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I was invited to photograph these two up at Mt. Hood which is one of my favorite places around. Knocking on the door I heard the sniffing of an excited participant to the days activities. Trevor opened the door and I was greeted by the aptly named Turbo the dog. I love dogs and when they are involved in a shoot I get a little giddy. Trevor, Calin and I decided to walk down to a bridge and Turbo was going a mile a minute. Staging the couple I walked along the banks trying not to sink into the deep snow. Mission failed…I sunk down instantly. Flashes of the movie Alive kept popping in my head as I was trying to traverse while climbing in and out of mini snow caves I was making with my body. When I finally got to where I wanted to be we took some shots then got Turbo into some. It was great. We then went to a lake behind their condo. The setting was exquisite with trees and a snow covered pond. Trevor and Calin were dressed to the nines and I looked like I just came off the set of Ice Road Truckers. They went down a pretty steep hill with ease, I on the other hand decided to be cool and slide down with my camera in one hand and a light stand in the other. Well, it looked like a good idea at the time. I slid, I said Uh Oh and I hit the bottom and did flip in the snow submerging my camera lens into the snow. Success. Trevor and Calin were good sports and we had a lot of fun on the shoot. I was the substitute photographer and I am a little envious of their actual photographer. I wish good luck to Trevor and Calin and of course, Turbo.
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Pure unadulterated joy is the words I would use to describe the nuptials between Mallory and Tyler. The first time I met them, I knew we had something special brewing. I loved the way they played off of each other during our meeting. It went kind of like this: Mallory – Witty comment, Tyler – laughter, laughter, equally witty comment, Mallory – laughter, comment, laughter, witty comment, Tyler – comment, witty comment, laughter, Me – laughter, laughter, pause, laughter. It was great and I also found it interesting the way that Mallory and Tyler tried to convey how they wanted their wedding photographs to feel. Instead of showing me photos from a magazine or pinterest, they showed me a photo book from one of their favorite photographers. The genre of the book was more editorial but we were communicating on a totally different level that I was used too. Awesome. Let’s fast forward a couple of months. It was no secret that this last winter in the Northwest kind of sucked. It was rainy and cold and we just had a spring snowmageddonish storm roll through. The wedding day though, it was perfect. A little break from the liquid sunshine we were so used to seeing. It was bright and warm and I was so happy that this was what Tyler and Mallory were going to get. They deserved this day. The wedding was to be held at the Westend Ballroom and the venue fit Mallory and Tyler to a tee. It was vintage and classical and the downstairs ballroom, being newly redone, was the perfect place to get this party started. The ceremony was awesome. Tyler kind of winged his vows but they were great, straight from the heart. It received tears, laughter and ruckus applause. Mallory was right there with him though, receiving the same kind of fanfare. Weddings are often very serious affairs kind of like golf. People lightly clapping as the bride and groom leave the chapel. This was not such an affair. People were cheering when they were pronounced husband and wife. I could have sworn I saw some high fives and a chest bump in the crowd. The table décor was expertly arranged with the finishing touch being bibs with Tyler and Mallory’s cartoon face printed on them. How appropriate it was. Dinner was followed by the couple’s first dance and father daughter boogie down. Their soundtrack was expertly crafted by DJ Paradox. Any person that can mix in Softcell and House of Pain gets a scratch and sniff excellent sticker in my book. In between laughter, witty comments, and just pure getting down, we took some simply awesome photographs. Some that included going to bask amongst the Cherry Blossoms. Alas, the music was winding down and the guests were lined up to send these two crazed love birds off. I can’t say I was glad to see them go, I still wanted to take some photos because it was so much fun. Congratulations Mallory and Tyler, you guys got what you deserved!
