We’ve just received and would like to debut our ‘behind the scenes’ video documentary.  The documentary is a first look into our work, style, energy and passion for many of our prospective wedding couples.  A ‘what to expect’ guide if you will for prospective brides and the whole-hearted approach that we take with our wedding photography.  Our photography is as much about the experience as it is about our images.   We want our couples to take a peek in this behind-a-shoot perspective to feel comfortable and confident in hiring us.  This has been a project in the making for months, shot on location in San Francisco, CA with two of our die hard fans/client couples.

We have had lots of help and owe thank yous to:

1) First and foremost, we would like to thank Anton Lorimer head of Lorimerworks (San Francisco Videographer).  We knew we wanted to do something a little different, something that’s going to reflect ourselves, our character and charisma and first and foremost – be dynamic.  Anton’s shooting style and editing seriously hit the nail on the head and we are so thankful to befriend both him and Abby.  Anton, thank you SO much for bringing our vision to life with such ease and enthusiasm – you have a true gift maestro.

2) Secondly, we would like to thank the Hilton San Francisco Union Square Hotel (and the event services team: Sherri and Stacey!) and my sister, Jill Epner.  Hilton donated the awesome interview space and gave us a secure ‘home base’ for all of our gear, clothes, make-up, dresses, etc.  My sister set the whole thing up with Hilton and then she was so engaged, she spent the whole day watching bags, holding anything we needed and being a great cheerleader!!  We love you, Jill!  Also, the flowers were courtesy of Natalini Florists and we would like to thank Jin Wang Bridal for the lovely veil.  Our bride (in her dress) just walked in with Jill and said, “we have a veil emergency” and they cheerily said “no problem” and it seriously made our DAY.

3) Last but not least, we owe a huge thanks to our two lovely couples and past clients, Julianne + Dustin and Emily + David.  They both jumped at the opportunity to help, were excited to get behind our cameras again, and used it as a “vacation” to spend some fun time kissing each other!  Julianne + Dustin got back into their wedding attire without a blink and came from Bend, Oregon to share in this journey with us.  Thank you both so much, we are grateful and humbled by your support and love for what we’re striving for.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

B + W

It is with great pleasure that I get to extend a few words to you to adjoin the amazing photos that Wendy and Byron took on December 4, 2010. Your wedding was beautiful: the sand in our toes, the ocean in the background, the friends and family exuberating with support, the drinks, including all that tequila, the all-important words during the ceremony, to the all-meaningful words in the toasts to you, the bride and groom; it was a magical night. The following are a few definitions to always help you remember the magic in the air that evening.

love [luhv]–noun
a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person;
a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection
——-

torch [tawrch] –n.
a light to be carried in the hand, consisting of some combustible substance; may the flame in your marriage always burn bright and may your wedding day ignite your marriage for many years to come

mem·o·ry [mem-uh-ree] –n
the mental capacity of retaining and reviving facts, events, impressions; may your marriage bring lots of fun and happy memories and may your love always be a lasting memory

hole [hohl] –n.
a hollow place in a solid body or mass; a cavity; may the holes in your marriage be small and easy to climb out of and may you always be able to look back and learn from those moments

friend [frend] –n.
a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard; may your marriage be rich with good friends and good laughs and may your friends always be there to help you along your journey

——-
mar·riage [mar-ij] –noun
the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as
husband and wife by legal commitments or religious ceremonies

I hope that your love will always burn as bright as the Olympic torch did that wonderful February evening. May your passion and affection for each other rival that of the many talented athletes you were privileged to witness during the 2010 Winter Olympics. May your hearts forgive Tiffany for not being there to snap a few photos of the big moment that night and may you forever cherish the random couple standing behind you who happened to be professional photographers to capture the moment instead. May your marriage bring memories galore; memories that you will always feel compelled to add to the book Tama gifted to you during her speech. May those memories include times of love, times with friends, times with family, and times of everyday activities. Always remember, marriage comes with it’s ups and downs. As it is such a wonderful blessing to join to two people into one, take it from Bundy (Chad Christensen), even if you find yourself in a 12 foot deep hole and even if takes a while for someone to walk by and help you out, we, the witnesses and non-witnesses from your wedding, will always be there to throw in a ladder to help pull you back out and back on your journey of making many happy memories. And, even if Machine (Adam Ryan) is involved with consumption of many drinks and chaos that lead to you falling into that hole, trust me, he will be the first friend there to help pull you back out.

