Nicole & Stuart | Wedding
Posted at 11:20 AM
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| I guess I'd have to say it's rare that we meet a couple for the first time on their wedding day, yet walking into Nicole's suite at Willows Lodge it's like we had just walked into a room of a friend we'd known for years! Even though we'd never met face to face, big hugs were exchanged and it truly felt like we'd known each other for a very long time. We just LOVE having these kinds of bonds with our couples. :) We hung out for a couple of hours with Nicole, her sister (aka-MOH) and close friends while they got ready. It was nice to have that time with her since this was technically our first meeting. John and I find ourselves meeting some of the most amazing people and Nicole, Stuart & family were no exception.    We heard though the grapvine that Stuart, like most guys, wasn't "thrilled" being on the lens end of the camera, but the fact is he was awesome. Maybe it was because his focus was now on his stunning bride, maybe becuase we were in fact at a winery. Either way, it looked as if he'd been doing this all his life.     The ceremony & reception were held at the Novelty Hill/Januik Winery. A beautiful and romantic contemporary atmosphere, just perfect for these two. A variation of the winery's beautiful wines were tasted during cocktail hour and with many out of town guests there was lots to talk about. Stuart & Nicole take the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife and the rest of the evening was spent enjoying the company of their guests and each other.        Nicole & Stuart it was pure pleasure spending the day with you both! Thank you for allowing us to be part of your special day! If you would were a guest and would like to view Nicole & Stuart's wedding pictures as they become available, click here to sign their guest book. Photographers: John & Jenna Karwoski | Seattle Wedding Photographers Accommodations: Willows Lodge Venue: Novelty Hill/Januik Winery Catering: Novelty Hill/Januik Winery Flowers: Woodland Flowers Hair: Jennifer Robinson   Labels: Recent weddings |
Pendora & Will | Wedding
Posted at 11:48 AM
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A long history between the two, Pendora & Will exchanged vows that included unconditional love to each other and to their two beautiful daughters.   Pendora said that she had always envisioned getting married at the Lakewold Gardens. Beautiful plush green lawns, romantic little trails that lead to enchanting gardens, this place was beautiful. Unable to book this venue for her wedding she did the next best thing. She arranged it so that we could intertwine the beauty of this place with the two of them and the love they share. Will first lay his eyes on his bride and we could just see the connection. The rest of their pictures were taken here and putting the two elements together, here is what we came up with. :)     During the ceremony, the sun was shinning and the wind was blowing. So what do you do when the wind starts to blow your veil this way and that? That is what a good maid of honor is there for!  They exchanged promises with an audience of close friends and family. Many who came from afar.     Dances were shared and many lasting memories were made. Pendora & Will, it was such a Joy to be a part of your day! We wish you all the best in the world to you and your family! To view more of their wedding pictres as they become available, click here to sign their guest book. Photographer: Seattle Wedding Photographers | John & Jenna Karwoski Pictures: Lakewold Gardens Venue: Lacey Community Club Catering: Snuffin's Labels: Recent weddings |
Taylor | 9 Months
Posted at 11:00 AM
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| What a joy it has been to watch this little one grow up. The Levy's are dear friends to our family and we've had the privilege to watch Taylor go from this tiny little girl to this beautiful 9 month old, who's now crawling around and pulling herself up on just about everything. I had such a great time yesterday with Gretchen & Taylor and my little Ellie was SOOO good. She just slept in Taylor's swing allowing me to capture all of these great images.          Labels: Portraits |
Life as a mommy | Part I
Posted at 5:24 PM
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| 2 months, 4 days and 6(ish) hours ago, I became a mommy. Eleanor (or Ellie as we find ourselves calling her) was born after 2 years of "trying", several rounds of IUI procedures, 40 weeks of pregnancy and finally, 30 hours of labor. Eleanor Francis Karwoski was worth every second! Being a mommy has been the most thrilling, adventurous and breathtaking experience I have ever found myself a part of. From the moment I laid my eyes on my little girl, I was in love. Her big eyes locked onto mine almost immediately as if they were telling me that the two of us were destined to be inseparable. How right Ellie was! We haven't hardly left one another's side since she's been born. ;) While I may not have the full freedom of being a stay-at-home mommy, I have the next best thing. I am a work-from-home mommy. :) I've found it a bit difficult, almost trying at times, but none the less exciting, getting back into the swing of things. I've been blessed with a daughter who sleeps through the night (for now) and who takes a 2-3 hour nap (almost) every morning. During my "free" time I try to get my butt into gear and get online answering emails, working on (down selecting) weddings, portraits, blogs, albums and what ever else comes my way. I tell ya, 2-3 hours is just not enough time to get everything I'd like to get done, done. But... it's a start and I'm grateful. Being photographer's, John and I pretty much keep one of our cameras handy at all times so that we can capture those ever so adorable candid moments. I don't want to miss a single smile, laugh or even crying fit. I can tell you that we have not hundreds but thousands of pictures of our little girl already. However, only a small percentage of those have made it to our editing room. I would like to share with you some of the pictures we've taken over the past two months. Ellie and her first month of life... I just couldn't wait to play dress up with my little girl.   I decided I wanted to get some of her in her nursery... Her big comfy nursing chair   And her crib, which she really doesn't sleep in yet.  I told John that I wanted some pictures of the two of us in her nursery. Here is what my darling husband captured. Ellis is now 2 months old.                |
