Since decorating the house for Christmas, working from home is so much more pleasant! At any time I can turn around and see a happily lit Christmas tree, and it just makes me smile. I love slowing down and savoring this season. This year I scheduled myself super lightly, without any holiday weddings...it's going to be an amazing season. Can't wait to spend time doing non-computer things like reading books, building fires, and seeing my family. Life is just so beautiful.

And speaking of beautiful, you really need to meet Anna and Garrett. :) Anna and I have actually been friends since...well forever! Anna is truly amazing; she's graceful and compassionate and just makes people feel at ease. I was honored and happy beyond anything that she and Garrett asked me to be their wedding photographer. They are planning a lovely June wedding, and we actually got to take some of their engagement photos on the site where they'll exchange vows! So happy! 

By the way, this is probably the longest post in the history of the CPJ blog! I couldn't narrow down favorites...loved them all! Strap in! :)

{below} So gorgeous, Anna! I did a little more processing than my usual style (including some texture layers! what do you think?) but I just can't get over how Anthro this image looks! I also have to share a little back-story with you: We were between shots when Anna noticed a bothersome weed and started to pull it--totally not posed--it looked just like this image below and was so beautiful that I suddenly was all, "OhMyGosh just KEEP doing that! It's perfect!!" (Remember? I told you she was graceful!) Anyway, so since we got an individual shot of her, I wanted one of Garrett too. What happened next pretty much made my week! He sat right down in the chair and mimicked Anna's graceful, girly pose EXACTLY. It was so awesome! And while I DID in fact snap a shot of it, I figure I'll let him decide whether or not he wants the world to see it...but just know...his awesome sense of humor was spot on!

 {below} I love the slight out of focus romance to this shot.

{below} YES! Anna raises chickens! When they mentioned taking some photos with them, and confidently waltzed into the pen, I hung back having visions of wild chickens trying to peck my eyes out (don't ask me why), but Anna and Garrett coaxed me in. Turns out, these chickens are amazing and really sweet (and pretty!). My eyes were totally safe. :)

{below} The Mustache. It doesn't get any better. Anna and Garrett, thanks for indulging me and being so much fun! :)

 

 

 

 

{below} I love the Fall color! Anna actually planned our session so that we'd hit the leaf color changing at it's peak! Perfect!

 

Anna and Garrett, oh I could just hug you two! It's so fun to be a part of this time in your lives. You both have such beautiful hearts, and your individual passions truly compliment each other. Your happiness at simply being together was so evident and inspiring. I hope you love your photos! I'm so looking forward to all that's coming up in the next year! Much love, Caroline

Cassy and I went through the HSU School of Education together, borrowing post-it notes from each other, and confusing one particular professor with our similar names, "Cassy" and "Casey." :)  After graduation, Cassy landed a job right off and is rocking her students' lives! Having gone through school with her, I know, she's a seriously amazing teacher!

I was beyond excited when she contacted me about engagement photos. I got even MORE excited when she mentioned they wanted to incorporate some airplanes into our shoot. And while editing these photos, I've just been on the edge of my chair with excitement, ready to show them to you! In fact, I really want to just stop rambling right now and let the photos speak for themselves. :)

Just in case you were wondering, airplanes make for REALLY cool photos. Scott's future career plans include flying, so we started our shoot on base. Oh, I just love these photos!

{below} delicious light, yes? :)

 

{below} Cassy wins the best shoes award! She brought the most amazing pairs of heels along for our shoot. In fact, their entire wardrobe ensembles were nothing short of perfect! 

 

{below} I don't think I could actually choose a single favorite out of this session, but something about the simplicity of these two really make my heart happy.

{below} Those planes are truly awe-inspiring when you get up near one! They are monstrously big.

{below} Cassy, you are so beautiful!

 

 

{below} i love this series! who would have thought that spinning could be so cool?

Cassy and Scott, I just love you guys! Thank you so much for the amazing airplane idea...it was brilliant. I hope these photos make you smile. :) I am so looking forward to your wedding!

I probably looked like a big dork, face half hidden by a camera, squinty other-eye showing, and a giant grin on my face. But I couldn't help but smile back at Megan and Jordan during their e-sesh. Seriously!? Happiest couple I've ever photographed. EVER. I managed to get that one serious shot a few scrolls down, but everything else--all smiles. I like couples like this. :)

We had the most gorgeous clear day for photos. I've been doing a lot of work with props, which is a total blast, but I also wanted to strip down to just pure romance for some of these. Oh sun flare, I really can't get enough of you. Oh, and check out Megan and Jordan's outfits! New poster couple on what to wear!

{below} We had a little fun with ice cream! I love this series.

{below} Something in this photo really speaks to me. It's serene, happy, and warm. I love how the sun caught Megan's hair and the little magical floaties in the field. Fav of the day.

Megan and Jordan, it was a delight to spend an afternoon with you two. Watching you interact throughout the shoot was such a blessing--you definitely have a beautiful future ahead. I loved catching up, talking about photography, and just having a blast on the most gorgeous day ever. Can't wait for your wedding! :)