Ana Hopkins Photography

The Spinelli Family {Spokane Family Photographer}

2011-12-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

The Spinellis and I went to Manito Park for their family session. I love this family. Wendy is one of my best friends and the kids, as you can see, are just adorable. What a good looking family! We had fun re-creating their traditional family picture - the one of Nathan holding up everybody in the family. I also love the toes picture! Thanks Spinelli family!

Rachael and Chris' wedding at High Country Orchard {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-12-01T23:27:00.000-08:00

Rachael and Chris are awesome. Their engagement session is one of my favorites to date. Their families are amazing. They have a funny first date story. They have many friends who love them. They are in love. So, their wedding was really really fun and really really beautiful. Although it was SO hot outside, Rachael managed to bring the fall spirit inside with her decor and inspiration. And after the wedding, I got to shoot Rachael's family session in the snow! Post coming soon!

Thanks Rachael and Chris for everything. I wish you guys a lifetime of love and happiness!

PS. I'm trying a different look for this blog post. You guys have to let me know if you like it! = )

Simply ADORABLE! The Richardson Family {Spokane Family Photographer}

2011-12-01T00:08:00.000-08:00

My wonderful friend (my BFF, as Ben usually says with a touch of jealousy in his voice! = ) Aubrey and her beautiful kiddos (including my future son-in-law Jay) came to Manito Park with me to celebrate Kate's first birthday and snap some shots. I don't think these could be any cuter. Including the frosting meltdown at the end! What a gorgeous family! I love them and don't even want to think about the fact that they're moving next July. Aubrey, Jay and Kate, thank you for being such wonderful models. You totally rock!

Natalie and Aaron got married!! {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-11-29T22:11:00.000-08:00

I feel like every wedding is special. They all have their unique, interesting, emotional and fun moments. And there is always something I remember clearly about each of them. With Natalie and Aaron's wedding it is Natalie's contagious and spontaneous smile and the way Aaron looked at Natalie every time their eyes met. Oh love...
It was a fun day filled with love, laughter and joy. It's a beautiful thing to see wonderful families come together. Don't be jealous of my job. = )

Natalie and Aaron, thank you so much for everything. I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

A Bride&Groom session at Manito - Whitney and Brakston {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-11-28T09:03:00.000-08:00

I met Whitney and Brakston at Manito Park for a bride and groom session. It was really cold but Whitney was a trooper and didn't complain at all. I love their colors and really thought the shoe/sock details were fun! I love shooting at Manito and I can't get enough of the Duncan Gardens! Thanks Whitney and Brakston. I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

2011-11-27T16:13:00.000-08:00

Katelyn and Brad had something different planned for their wedding. They had the bride and groom shots and their reception on the 9th, but the actual wedding ceremony only happened the next day. I thought it was a great thing to have a lot of time to shoot at the LDS Spokane Temple and then head to Manito Park for more pictures! I love how the images turned out and I am in love with the lanterns they released during the reception. It was a fun reception and they even did the LIMBO! Thanks Katelyn and Brad! I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

A rocking downtown engagement session- David and Allison {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-11-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

Ever since I talked to David the first time, I've been looking forward to shooting their engagement session. David is also a photographer and it was an honor to be chosen to shoot their wedding next year. He and Allison are also so much fun to hang out with. We had a blast! I love how the images turned out. As I said to them, they are definitely portfolio candy! LOL They are not only a great looking couple, but they are awesome at posing, giving suggestions and trying everything I suggested! David and Allison, thanks for everything! Can't wait to shoot your wedding!

Fall Family Session at Greenbluff {Spokane Family Photographer}

2011-11-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

Once more I had the pleasure of working with the Songhurst family! They are great friends and I've worked with them both doing their family shots and shooting Danny's amazing guitars. It's always a lot of fun! Their girls are so adorable and cute! We went to Greenbluff and shot at one of my favorite locations. I miss fall already...

