Some moments feel quietly monumental — the kind that stop you in your tracks and remind you how every chapter of your life has been preparing you for the one you’re standing in now. For Shalom Aburu , this photoshoot was one of those moments. She stepped onto set not as a model or a pageant queen, but as a fashion designer, watching women bring her designs to life. The models that day were all pageant queens, carrying titles, grace, and responsibility she knows intimately. As

Some people shine through energy, intention, and heart . D’Annalyn Washington is one of those individuals. Crowned Miss Christmas PNW–Teen , D’Annalyn is committed to spreading kindness, encouragement, and support, with a clear goal: helping others feel valued, appreciated, and confident in who they are . A Journey Rooted in Family and Determination Born in San Antonio, Texas , D’Annalyn was introduced to modeling through her mother, who inspired her simply by example. Watch

Some people move through the world with intention — not rushing, not forcing, but listening .Michelle Anne is one of those people. A model specializing in fashion, wellness, and creative editorial shoots , Michelle brings a rare depth to her work, shaped by a lifelong relationship with movement, a background in ballroom dance , and her professional work as a clinical therapist . Her presence is grounded, expressive, and quietly powerful — the kind that invites you to slow dow

A model, pageant queen, and influencer, Blessing’s journey is rooted in faith, resilience, and cultural pride. Born in Liberia and adopted at just three years old, she was raised in Washington State as one of ten children.

Some stories are not about arriving  — they’re about becoming . Chrishenda Lafaye is a Tacoma, Washington native , a mother, an award-winning filmmaker, and the reigning Ms. Washington Globe . At 34, she stands in a role she once believed belonged to “the girl on the TV screen” — not to her. Today, she knows differently. “The Girl on the TV Screen” Chrishenda’s journey into modeling and pageantry didn’t begin on a stage — it began in observation. As a young girl, she watched

Some love stories take the long way around—circling back home exactly where they’re meant to be. Brooke and Christian’s wedding at the Waterfront Venue at the Narrows Marina  this August was a celebration of ten years of love, two children, deep family roots in Lakewood, and a future firmly grounded in home. With sweeping views of the Narrows and Commencement Bay, soft sage, blush, and white details, and an atmosphere that felt both intimate and joyful, their wedding day was

Wedding shows are exciting, inspiring… and a lot . Between vendor conversations, timelines, budgets, and a thousand beautiful ideas swirling around, it’s easy to walk away feeling overwhelmed instead of connected. That’s completely normal — and it’s also a great opportunity to pause, reset, and come back to the heart of why you’re planning this wedding in the first place. Here are five simple, meaningful ways to reconnect with your fiancé after a busy wedding show  — no plann

One of Tacoma’s favorite summer traditions returned on Saturday, August 9, 2025  — Brew Five Three: The 253’s Beer & Music Festival  hosted by Tacoma Arts Live  at the iconic Tacoma Armory  and along Yakima Avenue . This annual beer and music celebration brought together craft breweries, regional cideries, delicious food, joyful music, friendly competition, and countless memorable moments — all in support of Tacoma Arts Live’s nonprofit mission to energize community through l

On August 21, 2025 , Broadway Street in downtown Tacoma transformed into something truly special. The Grit City Gala , hosted by the Tacoma Farmers Market , brought together community, cuisine, and connection for a one-of-a-kind alfresco fine dining experience  set right in the middle of the city. Long family-style tables stretched down the tree-lined street as the summer sun dipped low behind the buildings, casting warm light across elegant place settings, shared plates, and

Christmas just passed… which means something magical happened all across the Pacific Northwest. ✨ Engagements.  ✨ Proposals over twinkly lights. Quiet "yeses" at home. Happy tears. Shaky hands. Rings hidden for months finally revealed. Or maybe — no big proposal at all, just two people who looked at each other one day and knew. That’s why I’m hosting an Engagement Session Giveaway  — not for the most viral proposal, not for the flashiest moment — but for real love stories . ❤

