Monthly Archives: September 2011

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

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

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

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!DSC_2379-EditDSC_2388-EditDSC_2390-EditDSC_2450-EditDSC_2466-EditDSC_2521-EditDSC_2574-EditDSC_2580-EditDSC_2585-EditDSC_2605-EditDSC_2612-EditDSC_2681-EditDSC_2686-EditDSC_2703-EditDSC_2731-EditDSC_2756-EditDSC_2823-EditDSC_2857-EditDSC_2888-EditDSC_2900-EditDSC_2937-EditDSC_2956-EditDSC_2986-EditDSC_3030-EditDSC_3082-EditDSC_3090-EditDSC_3110-EditDSC_3153-EditDSC_3207-EditDSC_3208-EditDSC_3209-EditDSC_3226-EditDSC_3324-EditDSC_3347-EditDSC_3373-EditDSC_3430-EditDSC_3442-EditDSC_3463-EditDSC_3528-EditDSC_3541-EditDSC_3602-EditDSC_3626-EditDSC_3642-EditDSC_3665-EditDSC_3743-EditDSC_3753-EditDSC_3759-Edit