If you want to check out Danny's amazing work check out:

http://songhurstguitars.com/

A fun-filled wedding at Mitcham's Barn- Kelsie and James {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-11-21T21:05:00.000-08:00

Every wedding is unique. Every wedding is special. But they all have something is common. Love is everywhere. It was not different with James and Kelsie's wedding. They were surrounded by family and friends who love them. And they most definitely love each other. They also love to have fun! And boy do they (and their friends!) know how to party! It was just SO.MUCH.FUN! I loved the unique venue, the ceremony, the wheat fields, the dances, etc etc etc I could go on forever! It was a blast and I love how the images turned out! Kelsie and James, your love has already proved to be stronger than any distance so hang in there and I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness! Thanks for everything!

My beautiful daughter and our Christmas card photo {Spokane Photographer}

2011-11-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

We've been working on our Christmas card photo. I love her to the moon and back. And then some.

The Haynes Family Session {Spokane Family Photographer}

2011-10-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

I love doing family sessions! Mainly if the family is as beautiful as the Haynes family! I really like trying to capture people's personalities, especially the kids'. Their kids are so sweet and so cute! I also love their outfits! Thanks Haynes family, for spending the afternoon with me and letting me capture these images!

Amanda and Andy's FUN wedding at High Country!{Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-10-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

Amanda and Andy got married at beautiful High Country Orchard and BOY, do they know how to celebrate! I had SO.MUCH.FUN! Their friends definitely know how to set the dance floor on fire! I really think the images speak for themselves. I loved everything: the unique cake topper, the awesome signs, the gorgeous flowers... There was plenty of love and friendship to go around. Twice. And then some.

Amanda and Andy, I wish you nothing but joy and love in your journey together! Thanks!

Baby Gavin is here! {Spokane Newborn Photographer}

2011-10-01T22:35:00.000-07:00

Baby Gavin came to play with me last week. At ten days old, he was just a little bundle of cuteness! He was so good for me too! ( except for peeing about 7 times, including all over me!) I think he knows I'm practically part of the family after having shot his parents engagement, wedding, maternity session and now his newborn portraits. He was just the perfect baby: the creamy skin, chubby cheeks, wrinkly feet and cute smiles!

Kristin and Curtis, thank you so much for sharing your little man with me!

Naomi and Zach are engaged! {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-09-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE shooting in a totally new and unexpected location. It brings out my creativity and it's so much fun coming up with totally new ideas. Especially if the new location is as cool as Naomi's great-grandparents farm! Barns, gardens and a lake made by her grandfather himself. How cool is that? Naomi and Zach were so much fun to hang out with and she had brought all sorts of cute props (and outfits!)
On top of that, they are really in love and it shows! The result of all that combined? Some amazing images that put this session amongst my favorite engagement sessions ever!
Naomi and Zach, I can't wait to shoot your wedding next year! Thanks!

Crystal and Nick's amazing wedding! {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-09-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Crystal and Nick got married and I was there. Even if I wasn't shooting the wedding I feel like I should have been there anyway. Because I feel like part of their family by now. I shot their maternity photos, their newborn portraits, their niece's newborn portraits and now their beautiful wedding. I am lucky that I get to know some amazing people along the way, and Crystal, Nick and little Ms Mya are not an exception.
Everything was perfect. It was pink. There were the cutest babies ever. The most emotional dance ever. The craziest dancing ever! There were kids swimming in the little pond. Grandpa was rocking baby girls. There was love. And tears. And love (have I mentioned that?)

Crystal and Nick, I wish you a lifetime of wonder and happiness (and many, many photo sessions!)

A huge thanks to my awesome assistant for the day, Ashley Alley. She was fabulous (you can see that in the last photo above). You rock, girl!

Can you play volleyball in your wedding attire? Kara and John can! {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-09-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

John gave Kelsey a special gift. A bracelet and ring set. She LOVED them! Made me all teary eyed!

The bride and groom favorite numbers : 7 and 13. 14 for their wedding day.

