Aja’s Maternity Portrait Session
A few weeks ago, I spent a lovely afternoon photographing Aja and her husband Eric. Aja and Eric are getting ready to welcome a sweet baby girl, Bella, into their lives any day now and I know that they are going to be amazing parents. They are so sweet to one another, making each other laugh and smile. There are piles of baby books around their house. Bella’s nursery is all set and ready to welcome her. Even Bentley, their dog, seems to be waiting in anticipation for Bella’s arrival. Eric and Aja, I’m so excited for you two. I cannot wait to meet little Bella and I’m looking forward to her newborn session later this month!
Carley and Jon, August 7th 2010
There are so many nice things to say about Carley and Jon’s wedding day. And, after spending a very exciting and action-packed 8 hours with them on their wedding day, I also have many nice things to say about Carley and Jon as people. It was evident to me that this magnanimous couple lives their lives to the fullest, and loves their friends, family, and one another with all of their heart. Their classically beautiful wedding was held at DeArmond Garden Estate in Hillsboro, Oregon and had a little bit of everything that makes for a perfect day: sunshine, laughter, clouds, tears, and even a little rain shower for good luck. It was one of the loveliest events that we have had the opportunity to photograph. What made it so special were the people and their emotions which made it clear how genuinely happy they were to be there. Congratulations Carley and Jon! Here’s to a lifetime of love and friendship.
Lindsey and Jon, July 31st 2010
Have you ever been to the Oregon Garden in Silverton, Oregon? If not, you’re about to get a sneak peek into one of the loveliest places in all of Oregon. This gorgeous spot is where Jon and Lindsey chose to say their vows and start their married life together. Before their ceremony, guests were encouraged to come early and explore the many different gardens on the property. I thought that was such a great idea since the Oregon Garden is a big place with ambling paths. You could spend an entire day there simply visiting the varioust gardens! Their sun-soaked wedding day will always stand out in my mind as one of the most fun and relaxed celebrations that we’ve had the opportunity to photograph. Congratulations Jon and Lindsey! Thank you for choosing us to document your celebration. May your marriage be as beautiful as your wedding day!
Family Portrait Session at Peninsula Park
I wanted to share another cute family portrait session from this summer. This session took place at one of my all-time favorite parks in Portland, Peninsula Park. This adorable family currently lives in Texas but has ties to the Pacific Northwest and wanted the photos to reflect the lushness of the area. Thank you Jeremy, Lindsay, Jack, and Hazel for the fun summer morning and all of beautiful smiles you brought with you:) Enjoy!
Backyard Family Portrait Session
Summer is the best time for a sweet family portrait session. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of photographing Jay, Rachele, and their children, Elise and Nolan, in their very own backyard. I had so much fun hanging out with this adorable family, enjoying the summer evening, and documenting them spending quality-time together. I love my job! Click here to see more photos…
Serena and Logan, July 10th 2010
Serena and Logan are two of the coolest, most genuine, and down-to-earth people you will ever meet. They’re also beautiful, both on the outside and in their hearts. Two Oregon natives, one aspect of their wedding that stood out to me was the connection between them, their guests, and the city where they were married. It seemed like all of their wedding guests had known one another for a long time and that and everyone was there to celebrate these two beautiful souls becoming something new and wonderful together.
Serena and Logan were married on Saturday, July 10th at the First Congregation United Church of Christ in downtown Portland, Oregon. Their reception followed at the Governor Hotel’s Heritage Ballroom. I’ve been really excited to share these photos. In fact, I spent all day, going back through them, reliving their amazing wedding day, trying to narrow down my favorites to only 100 photos. It took a while but, at long last, here they are:) Serena and Logan, Lincoln and I were honored to be there to photograph your wedding day. We’re so happy for you two and wish you all of the best in life and love!
