Michael + Melissa :: Hoyt Arboretum :: Portland, OR. Wedding Photographer

They were married on a small wooden deck amongst tall trees; the sun gleaming in and out, surrounded by an intimate group of their close friends a family. Portland may not be their home, but it provided a beautiful, warm welcome. A place they will now cherish throughout their marriage. Thank you for allowing me to witness your love and document this special day for you.

Katie + Adam :: Gorge Crest Vineyards :: Underwood, WA

When a bride is super calm and easy going on her wedding day, I think it says a lot about her and also the couple's relationship. Katie and Adam were such a dream to work with, and I loved getting to know them so much more through capturing this day for them. Their friends and family adore them together, and it is clear to see why. They are both such genuine, kind, easy going humans. I am so lucky this seems to be a theme with my clients! The weather was perfect, even though Mt. Hood was tucked away until the sun began to set, when she decided to make her debut against the most beautiful wildflowers and puffy pink clouds.

Congrats to you Katie and Adam, thank you for trusting me with these precious moments. 

Elizabeth + Andrew :: Oregon Coast Wedding :: Gearhart, OR.

“Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion, it is not the desire to mate every second minute of the day, it is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every cranny of your body. No, don't blush, I am telling you some truths. That is just being "in love", which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.” ― Louis de Bernières, Captain Corelli's Mandolin

These two have roots so entwined together that not only is it unconceivable for them to part, it is something that I am certain will lift them up and carry them through life together. And it is not only the roots of these two, it is also the community that surrounds them; friends who are more like family. Two families bound together through the love of these genuine, beautiful souls. 

Thank you Elizabeth and Andrew, it was truly a pleasure to witness this event, and to see so many childhood friends who are all still connected, partly because of your longtime love for one another. 

Heather + Robert :: Columbia Gorge Wedding :: Cape Horn Estate :: Stevenson, WA. ::

Hail, downpours, a slight drizzle during the ceremony, and a double rainbow made for an eventful and dramatic display against the beautiful gorge backdrop. One thing that did remain constant throughout the day was the undeniable admiration and love between this sweet couple. 

Also I have to note that the bride's mom MADE her gorgeous dress. 

“Believe in a love that is being stored up for you like an inheritance, and have faith that in this love there is a strength and a blessing so large that you can travel as far as you wish without having to step outside it.” Rainer Maria Rilke 

Second Shooter: Kat Berbari                                                                                            

 Venue: Cape Horn Estate. Stevenson, WA.                                                                            

Catering: Por Que No? Taqueria                                                                                                

Florals: Solabee Flowers and Botanicals

Niko's Birth Story :: Portland Birth Photographer :: Portland, OR

Birth, like the life it creates, is a journey. One you can have a plan and a dream for, but one that will test you and ask you to surrender and to trust the path, however long and winding it may be.  Erika was so calm and such a trooper throughout her 35 (!!!) hours of labor. I had mentioned to Erika just a week before that I would love to photograph a birth. Without hesitation she asked if I wanted to document hers. I felt so honored to be a part of this story, and the moment Niko joined us was a moment I have never experienced before. Witnessing a birth is very different than experiencing it yourself, and I think it may have been even more breathtaking and wondrous to see firsthand. I was left with this amazing natural high and I am now certain this is what I want to do more of. Welcome Niko, you have some amazing parents and a wonderful older brother who are happy to have you join them on this journey. 

Fun fact: Erika had the same AMAZING midwife team (Glow midwifery) that I had for my two births. It was wonderful working with them and not being the one in labor this time. 

Waiting For Viola

Sometimes when a friend gets pregnant I secretly try to send strong mental messages that they want photos done by me. When I heard Bethany and Gabe were expecting I immediately sent out my super power photo vibes and apparently they worked. I was so excited to see them and capture this time in their lives. I was also nervous because oh my goodness Bethany is glowing and I wanted to make sure I did her justice. Hugo came along and they got to do some baby product test driving with his stroller and carseat. I think Gabe is a natural! I am very excited to meet Viola soon. 

Misty + Kevin

How grateful am I that the best part of my job is meeting and connecting with such kind, loving, and genuine souls. I felt immediately part of the group of family and friends joining together to celebrate this couple's special day.

Also, when there is a 100% chance of rain on your wedding day and then it never rains...I think that has to be a good sign (and one lucky photographer!) Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful day!