Ella Marseille

Over these past 10 or so months I have been running the idea through my head of "not putting work before your children". As I watch Ella (now toddling about) grow into her own little person, I realize how much she is picking up and absorbing from me and Jelani.

There are days when I find myself intentionally stepping away from work so that I can give her my full attention; and this just tickles her. I see it in the way she relaxes and smiles, even laughs more. She just wants her mommy there beside her, to do life with. And I can understand that.

So, I've decided that Ella is an integral part of my business. She and the rest of my loved ones are the foundation of my creativity. They are my fountain... the ones who keep the inspiration flowing. And while I'm young, I'd like to stop to appreciate all of this.

Anyhow, here are some shots of my beautifully delightful Ella. She is 10.5 months here, with her first birthday just around the corner:







Portland Lifestyle Photographer Lavenda Memory

Jessica and Evan - Portland Engagement Photography

This engagement shoot with Jessica and Evan almost didn't happen! Between both of them living on the east coast, and Evan's demanding job, they weren't sure they'd be able to make it happen this summer. And then I would have missed out on meeting them in person till their wedding!

I'm so glad we made it happen though! Jessica impressed me at our first meeting with her polished style and then really wowed me when she busted out some killer heels at the shoot. I mean, yes, I am one to wear heels to the grocery store, but most hipsters glare at me as I pick out my organic vegies a proud 4 inches taller.

Jessica and Evan were so funny and adorable. I felt like I was shooting stills for a love montage in a Romantic Comedy. They just kind of quietly cuddled and murmered to one another as I snapped away. Of course, I couldn't help but to butt in and exclaim how adorable they were, at which point they would both sort of blush and giggle. Well, Evan is a guy, so he doesn't giggle. I guess he would have laughed. But anyhow, it was easy peasy to capture these two in candid moments. I have to say, I am definitely looking forward to shooting their wedding next year!






































Oh and I couldn't help but post a shot of those amazing heels!



Portland Engagement Photographer Lavenda Memory

Engagement shoot with Christine and Jesse

I was really excited to get a location suggestion from Christine for her and Jesse's engagement shoot. It's always fun for me to play around with new locations, textures and backgrounds.

What makes this location particularly special for Christine and Jesse are the memories; U of P is where Christine and Jesse met and fell in love. This is where they spent many hours living life, getting to know one another and moving forward as a couple.

It's fitting that we should take their pictures at the same place they will also be getting married! Just imagine, the next time I snap their photos will be the day they pledge their lives to one another... wooo whooo! Very exciting ( :

Kacy and Paul

Talk about a whirlwind romance! Kacy and Paul met less than a year ago through a roommate and after trying the friend thing via email, they soon realized their compatibility and chemistry. Paul knew that Kacy was the one for him right away and popped the questions just a few months into their relationship. With the wedding just a couple months away, they're entire romance, when married will have been just under a year old!

Kacy and Paul were like two little lovebirds, so appropriately taking pictures in the forest. With everything still so fresh and new between the two, I could practically see the sparks flying between them as they snuggled, whispered and laughed throughout our shoot.

Photo Books

I can't believe I haven't posted photos of our photo books yet! These rad books make great wedding albums at 12x12 inches of beautiful design space per page. I print them as small as 7x7 for seniors, engagement, and baby books as well. For those staying under 150 pages, we print them on premium photo paper, which means thicker, more resilient stock for your photos.

Here is a sample from a recent wedding:











All albums are custom designed to best tell the story of your wedding day, et cetera.