Ben + Brooke

It's impossible to spend even one minute with Ben + Brooke without laughing. They have this zany zest for life that seems to overflow into every detail of conversation. They're excited about wedding planning and Portland living and their adorable pup, Sadie. And while their joy is addicting, the most wonderful part of it all is that beneath the layers of laughter and happiness and smiles, nothing compares to the love they have for one another. I was honored to get to spend the afternoon at Brooke's family cabin near Mt. Hood where we were able to capture this sweet season of life beneath towering trees and the fresh crisp air of the Cascades. Brooklynnnn, what would I do without you?! You exude life's joy and I hope you know just how blessed I feel to get to be your wedding photographer. Anytime a bride becomes a friend I feel like the richest, luckiest, most special wedding photographer in the world. I hope it goes without saying that you have absolutely become a friend to me. And Ben, thank you for loving this lady with all of you. I can't wait to watch you two say I Do in just a few short months!!!

M.

I would be remiss if I didn't send a huge thank-you to Nicole Wagner of Powder Inc. Makeup in Portland for working her magic on Brooke. Brooke is gorgeous as is, but Nicole is a true artist and did an incredible job of allowing Brooke's most naturally gorgeous self to show through for engagement photos.

After leaving the picturesque views of Trillium Lake we completely changed scenes for a little cuddling in the woods. I've already given Brooke fair warning that at any time she might find Colton and I trying to sneak in to the cabin for a weekend getaway.

Maybe I have just a small, tiny, teensy (read enormous) bit of ring lust over Brooke's bling.

Bo + Griselda

There were a million things that made me love Griselda from the start. Namely, she’s sweeter-than-sweet and can’t help but smile her big, gorgeous smile when talking about her kinder-than-kind fiancé, Bo. But after meeting for coffee and hearing all about her January wedding, what really struck me as wonderful was just how important family portraits are to Griselda and Bo. In this wedding world it’s so easy to be overwhelmed with table settings and flower arrangements and bridesmaid’s dresses. Hearing Griselda talk about how meaningful it would be to document her family was like breathing a big deep breath of crisp fresh air. People who love their families? They are my favorite.

Bo and Griselda, I know you were nervous about having your pictures taken but really!!! let it be known that you had absolutely nothing to worry about. You’re beautiful people whose gorgeous smiles are rivaled only by your love for each other. Your ability to laugh with one another and the way you’re so comfortably comfortable together is a joy to be around. Thank you for allowing me the honor of documenting your engagement and your wedding and this crazy exciting season of lives. Your trust means the world to me and I cannot thank you enough for letting me be a small part of this adventure. I hope you love your photos just as much as I loved walking through the hills of San Clemente with you. I can’t even wait for January!!

M.

Ryan + Jenn

I’m being honest when I say you can tell a lot about a couple from their engagement session. I had never met Ryan or Jenn and yet from our dozens of emails exchanged I felt like we’d known each other for months. While I thought I was already excited for their October wedding at Brasada Ranch, spending the afternoon with these two made me realize just how thrilled I am to get to be documenting their big day. They’re kind, funny, gorgeous people who love each other with every last fiber of their being. True to Central Oregon form, in the 48 hours leading up to our session I sent Jenn three emails regarding the weather. Our forecast went from 78 and sunny to 52 and cloudy to 68 with violent thunderstorms. Truth be told, I gave up checking the weather report around 10 the morning of our shoot. Despite the completely unpredictable conditions, Ryan + Jenn were all smiles when we met at Smith Rock State Park. They so graciously laughed at my completely lame and ridiculous jokes and were even up for trekking down the steep and dusty path to the Deschutes River in order to find the perfect spot for photos. Couples like this are what make me the luckiest wedding photographer in the world!

Ryan + Jenn, ahhhhhh I can’t wait for October! If you could do your best to make these next few months fly by, I would be so appreciative : ). Many, many thanks for adventuring across town with me as I captured your beautiful smiles. I’m so happy this is just the beginning of our time working together!

M.

A million thank-you's to Kate Tuma for allowing Jenn's most naturally gorgeous self to shine through. Kate's a genius with hair + make-up and I'm thrilled to get to be working with her on so many weddings this summer.

After spending way too much time at Smith Rock (it was my fault, I couldn't stop taking pictures!) we made our way to Brasada Ranch to finish up the session. That big red barn?! It's where Ryan + Jenn will be saying I Do this fall!!