I’m back! From where? Oh yes, I forgot to tell you … I’ve just spent an utterly glorious week in Hawaii for a wedding and some dress-trashing … and a little vacation too. After a week of 80 degrees and warmer, it’s a little tough to come back to Seattle, but I’ll be off to sunny Las Vegas on Wednesday, so I’m not feeling too bad about it!

The day before I left for Hawaii, I had a last-minute engagement session with Natalie and Scott who had themselves just returned to the gray skies of Seattle from Mexico (where they will be getting married later this year). I met up with Natalie, Scott and their doggy Tess (you may recognize them from one of my 2007 family portrait sessions) at Carkeek Park for some dog-romping photos on the beach and railway lines. It wasn’t the best weather, but we managed to avoid rain, and I have to admit that I really quite like the soft glowing skin you get when there’s no direct sunlight.

After an hour or so playing at Carkeek, Natalie and Scott dropped Tess off at home and we met again in Ballard. I’ve actually never photographed there before, and after seeing all the cool walls and signs and sculptures, I’m excited to head back there later this spring. My favorite photos have to be from our break at Cupcake Royale & Cafe Verite – especially the shot of Natalie’s ring submerged in yummy icing!

Thanks Natalie & Scott for being great sports, and see you in October!