I spent the weekend surrounded by love and laughter. The kind that makes your heart sing with happiness and burst with joy because in those moments, life is just simply beautiful. The sort that brings you peace and comfort when you see a dear friend find her rock, her soulmate, her partner-in-crime. The type that makes you giggle uncontrollably as you reminisce about life in the “dot com days” and the crazy experiences shared with one of your closest friends.

Laurie and I first met back in 1997 at Bidcom where we were set to “revolutionize” the construction industry and “change the world”. Ha! Erich likes to remind me (make fun?) of how seriously I used to take that job and what a workaholic I was in those days. I have to admit, he was right. At that stage in my life, the scales were tipped – ridiculously! – more toward the “work” than the “balance” side of the equation. But fortunately for me, I worked with/for Laurie and that made going to work rewarding and fun.

And while we are no longer find ourselves huddled together on the 27th floor of a San Francisco high rise, I did get the chance to work for her again. This time as her photographer. What fun! And the best part? Not only did I get to photograph her and her adorable son and daughter, but I also got to celebrate her recent engagement!! This weekend’s shoot in Portland included meeting and photographing her fantastic fiance and his sweet children as well. It was so awesome to see how their two families already functioned as one. One full of love and laughter. LOTS of it.

Laurie & Rob, thank you for an amazing weekend in Portland and Black Butte Ranch. It was the perfect backdrop for our session and a wonderful place for me to get to know Rob and the kids. I will forever associate the beauty of that place with the beauty of your families!!

I had a tough time choosing which images to blog but I hope the following gives you an idea of what’s to come. I’ll be in touch soon! xoxo

You know it’s gonna be a good session when this is the first image you capture:

I love this guy!

Big sis, Mia, showed me her secret hideaway attic. Her artwork graces the unfinished walls and makes the space so personal and cozy.

Laurie and the kids – love it!

Remember the love and laughter I mentioned? Introducing Exhibit A:

Brothers-to-be, already best buddies.

A few swimming shots I just had to post. Look at these EYES! Gorgeous.

Rob and his kiddos are kind of photogenic, don’t ya think?

And the reason these families are merging: Laurie and Rob. In love.

A mutual friend thought they’d be perfect for each other. And while it may have taken A&B days … weeks … maybe even months(!) to finally get out on their first date, their mutual friend had the right idea. Once A&B got together, there was no looking back. They were were meant to be. Meant to be together. Meant to be engaged. Meant to be married. And soon, they will be! With a San Francisco wedding date set for March 2010, these two were ready to check engagement photos off their long list of wedding to-do’s.

When B first approached me about taking their photos, I was positive she wasn’t serious about the proposition. But on the off chance she was, I think I probably ran away scared. After all, I photograph children and families and pets (you know, subjects that run a zillion miles an hour doing the exact opposite of what I want them to do), not grown-up adults who seek and crave instructions on how and where to pose …! But as we continued talking, it actually started to sound like a good idea. After a couple of emails, we were set! My official debut as an engagement session photographer was in the works. And just as A&B were meant to be, perhaps adding engagement sessions to my repertoire was also meant to be.

A&B: You guys are SO awesome for hiring me to take your engagement photos. As your friend, I had an amazing time photographing you and capturing your love and affection. As your photographer, I felt incredibly challenged and excited for the opportunity to push myself in terms of creativity and vision. What a rewarding and FUN session. Thank you guys for having so much faith in me and my talents. I loved every aspect of our time together and now know that I would love to do this type of session again. Any takers??

OK. So I’ll get on with it. I know you guys are excited to see the fruits of our labor.

We began at the Palace of Fine Arts.

What a beautiful couple!

I am in love with this image.

Am loving this series:

Oh, I love this one, too … I know, I’m starting to sound like a broken record, huh?

It was really important to B that we get some great shots with the Golden Gate Bridge. I hope we’ll find a few to meet her expectations.

The time we spent at the beach was incredible. Not only did we have the beautiful backdrop of the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge (on a clear sunny day!), but we also had an awesome display of marine life before us. There were pelicans, seals and dolphin … a ton of them! They were everywhere – so playful and cool. Breathtaking and surreal. Made for an incredible and memorable visit to the beach.