THE BLONDE
BEHIND THE LENS
about courtney
A surprising confession from a photographer, what I believe,
and a few of my favorite things.
GET AROUND
courtney
Here’s the thing: I know what it’s like to cringe when someone pulls a camera out of their bag. I’m just like you, and I’ve let my own hesitations and insecurities creep in at times!
Want to know what changed that? Realizing I'd never exist in my son's childhood albums if I didn't let that go.
Now I spend my days traipsing around Lake Tahoe and every other interesting place my work takes me, putting other couples and families at ease, documenting unseen moments, so you can leave behind a legacy that endures.
xoxo,
MORE OF MY STORY
Photographer. Mom. Fellow camera-dodger.
With more than 300 weddings captured, my approach has stayed the same since my first wedding back in 2006: treat each wedding like it’s my own. I may or may not have been known to memorize names of extended family members before your big day, and my approach is first and foremost to spur a connection, both with you, and between you and your loved ones (Oh, and yes … I still keep in touch with that 2006 couple!).
I’m humbled and honored to have had work appear in Junebug Weddings, Grey Likes Weddings, Style Me Pretty, along with more and my business’s bedrock is giving back: finding cures for pediatric illnesses makes my heart speed up, so a portion of your investment goes to St. Jude’s life-changing program. I also work closely with Tyler's Grace Foundation in capturing memories for families with life threatening cancer, as they find some R&R in Lake Tahoe.
I believe in love, and I believe it needs
to be shared more often.
WHO I AM
I believe in hand-written love notes, “just because” gifts for the garbage collector, and complimenting at least one stranger every day.
I believe that there is no greater gift than relationships and that we should all put our phones down and connect the old fashioned way.
I believe in keeping a suitcase packed for last-minute adventures.
I believe in sleeping in (whenever possible), strong coffee paired with a cool morning and pancakes every Sunday.
I believe in dancing at any moment and that a bad mood is easily fixed with Motown music.
I believe in hanging photographs on the wall, to pass by daily and remember the unseen moments of yesterday.
NEXT SET
It never fails: every Sunday, I wake up and crave pancakes. The typical batch most always includes lemon ricotta blueberry or pumpkin, though I’m open to hearing your favorite recipes … got some for me?
01. I NEVER SKIP
SUNDAY PANCAKES
I don’t even want to admit how old they are. I’m willing to justify this splurge for anyone on the fence, just shoot me an email and I’ll make my case.
02. love my
FRYE BOOTS
I have a lot of both. I'm not afraid of chopping it, in fact, I donate it to CWHL each time it gets long enough. As far as my heart goes, my softest spots are for anything involving little ones, older generations, and dogs (naturally).
03. I'M KNOWN FOR
MY HAIR + MY HEART
... and cities. I love exploring them, diving into their unique vibes, chatting up locals and eating the must-haves.
04. ADDICTED TO
CUTE TOWNS
Particularly enjoyed at a cute coffee shop or outside, with a blanket on a cool morning. I drink mine way too strong, unsweetened with a little milk and preferably in good company.
05. LIFE IS BETTER WITH
COFFEE
PREVIOUS SET
With 300 days of sunshine in Lake Tahoe, when the rain comes, I take a deep breath to soak it up and almost immediately go run out into it.
06. my FAVE scent
FRESH RAIN
I'm what one would call a “relaxed health nut,” trying to be conscious of fueling up with the best foods. But leave me alone with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups? All bets are off.
07. gimme all those
REESE'S
I got bit by the travel bug when my best friend and I backpacked Europe for a month post-college. Armed with only a Rick Steve’s Guidebook (it was 2004 after all), we nailed it. Ever since then, I travel any chance I get.
08. I LOVE
TRAVELING
...with Ginger Beer.
09. FAVORITE DRINK
WHISKEY
My son is my greatest accomplishment. My absolute rock. He's taught me more than I can teach him. And he's a cuddler. Thank the heavens, I get to breathe him in daily and get the chance to see the world again through a child's eyes.
1o. LIFE IS BETTER WITH my
SON'S HUGS
THINGS
FAVORITE
a few of my
