I took these photographs of a my dear friend Janessa and her little 2-year old Roodie a couple months back. I believe the bond between her and Roodie may be one of the most beautiful expressions of love I’ve been able to document and know. As I was beginning to study the art of photography nearly 8 years ago Janessa was always there to photograph. She is probably one of the first people I photographed artistically, in fact. It’s a serious blessing to know this woman and be her friend. Much love Jan.
June, 2010 Monthly archive
Summer has finally swept into the northwest. Though as I write this the florescent glow of Seattle cloud cover dilates my eyes instead of sunshine, we did get several “true” summer weather days this week. I spent a few hours working in my garden yesterday (pictures to come) in the muggy hot weather loving nearly every moment of it.
A couple weeks back Brady and I drove up to Bellingham to visit our dear friends Eric and Jaren. It provided a much needed breath of fresh air from my busy and hectic schedule. I am so thankful for the moments when I can get away from my computer, Iphone, and everything that keeps my mind buzzing constantly with all the work I have to do to just take a break, and be light.
Eric foraged some nettles for dinner so we cooked up bow tie nettle pesto with walnuts (recipe below) and made nutty bread. After dinner we went on a perfect walk around quiet Bellingham as the sun was tucking into the skyline. The next morning we went to the Black Drop (very cute coffee shop in town) and later that night Brady and I shared a huge burrito at Casa Que Pasa. For both of us to eat and be absolutely stuffed it was something like $7. Needless to say, it was a great little weekend getaway. Thanks Eric and Jaren for welcoming us into your home and Bellingham!
Nettle Pesto:
6 cups fresh nettle, blanched in water for 1 minute
2 garlic cloves
1/3 cup walnuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Using a blender mix ingredients until a pesto consistency is achieved. Boil bow tie pasta and dress with nettle pesto. Make sure you use gloves when picking the nettles. After boiling the edibles they no longer can sting you.
Thanks to Lesile Williams at Wild Root Botanicals for the recipe!
Jess and Ryan might be one of the most easy-going couples I’ve ever worked with. Jess has an amazing talent and eye for design. When I walked through Jess and Ryan’s gorgeous craftsman-style home into the backyard to find an intimate garage-turned-barn with white wedding chairs on crisp green grass and tables with turquoise planters and little lime-colored shrubs all I could do was think, “If I ever get married I want….” As I climbed the stairs to the room where Jess was getting ready I met two beautiful brown and black dogs. After Ryan and Jess had their “first look” (Jess rounded the bottom of the stairs as Ryan turned to look over the couch, and a huge smile stretched across his face as he jumped up to kiss her) we set off for the beach in Everett and some spots around town for photos.
Jess and I see eye-to-eye in our love for vintage, textured backdrops. While driving to the beach we spotted the most perfect brick wall and decided we had to stop and take some impromptu photos there. The whole shoot was relaxed, funny and calm– as it should be! We cruised back to the house as family trickled into the back yard. The rest of the sunny and warm day was a simple, yet deeply meaningful tribute to Jess and Ryan’s love.
A quartet provided background ambiance as Jess walked down the aisle with her father. After the ceremony wine was poured and beer bottle caps twisted off. Friends, family and Ryan’s relatives from Chicago laughed and cried happy tears. It was a perfect afternoon, and I’m so glad I got to be there to document it. Thanks Ryan and Jess, you two are awesome.
