If there’s one thing I’ve learned with this as my profession, it’s that it never lets you down. Every time I leave the house for a session, those familiar butterflies fill my tummy and my fingers shake a little from the first moment I lift my camera. Maybe they’re the nervous shakes, but I really believe that they’re there to remind me that what I do is a privilege and a gift. Seeing love come to life behind the camera is a gift that few get to fully experience, and it’s something I see on an almost-daily basis! When I arrived in Portland at Jamison Square to meet up with Eric and Kjirsti, my hands were only slightly trembling, except this time I think it was a combination of excitement, nerves, and well, they were just plain cold. These two were brave souls to drive over three hours to spend this afternoon together! I warned them ahead of time that the fall colors were fading, but little did we all know that it would be like a winter wonderland…minus the snow ;) The twinkling lights and the light mist of rain, the quaint coffee shops on the corner, and the brilliant warm light right as the sun was setting…you guys. I needed to be pinched to be reminded this was real life! I thought someone had picked us all up and put us right in the scene of a movie. It was that perfect.

It was everything Christmasy, from the peppermint lattes from Christopher David to classy fashion, twinkly lights and seasonal plaid. Ahh. I’m pretty sure these two shopped at REI before coming here…I need them to give me lessons on what to wear!! Her Hunter boots combined with his Romeos and foresty plaid…and she wore the cutest sweatshirt you’ve ever seen!

The best part? These two are getting married in almost exactly one month from today! I could not be more thrilled for these two and that they get to spend the rest of their lives together. I’ve never met a sweeter couple, and I can guarantee you’d feel the magic in the air if you met them, too.

Eric + Kjirsti, thank you so much for braving the cold, adventurously driving down to meet me, and for all the memories we made! I can’t wait to be back together again and celebrate marriage together!! :)

You guys…I was melting! How cute are they!?

And if you’ve never hand a peppermint + irish cream latte…Christopher David knows how to make them right. And pretty too!!!