Last year I blogged at this time that the year previous was like jumping out of an airplane while promising everyone I could build a parachute before I hit the ground. This year was mostly a lot work, sweat, fingers crossing, more work, more sweat, and of course much careening toward the earth. The gamble I took two years ago to take this thing full time still feels fresh. Along with being the hardest thing I’ve ever tried to do, it is also I’m sure the best decision I have ever made for myself.

I was especially humbled last year by the amount of artists and photographers who hired me to shoot their weddings. The list included a literary editor, an assistant curator for a New York art advisory, a print maker, a painter, a poet, a New York wedding photographer, and a Hollywood cinematographer! My wedding work appeared on television’s The Today Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Inside Edition, as well as being featured on a bunch of killer wedding blogs from around the world! My own blog has received over 60,000 views now from 100 countries! I was also asked to speak at the CoLab wedding photography workshop in San Francisco. I shot DJ Lucky Date for the UK’s MixMag. I was featured and interviewed in a few more magazines including Unique Bride and F2 Freelance Photographer.

Along with the local weddings here in Washington, Mary and I shot weddings last year in Utah, Montana, and California, plus four weddings in New York! Coming up this year we already have bookings in Alaska, Louisiana, Virginia, North Carolina, and Mexico!

*I still have plenty of dates open for booking, so if you’re interested you can contact me here.

Last year couldn’t have happened without so many people, but mainly I have to thank all of the couples who stumbled across my work, believed in what I was doing, and invited me to document their wedding day. Being a part of your lives during such a monumental moment has truly enriched my soul. Maybe that sounds corny but it’s the absolute truth of it. Thank you for trusting myself and Mary with your day, and making all of last year possible. I owe so much to you and I am truly grateful to have been chosen as your wedding photographer.

Of course so much thanks and gratitude also goes to Mary who has been my assistant, second shooter, production manager, best friend, and overall emotional support system.

There’s some more to be said below, but I really feel we should get to some pictures!

As I’ve said before, it would be impossible for me to compile a ‘best of’ collection. I don’t think I’m capable of making decisions like that. Here are 140 images from 2012 that for some reason or another resonated with me. A few of these images I haven’t posted to the blog until now. Also, this time around I’ve thrown a few of Mary’s images into the mix.

Soundtrack: From The Cinematic Orchestra Presents In Motion #1 by The Cinematic Orchestra (iTunes)

Washington, California, Oregon, Utah, Montana, and New York.

Interested in having us shoot your wedding, family, or engagement? You can email us here.

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Photographer: Jonas Seaman

Second Shooter: Mary Williamson

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I gotta give a shout out to Meg, Maddie, and Emily over at A Practical Wedding, and Ariel, Stephanie, and Megan of Offbeat Empire (Offbeat Bride, Offbeat Families, Offbeat Home & Life) who have given me much support, inspiration, and friendship this year. Also, Rock N’ Roll Bride, Snippet & Ink, Hi-Fi Weddings, Elizabeth Anne Designs, and Beyond//Beyond for featuring my work! Thank you Lisa & Alex of 2 People 1 Life and Kelli Bielema of Shindig Events for getting my work on national television… but mostly, thank you for your friendship. Finally, thank you to all the photographers, local and not so local, who connected with me this year… such an amazing community!!

Let’s see what we can do with 2013!!!