Meet the Sherwood Family!

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Drew, Tyler, little Peyton and of course Stacie & Seth (otherwise known as Mom and Dad) had me to their lovely home in Bonnie Lake this past Sunday to get some fun family shots.

Drew who's 7 and Tyler who's 4, had me cracking up with their silly little personalities while little Paityn, just 6 months old melted my heart with her big blue eyes and bright smiles.

Here are a few of my favorites from Sunday.

Thanks guys for having me over. What a truly beautiful family you are and I had such a great time getting to know you all.

Labels: Portraits

Stanley F Karwoski | A Great Man

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As much as I'd like to take full responsibility for who I am today, I really can't. Much of that molding of "John" comes from the Karwoski men, my father John and my grandfather Stan.

I spent most of last week in Florida after the passing of my grandfather. As sad as this was, it was a chance to celebrate and reflect on how great of a man my grandfather was and his huge impact on my life.

Stan was a Naval Aviator... flying bombers in World War II, then went on to work for the 3M Corporation for 35 years. He worked with the Scotch team at 3M that developed products such as Scotch Tape. From what I understand he didn't fly after the war but had a huge passion for flying that translated into model aircraft building and flying.

At 87 years old he had a long happy life, married to my grandmother Roz for 62 years... it was jam packed full of fun, love and golf. I’m proud we share the same middle name "Francis" as that's just one of the many ways he lives on!!!

1945 Torpedo Bomber, TBF Squadron VT23

February 2006, 60th Wedding Anniversary

Labels: About John and Jenna, Family

Kelsey & Lewis | Engagement and Cheesecake

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We absolutely love going to new places for esessions and we got to do just that with Kelsey & Lewis. We met this lovely couple down in Bellevue and took a short drive down to Clyde Beach Park. After a few fun shots there, we were off to Maydenbauer Park. None of us had ever been to this cute little tucked away park, but we just loved it. The boats and sunset in the background were the perfect setting for this fun loving and energetic couple.
Finally, one last stop to Bellevue's Downtown Park for some final sun setting pictures.

John and I had a great time getting to know these guys and aside of the fact that it was like hanging out with long time friends, we got to learn some fun facts about these two over almost a 3 hour period! It was a blast. We ended the evening at the Cheesecake Factory... we walked up quite an appetite so the 4 of us relaxed over a piece of yummy cheesecake. :)

Here are some of our favorites from their Esession.

Lewis & Kelsey, John and I are very much looking forward to your September wedding! Thanks for the great time and for letting us take a part in such a wonderful time in your lives.

If you would like to view more pictures from their esession, Please sign their guest book at Pictage.

Labels: Engagements

Oscar & Nerelys | 06.07.08

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Thanks to the wonderful and multi-talented Wendi Hroncich of Ethereal Events LLC John and I were able to meet Oscar and Nerelys. Wendi has been working with this couple since September of last year and every detail from the rose petals that so delicately lined the isle of the church, to the mariachi band playing at the reception, was absolutely perfect!

When I first met the lovely couple, I knew that we were going to have a great time working together. Nerelys, so full of life and excitement & Oscar with love for his bride to be, that lit up his face. We knew right away that this couple was a perfect fit for us. :)

The morning of, John heads out to West Seattle to hang out with the guys while I meet up with Nerelys at her mothers home in Renton. Both bride and groom had family traveling for their wedding including many family members who came all the way from Mexico.

All of the months of planning and preparation had finally paid off. The ceremony went off with out a hitch and was beautifully done. Parts of the ceremony were even spoken in Spanish, which made it all the more romantic.

The rain had been holding off all morning so after the ceremony we were off to the Kirkland waterfront for some more pictures.

We were greeted at Tibbetts Creek Manor by a mariachi band and all of their guests. The afternoon turned into evening with everyone celebrating, Oh, and lots of dancing. One of my favorite parts in fact, watching everyone dance the salsa & meringue! A talent I’ve always wanted to perfect myself. There wasn’t a dull moment all evening.

Oscar and Nerelys, thank you so much for choosing us to be a part of your day. I say it must have been fate (or Wendi lol) that brought us together. Either way, it was such a joy getting to know you both. All our blessings and best wishes to you both.

Ceremony Location: St. Louis Parish
Venue: Tibbets Creek Manor
Catering: Seasoned in Seattle
Flowers: Bella Rugosa
Cake: Creme de la Creme
Photographer: Yours Truly
Wedding Coordinator: Ethereal Events
Mariachi Band: Mariachi Colima
Make-Up: Amy Sheryak, Dark Angel Artistry
Hair: Gene Juares, South Center
Umbrella's: Bella Umbrella
Rentals: ABC Rentals
Limo service: Rare Form Limo

Labels: Recent weddings

Fort Worden, Port Townsend | TTD Sessions

Posted at 10:45 AM | 2 comments | please leave a comment

It's no surprise that Memorial weekend is typically a busy weekend for many. John and I were no exception. On that Sunday, we, along with many fellow photogs, made the drive up to Port Townsend where we met up with some models for a shoot that would take us into the early evening.

The entire shoot took place at Fort Worden, State Park. Originally built in the late 1800's, it was designed to prevent a hostile fleet from reaching NW targets such as Bremerton Naval Yard and the cities of Seattle, Tacoma and Everett. The fort was closed in 1953 and reopened in 1955 as a State Park. Another fun little fact about this amazing place, the 1980's movie, An Officer and a Gentleman was filmed here. :)

Okay, onto some pictures... here are some of our favorite pictures from the day. Did I mention what awesome models we had?!?! :) We hiked up and down and all around this place seeking out the amazing bunkers and other awesome places to shoot. I just love to take hold of opportunities like this, getting together with other local photographers and just shooting for an entire day with models who are up and ready for anything!

Here's a couple of Johns pictures from the day;

A big thanks to Sheila Birask, of Model Mayhem provided hair and make up for most of our models and flowers which were donate by Laurel Mitchell, owner of Laurel's Floral and Decor in Snohomish, Wa.

Thanks Steve Smith for putting this whole thing together and thanks to all of our models for being, well... AWESOME! :)