Mia + Gabe’s wedding was especially interesting to me because of the beautiful traditions it included.  Growing up Jewish, memories of the blessing of the wine and bread came flooding back to me and I felt again like I was 8 years old sitting in the synagogue with my parents swinging my legs.  The ceremony and even the signing of the ketubah beforehand had profound significance…and Rabbi Jay did an amazing job to keep it light, heartfelt and special – even through deep faith.

The whole community came together in support for Mia + Gabe.  This shy and sweet couple were surrounded by their parents for a hour as blessing after blessing were shared.  One of the highlights for us was when Mia walked around Gabe seven times and of course the smashing of the glass by Gabe that brought cheers from the guests.

Mia + Gabe, congratulations on your wedding and sharing your faith and community with us!  Rabbi Jay even had us put the cameras down and join in on Shabbat, holding hands with the rest of the guests.  It reminded us all to breath in the moment and share in support for the newly wed couple.  Congrats and may all of life’s happiness come to you and your new (soon-to-be) family!

Mazel Tov,

B + W

{Artist Series}

LOVE, LOVE…so sweet

Another favorite of the two of you, relaxing after the ceremony was complete.

Mia, pregnant and all, you still got it!!  What a beauty.

{Originals}

Custom bird houses as guest favors.

They featured these lamps in their e-session as well!

Rabbi Jay giving words of wisdom to Gabe..moments before the ceremony.

Mia’s shoes were shipped from England, they were FAB.

Gabe signing the Ketubah – a Jewish wedding contract.

They exchanged rings on their right hands at the beginning of the ceremony and then switched them to the left hand at the end.

Mia walking around Gabe seven times…

Breaking the glass – always a crowd pleaser

…even Byron wore a Yamika.

Right after the ceremony, as is custom, the bride and groom share up to 20 minutes of alone time.

These family pics were too cute to not share on the blog.

Now that’s SCARY!!  Mia was a little nervous but bit the bullet and did it too.

All the guests dance the Hora…so fun

Special thanks to the vendors that made this day possible for Mia + Gabe:
Venue, Food, Bar: McMenamins
DJ: John Bramhall Entertainment
Dress: Cordially Invited
Cake and Cupcakes: Ida’s Cupcakes
Officiant: Rabbi Jay Shupack

Kira + Cam,

You both have such a sweet charm and quality about you.  It’s been so much fun getting to work with you and know you a bit better, Kira through Adfed and Cam, meeting you at the shoot!  Knowing your family has a portrait studio, Natural Impressions Photography, we are humbled you chose us to capture some fun candid images here and for your big day.  We’ll have to get the background story of your nickname too, by the way!  That’s awesome.  Enjoy some of our favorites and highlights below and thanks again!  We’ll see you in a few months at Rock Springs Guest Ranch.

All the best,

B + W

…a taste of our new pano pics

The coverage bridge in Shevlin Park is one of our favorites because of it’s character.

Okay seriously, the boots just rocked it

Look at those gorgeous eyes Kira!

Love the boots and casualness of this – it’s like you do this everyday or something.

Cam, you brought some serious moves to the table – can’t wait to see you show them off at the wedding.

The worst happened and during our trip, Dizzy very rapidly went downhill and passed away.  Without Sharon’s dedication and love, the experience would have been extremely difficult (as it was, losing a pet you’ve spent 13 years with is tough enough!).  There’s not enough gratitude in the world that we can share to say thank you.  As a tribute and small token of thanks, we invited Sharon and her adorable 12 year Boston Terrier, Brodie, to do some formal portraits.

Sharon, you are a God-send and true friend.

Many, many thanks,

B + W

LOVE this – just wanna kiss his forehead.

These are the kind of shots where I wonder what Brodie is thinking….

Ultimate bliss – smothered with love!

Byron: “Brodie!  Brodie, over here”  Brodie: “huh?”

So there we were…

A lot has happened since I first saw you at the dining facility during our first deployment over four years ago (While making fun of me for eating rice with toothpicks, thanks =P). We went from focused sergeants wanting to retire as ornery old soldiers to an “us” planning a family and dreaming of mysteriously losing toddlers in a snowbank (I TOLD you it was deeper than you thought! =P). Things changed so suddenly since we met. Granted, it did take three years for you to talk to me, and it went horribly wrong, and I felt incredibly stupid, and I made you feel stupid, but baby steps, yeah?

