How does one shoot a wedding with 50 mph winds outside? Firstly, we thank our lucky stars that it was an indoor wedding and reception. Then you do entirely improv photos with the bridal party inside, shifting furniture rapidly in a condo. Then you get outside for one glorious shot of an extra-long veil in the wind! Brittany & Tony went with the flow just fine — where many brides would freak out, they made the most of the situation, laughing at the absurdity of the weather. They were a treat to photograph!
Blanca & Michael's Engagement | Secret Winery | Columbia Valley, WA
It was fun to meet these two by taking them to a winery where we have exclusive rights to photograph. (Sorry, can't tell you where!) They were quite happy to be together, and asking them to kiss wasn't a chore. Then it was off to take advantage of a train that hasn't moved in years, and then on to Howard Amon Park in Richland. Loved the light!
We're excited to shoot their wedding in 2014!
Andrea & Jerald's Engagement | Bookwalter Winery | Richland, WA
Here's a fun couple finding new life with each other. Andrea & Jerald are getting married at Bookwalter Winery in Richland, WA, so we got to shoot some engagement photos with them and their kids at the winery. They had lots of fun ideas — great signs and poses. The three kids, Lawrence, Joanna, and Tyler, were good sports, too! We're looking forward to shooting their wedding on June 21st of this year!
Kathryn & Matt's Wedding | West Richland, WA
Kathryn & Matt chose her aunt and uncle's house as their wedding setting. The lighting was challenging, but the couple was cute as could be. You could see the look of anticipation as the moment built toward their reveal — the "first look." The first look is what we recommend to couples instead of having the reveal postponed until the ceremony. Sure, there's something to be said for the grandeur of waiting, but there are many benefits to seeing each other beforehand: it's more relaxed, you can allow more time for photos, and you're not making your guests wait while you complete your numerous couple, bridal party, and family photos. They were certainly relaxed, and we always appreciate that!
Colleen & Ivan's Wedding | Pasco, WA
As always, the flowers from Simplified Celebrations were outstanding. We always love it when they are the selected florists: we know we'll have plenty of great flower shots. The day was strikingly hot! It may have been at a house right along the Columbia River, but that didn't provide much in the way of cooling. The lighting was the most challenging we've had in years: there was little to no shade throughout the day. But we got some great smiles out of Colleen, and the bridal party was a lot of fun!
Angie & Brandon's Wedding | The Whitehouse | Coeur d'Alene, ID
Angie & Brandon are one of those couples you know will succeed in marriage. They'll be the ones winning the "anniversary dances" decades down the road. They love to have fun together, and it shows. They're huge swing dancers, and they're amazing! You have to see the movie to check out their moves. The local roller rink, Rollerena Skating Center, let us take some shots after they closed — it was so cool! We also got some fun engagement footage at some fields and a secret local winery. On the day of the wedding, the guys all hung out at Triple Play, riding go karts and playing mini golf. The girls spent time together getting ready at the Blackwell Hotel in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Then it was across the street to The Whitehouse for a perfect outdoor wedding.
They broke out the glow sticks, and along with the live band, the party was on!
Shawna & Liem | Wedding Photos | Clover Island | Kennewick, WA
OK we admit it: taking photos of someone with such stunning eyes and a natural smile makes our jobs easier. And having a couple so obviously relaxed and in love makes our job even less stressful. Shawna & Liem had a beautiful ceremony at the Clover Island lighthouse in Kennewick. A good indicator that this couple is well-loved: there were many, many people who wanted their photos taken with them.
The Clover Island Inn provided the reception (and the prime rib was excellent!). Platinum Entertainment provided outstanding DJ services as usual, and Simplified Celebrations did those amazing flowers you see in our photos — see their wedding page to check out how they match her eyes!
As the reception began, firetrucks arrived! Fortunately it was a false alarm. So what does a photographer do? Take advantage! She donned a firefighter hat and posed on the truck with Liem. So stinkin' cute. Love this couple!
Tara & Nick | Wedding Photos | Kennewick First Methodist | Red Lion Hotel | Kennewick, WA
Tara and Nick are a genuinely sweet couple. Tara began the day getting ready at her parents' beautiful home on the Canyon Lakes golf course. After a short send-off ceremony with her family, everyone headed to Kennewick First Methodist for their beautiful ceremony. Sticking with tradition, Nick first saw Tara as she walked down the aisle. The couple surprised everyone with a belly dancer at the reception, held at the Pasco Red Lion. The crowd loved it! The dancing was unique and some of the most enjoyable we'd seen.
We're so glad they chose us to capture their day!
Robin & Justin | Engagement Photos | Wenatchee
When a storm approachers, take advantage! Robin & Justin are a couple of ambitious characters. (They'll get married after she's taken the bar exam!) They're both super-sweet together. They joke around, laugh, and genuinely enjoy each other.
We weren't sure if we'd get poured on by Ma Nature while we were in Wenatchee, but we got lucky and only had a few sprinkles. They were tons of fun to work with, and they were up for just about anything. (Yeah, she really got on the front of the bike and rode along.)
They'll be getting married sometime around August 2014, and we couldn't be happier to be shooting their wedding photos and movies!
Courtney & Troy's Wedding Trailer | Tri-Cities, WA
Paddle boarding? Go-karts? Talk about a fun couple! We got to film them on Lake Chelan hanging out, throwing footballs, and getting on the water. And of course they had a wedding. Faith Assembly in Pasco provided plenty of room to work with (that church is huge!). Then off via limo to Chiawana Park where we got in some aerial shots of the bridal party. Then off to Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, where they always do a great job with events; weddings are no exception.
Courtney & Troy are truly a gracious couple. You don't have to spend much time with them to know that they are giving, loving people. We're so thankful to have shot their wedding!