max & sam photoblog

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Joe & Martella - SF Engagement

It's November, but somehow, magically, we're busier shooting than ever.  Just wrapped up a weekend on the Berkeley hills shooting with our most favorite partner ever, Grace Havlak.  Joe & Martella wed on a beautiful day at the Brazil Room at the Tilden Regional Park.  Those pictures will come later, but here's a look back at the engagement shoot we did with them a little while back.  

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Miller Family: Lake Washington Boulevard Park

If you haven't been able sense this yet, we love any and every opportunity to reconnect with long lost loves—be they old co-workers or childhood friends. It's extra-special when our reunion comes with a chance to not only catch up but help document their new lives and loves.

Sara and I worked together a very long time ago in one of those lackluster retail spaces you'd rather forget. But what was definitely worth cherishing were the people I met there. Aside from running into one another every couple of years while out to dinner (because who doesn't need a little BBQ once in a while—oh haaay, RoRo), it'd been ages.

Seeing her again reminded me of days long past: this magical feeling of revisiting a life I once had while simultaneously reveling in the one I lead now. Watching Sara Miller née Nelson and her beautiful family laugh and spin and burst at the seams with love reaffirmed, yet again, how lucky we are to do what we do. It's not everyday one gets to reinsert oneself into an old friend's life and leave with a glimpse into one of the most beautifully personal and human parts of their identity. 

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Jacob: Newborn

So after many, excruciating months of waiting, he's finally here! Baby boy Jacob, you make us want to make the world a better, more beautiful place.

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Alex & Melissa: Sunrise Gasworks Park Wedding, Seattle

If memory serves me right (what can I say, my university years were a blur at best), I met Melissa in a studio art course that culminated in a final project for which we were tasked with creating 100 iterations of the same thing.

Needless to say, I'm sure there was much commiseration. There may or may not have also been a few trips to the local California Pizza Kitchen where she served to say howdy and induce carb comas—in that... there definitely were. Two birds, one very delicious stone.

We stayed social media buddies, through which I creepily ascertained she'd moved down to LA to be with her adorable boo. Crazily enough, when it finally came time to meet and discuss the details of photographing her nuptials, I realized I hadn't actually seen Melissa since we were small, fledgling art students. And now she was getting married. To say time flies would be a serious understatement.

(She hasn't aged a day. What even...)

Because we were so smitten with Alex and Mel and the awesomely calm and laid back energy they share, we had no (well, very little) trouble getting ourselves up an hour before sunrise (did you know not a lot of cafes actually open that early? We do now) in preparation for what would become one of the most serene and breathtaking ceremonies we've ever experienced. 

We could go on and on, ad nauseam, about how wonderful it all was: sweet people, hilarious friends, dashing couple, brunch-themed food (!), macarons galore (!!), group oyster shots (!!!)... seriously, all of the things. But in lieu of reading our gushing musings, we'll leave you with a small glimpse into the magical day we were fortunate enough to spend with Alex, Melissa, and kin. Luck was definitely on our side.

(LA REUNION!)

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Miguel: Toddler Sweetness

Sam warned me this little guy was a charmer. And oh, man, what a huge understatement. With a fresher wardrobe than both of ours combined, we basically squee'd (yes, that's a real sound) our way through this entire session. 

We dare you to look into these big brown eyes and tell us you would have fared any better.

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Mike & Jamie: Rockin' Skansonia Wedding, Seattle

Sometimes, (okay, maybe every time) we receive inquiries, we like to Google potential clients—you know, so we can recognize them when we meet to chat. Yes... yes, that's it...

When we came across Mike and Jamie on the wonderful world of Facebook, we weren't quite sure if we wanted to be their photographers or their new BFF(s). And then we met for (iced) coffees and confirmed the former was cool and all, but the latter—definitely the latter.

These two charming goofballs regaled us with stories of their first meeting, back in the days of yore when people used MySpace for more than just music. Effervescent Jamie and chill-as-a-cucumber Mike met on the east coast through mutual friends. A few super-romantic literary masterpieces (read: MySpace messages), seven years, and a cross-country move later, here they were, gettin' hitched before family, friends, and a stunning Seattle sunset.

Our faces were actually sore thanks to all of the uncontrollable guffaws, courtesy of Spanx glamour shots, tiptoeing around massive amounts of geese poo, epic arm wrestling matches, and the most insanely riotous fist-pumping-to-Bon-Jovi (or Journey, who can remember when you were having such a blast) ever witnessed.