I’ve been trying to make up those cool points ever since (You have to admit, my clumsy attempt at the damsel-in-distress bit eventually achieved the desired outcome. I never claimed to be an actress), but I’m starting to think that is just the effect you have on me.

Even if I tried, I couldn’t imagine not having you in my life. And, even then, just being around you isn’t enough; I always want you by my side. Always. When I’m out shopping for socks, I want you there to make sure they have enough cushioning. Yeah, that serious. You got me good, Sergeant.

That being said, I am formally handing over that 2062. Please print, sign, and date in column “A”. But like everything in the Army, you will have to “hurry up and wait” a bit for your government issue Baby Koh. It’ll come soon enough though and then we can fix that “not-being-with-you” stuff. I promise, today and every day after, I will love the hell out of you (Sorry, had to tone it down, but it’s the same level of affection, I swear).

Always,

your Baby Koh

Jessica + Dwayne,

Flat out, you two make a great team.  It was obvious from the first moments we both met you and how many laughs and smiles were tossed around in such a short period of time!  Thank you for planning your vacation to Bend, Oregon around us and your engagement session – what a treat!  For our blog readers out there, Jessica + Dwayne both serve in the Army, stationed at different bases, have both been deployed several times to Iraq and have both never spent too much time in the snow (like second time ever).  We had the pleasure of shooting with them around Seventh Mountain Resort and the bridge at Tetherow.  Fearless as they both are, they went ice skating and snowboarding on their trip and even jumped on a sleigh (okay, that was just for us but you get our drift!).

All the best,

B + W

One of our favs from the first part of the session – smiles all around!

Jessica, you are STUNNING!  Love the light and each of your expressions here.

Jessica has a beautiful ambigram on her arm that says “Faith” and when you turn it over “Hope.”

The Seventh Mtn. Resort had beautiful decorations up!

We didn’t last long (it was 20 degrees!) but we snuck over to Tetherow to snap a few at sunset!

Back at Seventh Mountain Resort, we played around on the sleigh…the reindeer were on a break now that the holidays were over

Intimate, simple, beautiful….

Trying to warm up by the outside fire…it produced a beautiful glow!

Jessica, you’re beautiful!  (I’m sure Dwayne says that all the time!)

Well…it is with much love that I write this letter to you both. Jon has asked to be incorporated as well. So…here it goes

Your wedding day was so much fun to be part of from start to finish. It was more than we could have ever wished for you both. We love you both so much and are so proud of the couple you are so far and the couple you are yet to be. We can tell you from our own personal experience, the first year is tough. A few things to remember when you are in the middle of that year…

1. When you are frustrated… think back to the day you married each other and how happy you were. Smile at that and let whatever it is that you are upset about go.

2. Make time for yourselves as a couple…date night is important!! Keep doing it.

3. Family is a very important and hard part of any marriage, but sometimes…you need a break from family. And that is ok.

4. Have fun…and laugh a lot. Even at yourselves.

Lastly…Ian… Please remember… for every season, there is a “pumpkin spice”.

We look forward to our future children growing up and running around with all of our dogs in the backyard!! Slip and slides and all! Here’s to many years of BBQ’s, Beer pong, and Christmas days with God’s beard and the “hangover”.

Love,

Heather and Jon Seethoff
(Bride’s Brother and Sister-In-Law/Best Friend)

Jenni + Ian,

Talk about a flawless day!  You can’t go wrong with an 80 degree day in October, a sexy car to parade around town and a dolled up, smashing bride and groom!  It was as easy working with you both as if we’d known you for years.  We knew it was going to be fun, if the engagement session said anything, we knew the wedding was gonna be awesome.  You two compliment each other in every way and the intimate friends and family ceremony reflected the warmth, humor and pull that you both have.  One of our favorite parts was at the ceremony ending when you both had to look at each other and practice the words, “You’re right; I’m wrong; I’m sorry.”

We wish you the very best in your next adventure and fun in the sun in Cabo!

B + W

Special thanks to our vendors:
Coordination: Events By Mint
Cupcakes and Cake: Enlightened Patisserie
Flowers: Wild Flowers of Oregon
Getting Ready: The Oxford Hotel
Bar: Twist Cocktails
Food: Country Catering Co.
Dress: Anna’s Bridal – Portland

Jessica Simpson shoes

Getting ready at The Oxford Hotel

Jenni, you’re beautiful!  Playing around because the bride was ready before the groom…ahhhem, Ian.