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There are a couple phrases to describe when everything falls into place. ”The A-Ha Moment” or ”Epiphany” or ”The Moment it Clicks”. The last one being my favorite of course. I would use that to describe my experience with Josh and Celeste. After meeting with them the first time, it just seemed like I was meant to photograph their wedding. After the Engagement Session I felt even stronger about it. It was funny because everything just made sense, everything felt as if it was supposed to be like that. Up to the wedding weekend. Saturday was not so great and Monday was downright terrible weather up at the mountain. On the wedding day, blue skies, mildly cold, no rain or wind. It was amazing. As I was driving up I wanted to stop and snap some shots of the surroundings because it was so pristine. Everyone was so happy that day. I think the officiant said it best as Celeste’s dad escorted her to the altar. She said, ”Who needs a symphony when you have the sound of the babbling brook and the breeze through the trees.” It was the perfect setting. After the ceremony and a couple family photos we continued up the mountain to Timberline Lodge. We had a couple of minutes while guests were still checking in to take some photos of the amazing sunset bouncing it’s warm beams of light on a freshly white canvas of snow. Even though it was a little chilly, Celeste and Josh braved the elements and we had a great time. We then went inside to warm temperatures. After some eating, speaking, dancing, cake smashing, drinking and laughing, we decided to go outside once again for a few photos on a ski lift. I will say it was the first time I’ve ever been on a ski lift without something strapped to my feet but it was well worth it. At the end of the night, a few friends ended up at the bar with a country band playing and there was more eating, laughing and drinking. This day was an awesome experience and I would like to thank Josh and Celeste for giving me a glimpse into their amazing circle of friends and family. ”The Billies are alright…”
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These two. Will and Courtney are a bag of laughs. Meeting them at a pub (which are quickly becoming as common as coffee shops in Portland) one night we decided to do their Engagement Session starting at their favorite pub. The New Old Lompoc in NW was our destination and a place that has, in my expert opinion, the best chicken strips this side of the moon. By expert I mean, I am indeed an expert on chicken strips trying them from almost every place that offers them and even contemplating making my very own versions as well. I digress, let’s get back to these two characters. I really don’t take myself too seriously and as it turns out, neither does Courtney and Will. Birds of a feather, laugh together so I had a great time photographing these guys. After moving in and out of the Lompoc, we casually walked around the area taking advantage of concrete barricades, hoarder-esque apartment steps and of course, Will’s mini-van. We even threw in a ”vogue” pose (yes, that dance move from the 90’s….wwwwhhhuuuttt). All in all, it was a good time and I’m pretty sure we’re not going to include Will’s van on the wedding day, I’m really excited about their day. Viva La Windstar!
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t’s funny how weddings can bring people together. Old friends or maybe family members who haven’t seen each other for a long time. Guests from far and near congregate in one singular celebratory purpose. Lydia and Jeff’s wedding was of no exception. Friends and family came from all over to share in their special day. One of the most endearing things of the day was Jeff’s pure excitement. He kept saying, ”I can’t wait to see Lydia” over and over again with a smile that over took his whole face. After the ceremony, photos were taken and reception was well on it’s way. We decided to duck out for some more couple photos. It was a beautiful and sunny winter day which was a minor miracle in itself. Now back to how weddings bring people together. During our first meeting, Lydia and I discovered that we grew up in the same town in Louisiana. After talking a little bit more about that during the day we discovered that we went to the same elementary school at the same time. Crazy. The odds of me shooting a wedding for someone who I probably passed a hundred times during recess in New Orleans is astronomical. Congratulations to these two crazy love birds!
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New Year’s Eve is one thing. Heck they even made a movie about it but New Year’s Eve’s Eve is something untapped and awesome. Kirsten and Graham’s wedding was expertly held at the Pickering Barn in Issaquah Washington. A few years back these two came from seemingly opposite sides of the universe to meet at a Mariner’s game. Graham learned to love baseball from his time at Cambridge and Kirsten, well… I saw her dad stroll around in a Mariner’s Sweatshirt so apparently she’s been taught from birth. Their love grew out of other love’s of baseball and football or as we know it here in the states, soccer. The wedding was awesome and the whole bridal party were all in. Moving around the property, they didn’t let cold weather or lack of light get them down. After the wonderful ceremony, and the dancing exits of the bridal party and parents we were all welcomed into the reception by the sweet smell of barbecue. It represented perfectly Kirsten and Graham themselves, down to Earth and totally awesome. They didn’t even let a little mishap with an ankle get them down. Guests came from far and near, and joined in the awesome celebration that was Kirsten and Graham.
