Essence of Us Photography

09/04/2026

Who says you have to cram every single tradition into a rigid template? This couple opted to split up their ceremony and reception over two separate days, which allowed them to keep their forest ceremony quiet and completely focused on their vows. Just them, their loved ones, and all of those towering the trees. Swipe to see their romantic ceremony unfold. Would you consider splitting up your wedding celebration across multiple days?

08/23/2026

In the hours leading up to the ceremony, there's room for so much more than just "getting ready." The difference between treating these hours as optional compared to treating them as essential is significant in your final gallery.

It's taking the time to read a private letter from your soon-to-be spouse in the morning light, enjoying a relaxed bo***ir session in your bridal lingerie, or elevating your individual portraits through unhurried compositions.

Partnering with the right photographer means bringing on someone who knows exactly when and how to protect those intentional pockets of time. It’s about knowing how to utilize that time to both elevate your entire wedding gallery and your wedding day experience.

Save this post for when you and your planner sit down to build your wedding day timeline.

08/17/2026

When you prioritize presence over perfection, your day looks like this.

Vendor Team:
Photographer: Essence of Us Photography | Seattle Wedding Photographer
Coordinator: Amber Cheremsak Boutique
Caterer: Table 47
Tent/Table Rentals: Lost Barn Event Rentals Kitsap Event & Party Rentals
Linens/Place Setting Rentals: American Party Place
Cake: A_little_wicked_cakery
DJ/MC: Z Breaux / Dajue Dj-Xten
Hair and Makeup: Seattle Makeup, Hair & Permanent Makeup
Restrooms: Cozy Cove Restroom Trailer LLC
Arch Florals: Nicole Broady | PNW Wedding Florist

08/14/2026

Gallery delivery days are some of my favorites because I know how excited couples are to relive their wedding day.

Here's what a gallery delivery day looks like.

Shout out to the vendor team who made this day happen:

Planner: Sheeco Weddings Planning & Design
Photo: Essence of Us Photography | Seattle Wedding Photographer
Venue: Kitsap Memorial State Park Washington State Parks
Catering: Essence of the Thymes Catering
DJ: Z Breaux
Hair & Makeup: liv | Downtown Olympia Hairstylist Liv Laugh Livvy | Olympia Wedding Hair & Make Up
Florals: Nicole Broady | PNW Wedding Florist
Rentals: Lost Barn Event Rentals Kitsap Event & Party Rentals

08/11/2026

The simplicity. The personal details. The obvious love between these two.

What a beautiful day.

Shout out to my associate, Tasha, for capturing this beautiful day and the amazing vendor team:

Planner: Seattle Wedding Planner
Venue: Larkin Place, LLC
Photographer: Essence of Us Photography | Seattle Wedding Photographer
Catering: Just A Pizza My Mind
Ice cream: Humble Cow Ice Cream
Dress: The Dress Theory Seattle

08/10/2026

20 seconds in the life of a wedding photographer

07/27/2026

The walk back down the aisle when the ceremony ends and all the nerves fall away...now you get to celebrate!

From a private first look to vows in the woods to personally welcoming each of their guests into the reception, here is a small look into this couple's sneak peek gallery.

Planner: Sheeco Weddings Planning & Design
Photography: Essence of Us Photography | Seattle Wedding Photographer
Venue: Kitsap Memorial State Park Washington State Parks
Catering: Essence of the Thymes Catering
DJ: Z Breaux
Hair & Makeup: liv | Downtown Olympia Hairstylist Liv Laugh Livvy | Olympia Wedding Hair & Make Up
Florals: Nicole Broady | PNW Wedding Florist
Rentals: Lost Barn Event Rentals Kitsap Event & Party Rentals

07/17/2026

07/15/2026

We made the final voting round for Best of South Kitsap!

I just found out that Essence of Us Photography is a finalist for Best Photographer this year.

To everyone who took a quick second to nominate my business...thank you! Doing what I love right here in our community is incredibly rewarding, and your support makes it even better.

We are officially in the final round of voting, and I would love your help to bring home the "Best of" title!

Here is the quick breakdown on how to vote:
🗳️ You can vote ONCE A DAY per email address!
🔗 The link to vote is officially in my bio.
📍 Find us under "Professional" -> "Photographer/Videographer" category.

​Whether you vote once, set a daily reminder, or simply share this post with a friend, it means a lot!

Thank you all so much for cheering me on!

​With much gratitude,
Madi

07/07/2026

Twenty years of friendship means carrying an archive of every version of a person. I know the girl from the school hallways, the girl navigating the messy twenties, and the girl who figured out exactly who she wanted to be.

But standing behind my camera in the middle of a massive Montana field and watching that same lifelong friend look entirely settled, deeply safe, and fierce in her happiness? That wrecked me in the best way possible.

We spent the afternoon out by this rugged, weathered fence line where the hills just roll endlessly into the mountains and the sky (Montana is called Big Sky Country afterall).

In a landscape that massive, it would be easy to get lost in the scale of it all. But the frames that stopped me in my tracks were the quiet ones. The natural, easy way they fell into an intimate pose and the way they soaked up each other's presence the entire time. It was raw, real, and beautiful to see.

It's such an immense privilege in being trusted to document the milestones of the person who knew you before you even knew yourself. It’s not just a gallery to me, it’s a new chapter in the story of my oldest friend that I get to witness.

A few favorite moments between two of my favorite people during their engagement session in Montana.