Sam and Danielle {Tillamook Wedding}

Honestly, I don't even know how to begin this post.  I have typed, backspaced, backspaced, backspaced, and backspaced a thousand times more.  It's not that it's a hard post- it shouldn't be anyway!  I feel I have really gotten to know these two families so well, maybe I just want everything to be so perfect that I have just piled on the pressure.

You have to understand though how wonderful these two families are.  In order for you to understand I would have to write a bit of a novel here which is so not what you are here for.  Or you could have attended the ceremony and received a glimpse of just how special a love these two have- Grandpa Ted's speech said it oh so well.  Or you could have hung around for the thank yous that each family shared with one another at the reception- you just sensed that they came straight from the heart.   I know, I know, you come for the beautiful images not my opinion of every single client but, let me just say that these two families have become dear to me and I only wish them the very best. 

With all that said, Sam and Dani; thank you so much for being genuinely kind, thoughtful and all around a joy to work with.  Thank you for choosing me to capture your day, it was a true honor.  I hope you enjoy this little sneak peek, you were both stunning and I think it was just a glow that resonated from your hearts as you both have a thing I like to call 'heart beauty'.  Above all things, may you never loose that!

~Xiomara

Dodge Family {Tillamook Family Photographer}

This blog post goes out to the Dodge Family.  It was wonderful meeting you even for a small amount of time. Thank you for taking the time out of your little get away to meet with me and create some wonderful keepsakes. I hope you enjoy this little sneak peek! 

Family Portraits {Oregon Coast Photographer}

Erik, Jayme, Ti and Casey: thank you for sharing your special time with me.  I know these will mean a lot to you to have a family portrait where you are all together finally but it was really my pleasure capturing these and I was so touched that you would involve me in this wonderful memory. 

{commercial photography}

La Commercial Bakery. 

To say this summer has been crazy is an understatement.  Like most moms I have a to-do list that is miles long.  Every once in awhile it all adds up and I start loosing it.  I start forgetting things; like calling my in laws when I said I would (sorry Rick), or forgetting to write a friend (sorry Steph, I just remembered so I will write you as soon as I hit post.... promise!).  Or like last week, forgetting that I had a doctor's appointment only to show up late and be forced to schedule for another day. ugh! 

So here I was all tense to make an appointment only to have it cancelled and then realizing that I now had two hours to waste before the next appointment I had scheduled.  I debated going home but that would mean a 20 minute commute both ways.  That seemed like a ridiculous notion so I turned up the music and drove north thinking, "I'll waste my time at Freddy's" If you are not from Tillamook, you probably have no idea that Fred Meyers is practically the only store in town that would resemble a mall.  Yes, that is my sad dilemma when I am desperate for a shoe fix but I digress.

So I drove north only to spot a "doughnuts" sign.  That is when my right foot and hands became in sync like it was fate when they turned the car into the Northport plaza parking lot. I followed obediently.  "So what if I had stopped running during vacation, I could still indulge a little", I told myself.  To further convince my feet to walk up the steps I decided I was there for my kiddos.  They love doughnuts and would greet me with hugs and kisses and a mother of the year award once they saw I brought them their favorite goodies.  This was enough to convince me so I walked in.  I was not prepared for what my eyes saw;

Pan Dulce (Mexican sweet bread).  Conchas, Cuernos, yoyos, churos, and variety after variety of sweet bread.  I started piling my loot into a pastry tray. I then stepped up to the counter only to meet the owners. We started chatting and she encouraged me to practice Spanish. I rolled my R's and slowed my speech.  we talked and all I wanted to know was how long they have been there (and frankly why didn't I know about this jewel in Tillamook county!).  She told me about her lunch menu, what the locals love to get at 5am when the doughnuts are fresh, and she kindly told me about each pastry she makes including her famous Tres Leches Cake. Then I found out they had FLAN!  I started to finish my purchase only I remembered oh, yeah, I should probably get those doughnuts for the kids.  I do want to earn my mother of the year award after all :)

Long story short- yeah, right you say. Trust me; this is short for me.

AMAZING, authentic Pan Dulce. Wonderful friendly people!

Locks of L♥ve

It took almost a full 18 months for her to grow her hair out again.  Josh and I enjoyed seeing Naomi in her little pig tails as she ran ahead of us on numerous occasions, each piggy going up and coming back down in sync with her steps.  On many of those occasions Josh would turn to me and say just how cute he thought she was.  Then came the time when I could braid her hair in two sweet looking french braids on each side.  I think those were my favorite.  Then Josh joined in and started braiding her hair.  He couldn't master the french braid but he master what Naomi called her "daddy braids".  No.no.  Now that I think about it these were my favorite. 

Of course Naomi's hair will grown back again and hopefully she will let us do all those fun styles again....but then again maybe not-afterall she is our big seven year old now! We are unsure if she will decide to donate once again to Locks of L♥ve as it did take her a "looooong time"  (You can insert the whiny 6 year old tone here).  But we are proud of her none the less for selflessly giving of herself to children who need her assistance.   Her first donation was a bit different when I hesitated and didn't want her to loose all that beautiful hair but she was adamant and talked me into it.  Guilted me into it, really, when she mentioned the sweet children that would benefit fromm it.   This time around Josh and I were both supportive of her decision to share her hair with children that are in need.  And we stand with pride as she, already at seven can see that it's about giving away-- not hoarding. 

