Form submitted successfully, thank you.

Error submitting form, please try again.

Aisle Style: The Altura Studio Blog bio picture

About Altura Studio

Altura Studio

People say to me all the time: “You're so lucky. You get to go to weddings all the time." They're right. We are lucky. We get to be among people having a great time, looking and feeling their best and participating in what is often the most important day in someone's life.

Here’s the other thing we are lucky to see: the terrific style and creativity that our clients bring to their celebrations. If there is one thing we’ve learned while photographing weddings, it is that a wedding doesn’t have to be expensive to be lovely. We dedicate our blog to sharing the terrific ideas that we’ve seen before and will see this coming season, with a focus on ideas that are simple, elegant and stylish.

Every image in this blog is shot by us at events we've photographed. So, we say "thank you" to our clients who have shared their warmth and happiness with us. 


sneak peek: Marisa + John, Pendarvis Farm on July 10, 2010

I can’t think of a sneak peek that I’ve been more excited to post this year than Marisa and John’s. We had such a good time photographing their fun wedding at Pendarvis Farm. The whole day seemed to come in happy waves: the low key getting-ready wave, the hot and sweaty portraits wave (John and I hot and sweaty as we fruitlessly cast about for open, even shade), then the tender and sweet wedding wave (with a tradition I’ve not witnessed before, more on that in a minute), and then as dusk fell, truly the best after-wedding-party. Ever.

Ok, here was something really neat about their wedding ceremony. Instead of the officiant conducting the entire ceremony, John and Marisa’s friends one by one shared stories or observations about the couple. About their relationship. Or about the funny or kind or wonderful things they’ve done with and for each other. Or the sweet ways that John loves Marisa or that Marisa loves John. While an officiant can conduct a meaningful wonderful ceremony, wouldn’t it be fantastic to be married by the kind words and blessings of those who know you best and love you most? Makes me wish I could have a wedding re-do just so that I could have a ceremony just like theirs.

Here are a few of our favorite photos from the day. It was hard to edit down to this hundred or so. I didn’t get to put in all of the horses. Or the adorable kitten by the barn. But, hey, it’s a wedding, right? My favorite of the day: your perfect dance posture struck amidst a sunset vineyard. Only you two could pull that off. Congrats to you both. You two are the bomb.

See the slide show here.

And check back in about two weeks for John and Marisa’s wedding gallery. If you want an email when it’s posted, leave a comment below.

Bride Marisa + Groom John - Dear Theresa & John, In our wildest dreams we could not have imagined such lovely wedding photographs! You captured everything perfectly. You are both true documentary style wedding photographers and we are so thankful that you were there on our wedding day. These images are so precious and we will treasure them forever. Thank you Thank you Thank you ~ Sincerely, Your Bride & Groom (Marisa + John)July 28, 2010 - 9:30 pm

updated: Jessica and Scott, July 4, 2010

When I asked John just now what he found most memorable about photographing Jessica and Scott’s wedding in San Francisco, he surprised me by saying that it was the combination of beauty and grace. (The surprise being that John doesn’t usually describe things in that manner, or use words quite that, well…beautiful.) He explained to me that he enjoyed more than just the gorgeous setting and our wonderful bride and groom, but also that he could feel the quality of kindness and love that that surrounded Jessica and Scott all weekend long.

What a stylish bride! Jessica mentioned to me that she’d found her gorgeous vintage gown only a few weeks before. (now, that takes faith.) The one-of-kind stunner was absolutely perfect on her, as were her silver stilettos and the fantastic fur shrug she donned at the party.

And we’ve never met a more unflappable groom. From hello handshake to the goodbye hug (we’re always happy to get the “hug upgrade”) Scott was gentle, kind, and fully present every moment. It was wonderful to observe how happy Jessica makes him.

The weekend was one big whirlwind of love, happiness, tradition, family and celebration. Scott, Jessica; I wouldn’t be able to tell you my favorite part–I’d simply have to say, the whole thing.

