Alright, so it’s the END of January, and I’m just now getting to my BEST OF 2018 posts!  I’ve been taking it simple and slow this month–Marie Kondo-ing my house like everyone else with Netflix, spending more time with my kids, and trying to be intentional about how I spend my time.  I love the slower pace of January!  My spring calendar is starting to fill up though, and the weather is (occasionally) warmer, so it’s time to kick 2019 into high gear!  Before I can do that–let’s talk about how great 2018 was!

My 2018 weddings were the BEST!  I was lucky to find some fabulous clients that I really clicked with–so many of who even had things I wish I’d had at MY wedding!  (pink+gold glitter theme?  check.  BBQ food truck?  check.  #spiritanimals)

And these were BEAUTIFUL weddings!  There were little things that I loved at each wedding, but also?  The MOMENTS were beautiful.  I get to capture couples in love, pledging to love each other for the rest of their lives.  I get to see mama’s tears as she dances with her son.  I see pre-ceremony prayers, and late-night conga lines at the reception.  Best. Job. Ever.

Some of my favorite getting ready photos–this is such a fun part of the day to photograph!  My brides this year were so calm and joyful before their ceremonies!  They were surrounded by friends, mamas, sisters, and grandmas.  There were father-daughter first looks–BEST IDEA EVER, by the way.  Scroll down to see a few!

And then the bride and groom first looks!  Oh my.  These were tearful, joyful, calm, and soulful.  About half of my couples choose to do a first look, and while either way is just fine with me, I might secretly be a little in love with the first looks.  There’s just something about documenting my couples seeing each other privately for the first time on their wedding day.  It’s usually their only quiet, private moment of the day where they can just BE with each other and share the excitement of the day.  I tear up every time, not gonna lie.

Oh, ceremonies.  I have a few favorite ceremony moments.  The minute the groom sees his bride walking down the aisle.  ALWAYS priceless!  Even if they did a first look, that’s the moment it’s REAL–nothing compares to seeing your almost-wife come down the aisle!

And this year’s ceremonies were BREATHTAKING!

But my very favorite part of each ceremony?  The recessional!  It’s such an exuberant, joyful moment because they’re finally MARRIED!!  It’s one of my favorite moments to capture, and I love telling my couples to be sure to slow down and soak that moment in because it is the BEST!

This post is getting long, friends, and it’s about to get a lot longer, because next up is my FAVORITE part of the day–the PORTRAITS!!  This is where we get to make some magic!  So many of my couples gave me a TON of portrait time this year and I LOVE that because it means they really value their wedding photos and know they’re going to be printing them and getting them up on their walls, so they want a LOT to choose from!

BRIDAL PARTIES!  We had some good ones this year!  I was lucky that my brides chose to surround themselves with such funloving, caring people!  Everyone worked so well together to put the bride and groom first and make sure they had everything they needed!

Now, I love a good dance party (especially if there’s some country music, obviously), but each and every one of my weddings had its own PERFECT vibe!  There was Taylor and Colby’s family-centered vineyard reception at Carlton Hills Vineyard:

Jenna and Armando’s classic pink+gold party at The Falls Event Center:

Vanessa and Spencer’s McMenamin’s Octagonal Barn reception that included friends from all over the country:

Shana and Josh’s relaxed family-focused country reception out at Quimby’s Pond in Dayton:

Mykael and Evan’s heirloom vintage themed reception out at McMenamin’s Grand Lodge:

And Alison and Garrett’s cozy winter evening reception in Lake Oswego–the mother/son dance here was my favorite!

Oh boy, WHAT. A. SEASON.  I’m so grateful to my couples for trusting me with their wedding days.  I’m happy to have met some brides that I know I’ll stay in touch with because they’re just THAT AWESOME!  I can’t wait to see what 2019 holds for all of us!

 

And if you’re a 2019 or 2020 bride and want to chat about photography–click the “contact” link up above!  2019 is almost booked up!