Special thanks to Shear-Bliss-Salon for the beautiful short style and for helping with Naomi's wish to share. 

 MJ, I am honored to have captured these for you- thank you for that but more importantly thank you for serving for my benefit and those that I love dearly.  I cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for you and all the other military men and women who serve us every day, and for their families who also sacrifice so much all to ensure my freedom and safety. Please know I've added you to my prayer list and trust God's grace, peace, truth and love will guide your way.  

Farther than lands you have ever imagined     Deeper than even the oceans of blue

An open horizon is waiting like morning     Waking the dreamer who's living in you

So now go with the wind at your back      And the sun on your face

With a song in your heart     And the promise of grace

Go in peace and in truth     And let love lead your way

Go with God   -Carolyn Arends

Pacific City Photographer

She is known for her gentle spirit, tenderness towards others and a graceful strength.  He is a strong leader able to reach out to people of all ages.  Both have such wisdom and strength that can only be credited to Christ and the work he has done in their lives.  Theirs is a wonderful story of faithfulness, gentleness and following God where He calls them to go.  Mark and Bonnie; I sincerely admire you and know I'm not alone.  You exemplify what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus as you have faithfully ministered to this community.  We will miss you dearly but we smile as you go, knowing you go with God. 

Tillamook Wedding Photographer

I have to confess that I have been dying to share these images with you.  I have done many weddings but this one just blew me away.  The fun details, the way everything was presented beautifully and yet fun.  Classy and yet so tillamook-ish!  Sadie and Ryan, thank you again- you were amazing to work with!    ~Xiomara

Second Photographer: Maricar Fernandez

Florist: Anderson's Florist

Hair and Make-up: Shear Bliss Salon

Reception: Tillamook County Fair Grounds

DJ: Mike Bently

Bridal wear: Ania Bridal

Groom's wear: Diamond Art

Catering: Vance Rodrigues

Cake and Wedding Planning: Kathy Maffin

Tillamook Family Photographer

It has been 2 weeks since my last post.  I have been MIA- so sorry friends.  I am back though, at least I hope I can post more this week.  But for today I wanted to share with you a collage for the Jenck Family.  This is my third time working with this wonderful family AND I get to work with them again in 8 weeks when Christina and Pat tie the knot so you will be seeing more of them soon. But for now, just a little sneak peek.

Erica {2011 High School Senior}

Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to Erica.  The word "sweet" just doesn't even cut it when I try to describe her gentle spirit.  Daughter of wonderful Village Missions pastors; I think being raised in the ministry has affected her in wonderful ways.  Often times us pastors will hear things like "well, you know those pastor's kids ...." as people shake their heads in disapproval.  I'll tell you that as a pastor's wife, one can get very discouraged.  But Erica and her family are examples of what faithfulness and the persuit of holiness will do for a family and the children involved.  

Now time for the images......Erica has been waiting a whole 6 days to see a sneak peek!- more than most High School Seniors ever have to wait with me.  So for that I am truely sorry Erica.  I'll try to make it up to you:  When you get 20 comments you will receive an 8x10 linen print. 50 comments and you will receive two 8x10 OR a 16x20 wall print.

Help her out folks but PLEASE SIGN your comments.

Ryan and Sadie {Tillamook Wedding Photography}

Zebra print, Feathers, tractors, hay and a barn.  The perfect combination of Ryan and Sadie.  I had the privilege of meeting this young couple a year ago and have watched as they waited in anticipation of this beautiful day. Last year Ryan showed me around several of his family's barns and I instantly fell in love with this beauty.  We used this location for their engagement session and it seemed fitting to work at this beautiful location again on the wedding day.  The only exception; added flair!  

Be prepared for image overload- it was just too hard not to share some of my favorites from the day.  Now without further adieu ladies and gentleman, I give you Ryan and Sadie.

Ryan and Sadie, I pray God would bless your marriage and family richly ~Xiomara

Tillamook June Dairy Parade

Marching bands, candy being thrown at the crowd, royalty floats and the American flag.  All things you expect at a summer parade.  This however is the Tillamook June Dairy Parade with it's own Tillamook flair.  Royalty on horses, antique tractors, Pig n Ford Racing cars, The county cow(bus) complete with cow bell being pulled by a gal, The oyster shooters rocking out on top a flatbed, Tillamook Cheese and Werner Meat Sticks being thrown along with the candy- after all us parents want some goodies too! 

Casey and Rick {Tillamook Wedding}

Guided by her father after arriving in a 55 Chevy she walks towards the love of her life.  They meet under the maple tree outside his parents' home as their closest family and friends witnessed this joyous occasion;  the long anticipated union between Casey and Rick.  Today we celebrate you!

Thank you both for allowing me to be a part of your celebration.  May God bless your marriage and family.

~Xiomara