Well, the cat is officially out of the bag! As I mentioned on Facebook and Twitter the other day, I have some BIG news to share. WE ARE MOVING TO NEW YORK CITY! It still feels so strange writing those words, but it is indeed true. My husband Pat is graduating from UW’s dental school tomorrow (yay!) and he has been accepted to a residency program in New York to specialize in pediatric dentistry. While it’s a new and exciting adventure for us, this change sparks many mixed emotions. I have always dreamed about living in Manhattan. From the culture and energy to the people and history, the city has been a fascination of mine for years. It’s truly unlike any other American city. However, I am also very sad to leave my wonderful clients, family and friends here in the great Pacific Northwest. It’s been almost a year since I started my business and I’ve met so many great people during that time. But with this move, I am also transitioning out of my full-time job. Admittedly, it has been tough juggling my business, continuing to grow as an artist and hone my craft as well as working full-time. I am extremely excited that I’ll now be able to spend more time on my business and my photography.

My clients have been incredibly supportive of this big transition and for that I am so very grateful. But not to worry, I will be back! Pat’s program is only two years, and while I have learned to never predict what may happen in the future, we are planning on moving back to the PNW following his residency. Because of this, I am going to continue to serve clients in Seattle, Spokane and surrounding areas (although on a more limited basis). I already have sessions lined up for this fall and weddings booked for next summer in Eastern Washington and the Puget Sound region that I’m really looking forward to! So if you are interested in a session, please don’t hesitate to contact me! I will be posting travel dates and other news on my new Facebook page, so please head on over and “like” me!

Logistics for our move are still being finalized, but I will officially be living in NYC by July 4^th. In the meantime, I am working on some recent sessions that I will be posting them on the blog soon. THANK YOU in advance for your support during this time of transition!

(Below are a few photos from our walk across the Brooklyn Bridge when we were in NYC last week to find an apartment. I had a very “Carrie Bradshaw” moment where I found myself trying to convince my husband that it was totally acceptable to store part of my shoe collection in the oven…we are used to living in small apartments, but let’s just say that our new place takes the word “small” to whole different level!)

It’s been awhile since I last blogged a personal post, so I thought today was the perfect day to write and dedicate a post to my brother Bryan. This evening, Pat and I will be heading down to Portland, Oregon to start a weekend of very special celebrations in honor of my brother—tomorrow he commissions as an officer into the United States Air Force. Not only that, but he has been awarded a highly-competitive and sought-after pilot spot and will be moving down to Mississippi in June for several years of pilot training. Then on Sunday, we’ll attend his official graduation from the University of Portland where he will receive his bachelors of science in mechanical engineering. Talk about an overachiever!

Needless to say, I’m quite proud of my little bro…and I use the term “little” very loosely as he now towers above me in height. Growing up with a five year age gap between us wasn’t always easy. As a teenage girl, the last thing you want is your 8-year-old little brother hovering around you! But apart from the typical sibling rivalries during our childhood, Bryan and I have always had a close relationship. Our family moved around a lot when we were young, and often—whether we liked it or not—Bryan and I had no other option than to be best buds.

I’ve also learned that as you grow up, age makes less and less of difference. Over the past few years, Bryan and I have grown closer than ever and our relationship is something that I hold close to my heart. I am absolutely bursting with pride for all that he has accomplished over the last five years—a journey that has most definitely not been easy. I know that he is going to be an incredible pilot and I am grateful to know that he will be among the many military service members committed to protecting our country’s safety and freedom.

Bryan, congratulations on everything! I am SO proud of you and all that you have achieved. I love you more than you know…and no matter how big and strong and old you are, you’ll always be my little brother!

***By the way, Bryan is a pretty awesome photographer himself, so be sure to check out his portfolio here***

Pat and I have just returned from a quick, but wonderful vacation to the island of Oahu. It was the first time either of us had been to Hawaii and our first visit to a tropical climate together. And it was absolutely spectacular! Last week while I was packing I kept thinking to myself, “Am I really going to wear these shorts and need these flip flops?” For some reason I always find it hard to imagine drastic climate changes, but much to our excitement we boarded our plane in cold, rainy Seattle and arrived to sun and 80+ degree weather in Honolulu. It was heaven!

