Looking from hilltop to Downtown Tacoma.

Up South 21st Street.

Down South 21st Street towards 509 cable bridge.

Leftover Christmas lights.

Facing North on Yakima.

It surprises me that Megan and I have been friends for about a year and a half now. (Haha! Not that we are friends, but that it’s already been that long!) We met through a small Bible study that she and some of her friends from the School of the Arts were a part of. We’ve had so much fun getting to know one another and sharing great conversation and creative ideas. This past summer, we spent a couple of weeks in Tennessee together as part of a Christian Worldview “summer-camp”. Anyway, I love her so much and was so excited to have the opportunity to take her Senior Pictures. We had SO much fun today on this sunny January afternoon and found some fabulous locations for pictures! (Thank you, Tacoma!) Megan – I’m SO looking forward to seeing where you’re headed next. Wherever it is, I know it will be the best! And you’re going to love it!

Love Meg’s photos and interested in having Milkman-Media take your Senior Pictures? “Say Hello” by clicking above!

THEIR SIDE OF THE STORY:

From the moment I glanced at the work of Bethany and Ryan I knew it was unlike any perspective I had seen before. It was filled with light and care, precision and fluidity, and genuine joy. I approached Bethany and Ryan after I saw their photos and asked them to do our wedding. They never had photographed a wedding before but I didn’t doubt for a moment that it would be perfect. Since then I’ve seen their artistry continue to flourish. Our family has grown and we continue to look forward to our moments with them. They take everyday moments, and capture them in time perfectly. Their new adventure into video making will leave it’s mark on our community. The first video I watched gave me goose bumps and I can say with utmost confidence that I have not seen anyone capture the human spirit in the way they can.

Here are a couple from Christmas 2010. I just love Emme’s big smile and little bunny!

It was our second year participating in the event and I’m not sure who had more fun – everyone we photographed or us! Our photo booth was situated between The Volcano’s (beautiful!!!) Meditation booth and Julie from UrbanXChange. Julie – we were so grateful for your incredible props and your amazing portrait sketches!

One of my favorite things about shooting photos was being able to meet the variety of folks who decided to show up and participate! Families, children, residential locals, new faces, hipster students, volunteers and folks from outside the downtown area… It was SO much fun having so many different people together on one evening…

I know there were so many people involved in planning the event and it also boasted of some incredible sponsors – but the main guy behind it was our good friend, Justin Mayfield. Over the past several months we’ve had the privilege of getting to know this guy a little more up close and personal and we’ve been so blessed by his friendship. There are few individuals I know who love the people in this city as much as he does. Justin, thank you for your heart and passion for the people of this city to truly know and invest in each other and their communities. We are so grateful for you!

I remember the first dinner I had with Diego, Kim and their amazing family at The Hub in Tacoma. It was inspiring to hear the risk and sacrifice they have taken to spearhead this organization. Every year they have an annual event involving families, individuals and anyone in-between who is passionate about helping women who face crisis pregnancies.

They also desire to encourage individuals throughout the year to do just about anything to raise money 4US. One inspiring story Diego wanted to highlight is Allison, a local student who raised $17,000 in change 4US.

Allison’s story really became the “mold” for 4US’ entire “Get Involved Campaign”. Diego wants individuals around the city, state, nation and the world to realize that whatever you love to do, can be done to raise money 4US.

But when I found out my dear friend Tiffani was getting married, I knew I couldn’t turn down her request.

Tiffani and I met 8 years ago at Greenville College while she was working for the football coach and I was a Junior. I can’t remember how our friendship came about, but from the beginning we’ve shared great conversations, laughter and wonderful memories… We’re both touchers and we’ve had a good share of hugs and hand-holding over the years. I’m so thankful that we’ve been able to keep in touch… On November 5, 2011, Tiffani became Mrs. Piehl. I was so grateful to be one of the many there – rejoicing in their marriage.

A couple of months ago, Ryan and I flew down and filmed a video for Tiff and Curby to show at their wedding. It turned out perfectly. We visited UCLA – where Tiffani is getting her doctorate, Santa Monica Pier and the South Coast Botanic Gardens where they were married on Saturday…

A week later, I walked into a Bible Study I was invited to by another girl from SOTA (Tacoma’s School of the Arts), and there she was! My “new friend”, Taylor.

We’ve had a blast over this past year getting to know one another – great stimulating conversation and being swept up into the show Downton Abbey together. Needless to say, we had so much fun taking her Senior Portraits. And isn’t she just gorgeous?

Taylor – I’m so excited for what’s ahead for you. You love others so well and have wisdom beyond your age. Thank you for consistently loving and serving those around you – so sacrificially!