I knew from my very first contact with Joelle that I was going to be absolutely delighted to photograph her winter wedding at Union/Pine in SE Portland. For one thing, my portfolio was filled with her friends and neighbors – a friend from high school, her former across-the-street neighbors, her godson, and several colleagues – not only is it super fun when that happens (Portland can feel like such a small town at times!), but it’s also always nice to see old photography clients all dressed up for wedding festivities. Also, I was super taken with her story – she told me that she and her fiancé James had been together for many years, but were consciously waiting until all their friends could be legally married before making it official. Once the supreme court’s decision legalized gay marriage earlier this year, they set about tying the knot!
For those of you who may be wondering if I ever do anything other than photograph weddings: behold: proof that I’m a real Oregonian! It’s true, I’m not the biggest fan of beer or coffee (heresy here in Portland!), but I love a beautiful, drippy day and some tasty Pinot Noir in Oregon’s gorgeous wine country. I recently had the chance to visit Willakenzie Estate in the beautiful Willamette Valley with some of the lovely staff from Andina Restaurant. We were treated to a picturesque and educational tour by Mike, the vineyard manager, and a phenomenal tasting with Thibeaud, the winemaker, including a chance to taste from the barrels of as-yet-to-be-bottled vintages. It was fascinating to see the care they put into their vineyards and their wines, and to learn about some of the art and science behind how the wine comes together. And I picked up some delicious wines to enjoy over the upcoming holiday season! Big win. Thanks so much for your hospitality, Willakenzie!
I had such fun with Serena and her family at the Hoyt Arboretum last weekend. Portland treated us to a dry, sunny winter day, and we took full advantage of it. It seems like only yesterday I was photographing her mom and dad’s wedding, then their maternity session and her newborn photos… I can’t believe she’s already a year old! Kids are a great reminder of how time flies, and I love when I get to see them for photos along the way.
I’m having such a blast visiting with baby Mayda and her family to document her first year! For her 6 month session, I met these precious little girls and their adorable parents at the Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island near Portland, Oregon. It was a beautiful early fall morning, and the Patch was still dry and lovely – a perfect day for picking pumpkins. I can’t believe how fast little Mayda is growing up! Happy Fall, everyone!
I couldn’t have been more delighted to spend Sarah and Becca’s big day with them. These two lovely ladies met in elementary school, so it was fitting that they should tie the knot at McMenamins Kennedy School, a converted elementary school in NE Portland, Oregon. After a beautiful wedding ceremony in the courtyard (during which – I admit it – I joined in on some of the happy tears), the celebration in the school gym was lively and fun, filled with laughter, love, beautiful people and beautiful things. As a side note, this was only my second time photographing a gay wedding (and my first here in Portland) but I hope to photograph many more in the years to come!
Meagan and Cody are from the Seattle area, but decided to make Portland, Oregon their “destination wedding” – and I’m so glad they did! They got married in a beautiful ceremony at McMenamins Edgefield’s Blackberry Meadow and followed with a lovely and fun reception at Blackberry Hall. I think my favorite part was when we stole away during dinner to take some photos with just the happy couple in the Edgefield vineyards during the last, golden light of the day (though the amazing, colorful Voodoo Doughnuts display was pretty awesome – and a very Portland touch!).
I’m so excited to photograph Becca + Sarah’s wedding later this month! When we met up at Mt. Tabor Park in SE Portland last weekend to take some engagement photos we got to see a beautiful sunset, snuggled with their adorable pups, and generally had great fun. I’m so happy with the way the photos turned out! Stay tuned for more with this adorable couple.
Ben + Leora got married this summer on a beautiful, windy day in late August. Despite having to roll with a few punches, weather-wise, it was an amazing day, full of friends and family, live klezmer music, delicious Tastebud pizza and decadent Baker & Spice cake. It was lovely to get to celebrate with these two, and to see some familiar faces from Leora’s friend Neon’s wedding, which I photographed a few years ago. (I love it when my clients tell their friends about me! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.) And even the tricky weather was mostly a win for me, since I love those dramatic skies in my photography. Congratulations, you two, and thanks for having me!