Mike & Devinne | July 25, 2009
Posted at 10:45 PM
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| I have spent almost a year getting to know this bride & her awesome family in a way that I don't usually have the pleasure of doing. When we first met with Mike & Devinne late last Summer, they were expecting their 2nd child. It was maybe a month after we'd met that I had gone to take pictures of their adorable son, Dylan who was celebrating his first birthday. A couple months later I was back capturing her pregnancy and the following week I was at the hospital with Devinne, Mike & Dorris (Devinne's mom) as she went through her labor and delivery. The newest member of the family, Alana was born! To be a part of such a personal, intimate and emotional time, this family holds a very special place in my heart. Fast forward many months and their wedding day is now upon us. We walked in as Devinne & her maids were getting ready. The mood was light and fun. A day that Devinne has been looking forward to for so long is finally here! The kids had to get ready for the big day too. Dylan getting his hair cut was entertaining and adorable... for those of us watching. NOT for Dylan. :)      Looking over the golf course, John sets up Mike for his first look at his bride to be. I remember the look on Mike's face when he turned around and saw her for the first time that day... the look on his face could have read, "the mother of my children, today, finally becomes my wife!" Yeah, I could have had a tear in my eye. ;)    Her daddy walks her down the isle, giving her hand to the man she'll spend the rest of her life with. I can see the tears forming in her eyes which is replaced with a huge smile as she is handed off to her husband to be.    After a quick wardrobe change, Devinne looked stunning as she and her husband walked into this room full of family and friends, introduced for the first time as Mr. & Mrs. Kynaston.  Lots of dancing, chatter and laughter filled the evening. Memories were made and the rest of their lives had finally begun. Congratulations Mike & Devinne on your beautiful marriage and your priceless family! John and I are so happy for you both and are very grateful to have been part of your day!     If you'd like to view more of Mike & Devinne's wedding pictures as they become available, please click here to sign their guest book. Photographers: Yours truly Venue/Catering: Echo Falls Country club Flowers: Kathi's Floral Chair Covers: Floratouch Chair Covers DJ: A Sound Celebration Labels: Recent weddings |
Rob & Esther | July 24, 2009
Posted at 10:33 AM
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Walking into the bridal suite we found Esther and her maids were getting ready for the big day ahead. We exchanged hugs... I hadn't seen her since their engagement session last year. It was so great to see the smile on her well deserving face. The room was filled with her dearest friends, mother and now me. Standing in a room full of people who have created bonds that took years, it was great to capture these moments that will forever be etched in her mind as the moments before she became Mrs. Limjoco.   We met Rob at the winding staircase in the Woodmark. Seeing the love, excitement and anticipation that’s been building to this moment is to be blunt why John and I do this. Watching Rob turn to see his beautiful bride to be was so heartwarming, did I mention we love this couple!     As I watched her mother & father walk her down the isle, I could see just how much love & joy was flowing through her. Their beautiful traditional Filipino/Catholic wedding came to conclusion and the rest of the evening… no, the rest of their lives began.   They were greeted by all of their guests waiting on the dock as they arrived via the Woodmark II, a beautiful 28’ Chris-Craft. The evening unfolded in perfect harmony. Both John and I had moments with tears in our eyes. The toasts were personal and touching and the first dances were exactly what they should have been. A memorable time of reflection and joy for what the future has to bring.    It was so hard to leave this wonderful party. If it wasn't for our beautiful, brand-new baby girl Ellie, waiting for me at home, I'm sure John and I would have been there closing the place down right along with our amazing bride & groom.    I can say that this couple along with the family & company they shared are a perfect example of what keeps John and I doing what we do. Can this really be our "job"? What a blessing it is to be surrounded by people who are celebrating their love for one another and remind us what is truly important. Congratulations to you both on your marriage. John and I are so happy to have been a part of your day and to capture each precious moment for you. May God continue to bless you both.   If you'd like to view more of Rob & Esther's wedding pictures as they become available, please click here to sign their guest book. Photographers: John & Jenna Karwoski | Seattle Wedding Photographers Wedding Coordinator: Wendi - Ethereal Events Church: Holy Family Catholic Church Venue/Catering: The Woodmark Florist: Creative Colours Band: Goody Bagg Entertainment Videography: Millstream Productions Labels: Recent weddings |