Steph and Drew, July 2nd 2010
Steph and Drew’s wedding was unbelievably awesome. In fact, I’m having a hard time writing anything that will come close to how amazing their wedding day was. When this happens, I like to give you a few fun facts about the couple and then I let the photos do the talking…so here goes:)
Steph and Drew are from Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s my understanding that nearly all of their guests made the trip down from Canada to Cannon Beach join the couple on their wedding day. The bride, groom, their wedding party and family arrived about a week before the wedding to get ready for the big day as well as to enjoy some quality-time together. On Friday, July 2nd 2010, Steph and and Drew were married in front of their loved ones, with Haystack Rock and the Pacific Ocean as their backdrop. Their reception was held at the Surfsand Resort, a beachfront hotel in the heart of Cannon Beach. As one of Steph’s bridesmaids said to me, their wedding day was the culmination of a week of laughing, eating, drinking, partying, and bonding. I can’t think of a more perfect way to start your marriage than to be completely surrounded and supported by the people you love most in this world. Steph and Drew, congratulations! Thank you for making us feel like family on your wedding day. We’re now convinced that the rumors are true: Vancouverites are the nicest people in the world. Go Canada!
Elizabeth and Jim’s Engagement Session at George Rogers Park
Engagement photos are wonderful for so many reasons. First of all, your engagement is an exciting and fleeting time in your relationship and it’s nice to have beautiful photographs to remember this unique time. Additionally, your engagement photo session is a fantastic way to get to know your photographer before your wedding day, and vice versa. After Elizabeth and Jim’s engagement session, I truly felt like Lincoln and I had a chance to find out a little more about Elizabeth and Jim as a couple. For instance, we found out that, just a few days after their session at George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego, Elizabeth and Jim were planning to participate in the 2010 Foot Traffic Flat Marathon on the 4th of July. That’s right, folks. In addition to planning their wedding, Elizabeth and Jim were also training to run 26.2 miles together. Quite impressive! However, after spending a lovely summer evening with this incredible couple, I’m certain that they could (and will) do anything that they put their mind to.
Elizabeth and Jim, we had a great time getting to know you during your engagement session and we’re looking forward to your wedding in August!
Meet Baby Wyatt
On June 15th 2010, sweet little Wyatt was born. You may recognize his parents, Annica and Chris, from Annica’s maternity session that we did back in April. A couple of weeks ago, I spent a lovely Sunday afternoon with Annica and Chris at their home, photographing their newborn baby boy. Wyatt is such a sweetheart! He was so good-natured during his session. He didn’t fuss or cry, but was wide awake for the entire hour and half that I was there, taking it all in, making my heart melt:) Congratulations, Annica and Chris, on your beautiful, bouncing baby boy!
Emilie and Rob, June 24th 2010
Emilie and Rob were married at McMenamin’s Edgefield on a warm and sunny Thursday afternoon in June. After photographing Emilie and Rob’s engagement session in May, Lincoln and I were really looking forward to documenting their wedding. This fabulous couple has such a sweet love story and they are both kind and creative people who are crazy about one another. I knew that their wedding would not only be a feast to the eyes, it would also be full of fun, whimsy, laughter and love…and it was! In fact, it was all that and more. Please click on the photo below and see for yourself:) Emilie and Rob, we wish you many years of continued happiness!
Angel and Kyle’s Engagement Session on Sauvie Island
Think about your sweetheart. The person whose hand you love to hold.
When was the last time you spent time with them in a park, doing absolutely nothing except for enjoying each other’s company? How about the last time you walked through an orchard, ran through a field, held hands, danced in the street, or kissed in a pine grove ? If it’s been a while since you spent some having-fun-doing-nothing quality time with your beloved, let Angel and Kyle’s engagement session inspire you to fall in love all over again.
Amelia’s First Birthday Party
Guess who turned one-year old on June 17th this year? Little Amelia did! And I was the lucky photographer who was there to document Amelia’s first birthday party, which was held on Father’s Day this year at Jen and Dan’s home in McMinnville. If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you probably recognize Jen, Dan, (and Amelia too!) Lincoln and I photographed Jen and Dan’s wedding back in 2008. In Spring of 2009, I received the happy news that Jen and Dan were expecting a baby, and I was honored to photograph Jen’s maternity session, as well as Amelia’s newborn session. I’m beginning to feel like an honorary family member:) It gives me great joy document these important moments in my clients’ lives. Jen and Dan, as always, it was a pleasure to see you again and I’m looking forward to seeing you again next year!