Some highlights of our trip included snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, where we saw the most colorful fish and the water was crystal clear. We signed up for a scuba diving adventure, which had been a dream of Pat’s since childhood (I was a little nervous during our pool training session, but managed to pull through without a major panic attack!). During our two dives we saw huge sea turtles (which swim right up to you!) and we were surrounded by countless tropical fish and gorgeous coral. Scuba diving was such an incredible experience and it will definitely remain one of my fondest memories. We also spent some time exploring the island and other beautiful beaches. One afternoon we drove around the island and ended up on the North Shore, where we ate at a local shrimp shack and watched surfers tackle huge waves. Of course we enjoyed every opportunity to soak up some much needed Vitamin D (I’m fairly certain I was the palest person on the beach the first day!). But, more than anything, it was just wonderful to spend some time together, away from everything, enjoying each other’s company (and maybe a few Mai Tai’s!).

We’re already planning our next trip back to one of the other islands (and scuba certification for Pat), but for now here are a few images from our short visit to paradise….

I think the sea turtles were my favorite part of scuba diving (and they reminded me of the turtles in Finding Nemo!). They’re so docile and laid back…

Sunrise over Diamond Head…taken from the beach in front of our hotel.

A beautiful Oahu sunset…

And a few mini polaroids from my Instax…

This week has been particularly beautiful in Seattle. The trees are bursting with color and the continuous days of warm sunshine have been a welcome treat. However, it’s not supposed to stay like this for much longer. Cold weather and rain are in the forecast and as we set back our clocks this weekend, it seems the warm days of fall are almost over.

Thinking about the cold weeks and months ahead, I remembered a not so dreary time from this summer. My best friend Julia and her boyfriend Christoph came to visit us from Germany for several weeks. I was born in Germany and most of my childhood memories are from there, the majority involving Julia. We met in third grade and have been best friends ever since, despite being five thousand miles apart. While our lives have changed significantly over the years and our phone calls have become less frequent due to school, jobs and just generally busy schedules, whenever Julia and I do talk or see each other it’s like we pick up right where we last left off. During their visit this summer, we had a blast playing tourists in our own city and showing Julia and Christoph all of our favorite Pacific Northwest spots. Plus, I think we did a pretty good job of convincing them they should move here! Not a big ask, right?!

Enjoy a few sunny photos from our evening at Golden Gardens…it might be awhile before we see the sun again here in Seattle!

Julia und Christoph, Ich hab euch beide sehr lieb und hoffe das wir uns bald wieder sehen!

Today Pat and I celebrate our 3^rd wedding anniversary! I’ve spent the past few days deliberating on whether or not to write a few words about this. I love sharing my recent work on the blog and the stories of the couples and families I meet, but I’m still getting used to blogging about MY personal thoughts and stories. I must say that it can feel a little intimidating at times! But since the topic of this post is about marriage, love and all things mushy plus I am a wedding photographer, I figured what the heck!

It really is crazy to think we have been married for three years! On one hand it feels like ages ago and on the other, it feels like I was just walking down the aisle. The past three years truly have been the best of my life and I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than I am right now.

We were recently talking about how we’re always thinking and talking about the future. While I’m a big proponent of dreaming big and talking about all of the possibilities the future holds, I find that in our day-to-day routine it’s always “next month” or “next year” or “once you’re done with school.” This is largely the nature of our society and our thirst for instant gratification – always searching for the next best thing. One of my goals for the next half of the year (yes, it’s already August!) is to make a conscious effort not to dwell on the past or worry about the future, but to take in the moments happening now. Especially the time spent with my husband. It has been the small, hidden moments and gestures over the past few years that have made me fall even more in love with him. While seemingly insignificant, those moments or words often mean more than any bouquet of flowers or big, showy gift. So, this evening, when we enjoy a little celebratory dinner, rather than worry about tomorrow, next month or next year, I’m going to just sit and breathe and take in the moment. A moment with my husband and my best friend.