From beginning to end, the whole day was a beautiful testament to two beautiful people: quirky and funny as hell; full of sweet moves, a super-fresh bridal party, lovely guests, and a whole lotta' rock 'n roll. With full hearts, we wish these wonderful humans a lifetime of love, laughter, and unlimited ice-cold coffees.

(And we're totally friends now... okay, maybe just on Facebook, but still).

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Tom & Grace: Charming Island Wedding, Whidbey

I walked in on a giggling Grace, flitting across the room sans dress or jewelry with her veil temporarily clipped in, twirling 'round and 'round while flipping her head about.

"She's been wearing it at least once a day since it came in the mail. She wears that veil as she's cleaning the house," says her maid of honor.  

Grace met Tom while studying abroad in Vienna and very quickly fell madly in love. They endured the test of time zones and distance, and were ready to start the rest of their lives together.  

All day, as I ran around frantically straightening dresses, adjusting lapels and taming stray hairs, I remember catching moments of quiet reverie between Tom and Grace—and they were completely mesmerized. It was as though they couldn't believe the other person was right there beside them and not an ocean away, and with lit faces they cooed and laughed and danced.

I wish you both lifelong happiness. And in this lifelong romance, I hope you two never stop gazing upon the other the way you did that day—that the excitement to be with one another never fades.

Big thanks to Julia Kinnunen for letting me tag along!  It was so much fun!

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Erik & Julia: Intimate Courthouse Wedding, San Francisco

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Matthew & Aly: Countryside Reception, Washington

They were already husband and wife, but Matt and Aly never had a chance to properly celebrate their partnership. Upon Matt's return from deployment, though, it was high time to throw that long overdue party. And bonus—we were invited!

Regardless of when they said their vows, the setting was just as magical as any other. Although seemingly calm and composed, there was still that moment of breathtaking wonder during their first look; Matt still gazed upon Aly, all dressed up, with sweet, sweet adoration; and yes, there were still color-coordinated cupcakes.

We had a blast traipsing through a lakeside forest with the couple and their bridal party, reveling in the flickering light and maybe a little sweat. And as we tend to find time and time again, our favorite photos weren't necessarily the ones with the most picturesque surroundings or the most artfully composed frames. Rather, we swooned over the small, candid moments that round out a day, softening the edges of stress and anxiety that invariably creep into anyone's nuptials.

Hey, lovebirds! We wish you nothing but the best in life and love together: may you never run out of the little looks; random giggles; and pure, unabashed excitement for one another.

and our favorite picture of the day:

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Chris & Beth: Thomas George Estates Wedding, Healdsburg

There's something remarkable to be said about long-distance relationships. They test one's patience, passion, and loyalty while somehow creating an entirely different brand of intimacy and closeness. Maybe it's because the time shared is so limited and fleeting, one learns how to treasure the other just a bit more. Or maybe it's because the chasm of space and time between visits makes one long for the other just a bit harder. Whatever it is, it's special beyond adequate description.

Chris and Beth are the champions of the long-distance game. After years of racking up those frequent flyer miles (LA, SF, Russia!), they tied the knot (and broke some glass—it was Friday the 13th, after all) in beautiful Healdsburg overlooking undulating fields of vineyards. It was a celebration with a pulse that will forever reverberate within our hearts. This union was so obviously a group effort in the making: everyone felt the love, everyone laughed, and everyone hugged—we got some, too!

We snuck the happy couple away at sunset for a few light-filled portraits, and as we watched their shadows stretch out against the land, we couldn't help but swoon as a wave of gentle calm flooded the scene. The fervent madness of the day just sort of... faded away, and all that remained were Chris and Beth, together and in love. We swear, even the earth sighed a little with contentment and relief.

Chris and Beth, thank you so much for letting us be a part of your special day. Your loved ones were some of the kindest and warmest people we've ever had the pleasure of photographing. We wish you a lifetime of jet-setting adventures (we forgive you for not taking us with you to Peru...) and all of the magic the world has to spare.

Planning:  Amber, a Touch of Grace Venue:  Thomas George Estates

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Anil & Alexis: Windswept San Francisco Engagement

They had us at derp. Then she joked about having an 80s-inspired reception with video game intermissions and we knew we were meant to be.

Internet, meet our new legal representation/best friends.  

We spent a blustery Sunday afternoon running all over San Francisco, chasing the light and being swept off our feet by these two lovely attorneys-at-law. We couldn't stop laughing in the face of their bone dry humor and pointed jabs that were only... semi-true.

We danced, we frolicked, we cried (tears of joy, obviously). And now we can hardly wait for their nuptials. We may or may not have started the official countdown until their September wedding in Monterey.