Kelly and Josh, June 19th 2010
We met Kelly and Josh way back in 2007, at the wedding of Sarah and Ben. Sarah and Ben’s wedding predates this blog, which goes to show you just how quickly three years can pass! Josh was the best man in Sarah and Ben’s wedding and, at the time, Kelly and Josh were boyfriend and girlfriend. Sometime during the reception, Lincoln or I took a photo of Kelly and Josh stealing a kiss (not unlike the photo below). Fast forward two years, I receive a call from Kelly, saying that she and Josh are getting married. The photo we took of their kiss at Sarah and Ben’s wedding had been one of their favorite photos as a couple, and now they wanted us to photograph their wedding. As a wedding photographer, that’s one of the best compliments you can receive!
Kelly and Josh were married at the place where they met: on the gorgeous campus of Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. I think that every couple hopes for sunshine on their wedding day. However, it’s also said that rain on your wedding day is lucky. Kelly and Josh were fortunate to have both! Everyone embraced the light shower that proceeded their ceremony with smiles and umbrellas. Just as Kelly and her dad walked down the aisle, the rain stopped and the sun came out. It was truly was beautiful and one of the most memorable outdoor ceremonies that we’ve photographed. Congratulations, Kelly and Josh! We wish you the best in life and in love.
Janet and Charles, June 5th 2010
There is so much to say about Janet and Charles amazing wedding. For starters, it was held on Saturday June 5th 2010 at Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn on what was, in my opinion, an epically beautiful day in the Willamette Valley. Secondly, it was one of the most gorgeous weddings I’ve ever witnessed. No detail was left unattended and the creativity that went into making this day special was remarkable. However, my very favorite part of the day, one of the more poignant moments that summed up the reason for this memorable occasion, was during the ceremony when one of Janet’s close friends read an excerpt from the book The Velveteen Rabbit on what it means to be Real. I just love this line from the book by Margery Williams:
“It doesn’t happen all at once,” said the Skin Horse. “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get all loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
Congratulations, Janet and Charles! We wish you many years of continued happiness, love, and adventure.
A Perfect Prelude – Janet and Charles’ Wedding Rehearsal Party
Before I share with you our favorite images from Janet and Charles’ wedding day, I first wanted to share a few highlights from their wedding rehearsal and the cocktail party that followed on June 4th.
Janet, Charles, and their guests spent the day before the wedding relaxing in the Willamette Valley, playing golf, wine tasting, and relieving some pre-wedding stress at the Allison Inn Spa. The weather, which had been rainy all week, started to turn from gray clouds to blue skies and set the perfect stage for Janet and Charles’ wedding weekend. Rather than having a traditional rehearsal dinner, Janet and Charles’ hosted a cocktail party at NW A Wine Bar in downtown McMinnville, Oregon. All of their guests were invited to attend, giving everyone the opportunity to meet and greet before the big day. It was the perfect beginning for what was to be a beautiful and celebratory weekend.
Lincoln and I love photographing rehearsals. We feel lucky to have had the opportunity to be there to document this relaxed and joyous prelude to Janet and Charles’ wedding day. Please enjoy this preview and stay tuned for photos from their spectacular wedding celebration!
Emilie and Rob’s Engagement Session – A Love Story in SE PDX
Meet Emilie and Rob. They are an adorable couple who are madly in love with one another and, on June 24th 2010, they will be married. For their engagement session, Emilie and Rob chose to do something that I think is wonderfully creative and fun: a photo story of their courtship. Emilie and Rob’s love story takes place almost entirely in SE Portland, Oregon. In fact, their first date, their first kiss, their first apartment, even the spot where they were engaged are all within just a few blocks of one another! We spent a sunny afternoon, hanging out in SE Portland, taking photos and chatting, right where they fell in love. I could tell you all about it, but you should really check out the photos:) Congratulations Emilie and Rob! Lincoln and I enjoyed getting to know you two and we’re looking forward to photographing your wedding.
Cicely, Jesse, and Tyus in Downtown Charlottesville, VA
Cicely is one of my very best friends in the whole world. She and I met way back in sixth grade at Walker Upper Elementary School and we have been close friends ever since. We’ve experienced so much together in the 18 years that we’ve known each other and I feel fortunate to have someone as kind and magnanimous as Cicely in my life. Even though we live on opposite ends of the country, whenever I see Cicely it’s like we’ve never been apart. She is a true friend.
