Cortney Kelley Photography » Olympia wedding photographer

Just a Touch of Rain, For Good Luck {St. Michael’s Parish & Indian Summer Wedding, Olympia, WA}

Cort — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:32:34 +0000

I had been checking the weather forecast all week, yes, rain was predicted for Saturday. When I woke up that morning to the sound of water filling the bird bath outside my window (althought I LOVE this sound) I sighed. But wouldn’t you know, the rain was brief and did a thorough job of cleaning the late summer dust, just in time for the wedding of Alicia and Marlon. We had a rain shower during their engagement session, so I was beyond relieved for the rainy reprieve on their wedding day. St. Michael’s Parish http://www.saintmichaelparish.org/ on the Westside of Olympia has the most stunning view–vibrant greenery framed the ceremony site. Alicia and Marlon exited the church in a flurry of bubbles and found minimal refuge in their sparkling convertible… Marlon always has had a thing for cars, so it was only fitting his groomsmen received gearshift diagram cuff links. The newly married couple hit the road, with the wedding party in close pursuit. We kept one step ahead of the rain, photographing the wedding party around downtown Olympia, as the guests made their way to cocktail hour at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club http://indiansummergolf.com/

The evening was filled with heartfelt toasts and as the sun deepened in the sky, the dance floor was illuminated and guests celebrated late into the night. The photobooth was a hit–people stopped by again and again and again… Amazing what a box of props and a camera can unleash : )

Congratulations Alicia and Marlon! Thank you for such a perfect day!

From the Hotel Monaco to Fields of Lavendar { Portland/Sauvie Island Wedding}

Cort — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:31:01 +0000

Mitch and Laura chose the date 9.10.11 for their wedding, a playful date for a darling couple. I love fall weddings–the colors are so rich and vibrant, who would have thought the day would reach temperatures in the mid 90’s! We began the day at the Monaco Hotel www.monaco-portland.com/ in downtown Portland. The lobby is a visual feast of color–funky, fun and fresh. It was a perfect place for photos–apparently two other wedding parties agreed, good thing we were the first ones down there and didn’t need to wait. Each party was so different–it was interesting to see how each couple’s personalities shown through in the choice of flowers and bridal attire–every single one was beautiful.

After dashing about downtown for urban photos, the limo delivered each side of the bridal party to the stunning venue on Sauvie Island sauvieisland.org/, the home of the Groom’s aunt and uncle. I had never heard of Sauvie Island before Laura contacted me. It is this magical little nugget of agricultural goodness just outside of Portland. Fields of lavendar, berries and farms roll along, the wind acting as a composer. It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been. Laura and Mitch honored their families by wearing the Groom’s mother’s veil and the Brides grandmother’s necklace. Laura carried a handkerchief tucked into her bouquet that had been in Mitch’s family wedding for four generations. So very sweet!

Laura’s attention to detail was impeccable. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour which then gave way to dinner. Guests were seated in long rows of tables, and the meal was served family style in the middle of a fruit orchard by the deliciously talented Portland Catering Company staff http://www.portlandcateringcompany.com/. White lights strung the perimeter and tea lights daintily hung in the trees–it was breathtaking. We were able to spend the golden hour during sunset, capturing portraits of the bride and groom. It was difficult not to get carried away. Every where I turned was another incredible panorama! I loved every minute spent out there–thank you for allowing me to be a part of your celebration!

Just MORE love! {Olympia Wedding, Grand Holiday Ballroom, Olympia, WA}

Cort — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 07:38:08 +0000

Who doesn’t need more love? Well, the wedding of Ashley and Thomas was bursting at the seams. Ashley is seriously the most energetic, wonderful girl! She seems to smile even when she’s not smiling. It’s just a happiness that radiates from the core of who she is. I was thrilled when she asked me to shoot her wedding : ) I always love meeting the bridal party–getting to see who is important to a couple. Ashley and Thomas had a great group–they were game for anything! We spent the scorching day bouncing around Olympia, getting to the most perfect locations. Ashley also works part-time at the Grand Holiday Ballroom (in addition to working full time and going to school!) and was given the royal treatment by her coworkers. She thought of so many sweet details. The kids attending the wedding nearly lost their mind when they saw the candy bar! I loved the energy and the lively guests! They even ended the night with a hotdog buffet, an ode to their college days… And as we all know, every great party ends with someone wearing a lampshade… Congrats you two!! xo

Venue: Grand Holiday Ballroom, www.grandholidayballroom.com

Officiant: Joan Cathey

Floral:Newbury Bay, www.newburybay.com

Cake: Celebrity Cake Studio, www.celebritycakestudio.com

Bring on the Party! {Olympia Waterfront Wedding, Olympia, WA}

Cort — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:16:48 +0000

Dan and Gabi were all about celebrating with their guests, I nearly had to beg them for photo time! This couple is so outgoing and positive–they have tons of friends and the entire group knows how to have a GOOD time : ) Whoa, I mean a REALLY good time… They’ve relocated to Nashville while Gabi’s finishes nursing school–and both were happy to be back in the “cool” northwest –a welcome respite from the crazy humid heat back east. And wouldn’t you know that their wedding day ended up in the high 80’s? It was a beautiful day–I’ll take sun and heat over a rainy wedding day anytime.