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There are a couple of days during the year that have special meaning. Days like Christmas Day, Valentine’s Day, Independence Day and of course New Year’s Day. New Year’s holds many meanings within it. It can be a sad goodbye to the year past with all its celebrations and accomplishments. It is also a welcomed hello to many new beginnings. It served as the perfect stage to Ben and Vi’s New Year’s Eve wedding. Held at the beautiful Zenith Vineyards, the common theme for the wedding was that it was going to be a celebration. It was nothing less of that. From the time I stepped onto the property there was a feel of fun being had. Before the ceremony, I had a sneak peek into the rehearsal with the many dance moves, laughter and high fives. There was a pre ceremony poker game and definitely inadvertent popping of corks in the brides room. This was just the beginning. Both Ben and Vi were calm as can be and they were looking forward to their ceremony. There were many story lines on this day, the wedding was one for sure and so was the impending New Year. The other was the family reunion of Vi’s family. It has been almost 30 years since all her brothers and sisters have been in the same room together. After some quick portraits in the barrel room it was go time. With the serene background of Zenith’s big fireplace as the background, the bridal party and Ben danced and moved their way down the aisle to the sounds of applause, laughter and high fives. Conversely, Vi entered the room with a hush. Walked down the aisle by her brother, Ben gleamed with anticipation as he watched Vi make her way down the aisle. I witneesed during the ceremony something I picked up on during our meetings. Ben and Vi have a very subtle, almost sneaky sense of humor. When it was time for Vi to recite her vows she unrolled a lengthy piece of parchment. Hilarious. As the night went on the guest were privy to awesome speeches, an incredible dessert bar, a fantastic photo booth, a surprise pizza delivery and of course some pretty spectacular dance moves. I was exhausted after this wedding because it was like three parties in one. Congrats to Ben and Vi and may this New Year bring a new beginning to an old love.
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It’s really cool when you meet a couple and you have something in common that most people don’t. We all have 11 fingers. Just kidding… it turns out that we all have spent some extensive time in Southeast Asia. It was great breaking from the normal wedding talk to discuss were we’ve gone and what experiences we’ve had abroad. Since Josh and Celeste were getting married in February we figured that the next couple of days after our first meeting would be prime time to do an Engagement Shoot. We took full advantage of the weather. We went from North Portland where we may have stumbled on an Occupy Caboose movement all the way to Powells Bookstore and everywhere in between. I also got to meet Abby and Stella, their two wonderful dogs. One thing that I noticed was that Celeste and Josh had an awesome easiness about them. We had a blast. I am really looking forward to the wedding, like really really looking forward to it
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When I moved to Oregon I remember going to the coast for the first time. I remember thinking to myself, ”This is the most opposite beach weather ever”. It was in the spring so it was kind of cool and windy. Coming from more Southern states, this was such an anomaly. After a couple of years I’ve gotten used to it and have actually come to appreciate the dedication by which Northwesterners enjoy their beaches. On this particular Winter day, it was no different. Brandon and Andi braved the weather and made the most of their Engagement Session at Canon Beach. It was actually a really nice day. The clouds provided an awesome canvas to show the colors of the sunset. Heck, they even took off their shoes to run through the sand and water. We had a great time and a positive to winter beach going is that you are pretty much the only ones on the beach. Even though Brandon and Andi took their shoes off, I did not and continued to photograph them while wearing a million layers of clothing. Yes, beach going in the Northwest requires dedication. That’s love!