And yes, we plan on shooting the entire shebang in scrunchies and taffeta ball gowns. 

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Jamie, Joseph & Baby Boy Lee: Maternity

When I first met Jamie, we were barely teenagers, clawing our way through the magical horror that is high school in a quiet suburb of Seattle. Fast-forward a decade and a half, and long gone are the angst-ridden melodramas, college antics, and first everythings.

Well. Minus one: babies.

It's difficult to express in words how near and dear Jamie and Joseph are to my heart. Always kind and down-to-earth, these guys are the nicest reality check you could ever ask for. (We may or may not have dragged them out to Bainbridge Island before making Jamie trek through a mosquito-infested forest because... pictures. And they did it all with giant smiles and nary a complaint!)

Love and empathy abound in the home they've created for themselves, and I cannot wait to see their family grow and evolve. (Aunties Max and Sam want to hear some more pitter-patter!) And this kid is so very lucky to be able to call Jamie and Joseph his parents, he has no idea.

So all of the love and cheers to Family Lee! May luck and happiness always be on your side!

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Changwoo & Jenai: Juanita Beach Park Engagement, Kirkland

I still remember one of the first things Jenai ever said to me:

"So... How old do you think I am?"

While that feels like ages ago, it's only been a few of years since a mutual friend's random summer barbecue. And now, in a matter of days, this baby-faced beauty is gettin' hitched (to her just as baby-faced and beautiful beau)!

She wanted some last-minute engagement photos, you know, just for funzies, and we were more than happy to oblige! Every giggly second with these two—and the minion-friends they brought along... who may or may not have also helped account for the whereabouts of our coffees during the shoot—was nothing but bubbly, effervescent sweetness.

So, we think it's very fitting to wish them a future filled with never-dull moments on a lifelong sugar high.

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Jeff & Kanako: Headshots

We do babies, bellies and bouquets - so when our good friend Van asked us if we could help do some headshots, we didn't know if it was something we could pull off.  It sounded like awkward elementary school pictures where you sit in a chair, smile, and the flash goes off and you're done.  

Little did we know we would have so much fun!  Jeff and Kanako are dentists - not the scary kind, but the extremely darling and charismatic kind.  We had a blast helping them with some headshots for their website!

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Mason: First Year Cake Smash

Diana had everything prepared, from the multiple adorable outfits (including baby leg warmers) to different seating options - we were a whole working team ready for baby Mason's 1 year old birthday cake smash.  And so there we were, 5 grown adults, all crouched on the ground cheering on this adorable bundle of sunshine to get his hands dirty and dig into some cake.

Until we realized that Mason really didn't like cake.  Like, at all.

So it wasn't really a cake smash, more like a light dabbing.  Regardless, we still count the day as a success!  Big thanks to Diana and Jerry for inviting us into their home and allowing us to crawl around with baby Mason.  Maybe cake is an acquired taste... baby's 2 year old birthday cake smash?  

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Hayden, Elaine & Baby Charlotte: Maternity

I've gushed over their love story before, and now they're starting a new chapter of this story and I'm so incredibly honored to be a part of it. It's a strange type of personal metamorphosis so watch a dear friend go from girlfriend, to wife, and now to mother.

Elaine, I'm beyond words in trying to convey how happy I am for you and Hayden to welcome your bundle of joy to this world. As I've watched you and Charlotte grow through your pregnancy, you're beyond just that maternity glow, but you're sparkling.  I can't wait to meet your little red-headed beauty. Get here Charlotte, we're all so in love with you already!

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Chase & Katie: Museum of Flight Engagement, Seattle

One very drippy winter afternoon, we had the distinct pleasure of exploring The Museum of Flight with the effervescent Chase and Katie, both recent Seattle transplants.

The excursion was all sorts of appropriate given these jet-setting lovebirds spent the bulk of their relationship faring the heavy burden of distance from Ann Arbor to Austin and everywhere in between. Miles be damned.

Well, that, and Katie loves (loves, loves, loves) airplanes. A lot.  

So 'round and 'round we spun in the Chase and Katie vortex of ridiculously adorable love - so fast, I think they may have shattered the speed of light (sound? We don't know, we're but mere photographers; we deal in the alchemy of image-making not speed science...) with the sheer velocity of their infectious sweetness.

(Yup... I totally went there...)

And at the end our play date, after three perfectly coordinated wardrobe changes and more d'awww moments than we could possibly document, we finished up beneath her mom's favorite arboreal treasure: the magnificent magnolia tree.

Known for its ever-flowering perennial blooms, super-resilient fortitude, and deep-rooted splendor. Fitting, no?

...Yeah, we think so, too.