June 27th & 28th – Come down to Shoebilee at the All About Weddings Store

This weekend my friends, Gayle and Jim O’Donell, will be having a Big Bridal Shoe Sale at their store in Tukwila, All About Weddings! I have known them since they opened their first store in Bellevue many years ago.  What a fun grand opening it was,  I remember attending it with my daughter Marie, who was 7 or 8 at the time.  Marie was nice enough to inform the owner of Sleep Country USA that she did not like my recently purchased mattress from their store.  Ah, if I could have only transported myself to . . . . . anywhere at that moment.  But, the owner did not miss a beat.  She ask why Marie did not like the mattress, to which Marie quickly responded “Because it is not bouncy when I jump on it!” (I wanted to look at my watch and state “Oh my!  Look at the time! We better get going home. . . . “)  The owner was kind enough not to punch me, she simply stated “that is because your Daddy bought a good mattress!” Bless her heart.

And bless Gayle and Jim for not laughing me out of their lives:)  I love their excitement for Weddings and business in general.  So if you have not got your shoes yet, or are looking for do-it-yourself wedding invitations, and a store full of Wedding ideas – then this is your moment to graze, chat, and take a couple moments to meet them!

I will be there on Saturday from 10-4pm with albums in tow and great photographic ideas for your wedding. For the first 50 Brides-to-be I will be giving out gift certificates for a free Engagement setting!

May 9th 2009 – Alex & Maren

I coached Little league Baseball from 1991 – 2004 -  one of my favorite years was when I was fortunate enough to coach a group of really great of 11 & 12 yr olds in 1997.  I wish I could remember all their names,  because I would write each of them and tell them they embodied everything that Little League represented to me.  They were simply wonderful kids, who interest was a lot like mine – we might win, but we should have a better time.  I now remember one of the children, his name is Alex Fullbright.  I had the pleasure of photographing his wedding this year!  Of course, part of my concern is that the years are flying by and those baseball players are old enough to get married . . . . . . .  But, if they are nice as Alex, the world will be a better place . . . . I almost forgot to mention that it was wonderful to see Alex’s Family after so many years, and to get the opportunity to meet Maren’s Family as well!

Teisha & Dustin get Married by “The King!”

Nothing is better than being around Great people, Great Families, and Great Friends.  By the time we left, we felt like Family.  I just absolutely loved this group of people.  I have not laughed that hard in a long time.  Teisha is a beautiful, loving person with a heart as big as . . . .well, Snohomish.  Dustin is the wordsmith I never was.  His vows were the most humorous, and honest I have heard (see vows below).  I loved the Red Tux, and tumbling dice headband.  Coming in on a yellow mini-chopper was a sight to behold in itself.

Dancing Bridesmaids in Shiny Black dresses with flaming red feather boas with strutting Groomsmen in fedoras, followed by Elvis himself.  Hot damn this was going to be a Good Day!  His declarations to the Bride and Groom were something I wish I had a copy of as well. . . .

Everything was done just perfect right down to the food, and the great Wedding coordinator who had the patience of a Saint.  I would be remiss if I did not plug Elvis (jumpsuitelvis@aol.com) – he was in his element.

Dustins vows:

“Teisha, I love you so much. I vow to always make you smile, when you are sad and blue and I will fart just to make you smile.  If you hurt, I will rub you down and make it better.  If you feel the need to tell me something very very important, I will listen.  In this world my two favorite sounds are that of a burly Mustang and some nice pipes and the sound of your giggle.  When you win at the games we play I will try not to get mad and throw monopoly at the wall if you don’t trade me for what I want oh and as for your “I win you’re a loser” dance I will watch with a smile.  There is no one on earth I would rather be with than you.  I promise to treat our marriage like a 302, I will keep it well lubed and change the plugs for a better spark.  I promise to get you going with minimal cranks and keep your batter charged.  And I know my key will turn you over forever.  In the end, I know our odometers will roll over together.  So with this ring I promise to keep you classic and cherry and show you off to everybody.  You’re my lobster.

Bless you both for sharing your good times with me – it was a real pleasure to be a part of your day!

