Eli & Emily

They’ve known each other for, technically, ever. And really, they were destined to be together from before they were born. With mothers who were college roommates and too many shared experiences to be considered coincidental, Eli and Emily were truly just meant to be. But with families in completely different parts of the state, for years Emily’s only memory of Eli was the annual Conlee family photo that came with each year’s Christmas card. So when Mrs. Conlee and Mrs. Blaylock saw one another across the room on the first day of their children’s college orientation, it was as if no time had passed at all... for the former college friends. For Eli and Emily, however, it was day one of a friendship that would last throughout the next four years and well into their post-university adventures. And while they would admit to finding one another ever so attractive, it was their friendship that had truly grown over college classes, backyard barbeques, and dinners initiated by the rekindled friendship of their mothers.

But all this changed last fall when the Conlee’s came to visit the Blaylocks. Emily had just moved home from a few years of living in Washington D.C. and something felt different, better, about her friendship with Eli. Fortunately for Emily, Eli was feeling the exact same thing. It didn’t take long to realize that all the while the past six years of friendship had been leading to a lifetime of love for these two.

Eli and Emily, ohmystars. I didn’t know I could love you any more. But then you go and plan this absolutely perfect engagement session and I find myself even more excited for your August wedding. Your smiles make me smile and I’m just so happy for you both. Thanks for letting me join you in this crazy beautiful adventure of falling in love, planning a wedding, and marrying your best friend!

Michelle

This light? It's the reward that comes to those few individuals who are willing to wake up 4:00am on a Sunday morning for their engagement session.

Eli designed Emily's ring himself. And then he patiently waited for four whole months for the ring to be completed before he would propose.

I love this session because Eli and Emily made a point of incorporating so many details that were important to their relationship. From sentimental books that they'd gifted to one another to cupcakes and bread that they made together, not a thing was included that didn't have meaning.

Kyle & Nikki

I think what I love most about their relationship is that Kyle and Nikki are so naturally happy together. They’re comfortable in their own goofy, silly, completely adorable skin, together. They’re also the type of couple who make documenting their love a painfully easy job. For one sunny afternoon last month I joined Kyle and Nikki among fields and vineyards and tree-lined cinder roads with Smith Rock as our backdrop. And as the sun set behind the Cascades {and bunnies from every direction hopped in and out of our pictures}, I found myself wondering if this was real life. A gorgeous couple in a breathtaking setting on a beautiful Central Oregon evening? I don’t think life gets much better...

Kyle and Nikki, I'm so honored to be shooting your wedding later this year at Broken Top. I know you well enough to know that you'll make a beautiful day with an incredible party. Leaving your guests to wish every wedding were equally as amazing!

Nikki, you are stunning...

Kyle was able to arrange VIP access to Ranch at the Canyons. While I grew up frequenting Smith Rock, this view was like no other. It left me feeling blessed for incredible couples who go the extra mile for their portrait sessions. And a special thank you goes to Jim, the kind man and developer of Ranch at the Canyons who so generously offered us his home and his property for these photos.