Congratulations to you both. Here’s a slide show of our favorites.

UPDATE JULY 26, 2010. Jessica and Scott’s gallery is live. Follow this link to see all the images from the day.

Should I give you a photo list?

Sometimes we feel a teeny bit disheartened when a prospective couple arrives at a get-to-know-you meeting with a photo checklist that they found in a wedding planning guide. Not because we mind a checklist, but rather because no list will do you or your wedding justice.

All our clients are completely unique. Crazily, warmly, lovingly unique. It’s the individuality of our wedding couples that we strive to find in our images–not the sameness that might be driven by a set of instructions of how your wedding day should go. (more…)

updated: Lisa and Wendell, June 26, 2010

Oh, what a gorgeous wedding this was! The loveliness went on and on. Lisa, so charming and kind; Wendell, quiet and confidant. After spending just a day with these two, they can make you see into the future, to what a solid and loving life they will make with one another.

This wedding has been nearly impossible to winnow down to a tiny peek. It’s like each part of the day is worthy of a whole little story: the delicate and quiet preparations at the church, the fun and lively photos in the park, the traditional church ceremony, or the festive banquet; all gold and red and shining. I’m almost a week overdue with this post, simply because leaving something out feels like cutting off a finger. Alas, I contented myself with attempting a broad view and then supplementing with my favorite black and white images.

Lisa, Wendell, this little peek is only a part of what we’ll be showing you soon. We are waiting for your proof book to arrive. In the meanwhile, here is a little slideshow, set to the music that you’ve told us you enjoy.

UPDATE JULY 20 2010: Follow this link to see all the photos from Lisa and Wendell’s wedding day.

“What time will the photography start?”

A frequent question we get from our wedding photography clients is: “How long should I allow for photographs on the wedding day?” Another is: “What time will you want to arrive to start shooting?”  Here are some of the issues and logistics that what we take into account as photographers in answering that question for each wedding day.

The first thing we ask in response is: “Are you planning to see each other before the wedding?” Scheduling is often easier and stress levels are typically lower when couples choose to see each other before the ceremony. However, every wedding is different and every couple has unique desires and preferences. Some want the romance of meeting up at the altar. By knowing the pros and cons of each, couples can come to a clear decision about what’s best for them.

If you’re seeing one another before the wedding and planning on posed photos with your wedding party and family before the wedding, I’d recommend a schedule something like this. Keep in mind this is just a rough sketch. There are so many factors that will influence the shape of your day. This timeline can help you consider what time you might start your photo coverage or help you estimate how many hours you will need. (more…)

Elliot’s Bar Mitzvah, June 5, 2010

It was a perfect spring afternoon a few weeks ago that we were invited to photograph Elliot Rose-Lewis’ Bar Mitzvah. Since John and I have no children of our own, it’s always fun for us to watch how teenagers interact with the siblings, parents and friends. It was an especially meaningful day, since Elliot’s grandfather is the Emeritus Rabbi of The Beth Israel Congregation. Congratulations to the Rose-Lewis family and thank you to Kim Foren of Geranium Lake Flowers for suggesting us as photographers.

Visit this link to see a slideshow of our favorite photos.  Or visit this link to see Elliot’s Bar Mitzvah photo gallery.

A love letter: Geranium Lake Flowers

When you see something you LOVE, sometimes it’s impossible to explain why. Maybe it’s the style, or the color, or the….. well, whatever it is, it’s just right. Perfect really. Kim at Geranium Lake Flowers manages to hit that mark all the time. Which is even more of a feat, considering that some of her clients are wild and some mild. Kim’s event designs are like a really awesome Pandora station. Oodles of variety, unique, and perfect for the tone of the celebration.

This was our first chance to shoot a big event at the relatively new Leftbank Annex. With a woodland theme in mind, Kim transformed the open space for a Elliot’s Bar Mitzvah celebration. Kim deftly split the space: scrumptious blue and chocolate decor on the adult side. On the other, a groovy space for youngsters complete with faux blackjack tables.