The bride's sister owns Rocky Mountain Chocolates at Riverpark Square downtown. This table was absolutely amazing. Yummy!

Kara and John got married at High Country Orchard on a beautiful summer day and it was amazing! There was volleyball, slides, tractors, gifts, family, chocolate, friends, wheat fields, butterflies, love and laughter! It's always wonderful to see a family come together and they made sure Kara's daughter Kelsey felt really special throughout the day. I'm so thankful I get to share these moments with some pretty awesome people!

Thanks Kara, John and Kelsey! You are a wonderful family!

A Rocking Commercial Photoshoot- A Songhurst beauty! {Spokane Commercial Photographer}

2011-09-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

Danny Songhurst has done it again! One more AMAZING custom guitar. This time, the lucky owner is Paul Allen (you can read about him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Allen - he is one of the co-founders of Microsoft amongst other things) We decided to do a different photoshoot and we headed downtown Spokane. Glass Alley is always an "interesting" experience! But I love the look of a totally rock'n'roll guitar in such a rough looking spot. I love these shots!

If you want to see more of Danny Songhurst's beautiful work check out his website:

http://songhurstguitars.com/

Family Fun at Manito - The Petersen Family {Spokane Family Photographer}

2011-09-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

The Petersens have been family friends for a long, long time. Corey and my husband went to High School together and were roommates in college. Then Corey married Hatsumi. We love them! And then came Jimmy. Corey and Hatsumi live in Utah so we hadn't met their adorable son Jimmy until they came to Spokane a couple of weeks ago and we got together for a family session. We had a lot of fun doing the session and then going out to dinner at a greek restaurant. We just wish they lived closer so we could get together more often!

Picture overload at Brandon and Kasey's picture perfect wedding! {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-09-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

Have you heard before that a positive attitude makes everything better? Well, I think Brandon and Kasey are living by that principle and their wedding was proof was that. Kasey was my first (and only!) bride to say (when I called her about timelines, schedules, plans, lists,etc...): "Can we just wing it?" Brandon is a lucky, lucky guy. It was definitely one of my favorite weddings ever. I laughed (a lot!). I cried (a lot!). I took beautiful pictures. I witnessed beautiful moments. There was love all around. It was a truly a perfect day. Hence the picture overload. I'm sure that after looking at the images you won't hold it against me.

A Beautiful Wedding at Rocking K Ranch - Heather&Philip {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-08-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

Heather is one of those people you love from the moment you meet her. She hired me over the phone and I thought she was so nice and friendly. I couldn't wait to meet her. Then we arranged to meet and drive to the venue together so we could finalize the wedding timeline and so that I could visit Rocking K Ranch for the first time. After about 5 minutes, it was as if we were life long friends. I knew I was in for a treat on the wedding day. I wasn't wrong. The whole thing was pretty amazing. But the most remarkable thing during their wedding day was how much people love them. I see many brides frustrated with their wedding party for not performing the tasks they were supposed to or for not supporting them enough. It was definitely not the case for Heather and Philip. Their wedding party, friends and family were absolutely amazing and so loving! You can see in pictures that the day was filled with love, friendship and a LOT of emotion!

Everything was perfect and I can't emphasize enough what a beautiful venue Rocking K Ranch is. Beautiful scenery, gorgeous bridal suite, fabulous infinity pool, bright red barn and dozens of locations for photography. I could've played for a week. The staff was so helpful and made sure everything ran flawlessly. A special thanks to Wendy, who is the event coordinator there. (another life long friend I had just met!)

Heather and Phillip, you guys are a wonderful friends. I'm sad you don't live here so we can see each other more often! I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness! Heather, your fairytale has only just begun.

If you want to know more about Rocking K Ranch check out their website:

http://www.rockingk.com/

Kristin is going to be a mama! {Spokane Maternity Photography}

2011-08-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm part of Kristin and Curtis' family. I shot their engagement session, their wedding, their maternity session and I'm shooting their newborn portraits soon. Very soon! = )
It is so much fun spending time with these two. We talk, we laugh, we laugh some more and we ALWAYS get some beautiful shots. I can't wait to meet their little one! And maybe shoot his one-year portraits,their family pictures every year, his senior pictures and maybe, just maybe , his engagement session, his wedding... You get it.

