Catherine and Jaime – Adamson House Wedding – Malibu, California
Catherine and Jaime were married at the gorgeous Adamson House in Malibu, California. I started taking pictures with the bridesmaids and Catherine at the Malibu Country Inn as they got dressed and put the finishing touches on all of the hand-made details (the poms and decorations for the dessert table, the bouquets and the reclaimed wood flower boxes that served as centerpieces, and the re-purposed chalkboards for all the signs and menus), then I headed over to the Adamson House with Catherine and Jaime for their first look and a few early portraits. Catherine looked absolutely beautiful, and Jaime could have been pulled from the pages of a magazine, and the way these two were smiling and laughing with each other it made my job pretty easy. Jaime and Catherine’s first look reminded me why I love getting to photograph weddings, I get to be present for some of the most special moments of a couple’s day, and watching the two of them see each other for the first time (after a small delay to wipe away some happy tears) really warmed my heart.
The Adamson House sits right next to the Pacific Ocean (right along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu) and has just stunning grounds, so it was really fun to get to explore the property and take lots of pictures among the historic buildings (with the beautiful colored tile and the incredible blue windowsills). We could not have asked for a more beautiful fall day for a wedding! The ceremony took place with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop, and ended just as the sun was beginning to set. We were able to step away during cocktail hour and steal a few more photos as the sun slipped away. Guests then were treated to an amazing selection of pallela for dinner, along with some signature cocktails from the couple, and afterward everyone helped themselves to the wonderful dessert table. As evening turned to night, the guests made full use of the dance floor (seriously, there was so much dancing!). I am so very lucky that I got to capture some of this remarkable day for these two very special people, a few of my favorites are below.
   
Kirsten and Josh – Lake Wilderness Lodge Wedding – Maple Valley, Washington
Kirsten and Josh were married just outside of Renton, Washington at the Lake Wilderness Lodge. We did their first look and some portraits at the Lake Wilderness Arboretum right next to the venue, and as the sun set on the beautiful fall day, the ceremony was held on the venue lawn with Lake Wilderness as the backdrop. During the ceremony, a little pair of ducks decided to crash the wedding and stood at the back of the aisle for just a moment to check things out. We headed in for the reception just as it was getting dark outside, the couple had used little succulents as place cards for table assignments, and I loved the geometric table numbers they made, friends and family were also treated to a trail mix bar for snacks and sweets (the first time I’d ever seen that, what a great idea!). In one of the best toasts I’ve heard in a while, Kirsten’s maid of honor had picked out sappy or cute public messages that Kirsten and Josh had written to each other on Facebook, and read them aloud; everyone in the room was laughing (including the couple). There was no lack of love during the day, and I have no doubt these two have a very happy life together ahead!
Brad and Rebecca – Beach Elopement at Cape Lookout State Park – Tillamook, Oregon
Brad and Rebecca’s wedding will always have a special place in my heart because it is the first wedding in which I was both the photographer and one of the witnesses. Their incredibly intimate ceremony happened at Cape Lookout State Park Beach in Tillamook, Oregon, and the only people present were the couple, myself, the officiant, and one other witness. They got married on the banks of a small river that fed into the ocean, and after that the three of us spent about an hour wandering the beach taking pictures and watching as the sun began to set over the ocean. These two had traveled across the country to elope and spend some time exploring oregon – and they were really a joy to work with. They were headed into Portland the next day, and so I gave them a few of my favorite spots to check out in the city, and was so happy to hear from Brad a few days later that they’d had a great time and even made it to one of my favorite restaurants. I hope to cross paths with them again in the future!
Amanda and Clint – Salish Lodge Wedding – Snoqualmie Falls, Washington
When I first met Amanda and Clint – I was so excited at the chance to get to capture their wedding. They are one of those couples that you just can’t help but love, their happiness is pretty contagious. Their wedding day was no exception – as we walked around the overlook of Snoqualmie Falls, these two could no stop smiling and laughing with each other during their portraits.  Not only did we luck out with a gorgeous crisp day for an autumn wedding, we were even visited by a little honey bee looking for a little snack in Amanda’s bouquet. Guests were treated to incredible views of the falls as these two exchanged vows outside of the lodge, and they signed their marriage certificate outside just as the sun was setting behind the hillside. As night set in during dinner and into dancing, the area and nearby cliffs were surrounded by a sort of magical mist from the falls. It was such a beautiful and wonderful celebration, and I was lucky to get to photograph it.
Diane and Alexa – Hoyt Arboretum Wedding – Portland, Oregon
Diane and Alexa were married surrounded by just the trees and a few of their loved ones at the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland. Their ceremony had such a wonderful and intimate vibe, Alexa walked down the aisle with her mom and sisters, while Diane’s mom officiated. They did a wonderful job transforming the Steven’s Pavilion into a reception site with lace tablecloths, antique china, a few vintage pieces of furniture, and lots of flowers. For dessert guests were treated to a selection of flavors of macaroons, in a beautiful rainbow of colors. After the main events, the three of us were able to sneak away as the sun was streaming through the tall trees and capture a few more pictures of the gorgeous daylight. It was such a warm and welcoming celebration – and I was very lucky to get to photograph it!
Elida and Derek – Tanner Springs Park and Portland City Grill Wedding – Portland, Oregon
I met with Elida and Derek at Tanner Springs Park in Portland’s Pearl District before their wedding ceremony just as the late afternoon sun was beginning to get lower in the sky. We were able to take lots of pictures in and around the park, including on the boardwalk and near some nice looking architectural features in the neighborhood. I couldn’t keep these two from smiling at each other (but who needs to stop smiling on their wedding day anyhow!), Elida looked just stunning in her white gown with her hair curled and pinned to one side, and Derek looked handsome in his navy suit.  After our quick photo session we headed over to the Portland City Grill – way up on the 30th floor with gorgeous views of the Portland skyline, for their ceremony and reception.  Guests ate and drank and visited with one another as the sun set and the city began to light up against the night sky.  Just as evening really set in, they had their first dance, and afterwards fed each other bites of their gluten-free wedding cake. I was so happy to get to be a small part of Elida and Derek’s wedding day! Some of my favorite wedding photos are below.
Rita and Cirihn – Corson Building Wedding – Seattle, Washington
Rita and Cirihn were married at the Corson Building in Seattle, Washington. It was one of those absolutely gorgeous fall days, and when I arrived at their home to photograph them getting ready, I was treated to a wonderful view of the water and all the beautiful fall trees. I got a chance to meet their pup, Ruby, and to spend some time with them as they got ready (a more calm pair I’ve yet to meet on their wedding day). We arrived at the Corson Building just in time to get a few late afternoon photos with that beautiful fall sun, and surrounded by the gardens of the venue (I also got a chance to peek in the kitchen and see all of the wonderful food getting prepared). As the day faded, the guests arrived and gathered for the ceremony, after that everyone was treated to a course after course of delicious food prepared by the chefs on site, topped off with a pear and quince pastry.  It was a wonderfully intimate celebration that allowed Rita and Cirihn to spend time visiting with all of their guests, and the night was full of warm conversation, laughter, and lots of happy tears.