– Congratulations –

With Love,
Sister

Karen + Damian,

Who knew the adventure that was ahead when we met, eh?  Through all the details that consume life, you have to admire when you are given truly serendipitous moments like meeting you both and having the entire experience come full circle by sharing your beautiful wedding with you.  We really enjoyed jumping on the boats (Wendy with the ladies; Byron with the men) and traveling to this beautiful jungle/beach/getaway that is Las Calentas, Mexico.  Kelley and the whole  Vallarta Adventures team did an amazing job to help make sure all went off smoothly.  It was great to see both you and Damian truly relaxed, happy and enjoying the moment!  Your friends, family and guests were super gracious and welcoming.  Thank you again for choosing us to capture your story; we hope you cherish these images for a lifetime together to come.

All the best,

B + W

As always, many thanks to the main vendor: Vallarta Adventures
Inclusive package: Venue, Bar (All the tequila servers!), Catering, Boat Crew, Coordinator (Kelley-amazing), DJ (Axel), Officiant (Brad)…they are all-around superstars.

9am start, the ladies are off to Las Calentas!  Thanks for humoring me ladies with this shot

A little later, the men got in the ahhh…inflatable?  A candid of them all carrying their suits aboard and wading out…

One of many beautiful parrots that inhabit the area

Sparkling Michael Kors to match the beautiful dress

Now about that dress….Rita (mother-in-law), I have to give you major props for steaming for at least 3 hours to make sure the humidity didn’t create a single wrinkle!

Karen, with curlers in her hair, adding the final touches of makeup outside, under the sun and palm fronds.

All the girls deciding on what jewelry will Karen wear…fun girl time

One of my favorite ring shots of the year…the sparkle and fronds just glow!

Karen, you’re gorge!!  Such a beautiful smile

Karen + Damian chose to have a ‘first look’ and this is the nervous moment just before…

While Wendy was capturing pre-ceremony venue details, I got to have a little fun with the ladies and the bride!

Love this shot!  Why you ask?  Because all the ladies are wearing heels…that have so nicely sunk into the sand.

A very touching farewell kiss…

This shot captivates me, knowing these two…this serene moment says it all.

Karen + Damian had a sand ceremony, bringing together two to one…right as they were at the end of the pour, they both had wonderful smiles.

One of the BIG surprises (to all the guests) were the fire dancers….one of the BIG surprises to Karen + Damian were that they go SO close!

The hundreds of candles, tiki torches and stars lit up the beach and sky…it was a magnificent night!

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

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!

Last Friday, as I was photographing our past clients/models/friends Julianne and Dustin, (who had not only agreed to drive 8 hours for this shoot but don their wedding duds one last time) in downtown San Francisco, I realized I needed to give myself a jolt of the s word, (and no Sean Connery, that’s not SWORDS for $200). With the backing of my beautiful wife, her sister Jill (who not only found the perfect space at Hilton San Francisco Union Square hotel to do the interview but voluntarily helped us out the entire day with a smile-thank you Jill!!!), our San Francisco lighthouse couple and friends Emily and David back to help us as our engagement models, our wedding models and our amazingly creative videographer Anton Lorimer, I knew something great was going to happen.

That morning, as Anton asked me questions about my photography and business, all the while filming footage for our website video promo, I couldn’t help but feel stoked that this day had finally come to fruition! After Wendy and I were interviewed in the morning the afternoon began by shooting our wedding couple Julianne and Dustin and from there went into working with Emily and David’s engagement session (on the waterfront overlooking the Bay Bridge).

Some highlights from the day included having clear skies and fun light working with Julianne and Dustin to made for some great shots. The wind was blowing in this large alley, (someone said…”I wish she had a veil on” and literally right in front of where we were standing there was a high end bridal shop – Jin Wang.) Now the veils on and it’s got a life of it’s own, (so much so that at one point it fly’s off Julianne’s head and lands about 15 feet up on a wall). After a quick boulder session-I rate it a solid 10b with boots, the veils back down and we’re again shooting.

The final images of the day came from a pier that Anton recommended, the fog came in so quick our primary location wouldn’t have worked. He said that when the lights lining the pier come on it’d look awesome but it was so cold out I wasn’t sure we’d all make it without getting hypothermia! The lights did come on though and we knew this was the place to shoot Emily and David. To me, these moody photos with the lights and fog could have come out of a movie more representative of England or France. Regardless, Emily and David rocked it as usual.

In the end, I felt like a rock star and everyone else involved was truly that. I’m speechless, (most would laugh at this phrase being used to describe me) and have the utmost gratitude for everyone involved. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all my friends who made this happen. I’m feeling that s word come on again…..success.

Update: The complete ‘behind the scenes’ video promo has been completed!

