Posted on September 17, 2009
Here are a few of my favorite images from a model session I had several months ago, I just have not had the time to post them yet.
To the models from this shoot: Ladies, I know I am a bit late with the delivery of your images, but I AM working on it and it will be worth your wait… I promise. 
Posted on September 16, 2009
Last week’s wedding by all measures was unforgettable and spectacular. It was not the decor or the little details that made me feel that way, although everything was beautiful, rather it were the two people, whose day I was honored to capture, second-shooting for Jessica of Jessica Lemmons Photography, that made last Saturday so memorable.
As we were driving to the bride’s house, Jessica shared Katie and Joe’s story with me. At one point Katie had a swelling on her leg, which ended up being misdiagnosed. Fortunately, Katie went to get a second opinion–she was diagnosed with cancer. Katie had to undergo chemo and is now in remission. Joe, and what a man he is, stuck with her through chemo, hair loss, weakness and all other moments and saw her beat cancer. As I was listening to Katie’s Dad toast the newlyweds, I felt so much love coming from the entire family toward Joe. Katie’s father told a story of how the family went to a wedding in Hawaii, where Joe wheeled Katie around in a wheel chair, making sure she did not miss a bit of their lives. Katie told their guests how Joe used to tell her how beautiful she was when she lost her hair to chemo and how special he made her feel.
Their story is a story of love, courage and loyalty, and I will never forget it. They are a beautiful couple inside and out, and I was so honored to be present to witness the celebration of their love and life. Thank you, Katie & Joe, and the rest of your families, for allowing me to be a little fly on the wall.
Here are some of the images from Katie and Joe’s wedding. I am starting with some cool details.
While getting ready Katie presented her Mom with a very special gift.
Her Mom was deeply touched and held on to this handkerchief all night long. 
Katie and Joe decided to see each other before the ceremony, so we were able to get a few emotional moments with them.
Then we were off to take some relaxed and gorgeous portraits.
And then it was time for Katie to meet Joe at the altar.
And then the happy couple was off to celebrate with friends and family.
I wish happiness and long life to Katie and Joe!
Posted on September 15, 2009
We had a big Oops! yesterday—my blog ended up being deleted. If you tried to access it last night that was the reason you could not find it. However, I am so glad that everything has been restored and that we have taken steps to ensure that such technical glitches will never happen again.
Thank you for your patience and for coming back : ) I have tons of wonderful images to blog in the next few days with a wedding, a senior session and an engagement session coming up at the end of this week. I am super thrilled! Make sure to stop by to check out gorgeous images and beautiful people I photograph.
~Elena~
Posted on September 12, 2009
What an amazing day it was yesterday. I am so blessed to have beautiful clients. Yesterday I felt like I was photographing a super-model family. Vera and Slavik are expecting their second child in a couple of weeks. By looking at her you could never tell–she is glowing, although her belly is growing and Slavik has to help her get her shoes on
I am super excited also because once the baby is born I will get to shoot a newborn session! But I am not the only one that is excited. Vera’s daughter, super cute D*, cannot wait for the little one to come out either… literally. She has been preparing for her little sibling’s arrival for a few months now.
Now you get a chance to see what I meant by “super-model” family. Look how gorgeous they are!
Little D* went through cycles, of not wanting to be photographed and then of wanting to be photographed. Here… as you can see, not so much, but super, super cute.
Didn’t I tell you that Vera was glowing? She is, as is Slavik.
Vera was very easy to photograph and I have a whole tone of favorite images from the session [as you can see], but this image is breathtaking… it is begging to be blown up on a canvas!
Slavik and Vera are not only a gorgeous looking couple , they are youth pastor at the Vancouver Church of Truth, and from what I hear they do an amazing job there.
Little D* is totally a girly-girl, she could not take the sand in her shoes, so she kept taking them off to clean her feet. It was too adorable to pass up.
Last night, after the session, I bragged on facebook about the shoot and told my friends how gorgeous the Mom-to-be-one-more-time was. This is a total proof of what I was talking about. Can you believe she is 8.5 months along?
This was one of the moments when D* decided that she wanted to be in the pictures. She was like a little director–we had to follow her lead.
Aren’t they gorgeous?
And when D* was in the mood, she was a heart-stealer. Check out her love for her Daddy.
Warning: Super Gorgeous Pregnant Woman! Longview Wa, watch out–if maternity sessions can be this hot and fun, just imagine what can happen in all other cases…
I told my husband last night that if this is what pregnancy does to woman, baby, I am in line 
!
Slavik, Vera & D*, I am so happy that you chose me to do your maternity/family session. You are a wonderful family and I can barely wait until your little one comes out! Thank you!
