A Holiday Homecoming | NAS Whidbey Island Homecoming Photographer

Can you imagine leaving behind your baby girl – your first-born – just a few months after her birth to go halfway across the world and do your job? That’s just what Jeff did – what thousands of brave men and women do every year. But last week Jeff came home. Home to his loving, caring wife Ashley. Home to his beautiful, not-so-little baby girl.

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A Thanksgiving Wedding on Whidbey Island | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

Margaux and Kyle wanted to have family and friends over for Thanksgiving. So they rented a cozy cabin by the sea, invited 30 of their loved ones from across the country, and had an amazing holiday eating, sharing, laughing, and playing. And the next day they got hitched.

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Fall Family Session at the Beach | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

2016 has been pretty amazing in my book. It’s been one of my toughest, hardest years in terms of work and life balance, but has also been my biggest year of growth in my business. I finally feel like I’m coming into my own style and have dream clients for each and every session who understand my vision and let me gently guide them through our time together. They have fun, I have fun – it’s a win-win!

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Romantic Couples Session at Deception Pass State Park | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

Wow, you guys. Brooke and Isaac totally brought it to their couples session at Deception Pass State Park. These two are one of the sweetest couples I have ever met. Amazing pup-parents to the adorable Flynn, check. Ridiculously good-looking, check. Crazy in love - without a doubt.

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Eight Reasons to Love | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

The Thompson family gave me all the feels as we met to document three generations of love and laughter at Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey Island, WA. I was lucky enough to document Leslie’s gorgeous belly in a windy maternity session as she and Kyle awaited the arrival of their precious son, Luke. 

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Fall Family Session at Deception Pass | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

This sweet family drove up from Lake Stevens for their session, and we had a gorgeous, warm night to play and explore Deception Pass State Park. It was actually so sunny that we had some time to kill, so we had a picnic and just got to know each other as the kids downed some fuel for our adventures. The kiddos were so well-behaved and so easy to work with – and how cute are they?! This was definitely one of those sessions that was more fun than work for me.

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Byrd Family Homecoming | NAS Whidbey Island Homecoming Photographer

This beautiful, amazing family had so much to celebrate this week. Not only was daddy coming home after a lengthy deployment, but this was also the end of their time in Whidbey before starting a new tour. A shore tour. A few years at home. A chance to be there for all the moments that matter. Like the birth of baby sister Olivia, due in December.

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A Sunset Family Session at Fort Ebey | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

This session gives me allllll the feels. First of all – I absolutely love me some Mary. She was one of the first photographer friends I made on Whidbey, and is always there to talk shop or boost me up when I need encouragement or insight. And she is such an amazing mama, putting her beautiful boys first in all things. My girls have become quite found of the charming Mr. Finn, who is as sweet as he is adorable. So naturally when I found out this amazing family was moving to Japan, I was so happy for them – but so sad for myself! One of the hard truths of military life is that most of the amazing people you are lucky enough to know are not in your lives for very long.

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Kara Chappell
Sunset Anniversary Session in Coupeville | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

Annie and John-Paul recently celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary with a trip to Washington. Luckily for me, they made a stop in Coupeville to spend a few days relaxing Whidbey Island-style. These two quickly won me over with their sweet demeanor and genuine, positive outlook on life and marriage.

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A Day on the Farm | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

The Thompson family recently started a new chapter in a new home. A home that comes with space for their boys to run. A home for throwing leaves and chasing chickens and riding horses. A home with a view. And a soul.

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A Romantic Couples Session in the Woods | Whidbey Island, WA Engagement Photographer

When Katie contacted me about a couples session, I was instantly giddy (and a little nervous, if I'm being honest). I don't shoot a ton of couples-only sessions, but after this amazing night, I might just be changing my tune. Since Katie is also a photographer (check out her beautiful work here), I knew I wanted to knock it out of the park for her and Brad. And man, we got a gorgeous night. A beautiful sun filtering through the trees? Check. A gorgeous, soft sunset that matched the colors of Katie's dress to perfection? Check. But the number one reason I'm oohing and ahhing over each image in this gallery? The two lovebirds below.

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Washington Beach Sunset Session | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

This family is one of my faves, for sure. They are fun, silly, and an absolute joy to be around. I've been blessed to know Amanda for over a year now, and every time I'm around her, I just feel better. You know those people who just keep it real and help you laugh at the small stuff? Yep, she's the best.

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Baby Ike Turns One | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

I absolutely loved taking this sweet family's portraits last week at Deception Pass State Park. Clearly the star of the show was 12-month old Ike, whose cheeks were so squishable I seriously had to hold myself back. The Kuhnert's are starting a new chapter of their life here on Whidbey, and what a great way to mark the milestone (and Ike's first birthday) by getting some fresh pictures for their new walls.

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Neighbors and Friends | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

Not only are Carly and Tadd awesome neighbors, but they're also Kansas Jayhawks - so you know they're cool. ;) We had been trying to find a gorgeous night for their family's session, and between rainy days and a broken baby leg (poor guy!), we finally hit the jackpot and picked the perfect evening. Washington summer nights really spoil us, and this night was no different. We had a gorgeous sunset to work with and the perfect mixture of sun and clouds. What a stunning backdrop to showcase how much this family loves each other!

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Getting in the Frame | Anacortes, WA Family Photographer

Working with the Moeser family was really a dream for me. Not only did I get to work with a photographer who has been a mentor of sorts to me over the past two years, but I got the chance to put HER in the frame. As photographers, we do a pretty good job of documenting our children's lives, but we never get in the frame as much as we'd like to. We cherish photos created that show the love and connection between others, but we don't often have enough showing our love for and by our people.

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Maternity Beach Session | Whidbey Island, WA Maternity Photographer

When Kelly contacted me and asked if she and Paul could come up from Seattle for a maternity session on Whidbey Island, I jumped at the chance. Kelly and I were sorority sisters at the University of Kansas, but haven't seen each other in years. It was such a pleasure to catch up over dinner and meet each other's families before heading out for a gorgeous sunset session.

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A Happy Little Family | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

It was almost a year ago (to the date) when I first met Sarah and Troy for their gorgeous maternity session. They were new to the area, settling in and waiting for Troy to deploy - all while expecting their first baby. Military life throws a lot at you, but you learn to adapt and look for the best when you're apart. Because being together makes it all worth it.

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Military Family Sunset Session | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

In the Carmona family, both mom AND dad serve in the military. How they juggle the demands of two Navy careers alongside raising three sweet, thriving children - I'll never know. It honestly leaves me in awe and admiration. The time they spend together is never taken for granted. They laugh, play, and have SO much fun together! It was such a joy to capture their love for each other.

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Washington Beach Maternity Portrait Session | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

This beautiful mama's session was such a dream come true for me. The perfect night, a gorgeous sunset, and the most beautiful, glowing mother all came together for a magical maternity session at Deception Pass State Park.

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Fort Casey State Park Family Sunset Session | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

This family is too special for words. (But I'll try).When I first met Amy, I had numerous friends across the country (thanks Facebook!) tell me how awesome she was and what a special person she was. And now I've gotten to see it for myself. Whether at squadron events, through our MOPS chapter, or at our Ukuladies practice (which full disclosure - I'm mostly in for the scones), it's just a joy to be around her.

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