22 crazy-long-years-ago, I was a tiny little minion, sitting in the 3^rd grade next to another little minion named, Kevin.

Who would have thought, that over 22 yrs later, I would be taking his engagement photos?! Kevin and I have been friends through every new chapter of life, from recesses in elementary school, the awkward middle school years, first crushes, soccer teammates (Kevin was an all-star soccer player), and playing countless basketball games on countless courts… and who can forget the adventures and experiences of high school and college?! And now, we work out together twice a week.  What an amazing and wonderful friendship we’ve shared!

Four years ago, Kevin was so excited when he told me about Erika, and now they’re planning a lovely wedding together. Erika is such a kind and wonderful friend. Over the years, I’ve appreciated her understanding, patient, and peaceful spirit and I couldn’t be happier that she is marrying my friend.  From the first time I met Erika, spending time with her has always been so easy and fun. And just look at her lovely smile!

The 3 of us had a fun time taking these pictures. I was so thrilled when Erika and Kevin decided to take their engagement photos in Whatcom County, where Kevin grew up. These pictures truly reflect Kevin and Erika, their personalities, and their relationship with each other. They chose the beautiful location of Hovander Park, in Ferndale, WA. Within the first few minutes of our arrival, Kevin said, “Wow, this place brings back so many memories…”

With the warm sun shining on our faces, we kept asking, “Is this really February?!” Such an awesome day and a super fun engagement photo session! Hovander park encompasses 350 acres of fertile farmland along the Nooksack river. Mount Baker can be seen in the some of the photos, providing an amazing backdrop.

 

 

The following text, describing the Hovander Barn, is used from the Hovander Website:

“In and around the barn and farmyard is a collection of antique farm implements, including old harvesting equipment. Children can play on brightly painted tractors in the play area. Inside the barn are many unique architectural building styles and a hayloft used for storage. Within the massive barn is a milking parlor display adorned with some of the antique tools and equipment used at the time the Hovanders worked the farm. In the restored milk house are many of the tools used for making butter and cheese. The newly constructed office is a replica of the original homestead cabin the family lived in while the big house was built. The red and white building next to it was the carriage house which stored buggies and carts and later on, cars and trucks”

I really love the view of Mount Baker in the picture above.

 

 

 

 

For the picture below, the following text was taken from the Hovander Park website: 

“The Hovander House was built of 52,000 board feet of handpicked clear western red cedar and Douglas fir. Several Scandinavian design elements were used, such as large windows for light, and sculpting patterns for interior moldings and exterior gingerbread. Originally all the woodwork of this six-room, two story house, was treated inside and out with linseed oil. The overall scale and use of ornamentation gives the Hovander House a manor-like appearance. The house was completed in 1903 and the 60-foot high barn, one of the largest wood barns in the County, was finished eight years later. The house is furnished with original pieces brought from Sweden by the family, and other furniture collected by Otis Hovander, the last son who lived in the house until 1969.”

 

 

Thanks Kevin and Erika, and I wish you both the very, very best life together, my friends!

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