Summer Vacation | Seattle and Vancouver

Alan had been itching for a vacation...and I have to admit, I was long overdue for a nice break as well.  Even though it wasn't the typical type of vacation I'd usually take (beautiful beaches, warm waters, shining sun, lounging and relaxing) I was excited to explore new areas and experience new foods.  Alan planned out an amazing itinerary exploring Vancouver and Seattle areas.  As a landscape architect, he was very excited to visit several gardens and public spaces.  If you're into amazing architecture, museums, good food, and hiking...you gotta head up north!  The natural beauty of Vancouver was my FAVORITE!!!  

Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle

Inspired by Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam"  

Experience Music Project Museum in Seattle

Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit in Seattle (same guy who has the glass ceiling at the Bellagio in Vegas) 

We did a food tour at Pike Place...so much history!!! 

Beecher's Cheese...home of Oprah Winfrey's favorite macaroni and cheese.  It actually was really good!! 

The original Starbucks!  The business was first created by a group of three scholars who loved the book Moby Dick.  Starbuck was the name of a character in the story :). 

Our tour guide. 

Seattle Central Library, amazing architecture by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus.

The Fremont Troll in Seattle.  Art piece created to rehabilitate the area under the bridge...which was being overtaken by drug dealers and also used as a dumping ground.  

Road trip to Canada!!!  Vancouver here we come! 

Van Dusen Botanical Garden....sooooooo beautiful!!!!!! 

Elizabethan Hedge Maze, made from 3,000 cedars.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park was by far my favorite part of our trip.  It is absolutely gorgeous over there!!  The park is made to fit into its natural  surrounding area with much respect for the trees and animals.  This is what my heaven looks like!! 

On one of our tours we spotted a banana slug.  Their bodies are covered by some kind of substance that acts as a topical anesthetic.  The guide challenged us to lick the slug to feel this numbing sensation...Alan actually did it!   

Bianka and Michael | Orange County Engagement

I've known Bianka ever since she was...hrrmmm, about seven years old.  Her sister and I were good friends in high school and when I'd come over to hang out, Bianka was all eager to spend time with us :).  She's all grown up and gorgeous now, getting married in just a few months!  I cannot believe how fast time goes by, seems to go faster now more than ever.  

This shoot was originally scheduled to take place at a nearby regional park.  Unfortunately, the park was closed due to very muddy conditions from heavy rain the night before.  We were crossing our fingers the clouds wouldn't burst during our shoot.  Luckily they didn't and we managed to find a plan B location in downtown Orange and Santa Ana that worked out perfectly!  We even managed to get some sun and beautiful warm light towards the end of the shoot!! 

Bianka's friend Jessica came along for the shoot and did Bianka's hair and makeup.  She did an amazing job!  Three styles for three different looks.  I even got some ideas for myself ;).  

I loved Bianka's DIY props!!! 

I love this lighting and their poses are to die for!!  

Bianka is quite the baker and wanted to highlight that during her shoot.

More DIY props.  This one was my favorite! 

A small tree just beginning to grow...symbolic of their love!  Starts with strong roots and will continue growing into a beautiful tree. 

Bianka and Michael | Sneak a Peek | Orange, California Engagement Session