I had the most incredible good fortune, thanks to Krista and her wizardry of networking + branding {see Made For Good}, of paying Santa Barbara a visit back in January for a commercial shoot {show + tell to come at a later date}, and in the course of this trip, was able to reconnect with my friend and her most amazing guy.

Krista + Ben are not so into schmoopy, but I just have to say, at the risk of not being invited back…my heart positively melts watching the two of them together.  They are so deserving of one another and I am over the moon the universe delivered them into each other’s lives.

Thank you both for allowing me to be a witness.

A fortuitous sunny day in February in Portland + a just-off-a-trip-to-Hawaii-glow + an extended family gathering at the Crystal Springs Rhododendrum Garden doth make for a fabulous afternoon indeed.

Time.  It’s a funny thing.  Seems just a little bit ago I was throwing down with some pottery, Polterabend style, to celebrate Livia + Don’s wedding.

And a minute later, we’re talking in hushed whispers to keep from disturbing Luca + Luisa’s synchronized sleeping.

Many heartfelt congratulations to this wonderful family-who-just-went-from-2-to-4 in the blink of an eye!  I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to document both your growing love and your family.

And his name is Ethan.  And he looks just like his dad.  And has a super fly, laidback personality of his mom.

He’s one lucky kid.

Because Baby Ethan’s dad, who was my son’s much beloved kindergarten teacher, and is now T’s third grade teacher, has exercised more patience, compassion and love with my own little guy than I ever thought possible with a child who is not your own.  And especially, one who is very…enthusiastic about life.

I have SO much gratitude to the Plein family for not only allowing me to document their darling addition.  But for playing such a monumental role in my family’s life as well.

I had a great afternoon with this adorable family.  And as one would expect, their Boston Terrier stole the show.

A portrait of a family.  Who I have photographed every winter for the last five years and all of whom I very much love for the example they set to, pardon the use of an overused but very much applicable phrase, keep it real.

Earlier this year I did a photoshoot with the Scholes family that featured a Panama-Jack-meets-Oregon-rain theme at Jenkins Estate. We met again before the holidays for a more casual shoot, that included running a few UofO Duck’s better plays.

Bearing witness to the humor and love across three generations of a dedicated family, and the intimacy of a 60+ year marriage, left me with a lump in my throat.  And immense gratitude for my job.