THE SMILEY BLOG

Senior year is an unforgettable time filled with milestones, celebrations, and the chance to express yourself in new and exciting ways. Whether it’s prom, homecoming, or your senior photo session, every detail matters when it comes to looking and feeling your best. As a Seattle area photographer specializing in high school seniors, I’ve seen firsthand […]

As a Bellevue-based photographer specializing in senior portraits, I often hear families debating whether or not to send out graduation announcements. I get it—life is busy, and this can feel like one more thing to add to the to-do list. But trust me, this is one tradition worth holding onto, especially if your student is […]

Flowers have a tendency to make everything a little more magical. Whether they are bringing life into a dreary house or are transforming the landscape of a wedding venue, they can really make all the difference! While they might seem like a teensy part of your prom or homecoming celebration, choosing the right bouquet is […]

When you are planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, you need the perfect meal to take it over the top. It can get pretty complicated when you are looking for caterers that will utilize kosher practices while still creating exceptional meals. As a Washington mitzvah photographer, I get the chance to celebrate with tons […]

There is a lot of planning that goes into your child’s bar or bat mitzvah, from the venue to the guest list. With all that juggling, you need a caterer who will provide you with the perfect meal, just without any of the stress. As a Seattle-based bat and bar mitzvah photographer, I get the […]

As a Seattle-area senior photographer, I spend a lot of time working with students to get them ready for their sessions. One thing I get asked is whether or not I recommend a professional makeup artist. While we are in the golden age of DIY, I still highly recommend booking an expert. The fact is […]

Your child is unlike any other in the world. From the very first few months of their life, you are constantly seeing a bit more of their personality emerging. You know what makes them excited and what brings out their smile. So, when you are planning their bar or bat mitzvah, you need a venue […]

Booking an appointment with a professional makeup artist for your senior pictures can be one of the best things you can do for yourself. I talk about this a lot with my clients. In today’s world, we have instant access to about a thousand different makeup tutorials that will walk us through every step. Is […]

These days, it has never been easier to learn how to do your makeup. The second you open your phone, there are a million influencers out there telling you how to do the perfect contour and another million telling you why contours are actually out. With so much availability of lessons, I get a lot […]

The corsage and boutonniere tend to be a last thought when you’re getting ready for prom. You have your gown, you have your shoes, and you have about a thousand accessories. What were you forgetting again? Oh, right. Flowers can take your look and elevate it in ways that jewelry cannot. You just need to […]