Anton shooting Byron shooting Julianne + Dustin   I think that’s when Anton was saying ‘act normal!’  ha ha

Another unique close-up of the action

Wedding Promo Samples

Julianne in all her splendor…the wind was our friend that day – I would have paid for it.

Goofing off with dips, whips and jumps – these two went all out

Love the intimacy in this shot and the pure joy…

Julianne has one of those looks on camera that is just….plain…stunning.

This alley way reminded me of a bit of European flair…

Some cute fisheye love – as always!

The movement, expression and humor in this shot makes it a keeper.

Truly buttery….

Engagement Promo Samples

We have to say that Meredith and Joe have been one our forefront supporters from day one of hiring us and we are SO grateful.  They even had a separate table, with name tags, for us at the wedding and a full course meal – a special touch which was over the top.  Thank you, thank you for letting us share this experience with you both and jumping on suggestions for fun places to shoot!  The night topper was when Meredith jumped on the backlit bar.

You two are amazing and we are so happy as you start your new journey together.  CHEERS!

Best,

B + W

Soon after their ‘first look’ at 10 Below at The Oxford Hotel

Mere, has anyone told you that you have the most FANTASTIC legs!  So, jealous – Wendy

A unique angle getting ready to head down for the ‘first look.’

Oh, how Wendy loves detail shots   They had these super cool matches…

Mere and Joe surrounded by MoH and Best Man and brother, Nick.

The ceremony…

As their closest friends and family look on set through the reflection of the wine glasses, Mere and Joe say their vows.

With only a few drops of sweat and tears, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Davis!

As a special treat, their steaks were ‘flambeed.’  Did I spell that right?  Oh, that’s hot!

Joyous toasts with story after story of these two…so fun.

A little fun after the ceremony, grawrrr.

Mere’s Cinderella moment, as her prince charming puts on her blue slipper.

To: Mere and Joe; From: The Blacksmith Staff!  Congrats!  Disclaimer:  This is only meant as a joke and the staff are NOT actually drinking their liquor

High class ambiance.

Forever more their anniversary will be shared with Joe’s birthday – double the celebration!  The whole gang sang for Joe and the staff entertained him with a GIANT cookie.

On a whim, the bride decides to chill out on top of the beautifully lit bar.  Mere is one of those fearless types we love.

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

Byron and I were fortunate to travel to this adorable little island on the Gulf coast in Florida and were greeted by sun, warmth and piña coladas!  The sunset that evening provided the most powerful detail – all their prayers for good weather were answered!  The ceremony was simple, sweet and casual – just what these two were looking for in a joining of their two families.

The reception (follow up post coming soon) was held in Bend, Oregon at The Oxford Hotel a few weeks later and included a catered party and slide show of their wedding for friends and family at this new, hip hot spot downtown.

Karen, Greg – we wish you the both so much joy and fun on this next chapter.

B + W

The Golden Sandal

What a great smile Greg!  Isn’t Karen beautiful?

A-MAZING sunset.

Our favorite   The sun shines on both of you Karen + Greg.

Adorable

Oh yeah, Charlie’s Angels or is Bond Girls?

Thank you, Monica and Todd.  We had a lot of fun (and even ran into a few friends!).  We wish you and your family  the best and look forward to sharing more of life’s experiences (Monica is a life coach and Toastmaster friend) in and around Bend!  A toast to you as you embark together on the next chapter…

Best,

Byron and Wendy

A stunning bride…just look at those eyes!

Aren’t those the best group of men you’ve seen?

The transformed Awbrey Glen Golf Club…

The first kiss and new wedding band to seal the ceremony.

The maid of honor and their daughter waits patiently in the receiving line.

They seriously picked the one 60 degree day in March in Bend – a serendipitous treat!

Blowing kisses to the bride and groom

Oh, I think she enjoyed the cake – don’t you?!

The first dance…

A tribute to Todd’s mother, there in spirit and remembered…

Since everyone else is doing their “best of….” for 09, I thought we needed the best bride & groom images of 2009 as well!  So here are the coolest images, (in our opinion) from the weddings we shot though out the year.  I did the preliminary choosing without Wendy but I knew that it would be better to have lots of choices to pick from since they were destined to be debated once she looked at them!  One of the great things, (among many others) about wedding photography is that they’re always unique and never dull.  So sit back, relax and enjoy these images that were so inspiring for us to create.

="http://studiobr.exposuremanager.com/scripts/expman.pl?rm=view_photo&photo_id=_wer6552_28_22&file=_wer6552_medium.jpg&dir=galleries/28/22&touched=1254342883" alt="" width="435" height="600" />