Soulfood Benefit on June 20th, 2009

I just wanted to put in a couple words about Redmond’s coolest coffee shop in the world.  They are doing a fund raising benefit tomorrow Saturday the 20th.  If you cannot make it to the benefit, they are streaming it live at Soulfood.com.  I will be donating a Portrait for the a very great cause.  The wordsmith who drafted their benefit copy says it best.

“Once upon a time there was a little store that wanted to make a difference in the world. After a leap of faith it landed into a new space and expanded its wings to embrace a new way of being. Over the next three years the little store and its tribe grew leaps and bounds beyond what any thought possible.
Unlike most stories that have been written, our tribe gets to write the next chapter in our tale.

Our community house is on the verge of a metamorphosis. For the past three years SoulFood has been a dwelling for dreamers, musicians, artists and world changers. We have housed life changing events such as weddings, the first steps of our littlest tribe members and the moments of courage it takes to sing in front of a crowd for the first time.  We have stormed city hall to sing about being alive, hosted the youth of Redmond to speak and show their truth, listened to our breath and danced together. We are a vibrant & dynamic community that is making our mark on this world.
We believe in a world that can be better than it is and are not afraid to walk through the fire for it.  As in all dynamic and changing communities things have to evolve, otherwise they become stagnant and no longer serve a purpose.  This community is anything but stagnant.  Today is the day to start the change.
In our intention to walk in right action and be of our highest nature, the shape of SoulFood is being asked to change. This means finding the best possible ways to open the doors so that SoulFood is held by more than just a few and is held by the greatness of this community. To begin that process SoulFood needs to address a few bottom line issues to start this transition.
On Saturday we are beginning our campaign to keep the doors of SoulFood open, so it can take it’s biggest leap so far.

Saturday will be the day that we rally as a community to share our words, listen to musicians and raise as much money as we can. We are abundant in heart and deed and this is the day to show that in a very concrete way. There will be a silent auction and raffle starting Saturday morning. We have community members who have donated their art, their craft, and their hearts to benefit this home.  There will be places set up to receive your donations and we know that they will come in whatever form you are most abundant in. Not all of us have money to contribute, but we all have passion and light that gets to transform in ways that help keep us running.  Even if you just bring a friend with you to enjoy some remarkable music, this is the day to show our neighborhood that we are here and are not going anywhere.

In the following weeks we will be opening up a membership program in preparation to transform SoulFood into a place that is no longer held by just a few, but a fully conscious community supported place that continues to grow as this tribe soars.

We all get to write the stories of our lives and live as authentically as we want. As a community, this is the time that we stand together, walk boldly into the fire and speak our truth even if our voice shakes. The pen is poised to write the next chapter.

We start writing this Saturday”

If you have not visited – this will be a perfect opportunity to meet an amazing group of people.  While you are there give my son’s Craig Larsen Jr. & Taylor “Barista Boy” Larsen a hug for me.

Peace!

“An Elegant Evening Affair with a Cause” Benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

TJ Sherrill

DeLille Winery

Last night I was part of a very worthy cause that is close to my heart.  A benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).  As many of you
know my wonderful son, Julian, was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) in May of 2008, and through a very difficult year – it was announced that he is in remission.
The event was hosted by Becky Soliday & Sara Venn at the Redmond Town Center’s Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas. It is a beautiful and spacious place. Sara and Becky were generous enough to give me 10 minutes to tell a little about our experience with my son, Julian (http://theamazingjulianlarsen.blogspot.com).
TJ Sherrill very amazing music for the collective group.  There was also a wine tasting by one of the best wineries in the Northwest, Delille Cellars out of Woodinville.  The wine host was gracious and kind enough to give me a “boost” before speaking.  The wine was stellar.
I was delighted to find out that my portrait donations brought in $600 for a very good cause. . . . . . To find out more on how to donate to this great cause please visit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Brandi & Aaron’s Engagement Session

Brandi and Aaron are getting married next Labor Day (2010), and wanted to get started early on planning.  What a great couple, and they photograph wonderfully together.  They are actually having an Engagement Party/Luau tomorrow – and they invite yours truly to attend.  Say no to a Luaua?!  Not me. . . . besides it will be a great opportuntiy to meettheir family and friends.

