Meant to meet | Saleina | Poulsbo, WA

When Guy, Jax and I decided moved to Bainbridge Island, we knew it would not only be a great opportunity for Guy, but also give me the chance to devote more time to Jax and work on photography. Don't get me wrong, saying goodbye to reporting was a very hard decision. I've wanted to be a television reporter since I was in 5th grade. Yes, 5th grade after Angela Tatum and I did a weather report for Mr. Coladonato's Science class. Being a TV reporter was much more than a career. It defined me. I let it. But Twenty years after Mr. C's class, there are things that define me...much more important than a career title.
I am a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend... armed with a camera.

Knowing I would learn the most by working with other photographers, I googled "wedding photography" and the surrounding communities. Dozens of photographers came up, but there was just something about Saleina Marie that made me email her.

I'd like to say it was her pictures (which are stunning), but it was really what drives her to be a photographer. Saleina wrote on her bio page, "To me, being a photographer is so much more than just taking pictures. It is a rare opportunity to capture life’s moments as they are happening. " I've always felt the same way about becoming a journalist. Being a television reporter was much more than being on TV. It gave me the opportunity to tell other people's stories in hopes of helping them or someone else.

So I emailed Saleina and now four months later I am honored to call her my friend. She has been gracious enough to invite me on shoots and open her family and home to my family. She has also introduced me to a number of her friends including another amazing photographer and mom on the island, Katie Brase. It's hard to explain, but you know the saying some people come into your life for a reason, well I feel that way about Saleina. Like were were just meant to meet.