Everything from the getting ready toasts, the ‘first sighting’ under the arbor, the umbrella shots to the ceremonial flowers and kiss had a sparkle to them.  Even when the rain was a damper, it helped the colors become more vibrant – isn’t it good luck anyway?

The absolute highlight came at the very end of the evening right as we were ready to go.  We said briefly, gosh it’d be great to get some shots in the soaking pool area and Emily replied, ‘Yeah!  Let’s do it’ – grabbed David and that was it.  She casually dipped her feet in for relief when we briefly mentioned that we’d always wanted to shoot a bride in her dress in the pool.  Inch by inch, she said “what about this?”  Then…she went for it   She looked like a goddess and I can’t imagine how that must have felt after the energy of the day.  We weren’t expecting such fearlessness (it was a like a trash the dress session on the wedding day!) but were like, yeah GO FOR IT!

Thank you, Emily + David for such a FUN day and choosing to share your shining moment with us.

All the best,

B + W

First frame of the day out the camera and it’s a keeper.

Here are the bridesmaids picking out wedding jewelry and completely oblivious to how adorable they all look in their rollers.

The ladies toast with cosmos…

…the men toast with PBRs

<teary> The father-in-law hugs the bride in a moment of bliss at first sighting of her in her dress.</teary>

Love the macro for ring shots!

Bride and Matron of Honor right before the ‘first sighting.’

Groomsmen crash the ‘first sighting’ moment

5 minutes before the rain but man does it make for great exposure!

…and rain cometh.  Sadly it decided to gush right at the family photos, which put a temporary damper on things.

When the rain past, the smiles came again!

Bride and Father of the Bride headed toward the aisle…

With a ceremonial offering, friends and family placed flowers around the Bride + Groom.

The ring exchange.

75% frosting, 25% cake…and all of it DELICIOUS!

…he thought it was delicious too!  Too bad we didn’t get frosting on the nose – that would have been cute

Mini-cake and cupcakes by Kellie’s Cakes

For details, they had custom printed matches, dated M & Ms and custom wine classes for guest gifts – beautiful.

Love this casual, classic shot.  Camera unaware, playing with the dress.

The first dance out back at O’Kanes.  DJ by Star Productions

Father, daughter dance under the light globes

As one of the highlights of the evening and one of our all-time favorite shots, Emily decided to take a dip in the soaking pool with her dress

They were both great sports since a wedding was going on a the same time as their shoot!  We got to explore some new areas in a familiar location and had some fun near the cigar bar and pool table   Karen and Greg, thanks so much for the opportunity to work with you both, you are the epitome of a relaxed, sophisticated couple.  We are so excited to travel to Florida, spend time with your kids, family, and friends and capture your sunset wedding here in about a month!  Cheers and congratulations to you both…

Byron and Wendy

They look so relaxed

Okay, this is one of our favs – love your hat and glasses Karen!

I can’t get out of my head that you’re about ready to enter a snazzy Jazz bar.

Okay, so I never really noticed this hot Juke box until now!

A great headshot, Greg!  And we got a smile outta you after all

The famous red couch….

Jamie wanted to have a surprise meeting where Brendan could see her for the first time so there I was in a very small bathroom at the Mcmenamins St. Francis School where they were staying, helping Jamie with her dress.  Being a guy you’d think I’d be more interested in waiting outside rather than get all mushy with details but I have to admit I’m always filled with pride to be part of such an important event and hey, its a good chance for me to tell the bride to, “keep breathing and enjoy the day!”

What a fun day it was as we took a limo over to Pioneer Park where they had the intimate ceremony (just the three of us plus officiant!) and all I can say is wow, Brendan, that was one of the most passionate kisses I’ve ever seen at a wedding!  Afterward, I directed Mr. Limo driver up to a secret spot overlooking part of the city and the clouds and light turned out to be amazing.  Finishing up the day we went back to Mcmenamins to shoot some images in the bathhouse.  This bathhouse is so cool-it’s wall to wall mosaics, open ceiling, and big fountain in the middle make you think you’ve been transported to some exotic European haunt.  I’ve been wanting to do this for a while and what a way to end the time with Jamie and Brendan.  Cheers to you both and I look forward to hanging with you guys in the future!

- Byron

Here’s what Chris Dahlen of Pitchforkmedia.com and Paste Magazine had to say about the Sweet Harlots most recent album, “Laurel Brauns can do the siren singer-songwriter thing, casting her sterling voice into songs about wide skies and maze-like hearts. She brings to bear all of her Celtic and indie influences on her haunting new album where cellos and dark finger-picked acoustic guitar all but surround you with the ghosts of the by-gone characters the songs speak of.”

You can also check out more band info, including samples of some songs at:  www.laurelbrauns.com