So it’s been a minute since I’ve blogged, and I made it part of my new years resolution to get back into blogging and consistently post to social media. And, well, I’m doing an okay job at one of those things but still have room for improvement. First and foremost, welcome to the new website! I hope you love it as much as I do.

I have been thinking about this blog post for quite some time. Pretty much since I took the photos. In September… Look, I know. It’s been like six months at this point and life has been so beautifully busy. A quick little tidbit and then I’ll get to the real stars of this blog. I started working with a couple mentors at the end of December and early January, and I’m back to taking classes again to really grow in my photography before wedding season hits. This year is expected to be a new record year for me, and you have no idea how ready I am for it. Needless to say, there has been quite a bit going on behind the scenes, but it’s already paying off.

Let’s get into it though, shall we? Keith and Camila. And their gorgeous PNW engagement session. And all their love. The end.

Just kidding.

But really though, the Pacific Northwest (I’m talking Washington, Oregon, Vancouver, you name it) has had a my heart since I first visited in 2016. The coasts, the mountains, the forests – they speak to my soul in a way that very few places on this earth (that I’ve visited) ever have. I feel like I can breathe there, and I feel completely at peace. And the delicious food and people and the overall love of nature and appreciation for the arts are a bonus, too.

In September, I flew out to Bellingham, Washington to photograph a couple engagement sessions, one of which was for my cousin Keith and his fiancé, Cami. I remember meeting Cami for the first time at the end of 2021 and instantly knew that she was Keith’s person (it was probably the batman balloons that she got for Keith that sold me). I absolutely adore her, and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect person for my cousin. They’re both magnificently weird and quirky and lovable and fun and truthfully their wedding can’t get here soon enough.

As you may have guessed it, I will be photographing their wedding in Vancouver this summer, and I think it’s going to be one of the most wild and incredible weddings I’ve ever photographed. I mean, we’re bringing together people from Missouri (mine and Keith’s family), people from Brazil (Cami’s family), and people from Vancouver (all their friends). And if that doesn’t sound like a party waiting to happen, I don’t know what is.

When Keith and Cami finally got engaged, I definitely put my name into the running for wedding photography, or at least to take their engagement photos. And I’m so glad I did. The laughter was contagious, the sunset was divine, and getting to hang out with not only them, but my brother and sister-in-law, as well, was the icing on the cake.

I always love sessions where the couple insists that they are awkward in front of the camera and don’t know what to do, then end up looking incredible. The thing is, something I pride myself in is the ability to make people feel at ease during their session, focusing on conversation and getting the in between moments. I want it to feel fun and authentic, not posed and stiff. And if breaking out into “My Heart Will Go On” while standing on the edge of a cliff and pretending like you’re flying, while the others nearby are just trying to look at the starfish in the water is what helps, then so be it. I promise you, I am here for the goofy moments. You should not be afraid to be 110% yourself around me.

Keith and Cami are the kind of people that just make you feel good. They bring light to every room they enter. They give the best hugs, and they always know how to make you laugh. I mean, I’m writing this while they’re currently in Brazil. Cami sent a video over this morning from one of their dinners, and long story short, I didn’t think it was possible to laugh so much over meat on a stick, but here we are.

All in all, I cherish the times I get to spend with my family in Washington and British Columbia. I find just about every excuse I can to get back out there and take pictures. I’ll be back in June for the big wedding, and I’m working on lining up a couple more shoots while I’m there, so stay tuned. Spring is just around the corner, and I’m loving this flower-like growth of my business. I can’t wait to see what else blooms this year!

With all the love and gratitude,

– Taylor