All time FAVORITES of the day!  And yes, I did kiss Wendy when I saw this shot.

The groom (middle) and groomsmen take the ‘Stang for a spin…and yes, the guy in the corvette is jealous.

Their ‘first look’   Love how the light cuts right down the middle of the frame.

OH YEAH.  This is the kinda shot we wanted all day.  Smokin’ hot you two.

After the first look and a little spin downtown, we headed to Drake Park for formals…

We don’t traditionally post a lot of formals on the blog but this was too good to pass up.  Ian, you the man!

I was stoked to have a little helper show me how beautiful the rings were

The most dainty fall cupcakes courtesy of Enlightened Patisserie!

Practicing for the big moment of being a flower girl!

They reserved a private residence on Awbrey Butte for their nuptials…hoping for good weather!

The moment before the kiss, so sweet!

The signing of the contract, I mean…Marriage Certificate.

Jenni looking sassy!  Love this shot

The flow of the dress here is beautiful Jenni…

Adorable you two

A secret spot on Awbrey Glen Golf Course

…back to brides in a little bit but we pause to bring you this adorable little cutie and her family for a special surprise to Brian (well sort of surprise!).

Thanks Melissa!

B + W

Getting ready, deciding what to wear…decisions, decisions.

Wipe that tear away little one!

Lucas playing in his sand pit

Melissa and the kids….surprise Brian!

My personal fav….CUTIE!

The course is designed for basic to intermediate flash users, potentially those solely using on-camera flash or natural light photographers wanting to explore supplemental lighting.  Basically, we want to open up the conversation, create a safe and fun place to talk flash and do some tethered examples.  Recently, I took a 2-day intensive with Joe McNally (a mentor, for SURE) and learned some great, simple tricks to get creative with lighting.  The workshop will be a combination of our current use of flash, new techniques from the McNally workshop and Q/A.

Special thanks to Kimberly, Tambi and Jeff (Studio 3) for putting this event on! They are even auctioning off a FREE ticket, learn more and submit your work to qualify!

Here are the details:

When: Thursday, September 23rd
Where: Studio 3 | create • inspire • for hire, 558 9th Street, Suite 5, at 9th and Wilson (between Country Catering and Pakit Liquidators)
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm, Networking and Refreshments 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: Only $59, and includes refreshments & networking time!

Prepare to be INSPIRED!  Register ONLINE Now

I look back on my senior pics and cringe (wayyyyy back in the day), so glad seniors are choosing pics to match themselves these days…

Cheers!

B + W

Young and fabulous – the hat adds it all!

This feels more like a painting with the myriad of color.

I would have again paid for the wind, it set off this peaceful setting.

Tashia bringing her intense modeling background (just kidding!)…she’s rockin’ it though!

LOVE, LOVE this photo…speaks of beauty, innocence, strength and maturity all in one.

This whole series (the above is just one sample) is my fav.  FUN!

Stylin’ it up below ‘Salon Envy.’

Dramatic lighting, strong expression….WOW, Tashia you’re awesome.

Every parent’s dream is for their children to grow up to be responsible, happy, loving adults. The two of you as individuals have achieved that and so much more. You are both blessed with families who love and support you and close friends with whom you have shared experiences of laughter and joy. As a couple you have something very special.

We were honored that you chose Bend for your wedding. Based on the many family members and friends that made the long journey to celebrate with you at the events leading up to and including your beautiful wedding day, it is clear that you cherish the importance of family and wonderful friendships that will last a lifetime.

We see the respect and trust you have for each other and know that it will provide the foundation for the unconditional love you share. As you start the next chapter of your adventure together as life partners, enjoy the journey every day and never hesitate to say how much you love each other.

Live well, Laugh often and Love much.

Mom & Dad Michel

Katie + Brian,

What started out as rain turned into the most shooting spectacular weather for your special day.  It was like the universe knew it was time and parted rain, clouds and let the sun shine for you.  It was a such a pleasure to work with you, capture the amazing details of the day and meet your closest friends and family.  We had a blast!