One of the greatest joys in life is to witness happiness in others, especially in the people that you love. About two and a half years ago, Cicely gave birth to her son, Tyus. Ty is the sweetest, most spirited little boy I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet and Cicely is a wonderful mother who has an incredible capacity to give and receive love. Now, Cicely has met an amazing man, Jesse, and they are going to be married in November of this year! Jesse, Cicely and Tyus make such a cute family and you can tell how much they care about and respect one another. While Lincoln and I were back East visiting our hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia, we spent a beautiful evening with Cicely, Jesse, and Tyus taking both engagement and family portraits. It was so much fun and Lincoln and I were honored to have the opportunity to capture this exciting time in their lives. Congratulations you guys! We love you very much and we’re looking forward to seeing you in November.
Double R Design
Hello All! It’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything but I have a good excuse. Lincoln and I took a wonderful and much-needed vacation back East to visit family, friends, and to relax before wedding season. We have since returned from our East Coast adventures, feeling refreshed and looking forward to a busy summer!
This next session holds a special place in my heart. My dear friend, Gretchen, approached me in March and asked if I would photograph her and her mother during her mother’s visit in April. Gretchen’s mother, Rhonda, has been designing clothes for herself and Gretchen for several years. Rhonda makes a variety of clothing including one-of-a-kind skirts, scarves, mittens and half mittens, and accessories. Gretchen, a talented writer and editor, and a savvy entrepreneur, recognized the uniqueness of her mother’s designs and suggested that introduce them to the Portland fashion scene. Not only are Rhonda’s designs adorable, fun, and functional, they also are sustainable, made from used fabric and deconstructed clothing that she finds at second-hand stores. Beautiful, handmade clothing that is also sustainable? Yes, please!
I spent a lovely afternoon with Gretchen and her mother, photographing Rhonda’s designs in action. We also wanted to capture the friendship that Gretchen and her mother have. These beautiful women are like two peas in a pod and it meant a lot to me that Gretchen asked me to document the beginning of their business partnership. Gretchen and Rhonda, I wish you the best in this exciting endeavor! xoxo
Annica’s Maternity Portrait Session
I feel fortunate that my job is to photograph some of the most exciting moments in people’s lives. It’s photo sessions like this next one that remind me how important it is to not only document these occasions, but also to enjoy them because they pass so quickly. Annica and Chris are expecting their first baby in June and contacted me to photograph them during Annica’s pregnancy. Annica and Chris explained to me that they wanted photographs that not only captured Annica’s adorable baby bump, but they also wanted to document the fact that they were both welcoming a new addition to their family.
Just over a week ago, I was graciously invited into their home and enthusiastically greeted by their dog, Kensie. We spent part of the session at their house in Lake Oswego and headed to the campus of Marylhurst University for a few more photos. It was such a sweet photo shoot and it was so obvious that Annica and Chris are very excited to become parents. I’m glad I had the opportunity to document this piece of their personal history. Thank you Chris and Annica for the lovely photo session! I’m looking forward to meeting your newest member of your family:)
And many thanks to kind and talented Jennifer Rand Walker of Face Body Beauty for Annica’s gorgeous make-up!
Leah and John’s Engagement Session in Roseburg, Oregon
Just a couple of weeks ago, I drove down to Roseburg, Oregon to photograph Leah and John’s engagement portraits. It’s not often that I have the opportunity to travel for engagement portrait sessions but, when I do, I always find it inspiring. What makes this next set of photographs really special, however, is that the locations that Leah and John chose for their session have personal meaning to them as a couple. We spent some time at their beautiful wedding venue, Melrose Vineyards. We then went to the farm where they will live once they’re married. To wrap the shoot up, we headed to downtown Roseburg, the city where Leah and John both grew up. I loved talking with Leah and John during their session, hearing the story of how they met, and their plans for the future. They are such a fantastic couple and it really couldn’t have been a more enjoyable afternoon. Leah and John, Lincoln and I are looking forward to photographing your wedding weekend in August!