You’ve got 2 days until Christmas . Amazon is judging you. Target is out of stock. And you still   don’t know what to get the mom who has everything , the partner who “doesn’t need anything,” or the person you love who secretly just wants to feel seen again . Good news: I’ve got you. For a very limited time until Jan 1, 2026 , I’m offering 50% OFF Photography Gift Certificates  — the kind of gift that doesn’t end up in a drawer by February. 🎁 THE GIFT THAT MAKES PEOPLE

There’s something truly special about photographing puppies — especially when they’re right at that fleeting stage where everything is new, curious, and impossibly sweet. This week in the studio, I had the absolute joy of photographing three Alusky puppies , each with their own personality, markings, and charm. Sessions like this are exactly why pet photography is such meaningful work. Meet Clark Kent , Bruce Wayne , and Diana Prince  — three siblings born on October 18, 2025

Every month in Tacoma, something powerful happens on Habitat for Humanity build sites across Pierce County. Women from all walks of life — first-time volunteers, seasoned tradeswomen, community leaders, neighbors, friends — gather together for Women Build , a hands-on building experience designed to uplift, empower, and unite. This month’s Women Build Day was exactly that: a vibrant, hardworking, joy-filled gathering of women committed to strengthening our community one wall,

Photography isn’t just about capturing moments — it’s about preserving legacy , honoring the people whose presence shaped our communities, and witnessing the deep connections between individuals and the city they loved. Recently, I had the profound honor of photographing the memorial service for Mattice Hoyt  of Tacoma, WA — a vibrant community leader, business owner, and friend to many. Mattice was known by many as the owner of Mattice Beauty Supply , a beloved fixture in Ce

In every family, there are moments that deserve to be preserved — stories that deserve to be remembered. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing the beautiful Vo family  in my Tacoma studio: an elder couple  surrounded by their two adult children. The session was created for a very special purpose — their Memorial Portrait  — a deeply meaningful tradition in Vietnamese culture. 📸 The Meaning of Memorial Portraits In Vietnamese culture, a Memorial Portrait holds profou

There’s nothing like live theater during the holidays — and this winter, Stadium High School’s Theater Department , led by the AMAZING Liz Jacobsen, brought the magic to life with their production of Elf Jr. The Musical . Based on the beloved 2003 Christmas movie Elf , this heartwarming story follows Buddy the Elf , a human raised by Santa’s elves, as he travels from the North Pole to New York City in search of his real father. The Stadium High cast filled the stage with joy,

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is step into the spotlight yourself — and that’s exactly what Kenyatta, a talented local makeup artist, did when she decided to try being in front  of the camera for a change. And let’s just say: she absolutely killed it. Dressed in a bold magenta pink sweater layered over a sleek black lycra onesie with matching magenta fur boots, Kenyatta was a vision of confidence, style, and unapologetic self-expression. Every pose was intentio

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when music fills an intimate room with Tacoma Arts Live’s Live At The Eleanor , where magic is the point! Each month, the series transforms The Eleanor —a historic, softly lit space in downtown Tacoma—into a warm gathering place for musicians and listeners who crave connection over spectacle. This month’s performance featured Champagne Sunday , the powerhouse Tacoma duo known for their joyful energy, emotional honesty, and seamle

🍋 Lemon Sessions: In the Company of the Ancestors At the Tacoma Armory this November, art met ancestry in a luminous way during Tacoma Arts Live’s Lemon Sessions: In the Company of the Ancestors . The two-night event transformed the space into a sensory world of color, rhythm, and reflection — where the past and present danced together in harmony. A Space Transformed The Lemon Sessions  take their name from a simple, playful observation: the massive, curved screen at the cen

Behind the scenes at Sage and Soul Photography in Tacoma, WA! Our Awkward 90s holiday mini sessions feature retro outfits, fun posing, and hilarious memories — perfect for unique Christmas cards. This fun couple poses in front of cheesy Christmas background set, expressionless, and hilarious at the same time. A return to the silly 1980s and 1990s photo sessions.