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I met Kellene and Matt at my favorite bakery one night. Off the bat I could tell these two were easy going and some of the nicest people you can ever meet. We discussed the details of the wedding and how it was going to be Thanksgiving weekend. An image kept popping into my head and I had to spill the beans. I kept imagining them being announced into the reception by triumphantly running through smoke rising between two huge inflatable Thanksgiving Turkeys. After having a good laugh at that we continued on. The day of was great, crisp and clear and everyone in good spirits. After the ceremony, someone surprised the couple with a bag piper leading them out of the church. Now that in addition to the turkey thing would have been pretty awesome. The rest of the day went off without a hitch. Congrats to Kellene and Matt
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I am always amazed at couples who have to spend massive amounts of time apart yet still keep their love thriving. Chelsea and Anthony is that couple. Anthony residing on the east coast while Chelsea is in Portland. Even though they are apart, they seem so comfortable with each other. We decided to do their Engagement Session in Downtown Portland because they wanted something to contrast their Oregon Coast wedding next year. It was sunny but man was it cold. They took it in stride as we walked from one place to another eventually ending up on South Waterfront by the place Anthony proposed. We ended nearby as twilight was upon us as well as lower temperatures. I’m looking forward to their Canon Beach wedding because they’re awesome and the temps will be a tad bit higher.
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This was just a completely sweet and awesome affair. Vista Hills is one of my favorite venues. It’s intimate and has a beautiful view of the valley. On this particular Autumn wedding day, Vista Hills hit one out of the park. Troy and Kristi are awesome. If there were wedding jitters I didn’t see it…they were totally relaxed and were having a good time. Troy wanted to see Kristi for the first time walking down the aisle so after shooting some family formals separately, it was time for the big show. The smile on Troy’s face as he saw Kristi and her brother in law Matt walk across the top deck of the tree house was so big, it was almost like his mouth, eyes and eye brows were smiling simultaneously. After the ceremony we took advantage of the awesome sky and the surroundings. I’m a mans man…I watch sports, I listen to sports radio…I work on my own car and stuff but I have to admit…I dug Kristi’s shoes…they were pretty rockin. Event Team took care of the music expertly, like they always do. Instead of a sit down or buffet, Kristi and Troy (being foodies) decided to have food stations where their guests could get three totally different dishes. Wild Pear Catering handled it deliciously. The dancing was tremendous, Kristi’s nephew Jonathan was pretty stellar with his moves. I could go on and on… but I’m not. Double thumbs up + fist bumps + explosions and fireworks to Kristi and Troy!!
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During the speeches, Judy said something that I think most aptly describes Judy and John and their new family. She said that a theme in their relationship was ”Better Together”. She continued on to say the same thing about the newly joined families. That they were all now better together. I could totally see that in the smiles of both family and friends as they celebrated this union. Congratulations to Judy and John!!
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Sometimes we as photographers get lucky. We meet people who are supposed to be our ”clients” but very quickly become our friends. I was actually first introduced to Vanessa’s family when I was planning to shoot her sisters wedding. Meeting Ken and Mary at the 1st wedding I was instantly amazed by how loving and happy they were for their children. The wedding went great and I was sooo looking forward to the next wedding when I could again hang out with the family. I was so happy driving up to the venue. I knew given our adventure at the Engagement Session that today was going to be great. Everyone come up to me and made me feel even more apart of the family. Handshakes are for strangers….let’s just say hugs all around. The ceremony was full of laughter and tears. After a couple of photos it was time to party. I think a perfect example of how the family operated was when Vanessa not only had a dance to honor Ken her dad but also a dance to honor Mary her mom. I could go on and on but it was such a great experience. It days like this that I really, really count my blessings. I wish they had more siblings so we could keep this party going on! A heartfelt congratulations to Johnnie and Vanessa and also a thank you for enriching my life.