Of course I’m bringing my camera, so I will keep you posted on the images, and the food, and of course on the Bride and Groom, and the food, and their family and friends, and of course – the food!

Danielle’s Birthday . . . .

Danielle and I go back a couple years to her Sister, Michelle’s Wedding at St James Cathedral in Downtown Seattle.  Danielle dropped me an email before Christmas and asked if I would photograph her Christmas Party for her.  It was an elegant affair.  Her sense of design and placement was perfect.  She has an excellent eye for layout.  But, back to her birthday . . . .we started at the Sorrento Hotel with some great before her birthday party started at Amber in downtown Seattle.  The party was a fantastic time, celebrated with many of her friends attending.  I look forward to working with her again!

4/25/2009 Jeanne & Pat @ Hollywood Schoolhouse

Rehearsal Dinner @ Red Hook Brewery

Tulips!

When I first met Jeanne and Pat to discuss Wedding plans at the Hollywood Schoolhouse (on the border of Woodinville and Redmond), their main emphasis was going to be that all their guests we to have a great time.  They were less on formality, and more on highlighting their family and friends.  I loved their ideas!  The ceremony was going to be a “gathering” of those closest to them – hence no chairs.  I liked what I was hearing. . . . . I found out that they were doing an informal rehearsal dinner at the Red Hook Brewery.  Hmmmm!  They like quality beer as well?!  I thought I better investigate, so I stopped by and took a couple images, snaked on some well prepared Mexican Food, sipped a Red Hook Amber and listened to great stories.  It was surprising to me that they first dated in High School (and this was their first marriage each!)

a photo of Pat & Jeanne's High School Dance picture

I had suggested that we start at Willows Lodge as it is a beautiful place to start images, and after the wedding it is very easy to get to (1/4 mile)!  I love the Northwest wood lobby, and the rooms are very intimate – it is just a great place to melt into before and after a wedding

Pat’s best friend did the vows, and true to their words – their family and friends formed a simple circle around them for the ceremony.  The whole event was a great representation of what they were about! See more images at: http://clarsen.zenfolio.com/jeanne-pat

Of course an Image of my daughter Josie

4/11/2009 Ashley & Vigthør

@ the Broadmoor Golf Club

I knew it was going to be a great day when my Cousins started showing up at Ashley’s and Vigthør’s wedding reception at the Broadmoor Golf Club on April 11th.  Naturally, seeing them was quite the surprise for me as I had no idea why they were there, other than the wedding reception.  Well it turned out that I was related to the Bride!  It goes something like this:  The Brides Mother’s – Mother is my cousin Gary’s Mothers – sister, and Gary’s wife is my mothers – sisters – daughter. . . . . simple huh!  Although my relationship to the Bride is for the geneologists to figure out.  I realized that I was now working for Family!! But, back to the couple (my 4th cousins by marriage?), they both are talented opera singers that are currently residing in Kansas City.  They performed a duet for the beautifully packed Broadmoor reception room.  The Bride’s Father, cousin Max put on a video taken at their wedding in Aspen, in which in was raining so hard I thought they were in Seattle. The Groom’s Family is from Iceland no less. . . . . . I was trying to express my excitement to them about visiting them soon, but as soon as I said the word “visit”, they forgot how to speak English! See more images at:  http://clarsen.zenfolio.com/broadmoor.

Ashley & "cousin" Max

Ashley & Vigthør Singing

Outside The Broadmoor Golf Club

Seattle Tennis Club

Angela and Denis were married on the Great Lawn at the Seattle Tennis Club on a gorgeous summer July day.  Although the setting of venue tends to lean toward the formal side, the couple brought a real fun and expressive side to the event.  I love being part of friendly, fun weddings.  Everyone there seemed to be from a different part of the world – Scotland, England, India, Taiwan, and Ireland.   I love to watch couples that love to watch each other having a great time.  From Angela’s great expressions, to the only-man-on-the-dance-floor Denis having a great time.  Almost on clue, the full moon rose over Lake Washington signaling a lumbering exclamation point on a stellar day!