In the gallery below, you’ll find all the lovely details from this gorgeous event. I hear that Kim will appear on “The Today Show” sometime in July. Do you think she’ll remember us when she’s famous? Well done Kim!

Suzanne - Very lovely decorations -- especially in a blue and brown color palette!July 11, 2010 - 8:03 pm

Christy @ Junebug Weddings - What a great post- I was lucky enough to meet Kim a few months back and I love getting to see a little peek into some of her recent and wonderful work here! Thanks!June 19, 2010 - 5:48 pm

Jennifer and David’s sweet and tiny wedding at Timberline Lodge: June 4th, 2010

What a delightful surprise this was for us. Just a few weeks ago, we were invited to photograph David and Jennifer’s very small wedding at Timberline. It was an intimate group of 7 who gathered by the fireplace on a cold and windy afternoon. With a thick cover of clouds and mist outside, the crackling fire made a cozy spot for Jennifer and David to share their vows. And after the ceremony, the newly wedded couple joined their family for a intimate fireside dinner.

Here’s a link to our favorites from their sweet, sweet wedding.

And go here to see David and Jennifer’s online wedding gallery.

Raina K - Dearest Cousin - Your blog makes me want to get married all over again so I can have my pictures done by you guys. They are gorgeous and you do such great work! RainaJune 14, 2010 - 3:47 pm

Sneak Peek: Brendan’s Bar Mitzvah, May 15, 2010

What a treat it was to have the privilege of shooting Brendan’s Bar Mitzvah a few weeks ago. We met this fine young man about two years ago when we photographed his sister’s Bat Mitzvah. It’s such a pleasure for John and I, with no children of our own, to observe Brendan evolve into such a good natured young man. It was fun to hear Brendan’s family tease him about his “real smile” and his “pretend smile”.  As far as I’m concerned, I liked all the kinds of smiles. Thank you, Jill and Rich for having us back for this lovely family celebration.

The slide show here is only a small taste of our images from the day. Click on this link to see all of Brendan’s Bar Mitzvah gallery photos.

UPDATE: Ashley and Nick at the Crown Ballroom, May 1, 2010

Oh, what a pretty wedding this was. The smart Northwest bride knows that the only sure thing about Portland’s springtime weather is that it is unpredictable. Consequently, Ashley’s plans for her wedding to Nick included all the major festivities to take place indoors. The Crown Ballroom is such a rich and luscious place, a wonderful spot to be on a breezy first day of May. Lucky for us, though, was that the afternoon cleared enough for portraits outdoors in the park blocks. Since this couple’s wedding date coincided with a May Day, we all shared a laugh when our primary portrait location was the scene of a pro-labor rally. No problem for this wedding party though, since all the park blocks are equally pretty.

All the beautiful details for this wonderful day were carefully planned by Ashley with a little help from Molli Barss at Soiree. The most memorable detail for me was Ashley’s gorgeous bridal bouquet made of vintage brooches. Besides being beyond fabulous, they suited a bride who is allergic to flowers. In fact, the florist, Lillypilly, created all kinds of lush, textured beautiful flower decor with nary blossom in sight. And in a twist on tradition, Ashley and Nick choose small individual cakes for every guest. What a sweet little treat.

Congratulations to you both, Nick and Ashley. Thank you for having us along on your sweet and lovely wedding day. Visit this link to see a selection of our wedding favorites.

UPDATE JUNE 1, 2010.  Ashley and Nick’s wedding gallery is now available. Visit this link to see the photos from their lovely wedding day.

Lindsey Spurgeon - Please notify when Nick and Ashley's wedding pics are posted, thanksMay 14, 2010 - 1:44 pm

Nicole Wagner - Gorgeous! I can't wait to see more!!!May 12, 2010 - 4:19 pm

Elizabeth Marek - would love to know when more photos are available! I made the cakes for this gorgeous wedding. Your work is amazing! LizMay 12, 2010 - 3:46 pm