Love Letters – Meet Encanto Press
I love letterpress printing. In fact, I love everything that has to do with handmade paper products. There have been many hours that I’ve spent perusing the aisles of local paper stores, adoring the notebooks, handmade paper, envelopes and (my personal favorite), handmade letterpress cards. What is it about relief printing that makes me swoon? I enjoy the beautiful grain of the paper, the richness of the ink, and the texture of the print’s surface. It always feels special to give or receive a letterpress card; it’s a gift in itself.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend a lovely afternoon with Angie Clark, owner of Encanto Press. Encanto Press is a letterpress printing and design studio in Portland, Oregon. Angie opened up her shop in 2000 and has been making beautiful, one-of-a-kind letterpress printed wedding invitations, business cards, birth announcements and greeting cards ever since. About a year ago, Angie designed and printed a wedding invitation for a friend of mine and I’ve been a fan of her work ever since. The best part: Angie is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Seriously, she is incredibly warm and friendly. I adore her and I know you will too! Please take the time to meet Angie and see her studio and all of the hard work and skill that goes into each of her letterpress pieces.
Spring Sale – New Albums, Boxes and Folios
About a year ago I met Molly Lewis, a local bookbinder and owner of Hinged, Strung, Stitched. Not only is Molly one of the kindest people that I know, she creates the most gorgeous and unique boxes, books, and folios that I’ve ever seen. For several months, Molly and I have been collaborating on creating a line of photo preservation products that I could offer to my clients. It was important to me to offer albums that were not only beautiful but that would stand the test of time. Your wedding album is a tangible piece of your personal history that will be passed onto future generations. It’s important to have something that will last. I’m happy to say that Molly has created an entire line of archival photo preservation products that are as sturdy as they are beautiful. It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you a brand new line of handmade albums, boxes and folios, the Heirloom Collection. These products are custom-made and come in a variety of fabric colors.
In addition to the Heirloom Collection, I’m also excited to announce that we are now offering a silk-covered, flush-mount album, handmade by the folks at Cypress Albums. I love this elegantly modern album so much!
If you’ve been wanting to order wedding album, now is a great time to do it! In honor of all of the beautiful new photo preservation products, I have decided to extend my Winter Album Sale into Spring. From now until June 1st, you can get 15% off of any album, box or folio order. Please contact me if you’d like to set up a time to meet to view our new products.
To see photos of the new products, please click on the photo below. For more information or to view more of the albums that we offer, please visit our new online store.
Happy Spring!
Rachel and Jason’s Engagement Photo Session in SE Portland
There are many reasons why I love Spring. To name a few, the days grow longer, the trees and flowers start to bud, and the sun comes back to the Great Pacific Northwest. Many of our clients choose to do their engagement photo sessions in the springtime, which is another reason that I love this lovely time of year: it signifies the beginning of our wedding season!
I think I’ve mentioned this before, but we really enjoy engagement photo sessions. Engagement portraits are not only relaxed and playful, they are also a great way for us to get to know our clients before their big day. On Sunday, March 21st, Lincoln and I photographed Rachel and Jason in SE Industrial Portland. All of the elements that make up a fantastic photo shoot fell into place. The rain held off, the sun came out and Rachel and Jason we’re happy to wander around SE Portland with us looking fabulous in their Sunday best. For the record, these two are U of O alumni and Ducks fans. I was so excited to happen upon the yellow building as well as the matching Volkswagen bus! It was an awesome first engagement for 2010. Rachel and Jason, thank you for the fun afternoon. We’re looking forward to photographing your wedding in October!
Emily and Ross, February 20th 2010
I’m very excited to share this next set of wedding photos with you! Ross and Emily’s February 20th wedding was an incredible, action-packed, emotional, fun-filled, joyous event that I can only begin to describe in photographs. Going back through the images, it’s hard to believe that their wedding took place in the middle of February in Portland, Oregon! The weather was glorious and it hinted that Spring is just around the corner.
Ross and Emily’s day began downtown at the Hotel Lucia and was followed by a photo session at the Benson. We then headed to Couch City Park for photos with the wedding party. At 7pm, Emily and Ross married at the Temple of Beth Israel in NW Portland with a reception following at Bay 13 in Portland’s Pearl District. The day was truly picture-perfect in every way. Emily and Ross, we thank you for choosing us to document your beautiful wedding day. You and your family were so gracious and kind; it was a pleasure to be a part of this amazing beginning. We wish you both the very best in life and love!