Kristin and Curtis, you are more like friends than clients now and I love spending time with you. Mr Gavin is such a lucky boy!

A beautiful wedding at High Country Orchard (and some random thoughts)- Amanda & Sam {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-08-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

While I was shooting Sam and Amanda's beautiful wedding I had a thought. I started thinking that if people knew what it is like to be a wedding photographer EVERYBODY would want to be one. I get to see two people who are in love share one of the happiest days of their lives with their family and friends who love them and are there to support them. I get to share in unique and special traditions and rituals that make me want to get married (to my husband!) all over again (and have a week long event to incorporate all the the different ideas I've seen and loved!) I get to party and eat yummy food. I get to meet so many interesting and amazing people.
Why isn't everybody a wedding photographer???? Maybe it's the fact that you won't have a single free weekend in the summer (or even most of the year!) Maybe it's the fact that you'll be standing up and carrying some pretty heavy equipment for 12 hours straight. Maybe it's the fact that they are scared of the huge responsibility of knowing that if you miss a shot, it's gone forever. Maybe they don't want to spend their every minute editing thousands of images. Maybe they just don't know how fun it is. How emotional it is. Like I said in the previous post, I cry. Every time. Don't be like me.
And it was in the middle of Sam and Amanda's beautiful celebration that all of those thoughts came to me. Probably some time between the pagan hand fasting ritual during the ceremony and the absolutely scrumptious cake balls made with so much love by the bride and the groom themselves. Yep. That was probably when I had those thoughts. Or maybe it was when Sam looked at Amanda like only a man in love could. Or when their ADORABLE nieces were smiling. Or maybe... I'm telling you. Don't be like me.
The bride was beautiful. The venue was perfect (as usual, thanks High Country Orchard!). There was happiness all around and I was a witness to all that. I guess if you want to be a little bit like me, I won't blame you.

Thanks Amanda and Sam for sharing your day with me! (and inspiring all the crazy thoughts above mentioned!) Have a beautiful life together!

A Country Wedding - Amber&Brandon at High Country Orchard {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-08-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

Amber and Brandon got married at High Country Orchard on a beautiful, sunny day and I was lucky enough to share the day with them and capture these images for them. No matter what people say, one can't get enough of the happiness that surrounds two people who are in love and getting married. Families and friends coming together to celebrate and bless the new couple. And yes. I cry. Every time. Don't be like me.
Amber and Brandon, thank you so much for choosing me to capture these images. I wish you a lifetime of happiness and a lot of love!

Jared and Marina's Spokane Temple Sealing and Coeur D'Alene reception {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-06-02T17:10:00.000-07:00

I had the great pleasure of shooting Jared and Marina's wedding at the Spokane LDS Temple and their reception in Coeur D'Alene, ID. Marina and I have a lot in common. She was born and raised in Albania and hasn't been living in the US for very long and she also had only her mom and dad at her wedding. Just like it was at my wedding.

The weather was warm and great (are they lucky or what?) and it was really fun getting to know them and their families. It is always amazing to be by the water in Coeur D'Alene. Such a beautiful place! I had a million ideas for different shots but we barely had 20 minutes there, since we stopped on the way to their reception.

There was a lot of dancing (including traditional Albanian dancing) , laughter and love! Just like I like it!
Jared and Marina, thank you so much for sharing your special day with me. I hope you love the images as much as I do!

PS A HUGE thanks to my awesome assistant Anita for the help and great shots! Lv ya girl!

