots from my shoot with Sara Pine. Thanks again to the Reeves, who were kind enough to loan us their gorgeous bedroom for this shoot!

Wedding Gowns Under $500

I am feeling under the weather today, so no new photos to post. But I thought I'd refer you to some awesome bridal gowns, all for under $500. As weddings clients start pouring in, I get a lot of inquiries about dresses, makeup artists and venues. Well, perhaps a few of you brides-to-be are still looking for that perfect summer gown? Anyhow, J Crew has a HUGE selection, and some are even on SALE right now!
Starting from top left to right:
Empire Waist: $425
Small sleeves: $395
BEST SALE: $225
Strapless: $425
Sexy Goddess: $425 (shows front and back)


Many of these dresses also come in Petite, which means less $$ at the seamstress. Most also have a small train, which will transition from the ceremony to the reception very easily. ( : Check them out at JCREW Bridal.

When is Skinny too Skinny?

Dude. While I didn't have TV privileges as a kid and miss out on the old, Beverly Hills 90210 series, I've netflixed the latest rendition of this 90's hit show.
The first thing I noticed about this show, is the sad portrayal of California's youth as these obviously TOO THIN girls.

Is it just me, or is the "new skinny" hitting expanding from the fashion world, to Television?

Notice the healthy legs and arms on the old cast:


And come on! If your butt doesn't even fill out a size zero...


Then and Now:


I believe "Silver's" legs are thinner than my arms.

MidSummer's Daydream - Portland Editorial

From floral wallpaper, to flower-shaped rings, all things floral have made a comeback and we have jumped on board! I'm so excited about this next editorial, that I'm posting the first half NOW and the second half later!

Styled by Rebecca Westby
Makeup: Alisia Ray
Special thanks to Nick Wilson for assisting.












Portland Commercial Photographer Lavenda Memory