Redeeming Soles // serving the community in Seattle, WA

Over the weekend, the youth group from our church had the opportunity to volunteer and serve at a place in Seattle called Redeeming Soles.This organization collects footwear for the homeless and underprivileged throughout the Puget Sound area. We helped them sort shoes by gender and style, cleaned them up, and packaged used shoes to be shipped out to others in need. We were able to clean and package 606 pairs of shoes in all!! We heard the story of Scott Sowle, the founder of this organization. As a former homeless person for more than 13 years, he knows first hand about the needs for shoes in the community. At one point while Scott was homeless, he needed a pair of work boots for a job, but after more than a month of visiting various charitable organizations, he came away empty handed. He was discussing his need for boots with a caseworker from the largest homeless service provider. With tears in her eyes, the staff member told him that while the organization regularly received clothing, food and blankets they seldom got proper footwear. This stayed with him. In 2010 he began to take action and start collecting shoes. In February of 2011, a group of people inspired by Scott’s mission began to meet and formed Redeeming Soles, which soon became a State of Washington non-profit organization. (info taken from the about section on their website) Redeeming Soles has a donation booth at many of the Seattle area’s running events throughout the year, including the Rock n Roll Marathon and the Jingle Bell Run. Check them out, and consider donating some of your shoes! While used shoes may seem like a small contribution, it could change someone's life!

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Becca & Craig's Yakima Engagement Sneak Peek!

These photos are the perfect mix of cute and fun. It's obvious to me that these two are a great match! We all did lots of laughing, lots of goofing around, and lots of picture taking. In the end, the session felt more like an afternoon of hanging out rather than a "photo shoot!" Sad to say, two of the times I laughed most was when they sank into two feet of snow, and when Tavis slipped on the ice.... Sorry guys!! :)  Rhiann and Haley will be photographing their White Pass wedding later this year!

You can view more of our Yakima Engagement Photography on our portfolio site    

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Family Session Locations

Here are four common scenery options we like to use for family sessions. Depending on the season, we can also do photos in the leaves or snow!

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Yakima Newborn Photographer Behind the Scenes

Rhiann Gates with Garden Gates Photography is part of the MMP wedding team, but during the weekdays her heart is in photographing newborns. (and she is darn good at it!!) She's a natural when it comes to posing and working with the little ones, and her photos are so stinkin cute!! She has a natural light studio set up at her home in Selah, and recently I was able to witness her in newborn photo action! As you can see... I snagged some photos of my own. I highly recommend her as a Yakima newborn photographer. She's got the experience, talent and creative ideas for an excellent styled newborn session!! Expecting Mommies: Schedule a newborn session with Rhiann well before your due date.... Don't wait until it's too late! Newborn photos are best if taken within the first 12 days after birth.

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Harvey the Yorkie!

On Monday night we welcomed little Harvey the Yorkie into our family!! We found a breeder in Cle Elum (Alpine Yorkies) and it was a great fit for us! He's 7 months old and about as big as he will get (almost 5 pounds) At the bottom I included the picture that the breeder took of us when we got him. :)

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