Then and now {Spokane Children Photographer}

2011-05-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Gretchen at 7 days and 11 months. ♥

Songhurst Guitars- The Return {Spokane Commercial Photography}

2011-05-19T23:39:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while my friend Danny Songhurst will bring one of his amazing custom guitars for me to shoot. Last week I was lucky enough to get that chance twice! How cool are these? They will both be going to the band NEEDTOBREATHE and will be used during their world tour with Taylor Swift. Pretty cool, huh? Danny I said it before and I'll say it again: you(literally) rock!

If you want to check out Danny's work go to:

www.songhurstguitars.com

Rachael and Chris urban engagement session {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-05-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to one of my favorite locations to shoot Rachael and Chris' engagement session. I love all the architectural elements downtown and the lighting is just spectacular! We had a lot of fun! Even Chris might admit to that! Let's just say he was less than thrilled at the beginning of the session but confessed that it was really not as painful as he thought in the end. Rachael, on the other hand, was very excited and had the best feet posing I've ever seen! Rachael and Chris, thank you so much for being willing to risk your lives for the sake of my art and for being such great sports! Can't wait to shoot your wedding!

Cute overload- don't say I didn't warn you! {Spokane Children Photography}

2011-05-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

My friend Briett has the cutest, mellowest, most easy going and sweetest kids in the world and I got to shoot them for the 3rd time last week. How lucky am I? Thatcher is 3 and he has always been such an adorable little guy. I met him at my wedding when he was just a 2-week old little ball of fuzzy blonde hair. Speaking of hair... Gretchen is 11 months old but she has long hair. I mean, LONG! You can see in the pictures. It makes her look even more like a little doll. So cute! Thanks Briett for sharing your awesome kiddos with me again!

Katie & Andy's engagement session downtown {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-05-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I had the great pleasure of hanging out downtown with this lovely couple. Some people just have something special about them, don't they? I told Katie and Andy that they have such great energy that the weather turned to a beautiful sunny day, the lighting inside an old building was AMAZING (I thought it was going to be dreadful!) and we got so much help during our session! Everybody seemed to feel the same way I did about them and everything went so smoothly! And the photos! Ah...the photos...One of my favorite sessions to date! A beautiful couple, in love, fun to hang out with, super photogenic and willing to try all my crazy ideas = I can't wait to shoot their wedding! Thanks Katie and Andy! You guys are awesome! See you soon!

Brandon and Crystal at Riverfront Park {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-05-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I shot Brandon and Crystal's bride and groom photos at Riverfront Park. We were afraid the weather wasn't going to cooperate and then we were worried about Bloomsday registration that was going on that day. When we got to the park, we found out that not only there was the crowd from Bloomsday, but also there was a Children's Book Drive going on at the same time. There were people, fairy tale characters and yellow balloons everywhere! On the other hand, instead of the rain we were expecting, we got a gorgeous sunny morning. So we had fun just walking around looking for spots to shoot. I love the carrousel shot! One of my favorite bridal shots ever!

Thanks Crystal an Brandon for being such great sports and for choosing me to capture images of your special day!

PS. Is it just me or she looks just like Pam from The Office?

His chubby cheeks melt my heart! {Spokane Newborn Photographer}

2011-04-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Baby Jaxson came with his mom and dad to my studio yesterday. He was a total dream! He slept through most of the session and had enough chunk and sweetness to melt my heart every time I looked at him. What a cute "little" guy. He was born 9lbs 5oz and at ten days old he looks like a 2 month-old baby! I got my baby fix and shot these beautiful images. Are you jealous of my job yet? 'Cause you should be!

Thanks Stacy and McKay for sharing your adorable baby boy with me!

Meet Handsome Mr B {Spokane Newborn Photographer}

2011-04-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

After meeting Callie and Brandon for their maternity session last month I couldn't wait to meet their little one and he's here! A handsome, sweet, strong, alert and OH so cute baby boy they named Brenner. He just couldn't be cuter with LONG eye lashes, fuzzy dark hair and plenty of heart melting smiles. Thanks Callie and Brandon for sharing your beautiful baby boy with me. He's perfect!

Enjoy the images and if you do, leave a comment!