I’m fairly certain they will need me to accompany them to Thailand later in the year for complete honeymoon coverage… right?! I haven’t been able to persuade any of my wedding clients to take me on their honeymoon yet… but I’m trying : ) haha

Summer time is for lemonade, smiles and weddings… {Olympia, WA Wedding}

Cort — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 21:25:09 +0000

Summer has finally arrived in the Northwest, though for how long…? My darling wedding clients have to be prepared for rain or shine, when planning an outdoor wedding. Brittney and Dan were ready for either, and though it was nearly 90 degrees and my face was as red as a tomato, I was grateful for the beautiful summer afternoon. They are both artsy–graphic design and music fuels their creative spirits, and they were game for just about anything. There were so many sweet little details throughout–and the color palette was perfect: soft gray, white and bright yellow–summer! I brought along my vintage Schwinn and a couple of oversized balloons as props, and the results… adorableness! Congratulations you two! Enjoy Cancun : )

Wildly In Love… (Olympia Golf & Country Club, Wedding, Olympia, WA}

Cort — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:45:30 +0000

Ron and Laura are exuberant, funny and enjoy living life with passion. They wanted a wedding that was fairly low key–more of a fun celebration with their friends and family, and dancing into the night. And that is exactly what they did! After a sweet ceremony, guests enjoyed passed hors ‘oeuvres and cocktails. As Laura and Ron began their first dance, a lovely slow waltz to “At Last,” the music screeched to a halt, switched to a latin tempo number and they ROCKED a smoking sexy salsa number!! It was unbelievable! The surprises didn’t stop there though. Laura’s friends have an inside joke with the Beyonce song “All the Single Ladies” and they proceeded to keep the wedding couple laughing as they performed the music video choreography–sooo great! That set the tone for the evening and the DJ kept people on the floor the entire evening with great music. I must confess, I was having a difficult time restraining myself from joining in… who doesn’t LOVE to dance!! Congratulations!! Cheers to many more years of dancing!
xo

{Big Texas Love! Pacific Northwest style….} Pacific Northwest Wedding, Shelton, WA

Cort — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:37:26 +0000

It is such a delight to work with the same family over the years. I have photographed seniors, engagement and families photos for this beautiful clan. I was thrilled when Don and Jackie booked their daughter Christy’s wedding with me. Christy now lives in Texas and had to rely on her parents for much of the logistical wedding planning. I had only communicated with her via email until the wedding week when we finally had an opportunity to meet over lunch. Brian and Christy are a lovely, humble couple who laugh easily and smile with their eyes. And she has the most beautiful, shiny hair I have ever seen! My only regret is that I didn’t have a chance for a barbecue lesson…from a REAL Texan! hahaha Enjoy your trip down the coast, you sweet honeymooners!

Summer Sizzling, Engagement Portrait Session, Olympia, WA

Cort — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 01:07:08 +0000

I love the feel of the sun on my skin. It instantly calms me. So I’ve been celebrating each day this week as the sun makes her glorious appearance. It was a perfect evening for an engagement session as Laura, Ron and I headed out. Nearly 83 degrees, we all agreed that a refreshing, cool cocktail would likely be the best way to begin our session. (I love these two immensely…) Entering The Brotherhood –a perfect little hideaway: cool, dark and sexy. Grey Goose martinis, tart olives and rum for Ron, done and done. We then braced ourselves for the warmth and spent the rest of the evening smiling. Who wouldn’t be smiling with friends who break out a bottle of Macallan 25 year old scotch… The glowing illumination of Glassy Babies and the outdoor fire place was as close to a perfect way to end and evening as it comes–thanks to Susan and Scott for their gracious hospitality. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding celebration at the Olympia Golf & Country Club next month–it’s going to be all kinds of crazy, in the very best way : ) Cheers to you both!

Sweet, Young Love, Engagement Portrait Session, Olympia, WA

Cort — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 04:21:20 +0000

I fell immediately in love with Daniel and Brittney when we met last summer. I was so honored when they asked me to photograph their wedding. They are heading into their senior year of college and are the most lovely college sweethearts. I love working with creatives–she’s into visual art, he’s into music, and I’m just in heaven : ) We spent a perfect afternoon playing around downtown Olympia and creating such fun and playful images. Thanks you guys! I can’t wait for August!

Sunlit Love, Engagement Session along Olympia Waterfront

Cort — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 04:32:53 +0000

Yay for a sunny, Fourth of July weekend!! — Especially since Ashlee and Wes ventured all the way down from Bellingham for their engagement session. I love the low angled summertime sun… I probably should have been carting around my ladder though–I think collectively they were close to 13 feet tall! We wandered along a deserted field, just as the sun was peeking out. Now if it will just hold through tomorrow evening and Lana and David’s wedding, we’ll be golden, literally.