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!

xo

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!

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

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 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 : )

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

Keryn has grown up with a fisherman in the house, her Dad.  So it completely made sense that her Groom Kollyn would also head out to sea often, bringing back the treats of the sea.  Fittingly, their wedding was infused with all things nautical.  Her parents amazing waterfront home was the perfect setting.  Ellen Peterson of Serenity Weddings ( http://www.eventsbyellen.com/Serenity/Serenity.html ), guided the day through to its flawless finish.  Keryn’s cake was darling, bejewled with the bounty of the sea, all edible of course… Celebrity Cakes ( http://www.celebritycakestudio.com/ ) are so amazing!  Her bold color palette was punctuated perfectly with flowers by Julie Elgin at Always and Forever Creations ( http://www.alwaysandforevercreationsinc.com/ ).  One of the highlights of the evening was the wedding video… A same day edit by the talented Laura and Chris of Edit 1 Media ( http://www.edit1media.com/ )  left the audience with teary smiles.  It was simply a perfect wedding celebration, especially being whisked away in a vintage Rolls Royce.  I am so grateful for the wonderful people I happen to meet along the way… Congrats Keryn and Kollyn!! Love to you!!

Anny knew she wanted tropical colors for her wedding–but the perfectly tropical heat was a bonus for Washington! What a beautiful bride– a deep, rich brunette, she was striking with her luminous skin and dress. Alex is one lucky man! She had a team of creative family members helping, and you can see the delicious attention to detail throughout.  Cynthia from Capitol Florist, brought the most amazing flowers to life–the bouquets looked like tropical fireworks!  The day was lovely, we even happened upon the gelato cart from Mercato during photos. What a treat! Thanks to the entire wedding party for being such fun and up for climbing on an old caboose for a quick photo! So glad the State Patrol didn’t throw us off… Hope you two are enjoying Hawaii!!

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!

My younger brother Zachary was married this past Saturday–the baby of a family of six kids, of which four of those older siblings are sisters.  When he was little we would drag him around on our hips, put him in dresses and generally dote on him.  He was such a funny little kid, razor wit and humor, even at four. And he still is completely hilarious.  I know that’s one thing Desiree loves about him… we all do! Who doesn’t like to laugh?

Zach proposed to his bride Desiree last year when we were all on holiday in Maui.  It was so special to be able to share that with them, and to celebrate their engagement in such a stunning place.

Their wedding day was glorious–absolutely perfect sunny weather.  One of those days in the Northwest that helps us to remember why we endure the long gray months of fall, winter and most of spring (ha).

It was a lovely ceremony and GREAT party!  I love being with all of my siblings–they are all creative, expressive and so dang fun.  It was A LOT of family time time this weekend, but surprisingly drama free! I hope Zach and Desiree are stretched out on a Mexican beach sipping margaritas about now…  Too bad I couldn’t convince them to take me along for Honeymoon photo coverage!