Sam & Tasha's engagement session {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-04-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I met up with Sam and Tasha at Manito Park for their engagement session. It rained. And snowed. And it was sunny. And we laughed. A LOT! They are just so great together! It's hard to get people to act natural in front of the camera but these two just totally rocked their session and I got some fabulous shots of them just being themselves and having fun together. It really does help that Tasha is probably one of the most photogenic people I've ever shot. It was an amazing photo shoot and I am just so glad I get to meet wonderful people like them all the time and I get to share a little bit of their love stories. Thanks Tasha and Sam for being such wonderful and fun models. I wish you a lot of happiness together!

Brandon and Emily Portland Engagement Session {Spokane Wedding Photographer}

2011-04-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I went to Portland, OR to shoot Brandon and Emily's engagement session. Brandon is my husband's cousin, so it was really great to spend some time with him and Emily and shoot these images for them. Portland is such an AMAZING place to photograph! We drove to the Pearl District and just walked around looking for interesting locations and as you can see it was not too hard! Thanks Brandon and Emily for being such great models. We wish you all the happiness in the world!

Downriver Grill and The Flying Goat {Spokane Food Photography}

2011-04-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of shooting some spectacular dishes from Spokane restaurants Downriver Grill and The Flying Goat. They are both amazing! Everybody I've talked to since has asked the same question: "DId you shoot the gorgonzola fries? Did you have some?" Shortly followed by : "Now I want to have some!". Everything they serve is delicious, beautiful and craving inducing. Feast your eyes and then head down to either one of them (or both!) to satisfy your craving!

A special thanks to Jonathan Sweatt, owner of both restaurants (and his staff!) and my great friend Julie Norris owner of Simply Gourmet Catering who totally rocked yesterday.

Click on the images to see them even bigger!

www.theflyinggoat.com

http://mysimplygourmetchef.com/

She's just pretty and sweet and pink all over! {Spokane Newborn Photographer}

2011-04-11T14:52:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Ms M (triple M that is!) came to play with me yesterday. She brought her mom, dad and sister with her. Then, she gave me a run for my money. LOL! But like I tell all the newborn babies who come my way, I always win. And I did! We got some fabulous images. Those images of her with daddy are just heart melting aren't they? And she was so full of smiles! Adorable! Totally worth the 4 hours at 80 degrees! Thanks B, J and T for sharing this beauty with me! Enjoy your images!

Playing with food {Spokane Food Photographer}

2011-04-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

I love cooking. I love eating. I love photography. Well, getting into food photography and styling is really a no-brainer for me. I can't think of anything more fun than trying on new recipes, plating and styling them and then taking fun pictures. Really, it's just putting together my greatest passions!

So, last week while I was getting ready to shoot the Chef Juli Norris' beautiful food at Commellini Estate's Private Restaurant, I cooked and shot (and ate!) a lot of food! Chocolate truffles, lentil soup, Brazilian strawberry pave and homemade yogurt.

I put on one pound, but who's counting right?

Food, styling and photography by yours truly.

If your mouth waters while reading this, leave a comment will'ya?

Simply Gourmet Catering {Spokane Food Photographer}

2011-04-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to shoot Chef Juli Norris' beautiful food. I absolutely love food photography! Her dishes are delicious and oh so pretty!
Juli is the Chef and Owner of Simply Gourmet Catering and Events and you can (and should!) contact her through her website to see all the amazing services her company offers:

http://mysimplygourmetchef.com/

Styling and photography by yours truly.

Thanks Juli!

It's raining hot mamas! {Spokane Maternity Photographer}

2011-03-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

My friend (and web designer) Wendy came to Spokane on Friday so we could catch up and also do a maternity shoot. We went downtown for the second half of her session and took some really gorgeous (and edgy!) photos. She looks SO amazing! And she is such a good model! I don't even need to say anything and she does exactly what I want her to! Wendy, thank you so much for letting me capture these beautiful images! I can't wait to meet Miss Summer!

Enjoy the images and if you do, leave a comment, will'ya?