What a fun family. Brian and Kristen have an incredible chemistry with both of their kids. These photos are what I like to call, “Distinctly Eastland.”

Like I said, “Distinctly Eastland.”

Sunlight filtering through leaves has always been a favorite subject of mine. The photo above shows why. I love how the sunlight reveals the inner structures of the leaves that are normally hidden from us and seemingly creates new, unseen worlds to explore.

Wouldn’t you know it, trekking down to the beach to photograph the sunset yielded some great magic hour opportunities with the sweeping fields over at discovery park. A little overexposure here and there never hurt anyone, right?

Sometimes, you’ve just to do what it takes to get the shot. Recipe for success: hop a fence and crouch on the ground in the freezing wind while looking forward to a mile and a half walk back to the car through the woods in the dark. Check. There you have it, some of my favorite photographs of the season. I really am looking forward to sharing more and more with you in the coming months. Hopefully we’ll have a little snow up here this winter to star in a coming winter series.

Such a great couple deserves a great wedding location. The arboretum really came out and put on a good show with perfect weather singing backup.

Likewise, a beautiful bride needs her beautiful bridesmaids. Well done, ladies. You look absolutely lovely.

Drew and the boys came out and put on a pretty good show themselves. Lookin’ good, fellas.

The ceremony was just great…

…and the party wasn’t bad, either.

Of course, what wedding blog would be complete without the obligatory glamour shot of the dress.

Kalin and Drew, thank you both so very much for letting me share your special day. I had a wonderful time recording it and I hope these photographs bring you as much joy as they do me. I’m looking forward to the next time I can make it down to Portland to see the two of you again.

 Live, interactive, painting featuring the talents of Shannon and Rachel Smith.

Craft brewed beer from the Burdick Brewery was featured including Max’s own IPA as well as his German and Northwest style Pale Ales. I love how diversely talented my friends are. I am truly blessed to be a part of this group.

 The always stirring poetic stylings of Mr. Steven J Wilbur

Also featured were the dance stylings of Donna B. Isobel who improvised a piece using the crowd as both stage and set.

Of course, the night wouldn’t have been complete without an appearance from Curtis and Grace Romjue (and Harper of course) of Seattle’s own Jubilee, Peter Ortblad, spoken word by Ben Drum, and music from the talented Brent Egbert.

So Amy, with all that said and shown, I guess that it’s time to say so long, ciao, farewell, adios, adieu, cheerio, godspeed, and till we meet again; but I will not say goodbye. See you soon.

For more information on SERVE:Project, visit Antioch Missions International.

 You’ve got to love the gum wall at Pike Place. It’s beautiful and gross at the same time. I love theses colors.

You’ve got to love working with couples this fantastic.

Well you two, Seattle misses you both terribly. Mosaic misses you terribly. I miss you terribly and can’t wait to come down to San Diego and visit the two of you.

Amy put’s together a great table. It’s amazing what a few levels of cupcakes and a mason jar of Gerber Daisies can do to tie everything together.

Little Miss Norah has got some of the greatest expressions. What a cutie.

Even little Ella Eastland made a sleepy appearance along with her big brother Judah.

Some of the guests were more well-behaved than others. Heep your hands to yourself. Mike.

What in the world could that be?

Chocolate!

Watch your toys carefully, Norah, I think your mom may be more excited about these sweet nesting puppets from Amy Oates than you are. Make sure they don’t walk off on you.

Well, Norah, it was a pleasure and a privilege photographing your first birthday party ever! Thank you again, Dan and Amy, for asking me to be part of such a beautiful and fun day.

Magical things happen when you roll up to a party with a backdrop, a couple of lights, a bunch of costumes and props, and a fun-loving attitude. These signs are a new addition to my arsenal and they’ve been a big hit with the crowds.

This is just a taste of what is to come. Look for the rest of the shoot in the coming days on Facebook.

There you have it, friends. This ends my photos of the happy couple. We asked another photographer to cover the ceremony itself so I could enjoy it and be involved and present through the entire thing. All the same, stay tuned for some photos of the little details that were so carefully tended to by Alexa Smith and her small army of volunteers in order to transform the house into a wedding paradise as well as a few other gems of my beautiful baby sister.

If you’ve never heard of a first look, it’s when the bride and groom agree to see one another before the ceremony. It gives them a chance to soak in one another and to allow both emotions and tears to flow freely in private. It’s a wonderful thing to behold that not many people are privileged to witness. I’ll let the photos do the rest of the speaking.

Well, friends, we’re one step closer. Stay tuned for a few more shots of the first look as well as a couple of portraits in the next day or two.