All the best,

B + W

Special thanks to all the vendors:
Venue/Catering/Bar: Broken Top Club
Cake: The Cake Lady
Florist:  Donner Flower Shop
DJ: Killer Whale Audio
Hair/Makeup: Anjou Spa

The sun blasted through the windows on the other side of this glass ‘Broken Top’ – a perfect location for a dress.

I love this pensive moment; let the sewing ensue

With your proposal on the Eiffel Tower, we thought this shot was fitting

Your program director and helper was on the ball here!  Ha ha, this was the most adorable photo op.

Oh, the socks…we LOVED the socks!

A moment before the ceremony, everyone lined up…Katie waiting for her dad…this is special.

The peek and smile of Brian at the end of the aisle here makes this one a keeper.

Parents of the groom, wrought with emotion – super special.

Again, fantastic light…Katie, you look like a MODEL here!  You’re beautiful!

The movement and drama of this shot is fantastic.

Your getaway car…a golf cart   Okay, not really but this is a fun one!

The first dance dip – well done, my friends.

End of the evening sparklers to the real getaway car…your future awaits you!

Ya hace mas que un par de años desde que nos conocimos, hicimos amigos y nos enamoramos – tú y yo. Looking back over those years I’ve become convinced that ‘meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you was beyond my control,’ to borrow from an anonymous quote. A decided surrendering to a serendipity of happenstance that both marks and has changed me; forever, and for the better. I wish I could find words to enumerate the cherished dreams, memories, and experiences that loving you has afforded me. And to also convey, palpably, the awesome force these moments represent to who I am, have become, and desire to be. My efforts would, of course, be folly at best: ‘a laborious and impoverishing extravagance,’ for neither words nor text could approach the wonder that simply the thought of you animates within me.

My best effort, perhaps fittingly, would be to compare my love for you to a book, and allow the magistery of Borges’ text to approximate in words what I cannot. For ‘a book is more that a verbal structure or series of verbal structures; it is the dialogue it establishes with its reader and the intonation it imposes upon their voice, and the changing and durable images it leaves in their memory. A book is not an isolated being: it is a relationship, an axis of innumerable relationships.’ In simple terms a book is life. A script that neither fully precedes nor is postscript to our experience in the world; to living, loving, and just being. And ultimately, a book is never solitary. For from the moment of its inception it thought, through the acts of writing and being read, a book is always already a relationship, a gathering of the countless relationships that story life.

What I am trying to say is that to no small extent I am the person I am today by virtue of loving you, and by the grace of having felt your love for many years. This is what my life has become. And I love my life, largely because I am deeply in love with you. I didn’t know things would turn out this way when we met; nor could I have brought my life, nor yours, here by simple design. I just wanted to know you, become your friend, and share time. That’s all I was sure of those years ago; the rest has been like a book that wraps you up and whisks you away to worlds and experiences previously unimagined, if not unimaginable. A life of wonderment: that’s the story I live with in words I love you Tamara. And life with you is ever so much more than words.

Tu amigo, pareja, y enamorado – ahora y para siempre.

Un beso querida.
tim

Tamara + Tim,

You know why we love you guys?  Because you two are adventurous spirits, for shizzle.  Nevermind that the next day after the shoot you were going on a 23-day epic hiking adventure in Yosemite, nevermind that we were swarmed with mosquitoes during the second half of the shoot and you still looked natural, relaxed and at ease in nature, truly, you guys are such a cute pair and are obviously two peas in a pod.

We had so much fun with the old Schwinn bike, chasing the sunset at Mt. Bachelor and swatting bugs (all the while watching you two share ‘little kisses’ – ahhemm, remember ‘no big kisses’!).  We can’t wait for your upcoming wedding and look forward to sharing your special day with such a fun duo.

All the best,

B + W

A little downtown fun in the sun on a tandem Huffy townie bike

Beautiful light for a secret smooch!

One of our favs with Mt. Bachelor in the background.

Here’s another fun, unique play shot!

I did photoshop ONE thing on this pic, there was a massive mosquito on the frame (one of thousands but you wouldn’t know it from their smiles!)

Balance, smooch, surf…balance, smooch – aw, you get the drill!  Super cute in front of Broken Top on the side of the road.

I can’t believe this was the sunset…it looks like a wildfire in the back it’s so brilliant!

Sunflare goodness and Tamara dancing

Yes, that’s the moon in the middle of the rocks.

One of our favs, a cute moment you two!