Photo by the fabulous Nikki of Moxie Images

The past two weeks my best friend from childhood and her boyfriend have been visiting us from Germany. It has given us the needed push to have a “staycation,” to slow things down, enjoy the sunshine and the company of each other. We have been hitting up some of our favorite Seattle spots as well as exploring all the amazing outdoor adventures the great Northwest has to offer. We’ve climbed mountains, strolled along beaches, swam in crystal clear lakes and, best of all, eaten ourselves silly with delicious seafood and good wine. Our time together has helped remind me that it really is the simple things in life that bring such immense happiness.

Last weekend we headed over to Spokane for a wedding I was shooting (photos to come soon!). It also gave us the opportunity to spend some time with family, including my adorable niece Cozette. I am blessed to have five beautiful nieces (and one very handsome nephew!). Pat and I absolutely love spending time with all of them and they make us laugh to no end. So, while enjoying the dry Eastern Washington heat on Friday evening, I was able to snap a few frames of Cozette. She is one of the happiest, most inquisitive and expressive girls I’ve ever met. Her laugh is contagious and you can’t help but smile when you’re around her.

I have many sessions and weddings that I will blogging soon, now that our staycation is coming to a close. But for now, enjoy a few photos of the beautiful Cozette…

For Father’s Day on June 15, 1997, I gave my dad a little notebook with a sunflower on it. You see, almost every morning before he left for work, my dad would leave me and my brother little notes to read before we went to school. Most often they had an inspirational quote written on them or sometimes they were simply a short note wishing us good luck on a test. This Father’s Day, 13 years later, I spent some time reading through that little notebook with the sunflower on it. As I turned the the pages of heartfelt notes my dad had written to me over the years, I began to reflect on what an incredible role he has played in my life.

From driving me to the skating rink for 5:45am morning practices to teaching me the importance of “pay yourself first,” he has always had the most optimistic outlook on life. Known for his “attitude is everything” demeanor, he has the most remarkable ability of turning even the worst situations into a positive learning experience. When I was younger, he used to wake me up in the morning by coming into my bedroom and humming his self-orchestrated “bugle call.” I never understood how on earth anyone could be so chipper at 6am!

The little sunflower notebook that I will treasure forever…

My dad and I in Vancouver, BC (August 2008)

Last weekend, my dad (on the right) attempted to summit Mt. Rainier. For various reasons they weren’t able to make it to the top, but I have no doubt he’ll make it one of these days. At 66 years old, he continues to amaze me!

Daddy – thank you for all you have done for me and Bryan. Thank you for the sacrifices you and mum made so that we could receive a good education. Thank you for teaching us to never give up, to be patient and kind towards others and to believe in ourselves and our dreams. Thank you for instilling values in us that have and will continue to guide us in everyday life. And most importantly, thank you for your unconditional love. Happy Father’s Day!

Wow! It has been months (years actually!) that I’ve been looking forward to this day. The day that I would make Kathryn Bradley Photography a reality and launch a website and blog. That happy day is finally here!

With many ups and downs along the way, this has been an incredible learning process. As I sit here and write my very first blog post, I can’t express how thrilled I am to be starting this new chapter and to now have a place where I can share my art and people’s stories.

I also want to give a quick shout out to a few people who have been instrumental in making this happen (and who might be the only ones reading this blog post!). The incredibly talented and ever-patient Caylee Betts. If anyone in the Seattle area is looking for an amazing graphic designer, Caylee is your gal! She has been so much more than a designer throughout this whole process and I’m so grateful for all of her help and guidance. The wonderful Elizabeth Mullaly, who did such a beautiful job printing my letterpress business cards. Thank you to my family and friends, especially my parents and brother, for their unwavering support. And of course thank you to my husband Patrick, for believing in me, my dreams and reminding me what’s important in life.

The real journey is still ahead of me, and I couldn’t be more excited! I have many more posts from recent sessions that will be hitting the blog soon, so stay tuned and check back often. And please feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what you think!