Mothers, you are so beautiful ..... so very, very beautiful. For this mother's day, I hope you are showered in love, laughter, and baby kisses. Enjoy your special day! xoxoxo 

Photographer: Wendi Parriera

So much happiness! Steve and Julie's wedding day at the Hollywood School House in Woodinville could not have been more beautiful. We feel blessed to be a part of this union in Christ. Best wishes Steve and Julie as you begin your married life:) Photographers Jodi Van Straalen, Wendi Parriera and Megan VandenHeuvel.

Aria's new BFF just arrived. Love you sweet Ava.

The sun came out and Waylon is 6 months old! Don't you just love his smile? Sister Lyla provided some extra entertainment;) I love my snapsister Stephanie and her sweet family! Photographer: jodi van straalen

This fun stylized shoot was thought up while thrifting with my good friend and cousin Dana. We both love all things vintage and a great bargain;) The darling girl in the photo's is Dana's daughter Lena. She is my favorite 12 year old girl.  Dana writes a blog packed with good information about body image and so much more. I asked her to be a guest writer for this post because where I have a picture she has a thousand words!

Find her at Rebellious Beauty.com

Vintage... What is Vintage? I have always loved it. But really what is it? What did it mean? What did it stand for? As I was contemplating this thought. I decided to look it up in the Dictionary. Only to find, quite interestingly, that it denotes it as a ‘Time that something of quality was produced.'

Quality of what? Quality of Products? Quality of Relationships? Quality of Style and Individually? Quality of Life? But I think it is more then that... Back into a time when America was coming out of the depression. Women were going back in the homes. Factories were filled with hard working men. Children were promised the American Dream that filled their hearts and minds with wonder. Individuals strived for adventure in hard work and ambition, as to also give their children things they could only dream of that they never had as a child.

Although there are some negative and positives of every generation. Let us focus on the positives. A favorable mention from times of old. When the American Dream was building your own business and providing for your family. When wives were honored as dedicated women and provided love and support to their families. When women dressed classy and modestly was favorable.

What Jodi Van Straalen grasps in these photos of me, is an appreciation of times of refinement. When mothers were proud to be mothers. Shocking I know. But think about it. How many mothers are grasping to be young children or teenagers. To instead, ditch the trend and be confident as grown women. To grasp and hold onto the age that we are and to enjoy the growth of womanhood. To wear bold red lipstick, and hats of sophistication b/c we are women. Bold and proud. We are no longer little girls. Nor do we desire to be. And let the children, be children.

What Jodi Van Straalen grasps in these photos of my 12 year old daughter, is an appreciation of the youth and innocence of a child. When kids could be kids without the pressures of sexualization and objectification. When little girls could twirl and think of the future to come. Portraying the possibility to have and to hold their own future that was full of love, respect, and adventure. With the world at their fingertips.

So many poses of little girls today cross the lines of seductiveness. Lollypops and black lace. Mixing the realms of women and children. Poses that stress the availability of children’s young sexual innocence. When little girls have to pout their lips and try to look 20. What I love most about the shoot, is that Jodi encouraged my daughter to be young and happy, to skip and have fun. Jodi put her in poses grasp the age that she is, and to enjoy it. Imitating the 1950‘s both in dress and poses. Resembling a time when a child was a child. Resembling a time when a woman was a woman. Resembling a time when things were as they should be. Resembling a time that something of quality was produced. But then we are back to what it means for something to be Vintage. But I guess, that is the point. Isn’t it. And that is what I love about it... Written by Dana Parriera

It was fun in the sun with these two love birds. I think they forgot I was there! Thanks for making my job so fun Isaac and Jaclyn! {part II of this love story coming soon}  Photographer: Jodi Van Straalen

First post in a series. Wedding details: Venue: The Hollywood Schoolhouse, Woodinville WA Catering: Frank Pantoja, The Hollywood Schoolhouse Flowers: Blossoms, Lynden WA (Bride and Groom's Flowers) DIY (Bridal Party Flowers) Cupcakes: PinkaBella Cupcakes Dress: Justin Alexander, Designer. Alicia's Bridal Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse Bridal Hair/Make-up: Lindsay Tinklenberg and Meagan Smit Music: The Harberton String Quartet

They grow so fast that first year and change so much. Capturing them every few months is so important. Join our baby club today. Loving the heirloom cradle that belonged to Emily's great grandmother. Leilani you are a precious gift from God! Love you!

Look like fun? Well it is! Thank you so much for another year of blessings:)

Happy Birthday miss Myriam!

We just love babies!  Thank you Everett and big sister Charlotte for being such great kiddos.  

Because bribery works there is a red sucker in most of the pics;)  Colton the little whippersnapper kept us moving!   This was a sweet shoot and the light could not have been better.  I just admire Whitney's love for her family and her horses.  And she has her own side business as a makeup artist.  Check her out at sassafrass beauty design.   She does a great job!

Jeremy and Steph we couldn't be happier about your new little guy!  Congrats and hugs!